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Hellenic
and Rome Treasures
Greece and Italy Tour
Enchanting
Greece in 10 days with a foray into Rome . Tour starts weekly in Athens,
March thru Nov
CLASSICAL GREECE! Athens, Nauplia , Olympia , Delphi: See where
our own Western civilization began, and how modern Greece lives today
!
Compare
with the 9 Day version
, or the
7
Day Edition
Ten days with Meteora add
Crete & Santorini
, or
Spain and Andalusia
DAY
1 - Saturday , Mondays, Wednesdays in Athens
WELCOME TO ATHENS!
Our staff escorts you from the airport to your hotel, with time left
to start exploring Athens.
DAY
2 - Sunday - ATHENS (B)
On your first morning in Athens we show you the top sights: the Acropolis
and its museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch,
the Theater of Dionysus.
The Acropolis hill, so called the "Sacred
Rock" of Athens, is the most important site of the
city. During Perikles' Golden Age, ancient
Greek civilization was represented in an ideal way on the hill and some
of the architectural masterpieces of the period were erected on its
ground.
The first habitation remains on the Acropolis date from the Neolithic
period. Over the centuries, the rocky hill was continuously used either
as a cult place or as a residential area or both. The inscriptions on
the numerous and precious offerings to the sanctuary of Athena (marble
korai, bronze and clay statuettes and vases)
indicate that the cult of the city's patron goddess was established
as early as the Archaic period (650-480 B.C.).
During the Classical period (450-330 B.C.) three important temples were
erected on the ruins of earlier ones: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Nike, dedicated to Athena Parthenos,
Athena Polias, and Athena-Apteros Nike,
respectively. The Propylaea, the monumental
entrance to the sacred area was also constructed in the same period.
The monuments on the Acropolis reflect the successive phases of the
city's history. Some of them were converted into Christian churches,
houses of the Franks and later on, of the Turks. After the liberation
of Athens from the Turks, the protection, restoration and conservation
of the monuments was one of the first tasks of the newly-founded Greek
state. This major effort is continued until today, with the large-scale
restoration and supporting of the monuments, which started in the 1970's
and is still in progress.
The first excavations on the hill were conducted between 1835 and 1837.
More systematic work was carried out in 1885-1890 by Panagiotis
Kavvadias.
In
the afternoon, plunge into the city as you like ( on your own ) for
sightseeing and shopping.
 DAY
3 - Monday - MYCENAE, EPIDAURUS & NAUPLIA (BD)
We set forth from Athens to tour classical Greece, passing Corinth and
its steep-walled canal as we go. We stop at Mycenae,
center of ancient Mycenaean civilization (2800-1100 BC); the legendary home of the Atreides, is situated upon a small hilltop
on the lower slopes of Euboea Mountain, between two of its peaks, on
the road leading from the Argolic Gulf to the north (Corinth, Athens,
etc.).
The site was inhabited since Neolithic times (about 4000 BC) but reached
its peak during the Late Bronze Age (1350-1200 BC), giving its name
to a civilization which spread throughout the Greek world.
During that period, the acropolis was surrounded by massive "cyclopean"
walls, which were built in three stages (ca.1350, 1250 and 1225 BC)
except on its SE flank where a steep ravine provided natural defense.
A palace was built on the summit of the hill while towards the Argolic
plain lay the wall - painted "Cult Center", the main gate
or "Lion Gate" and "Grave Circle A" which contained
the treasures now displayed at the National Archaeological Museum of
Athens. On the NE side, a tunnel leading to a subterranean fountain
was built in "cyclopean" masonry in around 1225 B.C.
More tombs, "Grave Circle B", and large tholoi as well as
houses were discovered outside the walls. Mycenae was occupied without
interruption until 468 B.C. when it was conquered by the city of Argos
and its population banished. It was reoccupied in the 3rd century B.C.
for a relatively short period. It had been abandoned for some time when
Pausanias visited the site during the 2nd century A.D.
On
to Epidaurus, site of the temple of Asclepius. On to Olympia where we
spend the night.
DAY
4 - Tuesday - OLYMPIA (BD)
Olympia, ancient site of the Olympic games. We visit the great Temple
of Zeus, one of the Wonders of the Ancient World, and tour the museum.We
drive through Rion, Antirion and Nafpaktos and along the Corinthian
coast on our way to Delphi, site of the famed oracle, at the foot of
Mount Parnassus , where we overnight.
DAY
5- Wednesday - DELPHI
(BD)
Tour Delphi, site of the famed oracle, at the foot of Mount Parnassus.
During the Mycenaean period, the female deity of Earth was worshipped
in the small settlement of Delphi. The development of the sanctuary
and oracle though, began in the 8th century B.C. with the establishment
of the cult of Apollo. Under the protection and administration of the
Amphictyony, the sanctuary continued to be
autonomous after the First Sacred War and, as a result, increased its
panhellenic religious
and political influence. The Pythian Games
were reorganized, the sanctuary was enlarged and it was enriched with
nice buildings, statues, and other offerings. In the 3rd century B.C.
it came under the domination of the Aetolians
and later, in 191 B.C., was conquered by the Romans. During the Roman
occupation the site was sometimes plundered but was also favoured by
some of the emperors. With the spread of Christianity, the sanctuary
lost its religious meaning and was permanently closed down with a decree
of emperor Theodosius the Great.
