Classical Greece Student Adventure

Upon arrival in Athens, you will be met and transferred your hotel in Athens center and at a walking distance from the Acropolis. Plaka is the oldest part of Athens, an area now packed with restaurants and souvenir shops.Overnight in Athens.
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Day 2: Athens Sightseeing and Travel to Nafplio
In the morning our professional guide will unfold you all historical data about Athens. You will visit all classical
Highlights, the Acropolis, Constitution square, Panathinaikon stadium, where the first Olympic games of the modern era were held in 1896, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrians arch and the New Acropolis Museum.
The Parthenon, the greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the hill known as the Acropolis. The monuments of the Acropolis – the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike – stand in harmony with their natural setting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of Classical art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for many centuries. It is included in UNESCO World Heritage List.

After lunch, we will begin our journey to the Peloponnese with a first short stop at the Corinth Canal, the six-kilometer waterway connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas. Then continue on the scenic drive to Nafplio. Considered one of the prettiest towns in Greece, Nafplio was the first capital after independence and has been a major port since the Bronze Age. Settle to our hotel, where we will have time to relax before we go into the old town of Nafplio. We will enjoy dinner at an outdoor tavern near the old, marble paved square of the town.

Overnight in Nafplio.
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Day 3: Sightseeing Tours of Mycenae and Epidavre Sites to Dmitsana
Driving time from Athens to Nafplio to Dimitsana: 2 hours
Today, we will be exploring some of the best preserved and world-known sites of Greece, Epidavre and Mycenae.
Mycenae, a place intrinsic in the works of Homer, 9th century BCE poet. Enter the Mycenean citadel through the Lion’s Gate and wander through the remaining ruins.

Admire the enormous Cyclopean walls – still a wonder how they were created- and enter the imposing Lions gate to the site that dates back to 1350-1200BCE. Just outside the walls, do not forget to visit the Vault-shaped tombs of Lions, Aegisthus and Clytaemnestra, and the Treasury of Atreus.

Also visit the third-century theater of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved classical Greek structures renowned for its superb acoustics. Epidavre site was set up in honor of the God of Medicine, Asklepios, son of Apollo and Coronis and enjoy the wonderful location of the shrine which is on the Unesco World Heritage list. Sick people came on a pilgrimage to the shrine to spend the night in the hope that Asklepios would appear in their dreams with a diagnosis and a prescription. Asklepios could not only heal the living, but also raise the dead to life to such an extent that Hades from the underworld complained.

We continue to a less touristy but very inspiring mountainous region in central Peloponnese, renowned for its rich in history villages like Dimitsana, Stemnitsa and Karytaina.

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Day 4: Hike Lousios Gorge
Our hike starts from the Monastery of Filosofou and ends in Monastery of Prodromou. A very interesting trek combining history with nature that takes place amongst trails of dense vegetation going parallel and cris crossing Lousios River. During our hike, we will visit two Monasteries, taste local delicacies, and visit the “Krifo Sholio” = “Hidden School” – the well-hidden schools that were used under Turkish occupation by Greeks to educate their children. The monasteries appear to be literally hanging from the cliffs and end the trek at the archaeological site of Ancient Gortys. This is one of the most stirring of all Greek sites as it is based along the rushing river known in ancient times as the Gortynios.

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Day 5: Rafting Lousios Gorge and drive to Ancient Olympia
Driving time from Athens to Dimitsana to Olympia: 1,5 hours
A great day of fun and adventure in the river where Zeus used to bathe himself! In the spectacular densely vegetated gorge and in the river’s crystal clear waters, we invite you to enjoy rafting and discover the hidden natural paradise of the area. The descent is of 2nd degree of difficulty, starting from Lousios, continuing to Alfios River, and ending to the spectacular bridge of “Koukos”.

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Day 6: Sightseeing of Ancient Olympia and Drive to Delphi
Driving time from Athens to Olympia to Delphi: 3,5 hours

Olympia is known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical times. The Ancient Olympic Games were a series of athletic competitions held for representatives of various city-states of Ancient Greece. Records indicate that they began in 776 BC in Olympia. The Games were usually held every four years. During a celebration of the Games an Olympic Truce was enacted to enable athletes to travel from their countries to Olympia in safety. The prizes for the victors were laurel wreaths and palm branches. Only men of Greek origin were allowed to participate. The archaeological site of Olympia includes the sanctuary of Zeus and the many buildings erected around it, such as athletic premises used for the preparation and celebration of the Olympic Games, administrative buildings and other lay buildings and monuments. Ancient Olympia is included on the UNESCO’S World Heritage List. We then continue our journey to the mainland ending our long day in Delphi.

Spend the night in Delphi.
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Day 7: Delphi Hike, Sightseeing and Drive to Meteora
Driving time from Athens to Olympia to Delphi: 3,5 hours
We wil start our day with a wonderful historic and inspiring hike dropping down from the slopes of Mt Parnassos to the village of Delphi. It is the ancient footpath that took Pans worshippers up from the ancient temples of Delphi to the Corycean Grotto to celebrate rites, and it is part of the E4 european trail. Our hike starts at Livadi plateau at an altitude of 1200m. Following the ancient path in a forested route we descend to Delphi sanctuary overlooking the olive trees valley and the Corinthian Gulf, whilst the mountains of the Peloponnese complete our picturesque scenery. En route we will stop at the cave of Panas and have our picnic in a traditional sheep barn. This hike combines the magic of nature with the mystery of ancient temples!

