Classical Tour

1st day: Starting from Athens we drive westwards along the scenic coast of the Saronic Gulf, until we reach the Corinth canal with its breathtaking views (short stop). Shortly after we reach the Ancient town of Corinth (visit) where St . Paul lived and preached for two years. Back in ancient times Corinth was one of the richest cities and this is quite evident by its remains, including the huge Agora (market place) and Apollo's Temple (6th c. B.C.) Then drive on to Mycenae , the Homeric city of the Atreides - the city "rich in gold" of the ancient poets. (Visit the Lions Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, the Royal Tombs e.t.c.) Continue for Nafplion   through the fertile plain of Argolis and ancient Tiryns, (Set on a bluff in the centre of a plain, the fortress of Tiryns is a Cyclopean structure dating from the 13c BC, a well preserved masterpiece of ancient military architecture.) Overnight in Nafplion, in a traditional hotel, located on the top of the old city, just under the castle.

You can view my portfolio of photos at http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Nafplion

2nd day: Nafplion  (first capital city of Greece in modern time) the picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress. After breakfast in a beautiful veranda with the best view over the city, visit the castle of Palamidi and the acropolis of ancient Tiryns. Time for shopping in  Nafplion, where you will find many traditional shops and boutiques or enjoy a swim in the crystal waters under the castle. Later the afternoon leave for the hinterland of Epidavros to visit the sanctuary of Asklepios, the most brilliant centre of healing in the ancient world and the theatre (4th century B.C.) one of the most perfect and the best preserved of the ancient Greek theatres, famous for its acoustics.

You can view my portfolio of photos at http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Epidavros

3rd day: Leave Nafplion in the morning, through Central Peloponnese, we'll drive south by the scenic coast  of the Argolis Gulf, from the town of Astros we will turn to Central Peloponnese, (Arcadia), through the village of Agios Petros, (short stop -the village became capital city of Greece for 24 hours, short stop) and  Karies on the slopes of the mount. Parnon. Shortly we will arrive in Sparta, the modern town was developed in the reign of King Otto after 1834. Visit the archaeological site, the most important monuments of the side are: the Acropolis and the Theatre of Ancient Sparta.

 You can view my portfolio of photos at http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Sparta

4th day: Leave Sparta in the morning to visit the Medieval state of Mystras after through the mount Taygetos, 100km (62 miles) long and rising to a height of 2407 m (7897 feet), which separate the regions of Laconia and Messenia. Short stop on the top in a traditional tavern. Next to Kalamata and then via Megalopolis, Andritsaina and Vassae ( The most extra ordinary monument of the area is the very well  preserved temple of Epicurus Apollo, at Vassae) for Olympia (the cradle of the Olympic Games). Visit the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Museum the same day or next. Overnight in Olympia.

 You can view my portfolio of photos at http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Olympia

5th day: Further sightseeing of Olympia. Next we'll drive through Patras, Capital of Peloponnesus and take the Car-Ferry across the "Little Dardanelles - Half hour" from Rio to Antirio. Crossing the picturesque town of Nafpactos (This charming little city at the northwest end of the Gulf of Corinth was fortified by the Venetians in the 15C. Under its medieval name of Lepando it recalls the famous naval battle which took place in 1571 between the Christian fleet from Spain, Genoa, Naples, Malta and Venice with the Turkish fleet of Sultan Selim.- short stop) and from there through the scenic new road along the coast we'll arrive in Delphi . Visit in the evening the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and the Museum. Overnight in Delphi or Arachova, one of the most traditional villages in Greece.

You can view my portfolio of photos at http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Nafpactos and  http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Delphi

6th day:  Further sightseeing of Delphi, visit Castalia Spring and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaea. Return to Athens from the east side of Mount Parnassus, through small mountain villages and the ancient town of Chaeroneia (where took place in 338 BC the battle between the southern Greek cities and King of Greek Macedonians Phillip, in which Alexander then 18 years of age, was making his debut in battle), continue for Meteora, passing through, Lamia, typical towns and numerous picturesque villages of Central Greece. Stay overnight in Kalambaka, the closest village to Meteora with the best view or Trikala one of the nicest cities in Greece.

7th day: Visit Meteora, among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in Mid - Air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite specimens of Byzantine Art. Of the 24 monasteries that grew up between the 13^th and 16^th centuries only six are still inhabited: The Great Meteoron, Agia Triad, Agios Nikolaos and Varlaam by monks: Agios Stephanos and Roussanou by nuns. Return to Athens via Larissa, Lamia, Thermopile (where in 480 B.C. a battle between the ancient Greeks and Persians took place, visit the Leonida's Monument) and Kammena Vourla (last stop for coffee brake by the sea). Arrive in Athens in the evening.

You can view my portfolio of photos at http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Meteora-Monasteries