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Classical Greece & Rhodes
Greece is where so much began – democracy started here – the Olympics were first held in Greece – much of the philosophy, mythology and folklore we all so often quote first saw the light of day here. We commence at the very heart of Greek culture, Athens, the city of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. However, Greece was a nation of city-states, where each community created its own history. Now this fascinating history is waiting for you throughout the rest of this extraordinary country: Delphi, famous for its Oracle; Mycenae, once richly ladened with gold, and Epidaurus, where we experience the marvellous acoustics of a 14,000-seat, open-air theatre. Finally, end your journey in Rhodes, a site of medieval treasures guaranteed to leave you with lasting memories. DAY 1: TORONTO – ATHENSDepart on an overnight flight to Athens. DAY 2: ATHENS (D)Arrive Athens. After clearing immigration and customs, you will be met by a tour guide. Board your coach and beginning a wonderful journey with a tour of Athens. The noisy, lively and sprawling city you see today has an interest and charm all its own, involving the curious blend of antiquity with the natural vitality of the Greeks. The old quarter, Pláka, is huddled at the foot of the Acropolis in a hodge-podge of narrow winding alleys, flower-filled courtyards, old houses with balconies, and marvellous lively cafés. At night the Pláka glows, as does the nearby Monastiráki Flea Market. Your sightseeing tour will start with the impressive site of The Acropolis, a group of buildings on a hillside of 515 feet above sea level. This site has been at one time or another, the “command post” for each of Athen’s many rulers, and became a purely holy place with serious history. The Acropolis Museum was built in the last century to contain various statues and a collection of female statues known as Korai. The Parthenon is described as the most perfect building in existence. Its elegance and symmetrical lines are extraordinary as there is not a single straight or parallel line in the entire building. Outside the walls of the Parthenon are two ancient theatres, the Herod Atticus and Dionysos Theatre, which are home for the plays of the different Eras. Syntagma Square is the centre of Athens, a.k.a. Constitution Square. Here are located the Parliament Buildings and the city’s most important tourist services. Other attractions to be seen are the Royal Palace, the Temple of Athena and the Tower of Winds. Following the tour, you will be taken to a centrally located hotel. Check-in and freshen up for dinner. DAY 3: ATHENS – CAPE SOUNION (B/D)After breakfast at the hotel, meet your tour guide and coach for a tour of Cape Sounion, located at the southernmost point of Attica peninsula. Visit the Temple of Poseidon, built for the God of the sea. Here you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Saronic Islands. The afternoon is at leisure for personal sightseeing. Dinner at the hotel. DAY 4: ATHENS – MYCENAE – EPIDAURUS – NAUPLIA –OLYMPIA (B/D) Today you begin the Classical tour of Greece. Your guided excursion heads to Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nauplia. Cross the Corinth Canal, just wide enough for a single ship, connecting Attica and the Peloponnese, to visit the ruins of the city fortress of Mycenae. Sites to see; The Lion Gate, Grave Circle and the Treasury of Atreus. Mycenae was also the home to the great German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. Continue on to the famous sanctuary of the God of Medicine, Epidaurus. Here you will tour the well preserved 2,300-year-old open-air amphitheatre, an architectural masterpiece beyond compare. Dinner and overnight in Olympia. DAY 5: OLYMPIA – DELPHI (B/D)Morning tour of Olympia, a site of the original Olympic Games established in honour of Zeus and Hera. Every four years for a thousand years athletes from all over the ancient world gathered to participate for five days in games of skill and endurance, which then included chariot racing. Check your speed on the original Olympic Track at the site of the Games believed to have started in 776 BC. See the archaeological site and the museum. Continue on to Delphi where you will have dinner and overnight. DAY 6: DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (B/D)Today you will tour the ancient sanctuary of Apollo in its dramatic setting on the slopes of Mount Parnassos. Delphi was the greatest Oracle of the ancient world where people came to seek advice. Its theatre and Temple of Apollo still stand in its beautiful natural setting. In the museum, view the 5th century bronze statue of the Charioteer. After the tour, make your way to Kalambaka. Dinner and overnight here. DAY 7: METEORA – ATHENS – RHODES (B/D)This morning visit the intriguing monastic communities at Meteora. Built on top of gigantic pillars rising to 550 metres above sea level, are the famous cenobitic monasteries known as the Meteora, which means “in the air”. Your tour includes a visit to two monasteries. After lunch, travel directly to Athens International Airport to catch the evening flight to Rhodes. Overnight in Rhodes. DAY 8: RHODES – LINDOS – RHODES (B/D)The largest of the Dodecanese, Rhodes has become an important regional centre due to its location, climate and natural attractions. The Knights of the Order of St. John were established in Rhodes in 1309 AD and their stay has endowed the island with a series of majestic buildings. The capital, also called Rhodes, occupies the northernmost tip of the island. This site is made up of modern, ancient and medieval structures. To really get the feel, your guided walking tour this morning will introduce you to the Palace of the Grand Masters which houses a collection of 16th and 17th century furniture and Roman mosaic floors from Kos. This afternoon, visit the captivating townlet of Lindos, sheltered under an immense acropolis and framed by a lovely bay and beach. The temple of Athena Lindia (4th century B.C.) is a sight never to be forgotten. Return to Rhodes for dinner and overnight. DAY 9: RHODES (B/D)The entire day is at leisure. There are great beaches all over the island, some of which are equipped with facilities for bathers and equipment for water sports. For those interested in shopping, Rhodes shopping is first rate – excellent leathers and jewelry. Dinner and overnight in Rhodes. DAY 10: RHODES – ATHENS – TORONTO (B)Early morning pick up at the hotel for transfer to the airport. You will fly to Athens and connect with flight bound for Toronto arriving the same day. INCLUSIONS:
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