1, Pireos str., Athens, Tel.: , Fax:

Transcription

1 1, Pireos str., Athens, Tel.: , Fax: www. classicalhotels. com

2 Classical Acropol is a landmark building, designed by the distinguished Greek architect Emmanuel Vourekas. Marble and hardwood floors set the tone for the interior s sleek look, accented by Le Corbusier and Isamu Noguchi furniture in the lobby, and a wall sculpture by Dimitris Pikionis, who designed the Acropolis promenade. LOCATION Ideally located on the Omonia Square, Classical Acropol is in the heart of the business, shopping, restaurant and theatre district. It is within walking distance from the National Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis and most of Athens s sights and attractions. TRANSPORTATION Eleftherios Venizelos, Athens s splendorous new airport, is approximately 25 km from the Classical Acropol. The Athens metro and train are right outside the Hotel while the streets around Omonia Square are dotted with busses and trolley stops. The Concierge s desk is always at your disposal for anything that might be required. MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION FROM THE AIRPORT: The Athens International airport El. Venizelos is only 25 km from the hotel. BY BUS: Take bus Express E95 just outside the airport all the way to Syntagma square. BY METRO: Take the Suburban railway from the Airport and get off at Syntagma Station. Change to metro line 2 (Aghios Dimitrios Aghios Antonios) and get off at Omonia station. BY CAR: Exit the airport from the south gate and take Attiki Odos. At exit No 15 enter Leoforos Marathonos. This avenue changes name to Leoforos Mesogeion and then to Leoforos Vassilisis Sofias that brings you to Syntagma Square. Turn right to Panepistimiou Street and drive straight ahead to Omonia Square. GUEST ROOMS & SUITES Classical Acropol features 167 guest rooms. They are all sound proofed, fully air-conditioned and feature direct dial telephone with voice mail, satellite and Pay TV, radio, free wireless internet access, mini bar & maxi bar (suites only) and safety deposit box. Classical Guest Rooms: All guest rooms have a classic and contemporary style. Their 21 square meters of space, feature double soundproof windows and a working desk. The marble bathrooms come with shower cabin or bath tub, and are accompanied with lavish personal amenities. Executive Guest Rooms: The 33 square meters of the executive rooms comprise a comfortable sitting area as well as a separate bedroom. The working desk, as well as their marble bathrooms makes these 7 rooms ideally executive. GUEST SERVICES AND FACILITIES Indulge: Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) Concierge Services Multi-Lingual Staff Express laundry/dry cleaning service Baby Sitting Services (upon request) Non-Smoking Rooms Parking nearby Car Rental Metro Station across the Street RESTAURANTS & BARS Pireos 1 Simplicity done better. That is the principle we believe in, when we thought about the menu. The PIRE- OS 1 restaurant offers you Greek and International cuisine 7 days a week. The restaurant is open from to Lord Elgin Transport Co Enjoy cocktails, drinks and elegant snacks at the controversial bar located on the mezzanine floor over the reception desk. The bar is open from 1.00 to 01:00. 2 R o o m s, F o o d & B e v e r a g e in the Room: Exquisite Designers Fabrics King Size Beds & Twins Down Comforters and Pillows Working Desk Marble Bathrooms Make-up & Shaving mirror Hairdryer Luxurious Bathroom Amenities Slippers & terry bathrobe In-Room Safe deposit box Maxi bar & Refrigerator Direct-Dial Phone Voice Mail Free high speed Internet Access Satellite and Pay TV (movie channels) Hi-Fi CD & DVD Players Individual thermostat Controller Smoke detectors and Sprinkles Soundproofed windows 18-Hours Room Service Business Services: 24-Hours Business Centre Wireless Internet Access (Wi-Fi) Conference Hall Extensive Banquet facilities Laptop available Fax Photocopy machine Printer Secretarial services Recreation Sauna Steam Bath Fitness Centre

3 C o n f e r e n c e & B a n q u e t i n g CONFERENCE & BANQUETING All of 6 elegantly designed meeting and banquet rooms provide state-of-the-art facilities, for everything from a grand gala to full-scale business meeting. Catering at the Classical Acropol is defined by more than just a beautiful function space. It is defined by our ability to meet any need with style and creativity. Audio Visual Services & Equipment Public address system with wireless hand-held and tie-clip microphones, table-top microphones, speaker microphones Simultaneous interpretation system fulfilling the European Union specifications T.V. monitors / PLASMA / Proscreens Tape recording (single or double) and in-print publication Camera video projectors Data video projectors Front & Back projection screens Personal Computers & peripheral, Laptops Video players DVD players Wired or wireless voting system Video conference Satellite links Videowalls Flipcharts Technical secretariat, Fax & laser printers Stage lighting & special lighting effects Stage scenery designing. 3