We
tour the ruins of Delphi and
its oracle, sacred to Apollo and Dionysus. In the afternoon, we drive
via the lovely Kalambaka
DAY
6 - Thursday - Meteora &
ATHENS (B)
Tour Meteora then on to Athens.
DAY
7 - Friday - ATHENS/ ROME (B)
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight to Rome , Athens
Rome air ticket is included , issued and delivered in Athens.
Whatever
it is about Rome that intrigues you, fascinates you, tempts you, or
entertains you, you'll find it exactly, because your visit will be tailored
exactly to your desires. Fascinated by the tastes of Roman cuisine?
Your private guide will suggest the best restaurants. Drawn to the masterpieces
of Michelangelo? We'll whisk you to the Vatican at the best time. Have
your heart set on Italian footwear or daring designs in clothing? Talk
it over with your guide-in your own language-and find out where to shop.
You'll
arrive today at Rome's Fiumicino Airport,
please proceed to COTAV DESK outside the Customs. This is your meeting
point where your Roman host will be waiting to greet you in your preferred
language, be it Spanish, Japanese, French, or English.
After
introductions, you'll be escorted in a private car to the hotel you've
selected. You'll have a chance to discuss what you'll be doing over
the next few days. Your host will make sure that you're settled in for
the evening, after which you'll have a chance to make your own acquaintance
with the Eternal City.
DAY
8 IMPERIAL ROME WALKING TOUR (B)
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, until your guide calls for
you to begin your walking visit to glorious Rome of the empire. In just
a few hours, you'll pass through centuries of history. You'll take in
the Colosseum, completed in 72 A.D. by Emperor Vespasian, once the site
of gladiatorial bouts and chariot races, and so solidly constructed
that it still is largely intact. You'll continue to the Forum, the main
public square of the ancient city, site of markets, public ceremonies,
and religious rituals. You'll take in the Monument to the Unknown Soldier
in the Piazza Venezia, and journey back across centuries again to the
Piazza del Campidoglio, the masterpiece city hall square designed by
Michelangelo. And you'll appreciate unforgettable hilltop views of all
of Rome. Spend your afternoon as you choose. Your host will be pleased
to call a taxi to take you to your hotel, or recommend a restaurant
for lunch. Rome offers an endless array of temptations, and your only
problem will be choosing among them: a stroll on the Via del Corso,
shopping on the Via Condotti, browsing the Via delle Carrozze and the
Via della Croce. Of course, there's nothing as Roman as stopping for
a cappuccino at the Antico Caffč Greco in the heart of the Via Condotti.
Indulge yourself! For dinner, we can recommend typically Roman restaurants
near the Forum, the Colosseum, or in other parts of Rome. Your host
will be happy to discuss your preferences and write down some suggestions,
with full directions.
DAY
9 TREASURES OF THE VATICAN (B)
Your Roman host will once again call for you after breakfast at your
lodgings, to take you on a walking visit (or, as an option, by private
car) to Rome's universal masterpieces of religious art and architecture.
You'll travel together to the Vatican, and on the way, discuss the background
of this unique city-state as patron of the arts, temporal power, and
beacon of faith for millions worldwide. Your morning-and more, for there's
so much to see-will be devoted to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's
Basilica. Count on four hours for the visit. Of course, you'll see the
absolute musts for anyone visiting the Holy See, including Michelangelo's
ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, his Last Judgment over the altar,
and masterpieces by Raphael. You'll continue to St. Peter's Basilica,
the greatest church in the world by any measure, to view its grandeur
as a whole, and its individual treasures, from the Pietą by Michelangelo
to the Papal altar and Throne of St. Peter by Bernini. Afterward, a
horse-drawn carriage will convey you into the heart of Rome, to view
monuments and treasures from all eras, including Castel Sant'Angelo
and the Pantheon of the ancient empire, and the beloved Fontana de Trevi
and the Piazza di Spagna of more recent times. Once again, the remainder
of the day will be yours to spend as you choose, shopping or enjoying
the cuisine and street life of one of the world's most lively cities,
with recommendations by your guide.
DAY
10 DEPARTURE (B)
Your host will call for you after breakfast to arrange your onward travel
from Rome. Are you continuing by rail? You'll be escorted to Rome's
Termini station. Otherwise, you'll be accompanied to Fiumicino Airport
to catch your flight. Compare with the Triangle
of Ancient Lands : Egypt Greece Israel
Rate
per person in US $
| Weekly
: Apr-Oct |
First
Class Superior |
First
Class |
| In
Triple occupancy |
$3757.00 |
$
3560.00 |
| In
Double occupancy |
$
3827.00 |
$
3610.00 |
| In
Single occupancy |
$
4770.00 |
$
4540.00 |
Please
note that First Class Superior / First class applies to hotels in
Athens and Rome .
Outside of Athens : Nauplia , Delphi ,Olympia : Hotels used are Tourist
Class
Enchanting
Greece 7 days . Tour starts weekly in Athens, APR-OCT
Rates
include:
-
All transfer in Greece and Rome .
- Hotel
accommodation with tax, & continental breakfast daily.
- Seat
in a coach-group tours, with guided sightseeing as per itinerary Including
all entrance fees.
- Meals
as indicated, pre set menu: BLD = : Breakfast Lunch Dinner.
- Lonely
Planet Travel Guide books.
- Air
ticket in economy class Athens Rome including tax.
Not
included:
Sample
hotels in Athens :
Deluxe : Divani Palace Acropolis. Superior First : Electra
Palace. First Class : Stanley
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