Welcome to Athens, the historical capital of Europe for 5 Days/ 4 nights.
Discover Day Island Cruise and Argolis Tour.
Welcome to the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilization. Home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus. Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities. It’s recorded history spanning around 3.400 years and it is being inhabited since the 11th millennium B.C. E. Today, under the shadow of Parthenon, the contemporary urban scenery of the sprawling city reflects its exciting history, its multi- cultural modern personality as well as the infrastructure and facilities.
The perfect Mediterranean climate with the legendary Greek sunlight, the unique combination of glorious history with modern, urban innovation, the coexistence of great culture with astonishing natural beauty, the high standard hotel accommodation, modern means of transportation such as the cutting edge modern metro, the vibrant rhythm of life, the wide choice of opportunities for shopping, dining and night life and of course the warmth of the Athenians people feature Athens as the ideal all year round city break destination.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Morning or evening arrival
Upon your arrival in Athens be welcomed by your English-Speaking assistant and depart to your hotel for check in. Overnight in Athens.
Day 2 – City Tour of Athens & The Acropolis
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your Guide for your city tour. Start by visiting the Panathenaic Stadium, the cradle of the first modern Olympic Games that took place in 1896 (short stop). The stadium is impressive both for its history and for its U-shape and seats more than 70,000 spectators on a surface completely covered by Pendeli white marble, the same kind used to build the Parthenon. Continue your tour passing by the National Garden, the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Academy, University, National Library, Old Parliament, Constitution Square Parliament House, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Russian Orthodox Church and finally visit Acropolis site. Admire the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts order in the mind", the Parthenon. Your last visit is the Acropolis Museum, where at last the statues and friezes of the Acropolis found their home. After the end of the tour return to your accommodation. Overnight in Athens.
Day 3 – One Day Cruise to Hydra, Poros and Aegina Islands
After breakfast, you will be picked up, at set time for your transportation to the marina and embarkation on the cruise boat for your One Day Cruise to 3 Islands: Aegina- Poros- Hydra. At 08:15hrs the ship sails for Hydra. The port of Hydra has an amphitheater shape once served as a safe shelter for Saronic Pirates.
Admire the unique architecture and dramatic landscapes of this island, whose old traditional stone houses and mansions silently stand witness to a long and turbulent history.
Embarkation and sail for Poros, the smallest of the three islands, separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait and offering a most enchanting view of Poros Town. Lunch will be served on board. After a two-hour trip you will arrive to your last port of call, the island of Aegina. Here you will have time for a swim, walk at the picturesque port or take an optional excursion, by bus, to the Temple of Afea Athena. Embarkation and sail back to Athens. Arrive in Piraeus, late in the afternoon and transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Athens.
Day 4 –Full Day tour to Argolis. Visit Mycenae and Epidauru
After breakfast, meet your guide & depart for your Full Day tour to Argolis. Head, via the coastal national highway for the Corinth Canal (short photo- stop). Transfer to Mycenae where you will visit the archaeological site, home kingdom of mythical Agamemnon. You will see the Palace, the Lion Gate, and the tomb of Agamemnon. The first excavations at Mycenae were carried out by the Greek archaeologist Kyriakos Pittakis in 1841. He found and restored the Lion Gate. In 1874 Heinrich Schliemann arrived at the site and undertook a complete excavation. Schliemann believed in the historical truth of the Homeric stories and interpreted the site accordingly. He found the ancient shaft graves with their royal skeletons and spectacular artifacts. Upon discovering a human skull beneath a gold death mask in one of the tombs, he declared: "I have gazed upon the face of Agamemnon". Lunch at local restaurant. Depart for a short stop at Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece with its Venetian fortress of Palamidi and the fortified islet of Bourtzi. Then transfer to Epidaurus and visit the ancient theatre. The Unesco’s world heritage listed monument is reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo's son Asklepios, the healer and was the most celebrated healing center of the classical world. Epidaurus is probably most famous for its theatre, one of the best preserved classical Greek buildings and still used today due to its amazing acoustics. Return to Athens and your hotel early in the evening. Overnight in Athens.
Day 5 – Athens, Departure
After breakfast, you will be met, at set time, by your English-speaking driver and depart to Athens Airport. Connect with your International flight back home.
Departures every Tuesday – Wednesday – Thursday & Saturday