4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES Acropolis The greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated primarily to its patron, the goddess of wisdom Athena, dominates the centre of the modern city from the rocky crag known as the Acropolis. Thanks to the vision and subsequent aggressive project known as The Unification of Archaeological Sites, the area surrounding the Acropolis has been beautified into Europe s largest archaeological park; a network of paved pedestrian-only pathways filled with green-topped hills, historically significant ancient ruins and renovated 19th century neoclassical buildings. A stroll in this most unique open air museum and ecological park is sure to be a memorable one. The entrance to the Acropolis begins at the Propylaia, a single building with two wings that was used as the official entrance to the Parthenon. The Propylaia were built between 437 B.C. and 432 B.C. and can be credited to the renderings of architect Mnesicles. The Propylaia lead you to the Parthenon, the ruins of which still dominate the centre of the Acropolis and undoubtedly the most recognised monument and symbol of Athens past and present. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon, made of Pentelic marble and of the Doric order, was designed by architects Iktinos and Kallikrates during the period B.C. Inside the archaeological site, discover one of the most important museums in the world, the Acropolis Museum with priceless works of art, such as the east pediment of the Parthenon, the Caryatids, the frieze from the Temple of Athena Nike, and the rooms housing works by the sculptor, Pheidias. Pnyx - Ancient Agora - Temple of Athena The Pnyx is unspectacular. It is a small hill surrounded by parkland, with a large flat platform of eroded stone set into its side. The Pnyx was used for popular assemblies in Athens as early as 507 BC, when the reforms of Cleisthenes transferred political power to the citizens. It looks down on the Ancient Agora, the commercial and social centre of the city. At this site all the great political struggles of Athens of the Golden Age were fought out. Statesmen such as Pericles, Aristides and Alcibiades would have spoken here regularly, with the Parthenon, Temple of Athena, the city s protective goddess, looking down on their deliberations. Philopappou Hill The Hill of the Muses, south-west of the Acropolis and with a view that sweeps from the Saronic Gulf to the Argolic Hills, is now known as Philopappou Hill. From here you are almost at eye-level with the Acropolis and you have a breathtaking view of the Parthenon. Below, the city stretches out for miles around, extending to the mountains of Parnitha and Imittos. The monument in memory of the Roman Gaius Ioulius Antiochus Philopappos, a benefactor of the town, was put on the top of the hill in 115 AD. Theatre of Dionysos Cut into the southern cliff face of the Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysos is the birthplace of Greek tragedy and was the first theatre built of stone. Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes all had their plays performed here, during the dramatic contests of the annual City Dionysia festival, when it was little more than a humble wood-and-earth affair. Theatre of Herodes Atticus This small Roman theatre seats 5,000 spectators and is still in use today. Built by the Roman consul Herodes Atticus between AD 161 and 174, in memory of his wife, the shape was hollowed out of the rocks on the southern slope of the Acropolis. The Arch of Hadrian A monumental gateway resembling in some respects - a Roman triumphal arch. It spanned an ancient road from the center of Athens to the complex of structures on the eastern side of the city that included the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It has been proposed that the arch was built to celebrate the adventus (arrival) of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and to honor him for his many benefactions to the city, on the occasion of the dedication of the nearby temple complex in 131 or 132 CE. The Temple of Olympian Zeus The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion, is a Greco- P l a c e s o f I n t e r e s t Roman temple in the centre of Athens, southeast of the Acropolis. Begun in the 6th century BC, it was not completed until the reign of the Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. In was at that time the largest temple in Greece. OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST Syntagma Square (Constitution Square) Syntagma Square is located in central Athens, Greece. The Square was named after the Constitution which King Otto was forced to grant the people after a popular and military uprising, on September 3, Syntagma Square is also the frequent site of political demonstrations. The Greek Parliament is just across Amalias Avenue to the East, and is surrounded by the extensive National Gardens, which are open to the public. Around Syntagma, there are many tourist shops, airline offices, banks, restaurants and first class hotels. The Square is also located near many of Athens oldest and most famous neighborhoods and tourist attractions. Plaka It is the oldest section of Athens and the most