ESCORTED FAMILY ADVENTURE IN THE PELOPONNESE & CYCLADES OF GREECE AUGUST 17 30, 2014
Itinerary Overview Join this special Family Adventure led by Greece Program Director, Laura Finkelstein, and her son, Benjamin (age 11). Greece is a haven for families here you can climb to hill-top ancient temples and pretend you are Zeus or Athena, hike through beautiful river caverns, kick around a soccer ball with other children in the white-washed island streets, and swim in the warm August waters of the Aegean Sea. Explore many amazing ancient sites such as the Parthenon and Delphi. Spend several days in the Peloponnese peninsula, home to Olympia and many archeological wonders of Greece as well as lovely rivers and stone-paved mountain villages. Spend several days in the lovely Cyclade Islands famous for their picturesque houses and crystal waters. On the islands we will enjoy afternoons on the beach as well as walks past shepherds and farms, and a visit to Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Adults and children alike will enjoy the welcome they will receive in Greece, the chance to see historic temples up close, the delicious cuisine and the comfort of a guided small group adventure. DAY DATE OVERNIGHT HOTEL MEALS HIGHLIGHTS 1 2 Sun, Aug 17, 2014 Mon, Aug 18 ATHENS Hotel Philippos D NAFPLIO Hotel Ippoliti BLD Transfer in. Guided stroll in Plaka with welcome dinner. Visit Parthenon, Panathinaikon stadium and ancient sites of Athens. Drive to Nafplio; climb to Palamidi Castle. 3 Tues, Aug 19 NAFPLIO Hotel Ippoliti BL Visit ancient Mycenae and theater of Epidaurus. Beach time in afternoon. 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Wed, Aug 20 Thurs, Aug 21 Friday, Aug 22 Sat, Aug 23 Sun, Aug 24 Mon, Aug 25 Tues, Aug 26 Wed, Aug 27 Thurs, Aug 28 Friday, Aug 29 Sat, Aug 30 DIMITSANA VILLAGE Koustenis Hotel BLD ILIA, OLYMPIA Hotel Pelops BLD ILIA, OLYMPIA Hotel Pelops BL GALAXIDI Archontiko Hotel BLD RAFINA Avra Hotel BL TINOS Hotel Onar BLD TINOS Hotel Onar BLD MYKONOS Hotel Carbonaki BLD MYKONOS Hotel Carbonaki BL ATHENS Hotel Philippos BD DEPARTURE Hike Lousios Gorge between two monasteries. Drive to Dimitsana mountain village. Travel to remains of Temple of Apollo Epikourios. Enjoy river trekking in the Neda river. Wander in the classical site for the Olympics to see ancient temples. Beach time in afternoon. Drive to Delphi on the mainland over the new Rio-Anitio Bridge along the Corinthian Gulf. Visit Nafpaktos town and castle. Tour Delphi, a major site for worship of Apollo and home of a famous oracle. Visit Arachova village for lunch. Transfer to the dock for the early ferry to Tinos island in the Cyclades. Free afternoon at the beach. Cooking class in the morning then walk back to town with views of Aegean and country. Visit Pyrgos village famous for green marble. Walk to Panormas for lunch and swim before taking ferry to Mykonos. Ferry to Delos island, mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and center of Cyclades. Free afternoon. Free day in Mykonos until transfer to ferry terminal and then to Athens. Farewell dinner. Transfer to airport for departure. -2-
Itinerary in Detail DAY 1: ARRIVE IN ATHENS Receive a warm welcome after passing through customs and transfer to your hotel. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby in the late afternoon and stretch your legs on a stroll through the streets of the Plaka district and welcome dinner. Plaka is the district just beneath the Acropolis and is famous for its neoclassical architecture. It is a lively area a number of picturesque tavernas, music performances and an active street life. Overnight Plaka District of Athens [D] DAY 2: ATHENS NAFPLIO Enjoy the grand classical sites of Athens including the Acropolis, Constitution Square, Panathinaikon Stadium, where the first Olympic games of the modern era were held in 1896, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian s Arch and the New Acropolis Museum. The Parthenon, the greatest and finest sanctuary of ancient Athens, dedicated to its patron, the goddess Athena, dominates the center of the modern city from the hill known as the Acropolis. The monuments of the Acropolis - the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike - stand in harmony with their natural setting. These unique masterpieces of ancient architecture combine different orders and styles of classical art in a most innovative manner and have influenced art and