An introduction to the aesthetics, metaphysics, philosophy and everyday life of the ancient Greeks…
A fascinating trip back in time and one-of-a-kind travel experience handpicked and guided by our team of passionate field and lecturer experts who will take you through the real essence of ancient Greek cultural heritage.
In this classical tour you will visit top listed world heritage sites – Acropolis of Athens, Parthenon, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Tiryns – and museums featuring some of the treasures of ancient Greece.
Experience the intellectual satisfaction of knowing and understanding more about ancient Greek culture and its significant influence on culture today.
Follow the footsteps of ancient Greek philosophers – Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus and reach the thoughts and visions that some of the wisest minds of the humanity left behind thousands years ago.
Indulge in some basic pathways of ancient Greek philosophy, literature and mythology in an accessible and enjoyable way by drawing on the expertise of authorities in ancient Greek Classical Culture.
Five Day Tour
Day per day itinerary
Day One – Athens
..Welcome to Athens, the fabled and vibrant metropolis of Greece….Upon your arrival our private chauffeur service will take you to your hotel located in the heart of the historical center of the city with amazing view on the Acropolis. You can spend some hour in leisure to wash away your journey and when rested we are ready for our first walk in the picturesque cobblestone streets of Plaka, the oldest neighborhood of the city, the so-called “the neighborhood of the Gods”. We will wander for a while through the ruins of the Roman and Ancient Agora where Socrates and Plato used to hang out. We just begin to dive into a 6.000 years old culture…
We will have our dinner in a charming, traditional tavern where we will savor Mediterranean tastes and flavors, Greek dishes and fine wine as well.
Day Two – Athens
Finishing our breakfast we are ready to visit the sacred hill of the Acropolis. During this focused walk we will look closely at the Acropolis and its essential role in the city.
Our visit will cover the main buildings of the Acropolis, including:
– The Propylaea – the monumental entrance to the Acropolis
– The Erechtheion – an ancient Greek temple which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon
– The temple of Athena Nike – Nike means victory in Greece and Athena was worshipped as goddess of victory in war and wisdom.
– And, of course, the Parthenon.
Early in the afternoon we will have a visit to the archaeological site of the Ancient Agora of the Classical Athens, located to the northwest of the Acropolis. The Agora was the heart of ancient Athens, the focus of political, social, administrative and commercial activity, the cultural and religious center of the city and the seat of justice. We will wander through the remnants of the most significant buildings and structures, such as:
– The Monument of the Eponymous Heroes – a marble podium that bore the bronze statues of the ten heroes representing the tribes of Athens
– The Bouleuterion – which served as a meeting-place of the 500-member Boule (Senate), made up of fifty citizens, from each of the ten Athenian tribes, chosen by allotment each year.
– The Tholos – the headquarters of the 50 prytaneis who served as the executive committee of the Boule (Council) for an interval of 35 or 36 days.
– The Altar of the Twelve Gods – an altar and sanctuary dedicated to the twelve Olympian Gods.
One of our Lecturers/Proffesors will be your guide and you will finish this tour with a deeper comprehension of ancient Athenian society and a basic answer to: why Athens is widely considered the touchstone of western civilization, the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, sciences and classical art.
This special day will be completed with a fine dining experience in a delightful and atmospheric roof garden restaurant in the shadow of the sacred rock of the Acropolis where you will relish traditional Greek dishes with Mediterranean inflections and marvelous wine.
We drink, eat and converse…just like the Greeks. Classical Greek learning was a joyful thing carried out in public places, often accompanied by marvelous wine and food…we are describing the famous Symposium, a convivial meeting for drinking, eating and intellectual discussion. During these gatherings and in the midst of all drinking philosophical questions were thoroughly examined: “Where do we come from?”, “What is the nature of a human being?”, “What is truth, what is justice?”, “What is happiness or the art of living well (Eudaimonia in Greek)?”… and so on…This is our concept we seek to replicate and share with you.
All topics, all questions are welcome!
Day Three – Epidaurus
Epidaurus Asclepieion: The birthplace of medicine
After finishing our breakfast we join our chauffer for our trip to the Peloponnese. We leave Athens and taking a scenic coastal drive we pass the Corinth Canal which connects the two Greek Seas -The Aegean and the Ionian Sea – and we reach Epidaurus.
In a valley surrounded by mountains, healing springs, green scenery, deep blue waters nearby, there is one of the oldest alternative medicine healing centers of the world with the best preserved theater of ancient Greece and Unesco’s world heritage sites, we are describing the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus.
Asklepieion – considered to be the birthplace of medicine– was one of the most extensive sacred sanctuaries and celebrated healing centres of the Classical world. It was an impressive complex of buildings –temples, athletic facilities, the theater, baths, a guest house for 160 guests, stoas, gymnasia, stadium, tholos (a 14 Corinthian columned cella and a mysterious underground labyrinth), a ceremonial Hestiatoreion (banqueting hall) etc.
Epidaurus The Theater: An ancient Greek acoustic miracle
Architectural perfection, complete harmonization with the natural environment and perfect acoustics – which allow excellent intelligibility of unamplified spoken words from the skênê to all 15,000 spectators- are the unique characteristics of the Epidaurus Theater, the best preserved ancient theater in Greece. We will have a full guided tour with our expert guide to the archaeological site and the museum.
Later In the afternoon we arrive at Nafplio. After resting in the hotel we will begin exploring the picturesque Old Town with its cobblestone alleys and its neoclassical well preserved mansions. You can take a walk to the Palamidi Castle which proudly stands 216 m above sea level or visit the postcard perfect venetian Bourtzi fortress.
Our day will be completed with a dinner at a restaurant specializing in authentic sea food delights.
Day Four – Mycenae and Tiryns
Finishing our breakfast we will visit the ancient citadel of Mycenae, steeped in myths and legends, which is located in a short distance – about 22 km – from Nafplio.
Mycenae and Tiryns, two great archaeological sites, in the north-eastern Peloponnese are the impressive ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. and played a major role in the development of classical Greek culture.
The myths related to its history have inspired poets and writers over many centuries, from the Homeric epics and the great tragedies of the Classical period to contemporary literary and artistic creation.
Mycenae, ‘Rich in Gold’, the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon, first sung by Homer in his epics, is the most important and richest palatial center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Most of the monuments visible today were erected between 1350 and 1200 BC, when the site was at its peak. Palatial complexes, imposing Cyclopean masonry, the famous “Tomb of Agamemnon” (also known as the “Treasury of Atreus”), huge arches and fountains comprise one of the greatest architectural complexes known to the ancient world
We will have a full guided tour in the archaeological site and later in the afternoon we take the way back in Athens.
Day Five
This is the departure day. We say our last good-byes and our chauffer service will take you to the airport for your flight back home. Have a nice trip and keep your memories.
Full Package of the 5-day classical tour includes:
- Four (4) night accommodation (three in Athens and one in Nafplio) as described in the itinerary with daily buffet breakfast
- Three (3) meals with drinks (wine, beer, water) in specially chosen restaurants as described in the itinerary – Special wine orders are not included -Special diets are provided
- Guided tours with our expert tour guides in the archaeological sites of Athens, Epidaurus, Mycenae and Tiryns as described in the itinerary
- The services of our lecturer
- Private chauffeur service from and to the airport and during the whole tour
- Entrance fees to all the archaeological sites and the museums stated above
- English speaking host 24/7
- All admissions, all tips for drivers, guides and waiters
Price does not include:
- Travel expenses to and from Greece
- Transfers unless stated in the itinerary
- Items of personal nature
- Any other excursions or activities which are not included in the tour