popular and picturesque area, expanded to the North and East of the Acropolis. The district of Plaka is a gloriously exotic labyrinth of alleys, winding streets and stairs lined with C19th neo-classical houses and mansions, with beautifully decorated tiled roofs. Most of them are restored accommodating museums, restaurants or shops. Plaka district is almost completely pedestrianised and contains the famous flea market around Monastiraki Square, ancient sites and small museums of traditional and popular culture. Monastiraki It is one of the most vivid and busy areas in downtown Athens. It is ideal for walking or shopping day and night. Psirri, Theseion and Kerameikos Three of the most hip and artsy parts of town where Athenians and travel-savvy visitors choose to hang out. Centred around Technopolis, (the original gas works plant in Athens) Gazi, which means gas in Greek, fuels artists inspiration as is apparent by the area s many galleries, lofts, ethnic and contemporary restaurants, cafés and bars. Don t miss the largest and

5 P l a c e s o f I n t e r e s t busiest outdoor marketplace in Athens where butchers and sellers of produce compete for your attention by displaying fresh fish, meat, vegetables, herbs and spices and calling out their competitive prices. Lycabettus The hill of Lycabettus offers a unique sight of Attica s peninsula with Athens, Piraeus and the Saronicos golf. The St George s church on Lycabettus is a traditional 19th century building. You can reach the hill either on foot following the stairs, or by car taking the road that leads to the theatre of Lycabettus. During the summer, the Lycabettus theatre hosts various theatrical performances and concerts. Panathenaic Stadium The Panathenaic Stadium (also known as the Kallimarmaron) in Athens is the only major stadium in the world built fully of white marble (from Mount Penteli). In ancient times it was used to host the athletic portion of the Panathenaic Games in honour of the Goddess Athena. During classical times the stadium had wooden seating. It was remade in marble by the archon Lycurgus in 329 BC and was enlarged and renovated by Herodes Atticus in 140 AD, to a capacity of 50,000. IMPORTANT MUSEUMS National Archaeological Museum The National Archaeological Museum is a must to visit. One of the richest museums concerning ancient Greek art in the world, its collections are representative of all the cultures that flourished in Greece: from the prehistoric age until the later age of Turkish dominance, including frescoes from prehistoric Thera and statues from the classical period, such as a bronze statue of Poseidon. Greece s most important collection of ancient statues, pottery and fragments. National Historical Museum Relics and rare historical evidence and documents relating to modern Greek history, such as weapons used by revolutionaries that fought the Greek War of Independence are here. It is the oldest museum of its kind and it includes rich collections, which highlight the most representative phases of Neo-Hellenism from the fall of Constantinople (15th Century) onwards. The museum is also a research centre for modern Greek history. Byzantine and Christian Museum A veritable treasure trove of Byzantine and post-byzantine art and culture. Over more 25,000 artefacts, drawn from the entire Greek world and other territories where the Hellenic spirit flourished, organized into collections that date from the 3rd to the 20th century. The Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos Newly refurbished, this museum displays some of the ancient world s most significant findings from excavations of the area in which it is housed. The primary findings, objects directly related to the cemetery offer profound insight into the burial customs of ancient Athens. Artefacts include funerary urns and monuments and grave offerings. The museum s collection also includes excellent examples of pottery. Benaki Museum This group of collections comprises many distinct categories totalling more than items illustrating the character of the Greek world through a spectacular historical panorama: from antiquity and the age of Roman domination to the medieval Byzantine period; from the fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the centuries of Frankish and Ottoman occupation; to the outbreak of the struggle for independence in 1821; from the formation of the modern state of Greece in 1830, up to 1922, the year in which the Asia Minor disaster took place. Cycladic & Ancient Greek Art An extensive and unique private collection of prehistoric art from the Cycladic islands as well as ancient Greek and Byzantine art. Numismatic Museum The Numismatic Museum of Athens, with a history going back to 1829, is one of the few of its kind in the world and the only such museum in the Balkans. It provides continuous educational support for Hellenism in terms of numismatics, history and art history with a collection of approximately 6,000 coins covering the ancient Greek world, the Roman and Byzantine periods, western Mediaeval times and modern times. The building that houses the museum, Iliou Melathron, is to be appreciated for its design