GREECE – A SYMBOL OF ANCIENT CULTURE

Athens Breakfast. You will explore Athens, the cradle of European civilization. You will see the neoclassical buildings of the University, the Academy, the Library, the Stadium, which was rebuilt in 1896 according to the original plan for the Modern Olympic Games. In Syntagma Square you will see the former Royal Palace, the current Parliament. In front of it is the Monument to the Unknown Warrior, guarded by two soldiers (Eusons) at all times. For 25 centuries the rocky hill of the Acropolis dominated for the panoramic view of the city. You will visit the ancient citadel of the Acropolis with its main buildings: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the magnificent Parthenon. You will head into the mainland of Greece. Overnight in Karditsa.

Meteora Breakfast. Today you will admire the "hanging" rocks. Meteora is one of the largest and most important monastic complexes of Greek Orthodoxy (under the auspices of UNESCO). The six monasteries are built on natural hard-to-reach rocks, resembling stone pillars in the northwestern part of the Thessalian plain. These monasteries represent a unique artistic achievement and are one of the most striking examples of the architectural transformation of a site into a place of solitude, meditation and prayer. Overnight in Karditsa.

Delphi Breakfast. You will head to the foot of Mount Parnassus to visit Delphi, a leading religious centre in Ancient Hellas. You will be impressed by the ruins of Delphi (under the auspices of UNESCO), the sanctuary of Apollo. Following the Sacred Way in the archaeological part you will pass by friezes and various monuments, you will pass the site of the Delphic oracle Pythia to reach the ruins of the temple of Apollo. You will see the Gymnasium, the Tholos, the Ancient Theatre. At the Archaeological Museum you will see a magnificent collection of statues, including the world famous Charioteer. You will continue to Itea. Overnight in the Itea area.

Olympia Breakfast. Heading towards the northern part of the Peloponnese you will reach Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and an eternal symbol of peace and cooperation between the world's nations. In the complex you will explore the famous archaeological excavations - the Temple of Zeus, which once housed the statue of Zeus made of gold and ivory (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), the original Stadium and the Vouleuterion, unique in history, where oaths were once sworn. The tour will take you to the world famous Archaeological Museum where you can enjoy many valuable exhibits, marble statues from the Temple of Zeus and the unique statue of Hermes, made by the ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles. Continue to the picturesque village of Lagadia. Overnight in the region of Lagadia.

Epidaurus - Mycenae - Corinth Canal Breakfast An important UNESCO World Heritage site is the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus. The world-famous theatre is one of the best preserved monuments of the ancient world. It has exceptional acoustics, holds 14,000 spectators and comes alive every summer with the Festival of Epidaurus, presenting ancient comedies and tragedies. Mycenae is one of the greatest cultural centers of ancient Greece. Mycenaean civilization played an important role in the development of classical Greek culture. The city is inextricably linked to Homer's epic The Iliad and The Odyssey. Reaching the walled city you will pass under the Lion Gate to enter the Mycenaean Acropolis. There are the six royal tombs discovered by Schliemann in 1876. You will visit the "Treasury of Atreus", the most magnificent and well-preserved arched Mycenaean tomb. Later you will cross the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean and Ionian seas. You will see the isthmus where ships were once towed overland from one sea to the other. Departure for Athens. Overnight in Athens.

Athens - Sunion Breakfast. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens holds some of the largest collections of antiquities in the world. You will visit Plaka, the old city. Monuments from different eras shape the appearance of this area. A few kilometres outside Athens, the cityscape leads us to unique sea views. The magnificent coastline with its blue-green waters and rocky coves teems with marinas. You will visit Cape Sunion, on which the Temple of Poseidon is located. Perched on the edge of a cliff 70 metres above the sea. Overnight in Athens.

Flight to Bulgaria Breakfast. Early transfer to the airport. Flight to Sofia.