Day 1

Athens Airport to Athens Hotel Private

Hotel Grande Bretagne Athens

With breathtaking views of the fabled Acropolis, regal Syntagma Square and the Parliament, lush Lycabettus Hill or the original Olympic Stadium, the multi-awarded deluxe Hotel Grande Bretagne offers an unrivalled perspective of Athens’ mythical history. Situated right in the heart of the city, since 1874, the landmark hotel is within walking distance of exclusive shopping areas, museums and the business district. Escape to the GB Spa Athens for a GB Collection Exclusive Massage or an indulgent respite in the Thermal Suite. The GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar serves the finest champagne – the ideal complement for the setting sun beyond the imposing Acropolis. The Cellar stocks more than 3,000 bottles of the finest vintages – allow us to create the finest wine tasting has never been so exquisite.

Day 2

Athens Sightseeing Tour

This morning you will meet your guide and depart for a private city tour to the modern city of Athens. You will visit Syntagma Square, the Academy, the University, the National Library, Iliou Melathron, the former home of the celebrated archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann and one of the most beautiful buildings in Athens, the Panathenaic stadium and the Greek House of Parliament, a neoclassical structure overlooking the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier where the traditional Changing of the Guard takes place.

You will then be driven to Acropolis, where a series of steps invites you to ascend to the top of this sacred rock. Upon reaching the top you will pass through the Propylaea, the stately entrance to the magnificent structures inside, and will be greeted by a spectacular view of the city and the entire basin of Attica. Once inside, you will immediately see the Parthenon, by far the best known and most awe-inspiring of the structures on the Acropolis. Next up is a visit of the new Acropolis Museum. The new Acropolis Museum is a whole nation’s duty to its own cultural heritage! The tour in it, is a journey to the history and the Greek ‘soul’ where the Aesthetics of Logic, the Ethics of Freedom and the Rationality of Beauty, are all fused together and carved in stone for eternity.

After the visit of the Acropolis Museum, you will continue on to Plaka, the oldest quarter of the city. One of the first areas in Athens to be inhabited, this first settlement is thought to be nearly 7,000 years old. It is mostly pedestrian, renovated and isolated from both the traffic and noise of the city, which makes it a real oasis in which to discover ancient Athens. Plaka nowadays has quite a few open-air cafes, charming little restaurants and is a collector’s paradise for old specimens of popular art, fabrics, copperware, ornaments and furniture from all over Greece. There are also new articles, made by craftsmen who carry on the old traditional craftsmanship, for sale. Return to your cruise vessel or hotel.

Day 3

Full Day Delphi

At the foot of Mount Parnassos, within the angle formed by the twin rocks of the Phaedriades, lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, which had the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was regarded as the centre of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi, set within a most spectacular landscape, was for many centuries the cultural and religious centre and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world and seat of the Pythian Games, the second most important games in Greece after the Olympics, which were held every four years.

Between the sixth and fourth centuries BC, the Delphic oracle, which was regarded as the most trustworthy, was at its peak. It was delivered by the Pythia, the priestess, and interpreted by the priests of Apollo. Cities, rulers and ordinary individuals alike consulted the oracle, expressing their gratitude with great gifts and spreading its fame around the world. The oracle was thought to have existed since the dawn of time. Indeed, it was believed to have successfully predicted events related to the cataclysm of Deukalion, the Argonaut’s expedition and the Trojan War.

Visit of the archaeological site and the Museum where one can see among other archeological treasures, the unique bronze statue of the Charioteer dedicated to Apollo by Polyzalos, the tyrant of Gela, in 478 B.C. when he won the chariot-race at the Pythian Games. This incomparable statue is a representative example of the ”severe” Attic style, certainly the work of a major artist.

Day 4

Full Day Cruise – Hydra, Poros and Aegina

The first port of call is Hydra, a beautiful small island, yet so great in history that stands out among many others! Here you will stop for a 1.5 hour visit (approx.) and explore the architecture of the island, with the town of Hydra built in its centre on the imposing rocky slopes. This has remained intact and unspoiled by modern interventions to our very days thanks to the Hydrants, who religiously keep this unique legacy that has been handed down to them by their ancestors from one generation to the next.

The next stop is Poros, the island of peace, romance and relaxation (approx. 50 minutes). It is lush with pine trees which reach the rugged shores and the sandy beaches. Approaching Poros by ship, from afar, we can see the historical clock tower on the highest hilltop. The centre of the town features the Town Hall, the Archaeological Museum, the Exhibition Hall and it is the site of a variety of cultural events. Within the narrow streets of Poros among the white houses and bougainvillea’s, there are various shops, cafes, taverns and many bars with Greek and foreign music to excellently provide for all needs and tastes.

The final stop today is Aegina, the land of legendary Achilles (approx. 3 hours). The world famous temple of Aphaia (Athena) imposes at the top of a pine-covered hill in the northeastern part of Aegina. This temple constituted the epitome and prototype of the Parthenon, which was built by Ictinus and Callicrates. When the atmosphere is clear, one can see the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion and the Acropolis of Athens from the site of Aphaia. These three temples form an isosceles triangle (the holy triangle of the ancient times). On the island there is also the church of Saint Nectarios, a grand Christian Byzantine church, which is one of the largest in the Balkan. It contains a silver urn with the relics of St. Nectarios, the patron saint of the island.

Day 5

Athens Hotel to Athens Airport Private

PRICE INCLUDES:

Private arrival and departure transfers, 4 nights? accommodation, breakfast daily, and sightseeing as per the itinerary.

PRICE EXCLUDES:

All other meals and beverages, items of a personal nature and gratuities. Subject to availability at the time of booking.