culture for many centuries. The Acropolis of the fifth century BC is the most accurate reflection of the splendor, power and wealth of Athens at its greatest peak, the golden age of Pericles. The temple, dedicated to the Athena Parthenos, was constructed in 15 years. The Parthenon architectural sculptures, namely the metopes, frieze and pediments, were made of Pentelic marble and embellished with metal attachments and paint. After lunch, we will drive to Peloponnese and the first capital of Greece, Nafplio. Explore the town by walking among the picturesque alleys and climbing the 999 steps of Palamidi Castle. Overnight Nafplio [BLD] DAY 3: MYCENAE EPIDAURUS We will spend our day exploring some of the best preserved and world-known sites of Greece: Epidavre and Mycenae. Mycenae is intrinsic to the works of Homer, the 9 th -century BC poet. Enter the Mycenean citadel through the Lion's Gate that dates back to 1350 1200 BC. Wander through the remaining ruins to admire the enormous Cyclopean walls, still a wonder how they were created. Just outside the walls, do not forget to visit the vault-shaped tombs of Lions, Aegisthus and Clytaemnestra, and the Treasury of Atreus. Also visit the third-century theater of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved classical Greek structures renowned for its superb acoustics. Epidavre was created in honour of the God of Medicine, Asklepios, son of Apollo and Coronis. In its glory, sick people came on a pilgrimage to the shrine to spend the night in the hope that Asklepios would appear in their dreams with a diagnosis and a prescription. Asklepios could not only heal the living, but also raise the dead to life to such an extent that Hades from the underworld complained. At the end of the day, enjoy a refreshing swim in a nearby beach. Overnight Nafplio [BL] -3-
DAY 4: HIKE LOUSIOS GORGE DIMITSANA Today we drive towards central Peloponnese for a hike from the Monastery of Filosofou to the Monastery of Prodromou. This interesting trek combines history with nature amongst trails of dense vegetation following and criss-crossing the Lousios River. During our hike, we will visit the monasteries, taste local delicacies, and visit the Krifo Sholio, Hidden Schools, the well-hidden schools that were used during Turkish occupation by the Greeks to educate their children. The monasteries appear to be literally hanging from the cliffs. The end of the trek is the archaeological site of ancient Gortys. This is one of the most stirring of all Greek sites as it is based along the rushing river known in ancient times as the Gortynios. Following the trekking, enjoy flying fox activity for more fun! Later, drive to the mountain village of Dimitsana with stone-made buildings and stone-paved alleys. Overnight Dimitsana [BLD] DAY 5: BASSAE RIVER WALK OLYMPIA Our day will start with another journey through history. The territory of Bassae is located between Arcadia, Triphylia and Messenia, on the western slopes of Mt. Kotilion near the ancient city of Phigaleia. The mountain is scored with ravines (vassai), which give the place its name. In this bare, rocky landscape, 1131 meters above sea level, the people of Phigaleia founded a sanctuary in honor of Apollo. A sacred road connected the sanctuary with the city, nearly thirteen kilometers away. The sanctuary was dominated by one of the most imposing monuments of ancient Greece: the Temple of Apollo Epikourios, whose cult was established in the late eighth century BC. The god was given the surname 'epikourios', either because he was thought to have helped the Phigaleians in their struggle against Sparta in 659 BC, or because he prevented the plague from spreading during the Peloponnesian War. Apollo is also named 'vassitas' in an inscription from this site. On the same location, we will refresh ourselves in Neda, the only river in Greece with female name. The crossing takes place in the most spectacular part of the gorge passing through stone bridges, narrow cliffs, underwater caves and impressive waterfalls. We will walk along the riverbanks and inside the river. At some parts the gorge is very narrow and we will have to swim. Total walking time is about 4 hours. The river trek ends in a place with natural river pools under a spectacular waterfall, a really fun paradise for anyone wishing to swim. Drive to the town near to Olympia, where we will spend the night. Overnight Ilia [BLD] DAY 6: OLYMPIA In the morning, visit the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia. The Ancient Olympic Games were a series of athletic competitions held for representatives of various city-states of Ancient Greece. Records indicate that they began in 776 BC in Olympia and were usually held every four years. During a celebration of the Games the Olympic Truce was enacted to enable athletes to travel from their countries to Olympia in safety. The prizes for the victors were laurel wreaths and palm branches. Only men of Greek origin were allowed to participate. -4-
