Upon arrival at Makedonia airport in Thessaloniki, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.

We will tour the second largest city in Greece, Thessaloniki. We will visit the major sites of the city including the White tower, the Rotonda, the Citadel and the Basilica of St Dimitrius

Thessaloniki was built about 315 B.C. by King Cassander, brother-in-law of Alexander the Great, who named the city after his wife Thessaloniki. It was a major commercial center in Roman times as well as the second largest and wealthiest during the Byzantine era. At present it is Greece’s second largest city.

Today we will visit the Archaeological museum of Thessaloniki and the Basilica of St Dimitrios. Afternoon will be spent rehearsing for the evening’s performance at the set venue.

The Archaeological Museum is one of the largest museums in Greece holding treasures from the excavations mainly in Northern Greece. The rich collection includes artifacts spanning from the Neolithic age and covering the various eras in Greece’s history; Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman. The diverse collection includes among other things ceramics, jewelry, metalwork, glass and garments.

The Basilica of Saint Demetrios is dedicated to the patron saint of Thessaloniki. It was constructed in the Byzantine era, used as a mosque in the Ottoman period and at present is one of the many Unesco World Heritage sites. The Basilica is also famous for its mosaics.

Before heading south to the town of Kalambaka we will visit Vergina, the site of the tomb of Philip, King of Macedonia

Vergina or ancient Aegae, was the first capital of the kingdom of Macedon. Although the capital was later transferred to Pella, Aegae remained the city where sacred rituals and ceremonies would take place. Here we will visit the very impressive site of the Royal Tomb of King Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. Displayed within this tomb are the finds such as the gold ossuary with the 16-pointed Macedonian star, gold leaf wreaths, frescos and ornaments.

We will visit the striking area and monasteries of Meteora. We will spend the evening and perform in the coastal town of Itea

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 still residing there.

Today we will travel to the ancient sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi. We will cross the impressive, suspended Rio-Antirio bridge which crosses from mainland Greece into the Peloponesse, end the day in the city of Patras.

In antiquity Delphi 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 of the sanctuary one can see the Treasuries, the Theater, and the Temple of Apollo. The museum of Delphi contains a unique collection of artifacts from the excavations, including the bronze “Charioteer”, one of the best-preserved ancient works of metallurgy.

We will make a day trip to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games, visit the archaeological site and the museum. The afternoon will be spent in preparation for the evening’s performance.

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, the Head of Hera and the beautifully carved metopes and pediments.

Today we will drive through the spectacular Arkadian mountains to the ancient site of Mycenae. We will end our day in the wonderful seaside town of Nafplion

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 Illiad 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 Mycenea houses a beautiful collection of mosaics, pottery and bronze objects.

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 big 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.

Our visit today is of the ancient city of Corinth, we will then cross the Corinth Canal and head for Athens. Our evening will be spent in the oldest neighborhoods of Athens, Plaka, where we will enjoy a dinner with traditional Greek music and dancing

Ancient Corinth, one of the most important trading cities of ancient Greece dating back to the 6th century BC. The archaeological site includes the Temple of Apollo, the agora and the Peirene fountain.

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.

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 New Acropolis museum houses all the findings of the Acropolis and surrounding areas.

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, a place where Athenians gathered not only for commercial purposes but also for political and religious ones.

This will be a relaxing day on the sea enjoying 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.