DATES

March 8-18, 2017

PRICE

$3,545 - $3,895, all inclusive
Final tour price set by May 12, 2017

TO REGISTER 

Contact Mr. Sawyer
$600 deposit required by May 5, 2017

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike the Sacred Way to the Oracle of Apollo in Delphi
• Perform in an amazingly preserved theater in Epidavros
• Marvel at the golden grave goods of the Homeric kings
• Gaze out over Athens from the shadow of the Parthenon
• Race in the ancient stadium where the Olympics were born
• Swim in the Aegean Sea on three picturesque Greek islands
• Hike trough ruinous Medieval fortresses
• Discuss philosophy in the very same place as Socrates
• Visit the home of the ancient Spartans
• Explore a hidden 1,000 year old Orthodox monastery
• Enjoy the world’s best gyros and fresh, authentic cuisine
• Stay in beautiful, historic cities and mountain villages
• Travel with an engaging Greek-American tour guide

Days 1 & 2 – Depart USA, Arrive Greece
Arrive Athens and drive to the picturesque town of Nafplio, one of the most beautiful in all of Greece. In the evening we receive an orientation to Greece and enjoy dinner street-side before grabbing a gelato and walking along the picturesque harbor.

Day 3 – Palamidi Fortress, Epidavros, Mycenae
Today we explore the dramatic remains of the Medeival Palamidi Fortress and enjoy the stunning views before visiting Mycenae, home to King Agamemnon of the Trojan War, where we see the great golden remains of this once powerful civilization, hike the ancient citadel, descend into an ancient cistern, and explore the massive beehive tomb of Queen Clytemnestra. We then continue to the ancient healing center of Epidavros, where we have the opportunity to perform in an amazingly preserved ancient theater.

Day 4 – Mystras, Sparta
Today we hike through the haunting remains of the great Byzantine city of Mystras, explore 600 year old churches, and marvel at the exquisitely preserved frescoes. After summiting the fortified peak, we visit the ancient city state of Sparta. While little remains, we learn about this ancient warrior society in the shadow of the statue of King Leonidas.

Day 5 – Corinth
Departing Nafplio, we visit the important Roman colony of Corinth with its monolithic Temple of Apollo and impressive Roman artifacts. We then hike the abandoned ruins of a haunting Venetian fortification on the Acrocorinth. Leaving Corinth, we head to modern Olympia where we check into our hillside hotel above the ancient ruins of this important archaeological site.

Day 6 – Olympia
This unforgettable day begins at the Museum of the Olympic Games, which includes numerous interesting artifacts used by the athletes of the ancient athletic contests. We then visit the amazing Archaeological Museum of Olympia and see some of the best Greek sculpture preserved in the world. We then explore the serene archaeological site of Olympia where students can wrestle in the gymnasium and race in the ancient stadium. Departing Olympia, we enjoy a quick stop in the charming seaside town of Nafpaktos before continuing to the quaint mountain village of Delphi with beautiful views of the olive tree lined valley below.

Day 7 – Delphi, Monastery of Osios Loukas
Perched on the side of Mt. Parnassus, ancient Delphi was the most important Pan-Hellenic religious site in Greece. After touring the museum with finds spanning over a thousand years, we hike up the Sacred Way to the famous Oracle of Apollo. We then head to the Monastery of Osios Loukas, a 1,000 year old functioning Greek Orthodox monastery where we experience this ancient religion first hand. When continue onto Athens where we check into our hotel near the world famous Acropolis.

Day 8 – Athens
As the birthplace of democracy, drama, and philosophy, there is no other city in the Western tradition quite as important as Athens. We tour the Acropolis Museum, home to the famous Parthenon marbles, before visiting the Theater of Dionysus, the birthplace of drama and comedy where the great playwrites first premiered their plays. We then hike up the Acropolis to stand at the foot of the Parthenon, the greatest of ancient Greek temples, before visiting the Areopagus and the ancient Athenian Agora where we discuss the works of Plato in the very place where he taught over 2,000 years ago. We then allow time for shopping in the historic Plaka marketplace district.

Day 9 – Greek Island Cruise
Today we enjoy the quintessential Greek experience: sailing the crystal clear waters of the Aegean Sea to visit three picturesque Greek islands. The first island is Hydra, a quaint island that only uses donkeys for transportation. The next island is Poros, known for its picturesque harbor and winding, whitewashed alleyways. The final island is Aegina, where students can visit a Greek temple, peruse the local fish market, take a swim in the crystal clear waters, or enjoy their famous pistachios and pistachio gelato.

Day 10 – Athens
Today we visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest extant temple standing in Greece today. After a race in the first modern Olympic stadium, we visit the elaborate Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After lunch we visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to the greatest treasures of Ancient Greece before enjoying the stunning sunset views from the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounion. On our way back to Athens, we stop at a seaside taverna for a final, celebratory Greek feast.

Day 11 – Depart Athens
Fly back to the States with great memories and as lifelong Philhellenes