Tours

11.5.2019 / 08:30 – 18:30 Participants + Acc.Persons

Excursion to the ancient Asclepeion of Epidaurus archeological site.

The tour will begin at 08:30 from Athens heading to Epidaurus. You will first pass by the Isthmus of Corinth, heading to the Baths of the beautiful Helen. There you will have the chance to spare some time to explore the Epidaurus Theater, the small Epidaurus museum, the wrestling arena known as “Palestra” as well as the famous Asclepeion. By the time you will have enjoyed the beauties of Epidaurus, you will head to have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch we will visit a forest recreation area with forest paths to walk in nature. Then you begin your way back to Athens. The trip from Epidaurus to Athens lasts about 2 hours and you are expected to be back to Athens at 18:30.”

Start a walk from the Ancient Stadium (about 1½ hours) in the historic path.

PLEASE NOTE:

– Walking shoes recommended.

– Take some water and snack with you!

The “Culture Paths” program in Epidaurus is being implemented with the kind sponsorship of the AG Foundation Leventis and includes the signaling of a series of 8 routes, walking and cycling. In addition, at the Epidaurus ancient theater, there we will be 2 oral presentations by:

• of Medicine, Dr. Geroulanos about Hippocratic therapies in Ancient Asclepeion,
• of Archaeology Dr. Labrinoudakis about the Structure, Functions and Organization of ancient Greek Ancient Asclepeion.

11.5.2019 / 08:30 – 18:30 Participants + Acc.Persons

*Minimum number of Participants: 15

9.5.2019 / 08:00 – 19:00 / Acc. persons only

AEGINA: The largest and most important island in the Saronic Gulf, inhabited since the 2nd millennium B.C. Aegina has a very rich past and a fascinating present. The Temple of Aphaia is arguably the jewel in the crown of Aegina island, wander around Paleachora, visit the archeological site of Kolona. One of the most visited sites on Aegina is the church of Agios Nektarios. Agios Nektarios of Aegina (1846-1920), is one of the most widely known Greek Orthodox Saints. He was officially recognized as a saint by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1961. Each month, thousands of people visit the tomb of Agios Nektarios, to pray to him, or ask for his blessings, which always seem to be answered. His memory is celebrated by the Church on his nameday the 9th November. The island is also famous for its pistachio groves, on which is based its economy. They are called in Greek: “Fistikia”. The harvest of the pistachios is celebrated every year in September with “The Aegina Fistiki Festival”. The Aegina Fistiki Fest is a-4-day festival in September with lots of food, music, dance, theatre & art. In the port itself, you will see the typical fish market and the very colorful floating fruit and vegetable market.

POROS: The smallest of the three islands, separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strait. A very green island covered with pine trees and lemon trees. You will walk around its small and narrow streets and go up to the clock-tower to admire the panoramic view. The entire island gives a valuable sense of mind and body relaxation. The Town, constructed on the slopes of a hill, is the center of most activities on the island. Askeli, Love Bay and Neorio are organized beaches in Poros island, while there are nice secluded coves around the island to enjoy your privacy. In the evenings, head to the main town and enjoy a dinner at the many restaurants that line up the waterfront. An interesting sight to visit during your Poros holidays is the historical Monastery of Zoodohos Pighi above Askeli. Over the last years, the island has developed as a departure point for sailing trips to the Saronic Gulf.

HYDRA: Hydra is the most impressive island in the Argo Saronic Gulf. Due to its close distance to Athens, it gets very popular as a summer weekend destination. One of the most cosmopolitan islands, the favorite of the international Jet-Set. This little place is great for hiking as hiking paths lead to old mansions and monasteries in the countryside. The town is constructed on the slopes of a hill around a port and impresses visitors at first sight with the elegant stone mansions. Wander through its narrow streets, admire the unique architecture of its houses, have a swim in its crystal clear waters, shop in its famous jewellery and popular art boutiques. The special thing about Hydra island is that cars and other motor vehicles are entirely prohibited in all the island, so all transport is done on foot, by boat or riding the donkey. Beaches on the island are actually small coves with crystal water and green surroundings. Agios Nikolaos, Bitsi, Vlichos and Kaminia are the most beautiful beaches on the island.

 

9.5.2019 / 08:00 – 19:00 / Acc. persons only

10.5.2019 / 09:00 – 13:00 / Acc. persons only

Depart for a wonderful drive along the scenic coastal road which affords a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf. A crowning feature of the tour in Cape Sounion, dominated by the spectacular 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon (god of the sea) overlooking the Aegean Sea. The temple is located on the top of the cliff overlooking the Saronic Gulf, and on a clear day, you can see seven Greek islands. There are stories about the ship of King Menelaus who stopped briefly at Sounio on his way back from Troy; or about the unfortunate King Aegeus who drowned himself on that spot and the Aegean Sea got named after him; or about the people who built a temple using local marble to honour the god of the sea and safeguard the profits from the neighbouring Lavrio mines.

There are two sanctuaries present on the cape: the sanctuary of Poseidon and the sanctuary of Athena; two gods that were held in high esteem by the ancient Athenians. The promontory that’s home to the Temple of Poseidon is surrounded completely by the blue sea (except the north approach to the site), and it’s perhaps the only site where one can really comprehend the importance of seafaring in ancient Greece. On the low hill to the north, you will see the Temple of Athena Sounias. The site is in complete ruins, with few building foundations and scattered marbles betraying that it was an important site of worship. A second, smaller temple on the site is associated with either Artemis or the hero Phrontis.

The drive to and from Sounion takes you through some of the most beautiful and upscale suburbs of Athens. Lunch at a local restaurant.

10.5.2019 / 09:00 – 13:00 / Acc. persons only

8.5.2019 / 13:00 – 17:00 / Participants + Acc. persons

From the Acropolis to Omonia Square, with the half-day sightseeing and Acropolis museum tour. You’ll see all the famous sites of ancient and modern Athens on this comprehensive morning tour. Offering a perfect overview of the modern city, this guided tour will help you get your bearings if this is your first visit to Athens.
The Athens half-day tour departs for a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus. You will then pass the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Continue passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arc, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral, Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church, and finally ACROPOLIS (visit Propylae, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens).
Continue the expert-guided Athens sightseeing and museum tour with a pleasant short walk passing by Herodion and Dionysos Theater, in order to visit the ACROPOLIS museum. Its seamless modern lines elegantly incorporate artifacts exclusively from the Acropolis, and excavations are also visible under glass floors and walkways. The marbled surviving treasures are impressively displayed with the use of natural light, situated on a modernist open layout. Panoramic views top the experience. Avoid and skip the lines of the new museum. Main attractions such as votives, artifacts of everyday life, statues from archaic period, Caryatids, and of course the Parthenon hall with the metopes, the pediments and the frieze will impress you.

8.5.2019 / 13:00 – 17:00 / Participants + Acc. persons

10.5.2019 / 09:00 – 13:00 / Acc. persons only

The Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum

This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city.

Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop).

Continue and pass by the Prime Minister’s residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma).

On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts order in the mind”, the Parthenon.

Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum

8.5.2019 / 08:45 – 13:30 / For Participants and Accompanying persons