The archaeological site of Olympia includes the sanctuary of Zeus and the many buildings erected around it, such as athletic premises used for the preparation and celebration of the Olympic Games, administrative buildings and other lay buildings and monuments. The Altis occupies the center of the site and was a sacred enclosure with temples, cult buildings and treasuries, occupies the centre of the site. The Classical Temple of Zeus and the earlier Temple of Hera dominate the Altis. Ancient Olympia is included on the UNESCO S World Heritage List. After lunch, we will relax by the beach and again spend the night in Olympia. Overnight Ilia [BL] DAY 7: OLYMPIA GALAXIDI We depart for our journey in the Greek mainland to Delphi. We cross the newly constructed Rio-Antirio Bridge and drive along the Corinthian gulf. En route, we will visit Nafpaktos town and castle and drive onwards to the seaside town of Galaxidi for a picturesque walk in town and of course a refreshing swim after the long day of driving (260 km /4 hrs). Overnight Galaxidi [BLD] DAY 8: DELPHI RAFINA PORT In the morning we enter the center of the Ancient world, The Omphalos (Navel of the Earth). On the slopes of Mt. Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty, lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo. Visit the Treasury of the Athenians the Temple of Apollo and the Museum containing such masterpieces of ancient Greek sculptures as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. Delphi was a major site for the worship of the god Apollo after he slew Python, a deity who lived there and protected the navel of the Earth and the Delphic Oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world. Apollo s sacred precinct in Delphi was a panhellenic sanctuary, where every four years athletes from all over the Greek world competed in the Pythian Games, one of the four panhellenic games. Delphi was revered throughout the Greek world as the site of the Omphalos stone, the center of the earth and the universe. The Pythia was the priestess presiding over the Oracle of Apollo at Delphi. The Pythia was widely credited with giving prophecies inspired by Apollo, giving her a prominence unusual for a woman in male-dominated ancient Greece. The Delphic oracle was established in the 8th century BC. Its last recorded response was given in 393 AD, when the emperor Theodosius I ordered pagan temples to cease operation. During this period the Delphic Oracle was the most prestigious and authoritative oracle in the Greek world One common view has been that the Pythia delivered oracles in a frenzied state induced by vapors rising from a chasm in the rock, and that she spoke gibberish which priests reshaped into the enigmatic prophecies preserved in Greek literature. Delphi is included on the UNESCO s World Heritage List. Later, we will drive to the nearby village of Arachova for lunch. Arachova is famous for its traditional textiles, olive trees and vineyards from which a fine black wine is produced. Arachova's weavers continue their traditions with hand looms and natural stain colors. Local savories such as marmalades, sweets, and local drinks are also made traditionally. Arachova is also a great place to shop the locally produced brightly colored shoulder bags and rugs. In the evening drive to Rafina Port (the second largest of Athens) where we will spend the night in order to catch an early morning ferry the next day. Overnight Rafina [BL] -5-