by architect Ernest Ziller, who is credited with designing over 500 buildings in Greece. Greek Folk Art Museum A rich collection of Greek folk art dating from 1650 until today including works of embroidery, weaving, costumes, masquerades, silver, metals, pottery, wood carvings and stone carvings. The 5 museum s annexes include: the Tzidaraki Mosque (the museum s original location), where the V. Kyriazopoulos Collection of Folk Pottery is now housed and the building at Kyrrestou 8, known as the Baths of Athena. The newest building at Panos 22, in Plaka, features historic items from various Greek trade professions of the 19th and 20th century. National Art Gallery- Alexandros Soutzos Museum The National Art Gallery is one of Greece s main art institutions and features paintings and works of art from some of Greece s and Europe s best from the 19th and 20th centuries. Emphasis is given to popular Greek contemporary artists including Giannis Tsarouchis, Domenikos Theotokopoulos (a.k.a. El Greco), Theodors Vrizakis, Nikolaos Kounelakis, Nikiforos Litras, Konstantinos Parthenis, Maleas, Giannis Moralis and others. Jewish Museum of Greece More than 7,000 objects depicting 2,300 years of Jewish life in Greece is depicted in thematic exhibits here. They include the history of the Greek- speaking Romaniote Jews (whose presence in Greece goes back to the 3rd century B.C.), the Holocaust and the Jewish participation in the Greek War of Independence. The War Museum Collection of mementos and historic items document the struggles for freedom of the Greek nation from ancient times to the present. SHOPPING DOWNTOWN Shopping in downtown Athens (the Commercial Triangle as called by the locals) is an exciting experience with bigand small shops and boutiques clustered around and along Ermou St. - the capital s ever popular downtown walkway, sophisticated Stadiou St. (we recommend the largest department store in the centre of Athens, CityLink), classy Voukourestiou St., traditional Pandrossou walkway and elegant Mitropoleos Str. You may find anything, from small decoration items of convenient prices to well-known designer s creations Plaka and Monastiraki remain open until late in the evening as well as all day Sunday. ATHENS NIGHTLIFE Psiri, just north of Plaka, is Athens busiest nightlife area. Restaurants, cafes, bars and ouzeries (bars serving maze and ouzo, plus beer and wine) line the streets between Ermou Street, Athinas Street and Monastiraki. A variety of music clubs cater to all tastes - from Latin grooves to Greek rock to traditional Rembetika music. In summer, there are live outdoor concerts and performing arts events in Herod Atticus Theatre and on Lycabettus Hill. The Megaro Concert Hall is the city s leading performing arts centre with regular classical concerts, theatres and opera performances from touring international. EXCURSIONS NEAR ATHENS Half-day Ancient Corinth Leave Athens and drive South West until you reach the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. Drive on

6 P l a c e s o f I n t e r e s t and visit the Ancient town of Corinth where St. Paul lived and preached for two years. The remains of the city, which includes the Agora (Market Place) and Apollo s Temple (6th Century B.C.) clearly shows how rich and important Corinth was in Ancient times. Half day - Poseidon Temple Sounio - Sunset This is a journey into the past. The journey is along the beautiful Athens coastal road through Glyfada and Vouliagmeni and Varkiza districts where many Athenians live and enjoy the seaside areas. Then out along the winding coastal of the Saronic Gulf, until you reach the Temple of Poseidon. Here guides will regale you with the woeful tale of Poseidon, a heart-rending story, which you will enjoy as the sunsets in its natural colourful magnificence. It is sadness and beauty all in one; you cannot fail to be moved by the experience. It is also a great place for those who love photography. One-Day Delphi Excursion One of the favourites from Athens. This is almost a journey, which cannot be missed, as your trip to Greece would be incomplete without it. Passing by Thebes (the tragedy of King Oedipus) and to the pretty town of Levadia. Then on to Arachova which is famous for its hand woven rugs, arriving in Delphi, set amongst one of the largest Olive groves in Greece. The road leading up to Delphi is lined with colourful blooms of broom and Daphne. Delphi is considered to be the Omphalos, the navel, or centre of the ancient world. The ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios, the Temple of Apollo and the treasury of the Athenians are in exceptionally good condition despite the vagaries of time and weather of the thousands of years. It is indeed a delight. The shops on the roadside provide an amazing variety of honey, nuts, sweets and herbs, which you can buy. One-Day Argolis Trip On the way to Argolis one passes through the Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. A short stop here will allow you to see the narrow canal, and maybe you will be lucky and see one of the passenger ships or cargo ships being tenderly guided through. Then on to Mycenae, the Homeric