 The
Parthenon is the main temple, built in honour
of Goddess Athena. Her statue decorated
the centre of the temple and it was made
of ivory and gold. Next to the Parthenon
is the smaller Temple of Erechthion with
lovely sculptured young maidens supporting
the roof of the porch. From the top of the
Acropolis you can admire the ancient theatre
of Herodus Atticus with its remarkable acoustics.
Performances are still held here each summer
being the highlight of cultural events in
the Eastern Mediterranean .
Leaving the Acropolis the tour takes you
by the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded
by the ‘ evzones ' dressed in their traditional
costume, the Parliament, the Presidential
Palace and the Panathinaikon Stadium where
the first Olympics of modern times were
held in 1896. The entire stadium is built
of pure white marble. Our drive continues
by the Library - Academy – the University,
three buildings representing 19th century
architecture blended with the classical
influence. The tour then passes by Omonia
Square , the commercial center of the city
and Syntagma Square , which is the business,
and cultural center.
There will be time during the tour for
you to browse and do a little shopping at
the stores located at the base of the Acropolis.
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Athens & the picturesque Plaka |
 Leaving
the port of Piraeus , one of the finest examples
of city planning in antiquity, the coach takes
the coastal road leading to the city that
hosted the 2004 Olympic Games.
On arriving in Athens, you start the city
sight seeing driving past the Temple of
Zeus, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded
by the ‘ evzones ' dressed in their traditional
costume, the Parliament, the Presidential
Palace and the Panathinaikon Stadium where
the first Olympics of modern times were
held in 1896. The whole stadium is built
of pure white marble. The drive continues
by the Library - Academy – the University
, three buildings representing 19th century
architecture blended with the classical
influence. The tour then passes by Omonia
Square , the commercial centre of the city
and Syntagma Square , which is the business,
and cultural centre.
Your Athens ' city sight seeing ends at
a leading cafe at the foot of the Acropolis
from where you can view all the majestic
monuments of the amazing Acropolis while
enjoying your refreshments.
The tour continues to the old part of the
city called Plaka where you can explore
its mainly pedestrian streets with picturesque
houses, shops and numerous cafes.
After the free time in Plaka you'll board
your coach for the return journey to Piraeus
port.
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Cape
Sounion |
 Depart
from Athens and following the coastal road
known as the ‘ Apollo Coast ', passing by
the fashionable sea-side suburbs of Glyfada
, Voula and Vouliagmeni and the summer resorts
of Varkiza , Lagonissi and Saronis you arrive
at Cape Sounion .
At the top of the promontory stands proudly
the temple of Poseidon , God of the sea.
The temple built in the austere Doric style
is in memory of King Aegeas who died falling
off the cliff.
Lord Byron chose this very temple to carve
his name on one of the columns in the 19th
Century and can still be seen today.
After the guided tour you have free time to
explore and relax near the site.
From here the tour will head towards Piraeus
taking the inland route first and then the
coastal road. |
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Excursion
to Delphi (lunch boxes) |
 The
tour gives you a scenic bus ride of approx.
3 hours to the Greek countryside, northwest
of Piraeus to Delphi.
The first short stop for the day will be for
facilities and refreshment (at own expense)
at Livadia Friendly Stop.
Then continues to Delphi via Arachova , a
picturesque mountain village before arriving
at the legendary Castalian Spring where your
guide will tell you some of the myths that
made “the navel of the World” for ancient
Greeks so unique.
From the Castalian Spring walk a short distance
to the archaeological site of Delphi , and
up to the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo
.
Following your guide uphill you see the various
treasuries , small temples erected by the
Greek city states to receive the offerings
made by their citizens.
Admire the inscriptions from over 2000 years
ago, that can still be seen today.
Continue the walk by the ancient site of the
Senate of Delphi and the oracle, which according
to legend was guarded by the snake Python.
From here the tour visits the Delphi archaeological
Museum where your guide will point out some
of the most important exhibits.
Free time to eat your packed lunch. After
lunch return to Piraeus with a short stop
at
Arachova village where you have free time
for souvenir and handicraft shopping. |
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