Day 1 – To Athens: Fly from London Heathrow to Athens with British Airways. Drive to St Minas, which overlooks Euboea Island and stay 1 night at the Pelagos hotel. This evening, there will be an introductory lecture followed by a
welcome dinner at a nearby seafood tavern. (D)
Day 2 – To Delphi: This morning, stop at Chalkis citadel, which has views of the Straights of Euripus, to visit the archaeological museum. Continue to the Byzantine monastery of Hosios Loukas on Mount Helicon, where the abbot will
receive you. Afternoon arrival at Delphi to visit the Temple of Athena, gymnasium and sacred spring at sunset. Stay 2 nights at the iconic Delphi Palace Hotel. (B)
Day 3 – Delphi: This morning, visit the site of Delphi, including the Sacred Precinct, Temple of Apollo, theatre, treasuries and stadium. At the Delphi museum, a special introduction will be given by Anastasia Psalti, the Delphi antiquities inspector. Afternoon at leisure for independent exploration of the museum and site. Dinner on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. (B, D)
Day 4 – To Olympia: Drive down Mount Parnassus to the Gulf of Corinth stopping at the picturesque coastal town of Galaxidi to visit the nautical museum. Continue to the historic coastal town of Nafpaktos for lunch (at own expense). Travel to Peloponnese via the new Rio Bridge before arriving in Olympia. Stay at the Best Western Europa for 2 nights. (B)
Day 5 – Olympia: Full-day Olympia sightseeing, including important museums and ancient sites dominated by the temples of Zeus and Hera, and the first Olympic stadium. (B)
Day 6 – To Nafplion: Drive through the striking mountains of the Peloponnese, via Megalopolis, to Mycenae, Agamemnon’s great citadel. Visit the Treasury of Atreus, the acropolis and museum. After a quick stop at Schliemann’s house, continue to Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece and one of the most notable towns on the mainland. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel Rex Naflpion. (B)
Day 7 – Epidaurus & Nafplion: Morning visit to Nafplion’s archaeological museum. Continue to ancient Epidaurus to see the sanctuary, museum and theatre. Optional afternoon visit to the medieval fortress or free time to relax in the old town. (B)
Day 8 – To Athens: Travel to ancient Corinth, where St Paul lived and preached for two years. After visiting the site and museum, drive to Athens, via the Corinth canal and Saronic Gulf – scene of the battle of Salamis where
the Persian fleet was destroyed by the ancient Greeks. Early evening walking tour through the ancient agora (meeting place) along classical stoas (covered walkways). Stay 2 nights at the Airotel Parthenon hotel. (B)
Day 9 – Athens: Visit the Acropolis to see the Parthenon, Erechteum and Temple of Athena Nike, followed by a visit to the new Acropolis museum. Evening farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 10 – To London: This morning, visit the National Archaeological Museum, which houses some of the most important finds of
ancient Greece. After some time at leisure, transfer to the airport for your British Airways flight to London Heathrow.
Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals
Extensions: If you wish to extend your stay in Greece, please contact Cox & Kings for further details.