DAY 9: TINOS ISLAND Early this morning, we transfer to Rafina Port to catch our ferry to Tinos (standard ferry, 07:50-11:35 AM, or similar). Tinos is the one of the biggest islands of the Cyclades at approximately 195 km2. Tinos first names were Hydroussa and Offiousa, because it had a lot of water (hydor) and snakes (ofis). In mythology, Poseidon freed the island of snakes. As a sign of gratitude, the islanders worshipped the God Poseidon and his wife, the water nymph, Amphitrite. Today, the island has around 10,000 inhabitants spread out in its 52 villages and the main town of Chora. Tinos is famous amongst Greeks for the Church of Virgin Mary. Tradition says that a nun, Pelagia, from the nearby convent of Kechrovouni had visions of Virgin Mary revealing to her the burial place of an icon. After intensive searching, an icon was indeed found at the spot where the Church stands today. Today the icon is widely believed to be the source of numerous miracles and Tinos has become the center of a yearly pilgrimage that takes place on the 15th of August. Many pilgrims make their way the 800 meters from the ferry wharf to the church on their hands and knees as sign of devotion. Furthermore, Tinos is known for its 90 or so windmills and for its 600 or more dovecotes, which were built during the Venetian occupation. There are no two identical ones. Their purpose was pigeon/dove-farming for their meat. Relax by the beach and enjoy the local cuisine. Overnight Tinos [BLD] DAY 10: TINOS LOCAL WALK & COOKING CLASS Today we combine a light hike to introduce us to the local culture of the island. Transfer to Tripotamo, where a Greek cook will teach you how to prepare Greek Cycladic traditional recipes using local ingredients from her garden. Focus is on local cheese, the famous Tinian dried tomatoes, zucchini and other fresh vegetables. After cooking enjoy a meal with what you prepared. Then continue our downhill walk to the town of Tinos while admiring the breathtaking view to the Aegean Sea and lot s of indigenous acquaintances (shepherds, goats, farmers etc!) Overnight Tinos [BLD] DAY 11: TINOS MYKONOS This morning we visit the picturesque village of Pyrgos to learn about the green marble of Tinos and see small marble workshops, as well as the museum and cemetery of the island. Tinos is renowned for its marble craftsmen and sculptors such as Giannoulis Halepas, as well as for its painters. Two of the most important Greek painters of the 19th century, Nikiforos Lytras and Nikolaos Gyzis, came from Tinos. Take a short walk to Panormos, have a light lunch and a swim before the bus takes you back to the port for the quick ferry to Mykonos Island. In the evening, enjoy a walk in the cosmopolitan alleys of Mykonos town. Overnight Mykonos [BLD] DAY 12: MYKONOS DELOS -6-
After breakfast you will depart by boat for the Cycladic Island of Delos, mythical birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The word Cyclades derives from the Greek word kyklos (circle). The five islands of Mykonos, Tinos, Paros, Naxos and Syros form a circle around the sacred island of Delos. You will see the famous Lion Avenue, the three temples of Poseidon, the stadium and the old gymnasium. View artifacts from the 6th century BC in the museum. Return to Mykonos in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean sea. Overnight Mykonos [BL] DAY 13: MYKONOS ATHENS Enjoy a free day in Mykonos relaxing at the beach, taking our last pictures and soaking in the Greek sun and sea before heading back to Athens by ferry. Upon arrival in Athens, transfer to your hotel and meet later in the evening for departure dinner. Overnight Athens [BD] DAY 14: DEPARTURE Transfer to the Athens airport for international departure. END OF SERVICES Actual routes and activities may vary. Local trip coordinators reserve the right to change accommodations to similar quality alternatives. 2014 PRICING, DOUBLE-OCCUPANCY: GROUP SIZE 12-13 14-15 Land cost, per adult $5195 $4895 Land cost, per child $4995 $4695 INCLUDED SERVICES Accommodations on double-occupancy bed and breakfast basis as listed, or similar Airport-hotel transfers on scheduled dates Transportation with private air-conditioned vehicles with driver Guided tours and excursions with entrance fees per the itinerary Meals as specified [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner] Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. NOT INCLUDED International and local flights in Turkey (price separately) Airport departure taxes E-Visa for Turkey, payable before departure ($20 USD) Tips and gratuities Optional or suggested services on your own Personal expenses Travel insurance, medical costs, hospitalization and evacuation Airport transfers on alternate dates subject to additional cost Extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control -7-
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