city of the Atreides (the city of gold) of ancient poets, see the Lion s Gate and the Cyclopean Walls and the Royal Tombs. Then continue to the seaside resort of Nafplion and to Argolis nestling at the foot of the Palmidi Fortress atop the cliffs. Following is the Epidavros village and the most wonderful site of the Epidavros Theater. Created in the 4th Century B.C., this amazing theater is still in operation to this day and it is considered to be the peak of an actor/actress carreer to perform on this hallowed site. The acoustics are still phenomenal to this day. CRUISES AND YACHTING 3 Island - One-day cruise to the Saronic islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra is available with departures daily from the marina terminal in Paleo Faliron & Piraeus. Departures are usually at 8.00 and at around the ships return. The cruise ships also have spacious sun decks, restaurants, bars and some even offer a swimming pool Day Cruises If there is more time for the tourist while in Greece, there is also three, four and seven days cruises available throughout the Greek Islands. ATHLETICS SPORTS FACILITIES Greece has a long tradition in athletics. A variety of spectator sports and recreation await the visitor to Athens. Soccer heads the list as the nation s favourite sport followed by basketball and volleyball. Track and field is also popular. Most of the National Tourist Organization of Greece (EOT) public beaches and swimming pools in the Athens area offer full sea sports facilities such as dressing rooms, piers, canoes, pedalo, fields for various games, tennis courts, volley and basketball courts, children s playgrounds, a pavilion, pastry shop, snack-bar, restaurant, self service and discos. CLIMATE Indicative temperatures MONTH LOW HIGH JANUARY 10 C 13 C FEBRUARY 10 C 14 C MARCH 10 C 16 C APRIL 11 C 20 C MAY 15 C 25 C JUNE 20 C 30 C JULY 22 C 33 C AUGUST 22 C 34 C SEPTEMBER 19 C 29 C OCTOBER 15 C 23 C NOVEMBER 11 C 18 C DECEMBER 8 C 15 C BEACHES Yabanaki Beach Park-Varkiza Tel.: Thalassea-Voula Tel.: WATER SKIING Vouliagmeni Bay: School, Tel.: School, Tel.: School, Tel.: Varkiza: School, Tel.: DIVING For information on submarine activities with driver s breathing apparatus and depressuring chambers can be given from the Hellenic Federation of Underwater Activities, Aghios Kosmas, Ellinikon. GOLFING In Greece, a lot of golf courses have been developed all over the country. The most of them provide everything the discerning golfers could wish for and guarantee unforgettable sunshine golfing holidays. The golf club of, which is considered to be among the finest in Europe. GLYFADA GOLF COURSE in Athens, Tel.: , Fax: Open all year round. TENNIS Most beaches in the Athens area have tennis courts, which can be used by tourists. Other courts in the Athens area 6 can be found at the following places: ATHENS TENNIS CLUB 2 Vas. Olga Ave., Athens, Tel: PANELLINIOS GYMNASTIC CLUB 26, Mavromateon St., Athens, Tel: TRANSPORTATION WITHIN ATHENS If you are in a hurry, the best way to get around the centre of Athens is with a taxi, which can be flagged down from any street corner. Taxi fares are still among the cheapest in the world. Taxis Taxis are plentiful, but avoid them during rush hours ( ) when they are difficult to obtain. Also make sure you flag down one in an area where the cab can stop without causing traffic circulation problems, otherwise it won t stop. Trains Information about train service throughout Greece and for destinations abroad by rail can be obtained from the Greek Railway Organization (OSE), the main headquarters of which is near Omonia Square. Metro The Metro / subway runs from to midnight daily. Tickets must be purchased before entering the train and must be cancelled before entry. The line operates from the Athens northern suburb of Kifissia to the port of Pireaus, with stops in between at major areas of Athens. Only a small portion of the journey is underground thus offering an excellent opportunity to see much of the Athens metropolitan area. Bus City buses an inexpensive way of travelling. A ticket for all buses and trolleys cost 0.50 for a single journey. They can be bought in all metro stations and at about news stands. Public transport to Athens and the port of Pireaus is provided by express airport bus connections 24 hours a day. AIRPORT Designed for the 21st Century, Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is connected to the national road network via a new 6- lane motorway link. Aiming to serve both passengers and the general public, the new airport offers abroad selection of stores and an extensive assortment of merchandise. Tel.: PORT During the summer tourist season, most boats towards the Greek islands are full. Boat connections are frequent between the islands during the summer. Hydrofoils serving the nearby islands of the Saronic Gulf and the Peloponnesian coast leave from the port of Piraeus and Zea port. Tel.: CITY ESSENTIALS Electricity-220V Ac, 50Hz Visas- Au/Eu/Us none Dialing code +30 national (210 city) Health- no vaccinations needed Tab water is safe to drink however for visitors the consumption of bottled water is recommended Money - euro