After our hike we will visit the actual site, the center of the Ancient world – the Omphalos (Navel) of the Earth. On the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo. Visit the Treasury of the Athenians the Temple of Apollo and the Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculptures as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias.
Delphi is included on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

After our visit and lunch we travel north to Meteora.
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Day 8: Meteora Hike
With their thriving cliff top monasteries are a sight to behold. One marvels at the audacity of the monks who first dared to perch simple shelters on the tiny summits. Nowadays the monasteries are much grander, but we take the privilege of reaching them via rocky paths among the rocky “chaos”. Take the chance to meet this extraordinary UNESCO Word Heritage Site by walking a trail known by the locals. Enjoy the unique views from the top of the rocks and learn by our professional mountain guides about the history and the geological significance of the area. Our hike starts from St. Nicolas Monastery in Kastraki village, following the same old paths the monks used to use, which wind their way amongst the tall rock-towers. We pass beneath the ruined monastery of Pantocrator on the north side of the rock of Dupiani and then the path takes us to the heart of the lush forest reaching the abandoned and restored Monastery of “Ypapanti” and the ruins of St.Dimitrios. Afterwards our trail turns uphill and after a short walk it takes us to the cliff top monasteries Varlaam and Great Meteoro where we will be visiting one of them. We then walk downhill to Kastraki through the rocks by the ancient path used by the monks passing next to the cave of St. George Mandila where every year climbers to hang their scarves.

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Day 9: Meteora Scramble Tour
Don’t miss this scramble and via ferrata adventure that takes you to one of the tallest rocks of Meteora. Great Saint Scrabling tour is a unique breath taking experience.

Safely hiking at the ancient path paved on the edge of the cliffs we enjoy the astonishing views between the rocks and Kalampaka! The path that we will follow was used in the middle ages by the monks who lived in the ruined small monastery of Twelve Apostles.  The rock of Great Saint also used to be part of the ancient fortifications of the town below thousands of years ago.

After lunch we return back to Athens.
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Day 10: Day Cruise to the Saronic Islands
We will end our trip with a day cruise to the fabulous Greek islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina for a relaxing day on the sea. After transferring from Athens to the port by motor coach, we will set sail for the island of Poros, where we will have free time for strolling and shopping.

Next, it’s on to the island of Hydra. We will have about 1 hour and 45 minutes at leisure to enjoy the unique charms of Hydra island, whose amphitheater shape once served as a safe shelter for Saronic Pirates. From the decks, we will be able to admire the very special architecture and dramatic landscapes of this island, whose old traditional stone houses and mansions silently stand witness to a long and turbulent history. Upon arrival in Egina (Aegina) take a walk around the main town.

Overnight in Athens.
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Day 11: Departure – Transfer to airport

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to connect with your international flight.

CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS!

</div class=”acc-container”> </div class=”content”> [/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Inclusion & Exclusion” tab_id=”1449208780765-5fd2d40a-5e8d”][vc_column_text]INCLUSIONS

– 11 days/ 10 nights, accommodation in TRPL – QUAD rooms in indicative hotels mentioned below on BB basis.
– Transfers by private coach
– English speaking tour leader/driver throughout the trip
– Professional guides for antiquities (Athens, Mycenae, Epidavre, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora) and entrance fees
– Meals as mentioned per day in itinerary above (breakfast daily, lunch x9, dinner x 10 excluding drinks
– Activities and entrances as per itinerary
– Tips/gratuities for guides, drivers, servers, etc.EXCLUSIONS
OUR EXCLUSIONS:
– International flights (can be arranged through us nicola@finisterra.ca)
– Mandatory travel medical insurance and optional cancellation insurance (can be arranged through us nicola@finisterra.ca)
– Meals not mentioned
– Items of a personal nature
– Transportation and services not mentioned

*IMPORTANT NOTES:
– Though we will do our best to follow this itinerary as closely as possible, it is subject to change due to factors beyond our control

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Pricing” tab_id=”1449223591510-29ce0fb2-4171″][vc_column_text]Start Planning Now!
Prices from: $2725USD per student. Please note that prices are subject to change and will fluctuate with the student/chaperone ratio. This price includes 2 chaperones (not flights).
We can accommodate groups of 10-20 students + chaperones
Contact: info@finisterra.ca[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Sample Hotels” tab_id=”1517282802126-c32a50da-b2d3″][vc_column_text]SAMPLE HOTELS
Athens: http://www.philipposhotel.gr/en
Nafplio: http://www.hotelmarianna.gr/
Dimitsana: http://www.koustenisvillage.gr/
Olympia: https://www.hotelpelops.gr/
Delphi: http://www.fedriades.com/en
Meteora: http://www.meteoritis.com/

Please note that hotels are subject to change.

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