Itinerary – Greek Art Escapade
Greek Art Escapade
Discover thousands of years of art and history in Greece. See astounding collections of priceless artifacts in Athens and visit both iconic archaeological sites like the Acropolis as well as lesser-known cultural treasures throughout the country. Become immersed in the history of this ancient land as you travel throughout its stunning landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Athens and enjoy some free time to relax and get acclimated to the city.
Day 2: Athens, the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum
Enjoy a full day tour of Athens, including a visit to the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum. This new Acropolis Museum has a total area of 25,000 square meters, with exhibition space of over 14,000 square meters, ten times more than that of the old museum on the Hill of the Acropolis.
Day 3: Athens – The Cycladic and National Museums
Join your professional guide on a day tour of the Cycladic Museum and the National Museum. Cycladic culture flourished on the islands of the central Aegean during the Early Bronze Age (3rd millennium BC). The MCA collection is one of the most comprehensive collections of Cycladic antiquities worldwide, comprising an astonishing variety of marble figurines and vessels, bronze tools and weapons, as well as pottery from all phases of the Early Cycladic period. The National Archeological Museum with a collection of more than 11,000 exhibits, provide a panorama of Greek civilization from the beginnings of Prehistory to Late Antiquity.
Day 4: Athens – Mycene – Epidaurus – Nafplio
Cross the Corinth Canal (Fotostop) to tour Mycenae. You will visit the archeological site and the museum in Mycenae. Then continue to visit a local artist and his workshop, then drive to Epidaurus and visit the famous theatre.
Day 5: Nafplio – Mystra – Olympia
Drive to Mystra and visit this mystical tower town, then continue to Olympia.
Day 6: Olympia – Delphi
Visit the great shrine of Olympia which was once home to the chryselephantine statue of Zeus, named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Then visit the museum of Olympia. Proceed over the new cable bridge to the mainland and Delphi.
Day 7: Delphi – Kalambaka Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo and the museum of Delphi, then proceed to Kalambaka.
Day 8: Kalambaka
Today you will visit the two monasteries of Meteora. Then you will visit a local Icon factory, where you can see how the monks paint the icons.
Day 9: Kalambaka – Vergina – Thessaloniki
After breakfast, drive to Vergina for a visit of the most important remains of the monumental palace of the Kingdom of Macedonia, lavishly decorated with mosaics and painted stuccoes, and the burial ground with more than 300 tumuli, some of which date from the 11th century B.C. One of the royal tombs is identified as that of Philip II, who conquered all the Greek cities, paving the way for his son Alexander and the expansion of the Hellenistic world. Optional lunch in Vergina. Then proceed to Thessaloniki for a panoramic tour.
Day 10: Thessaloniki – Athens
After breakfast, an exciting tour of the National Museum of Thessaloniki to explore the history of ancient Macedonia through important findings dating back to the end of 6th century B.C. Free time in the town and optional lunch in Thessaloniki, then drive back to Athens. Remainder of the day is free at leisure.
Day 11: Athens – Return
Say farewell to Greece and transfer to the airport for your return flight.