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Arrive in Athens
Arrive in Athens.
Overnight in Athens. Dinner if required.
Athens - Mycenae - Nauplia
We board our coach to drive to ancient Corinth for a brief visit.
At Mycenae, a new network of palace-citadels sprang up in the Greek mainland from the 15th century BC. ìWell built Mycenae, of the broad streetsî and ìrich in goldî (in Homerís literature), which had been occupied from the Early Bronze Age at least, was probably the first of these citadels. The citadel occupied the triangular summit of a low hill between two gorges. The Mycenaeans excelled in this style of building using large, unworked stones. These massive fortifications were begun in the 14th century, followed by Tiryns and Dendra, Argos and Athens, as well as a host of subsidiary forts and eventually, a huge wall across the Korinthian isthmus. The famous Lion Gate, and similar constructions at Gla and Tiryns, were built in the 13th century BC.
Here we will see vestiges of a kingdom which for 400 years (1600 - 1200 BC) was the most powerful in Greece. We enter through the Lion Gate and see the Great Court where Agamemnon is believed to have been murdered in one of the chambers.
Later we travel to Epidaurus -- a sanctuary of Asklepios, the God of Medicine. The sanctuaries of Asklepios, the healer god, were as much sanatoria, health farms or spas, as places of worship. Epidauros in the north-eastern Peloponnese, administered by the polis of Epidauros on the coast (near Old Epidauros) and shielded by mountains from the territories of Argos, Korinth and Troizen, was the most prestigious centre of the cult in the Classical period and recieved a galaxy of splendid buildings spanning the whole of the 4th century BC.
In the 5th century Asklepios was more popularly thought of as the son of Apollo. Epidauros came into prominence only in the later 5th century, when the cult was received at Athens in 420 BC and the tragedian Sophockles became its priest. There was a revival at the sanctuary in the 2nd century AD, and worship on the site continued in the form of a Christian basilica. The principal installations were damaged by Goths in 395. Here we will see one of the best preserved of classical Greek buildings, renowned for its amazing acoustics. We continue onwards to Nauplia.
Overnight near Nauplia. Breakfast and dinner.
Nauplia - Mystra - Sparta
This morning we spend a bit of time exploring the charming seaside town of Nauplia before joining we a dramatic winding mountain drive toward Sparta, arriving mid-morning.
We will visit the archeaological remains of ancient Sparta, including the 2nd century BC theatre, the siteís most discernible ruin. Along the road to Tripolis a path leads to the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia. Like most of the deities in Greek mythology, the goddess Artemis had many aspects, one of which was Artemis Orthia. In earliest times this aspect of the goddess was honoured through human sacrifice. The Spartans supplanted this activity for the only slightly less gruesome one of flogging young boys in honour of the goddess.
Continuing onwards we arrive in Mystra, an impregnable fortress, built by Guillame de Villehardouin in 1249. When the Byzantines won back the Morea from the Franks, Emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus made Mystra its capital and seat of government. It soon became populated by people from the surrounding plains seeking refuge from invading Slavs. From this time, until the last despot, Demetrios, surrendered it to the Turks in 1460, a despot of Morea (usually a son or brother of the ruling Byzantine emperor) lived and reigned at Mystra.
During the rule of the despots, whilst the empire plummeted into decline elsewhere, Mystra experienced a renaissance. A school of humanistic philosophy was founded by Gemistos Plethon (1355 - 1452), whose enlightened ideas attracted intellectuals from all corners of Byzantium. After Mystra was ceded to the turks, Plethonís pupils moved to Rome and Florence, where they made a significant contribution to the Italian Renaissance. Art and architecture also flourished, evidenced in the splendid buildings and vibrant frescoes of Mystra.
Mystra declined under Turkish rule. It was captured by the Venetians in 1687 and it thrived once again with a flourishing silk industry and a population of 40,000. It was recaptured by the Turks in 1715, and from then on it was downhill all the way. It was burned by the Russians in 1770, the Albanians in 1780 and Ibrahim Pasha in 1825. Not surprisingly, at the time of Independence it was in a very sorry state, virtually abandoned and in ruins. Since the 1950s much restoration work has taken place. Once inside Nafplion Gate we will see the main sites of this ancient city such as the Palace of the Despots.
Overnight in Sparta. Breakfast and dinner.
Sparta - Olympia
Driving from Sparta to Olympia, we arrive in the early afternoon. After lunch we will have a tour of the site of ancient Olympia and the excellent on-site museum.
This was a place in ancient Greece where rival states shed their protective armour and congregated in peace to enjoy the ancient games and make offerings to the Gods. The temple of Zeus once dominated the entire complex and housed the 13 m (43 foot) statue of Zeus, considered by the Greeks to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia has its origins in prehistory. Local legend attributed the foundation of the Olympic Festival to Pelops, after whom the Peloponnese is named. The first Olympiad (the four-year interval between Festivals) was reckoned by the 5th century BC scholar, Hippias of Elis, as beginning in 776 BC. The precinct, known as the Altis, lies on the eastern banks of the river Kladeos, just north of its confluence with the larger Alpheios.
We will also see the Stadium as well as the Temple of Hera, which is the siteís most intact struture. This is the oldest structure in the precinct, originally dedicated to Zeus as well as Hera, and gradually rebuilt from wood into stone. The walls were of mud-brick with a tiled roof.
