Upon arrival in Athens you will board your buses, drive through the Corinth Canal and end the day in Nafplion.

The Corinth Canal separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. Although proposed in ancient times and its construction attempted and abandoned over centuries, it was finally completed in 1893.

Nafplion was an important major port dating back to the Bronze Age. As a result of this significance three forts protected it; Palamidi being the most domineering citadel. The city played a huge role in the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire and up until 1834 was the first capital of Greece. Today it is a large modern city as well as a seaside resort. Its old town is filled with neoclassical and Venetian buildings offering the visitor a most pleasant stroll through its narrow streets.

Today we will visit the ancient city of Mycenae and the impressive Epidaurus Theatre. Back to Nafplion for lunch and rehearsal at the concert venue in preparation for the evening’s performance.

The Homeric city of Mycenae dates from 1600 BC, the Royal House of Atreus established a major military stronghold and kingdom ruled most notably by king Agamemnon who fought in the Trojan War mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. The archaeological site of Mycenae includes the remains of the prehistoric Acropolis, the Palace, the Grave Circles, the Lion’s gate, the Cyclopean walls and the famous beehive (tholos) tombs. The museum in Mycenae houses a beautiful collection of mosaics, pottery and bronze objects excavated from the tombs.

The great sanctuary of Asclepios at Epidaurus was known in antiquity as a healing center, the place where the god of medicine Asclepius was born and worshiped. The ruins of the sanctuary include among other things the Temple of Asclepius, the hospice and a stadium. The Theater of Epidaurus is famous for its astonishing acoustics and one of the best preserved classical Greek structures.

Today we will drive to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and enjoy an evening of Greek music and dance.

Olympia is the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The first games were held in Olympia in 776 BC and thereafter every 4 years until their decline in 394 AD. They were revived in 1896 and continue since then to be a primary quadrennial international event. The Olympic flame is lit on this ancient site and relayed by runners to the cities where the Games will be held. The archaeological site includes the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient stadium, the Hippodrome and the Temple of Hera. The Archaeological Museum houses amongst other antiquities, the statue of Hermes of Praxiteles and the beautifully carved metopes and pediments of the temple of Zeus.

We will drive across the imposing suspended bridge of Rio-Antirion to Kalambaka, the site of the Meteora monasteries.

Today we visit the Meteora monasteries and drive south to the seaside town of Itea to prepare for the evening’s performance.

Amongst striking scenery, perched on sheer-sided gray rock pinnacles of varied and spectacular shapes and appearing to be suspended in mid-air, stand the ageless 14th century monasteries of Meteora. The monasteries contain beautiful Byzantine art and offer an insight into the mystic world of the monks residing there.

We will spend the morning visiting the sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi and drive to Athens for an enjoyable evening stroll in one of its oldest neighborhoods, Plaka.

The ancient sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi on the dramatic setting of Mount Parnassus. In antiquity it was known as the center or the navel of the earth for it was believed that when Zeus released two eagles from opposite sides of the world they would meet in Delphi. It reached its height in power in the 4th century as the sanctuary to the god Apollo. Pilgrims would gather here to seek advice from the great oracle, Pythia, on various matters including waging wars. Walking up the Sacred Way we pass the Treasuries, the Theater and the Temple of Apollo. The museum of Delphi holds a unique collection of artifacts from the excavation, including the bronze “Charioteer” one of the best-preserved ancient works of metallurgy.

We will tour the city of Athens and visit the famous Parthenon and the museum. Our afternoon will be free in preparation for the performance in the evening

Athens, the capital of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world spanning a history of 3,400 years. Home of the great minds, philosophers and teachers of ancient times such as Plato, Socrates and Aristotle, Athens is the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western Civilization.

A bus tour will guide us through the highlights of Athens; House of Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Presidential Palace, Panathenaic Stadium, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, to lead us to the world-renowned Acropolis. The architectural wonders of the Golden Age of Pericles include the Propylaia, the Parthenon and the Erechtheion. The Acropolis museum houses the findings of the Parthenon.

Areopagus or Mars Hill is the site where trials were heard before the Council of Elders and where St Paul delivered his speech to the Athenians. The ancient Agora, where Athenians gathered not only for commercial purposes but also for political and religious ones.

This will be a relaxing day on the sea as we will enjoy a one-day cruise to the islands of Poros, Hydra and Aegina. The three islands are in short proximity to the mainland. You will have plenty of time for long leisurely strolls, shopping or even swimming in the quaint waterfront towns that preserve their historic proud past.

You will be transferred to Athens airport for departure.