The games, which were the most prestigious athletic event in Greece, were held in conjunction with a Festival to Olympian Zeus. Three heralds were sent to all the greek states to announce their date and declare the universal turce, under which all hostilities were suspended for one week. The games were brought to an end in AD 393, under an edict of the Emperor Theodosius which banned all pagan Festivals. The temples were destroyed in AD 426.
Overnight in Olympia. Breakfast and dinner.
Olympia - Delphi
We drive via Patras to Rion, crossing by car ferry to Antirion, arriving in Delphi in the early afternoon. On arrival we will have a guided tour of this spectacular site and its excellent museum.
It was in Delphi that according to mythology Zeus released two eagles at opposite ends of the world and they came to rest at the navel of the world. The historical origins of the sanctuary at Delphi are obscure, but according to legend the young god Apollo superseded an older female deity, Mother Earth, and killer her son, the serpent Python. In Homer the sanctuary is called Pytho, and oracles were given by the Pythia (priestess) between the Shining Rocks (Phaidriades) on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassos long before the cult of Apollo Delphinios was established there from Crete. Later Dionysos, who took over the sanctuary in winter, and Athena, whose precinct lay on a lower terrace 1 km (2/3 mile) to the southeast, were also worshipped there.
Overnight in Delphi. Breakfast and dinner.
Delphi - Kalambaka
Today we drive from Delphi to Kalambaka, our base for tomorrow's visit to the monasteries of Meteora. Our route takes us through the central plains, a rich agricultural land often referred to as the "bread basket" of Greece.
Overnight in Kalambaka. Breakfast and dinner.
Kalambaka - Meteora - Ioannina
The Rocks of Meteora rise vertically from the plains below. The "Rocks of the Air" are visible for miles around and are crowned with old monasteries that cling to their summits. We have time to see several monasteries including the Metamorphosis (Grand Meteora). It is built on the highest rock at 613 m (2,030 ft) above sea level. Its striking series of frescoes depict the persecution of Christians by the Romans. Later we travel to Ioannina via a spectacular mountain pass.
Overnight in Ioannina. Breakfast and dinner.
Ioannina - Paxoi
Travelling onwards to Igoumenitsa we catch the ferry to Paxoi. This peaceful and idyllic olive tree-coverd island is just 10 km (6 miles) long and 4 km (2‡ miles) wide and is the smallest of the main Ionian Islands. There are countless coves and forests, lovely walks and many beaches to explore.
Overnight on Paxoi. Breakfast and dinner.
Paxoi
This morning we take a boat trip along the coast of the island, with its steep cliffs and caves. A Venetian fort appears to rest in tranquility on an islet lying off the principal port of G·ios. Anti-Paxoi, a tiny island off the southern tip of Paxoi, is famous for its blue caves, lonely beaches, and red wine.
Overnight on Paxoi. Breakfast and dinner.
Paxoi
Today is a free day for you to enjoy the beach, explore the island, or alternatively join your Tour Leader on a jaunt to the centuries-old olive groves of the interior. The limestone cliffs and caves on its north coast are among the most impressive sights to be seen in Greece.
Overnight on Paxoi. Breakfast and dinner.
Paxoi - Corfu
Today we travel by local ferry from Paxoi to Corfu. Corfu is one of Greece's most lush and green islands, and it sits just off the coast of Albania. It's reputation as a distant paradise began with Homer, and in Shakespeare's "The Tempest", Corfu was the 'magical isle'. The balance of the day is free.
Overnight on Corfu. Breakfast and dinner.
Corfu
The Old Town of Corfu, with its narrow lanes and Venetian-style houses, is beautifully wedged between two fortresses. While in the main town of Corfu we admire the fortress of Paleo Frourion. We also visit the ArchÊology Museum which houses the Gordon Medusa Sculpture, a superb piece of art.
Overnight on Corfu. Breakfast and dinner.
Corfu - Athens
This morning we fly from Corfu to Athens.
We enjoy a guided tour of Athens, the very heart and soul of Greece. The Acropolis is crowned by the marbled Parthenon. The subtle design of the columns have both a pleasing and tranquil effect. This incredible building became inseparably associated with the "Golden Age" of Pericles. The Parthenon had a dual purpose -- to house the great statue of Athena which had been commissioned by Pericles, and to be treasury for tribute money which had come from the Greek island of Delos. The name Parthenon refers to the room where the virgin goddess Athena had her statue. As you entered their temple everything on the pediment was to do with the birth of Athena. Athena won the contest with Poseidon by producing the first olive tree. The Erechtheum to the left of the Parthenon as you face it, was completed in 406 BC, just prior to Athensí defeat by Sparta. It housed a number of cults including Athena, Poseidon and the snake-bodied hero Erechtheus. The east porch with its six Ionic columns was dedicated to Athena Poliaís and sheltered an olive wood statue of the goddess. Legend has it that the ìErecthean Seaî once undulated within the west porch, where Poseidon was worshipped. Poseidon created this indoor ocean when he stuck a rock with his trident while vying with Athea to rule the city.
We also visit the National Archaeological Museum which is an unrivalled treasure house of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean and classical Greek art. One of the most interesting sections is the Mycenaen hall with all of Schliemanaís gold finds from Mycenae. The museum contains the worldís finest collection of antiquities and treasures from all over the ancient Greek world, spanning some 7,000 years.
Overnight in Athens. Breakfast and dinner.
Departure
Departure from Athens.
Breakfast.
