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Day 1
Olympia Olympia is a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis, is known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical times. The Olympic Games is dating back possibly further than 776 BC. The Olympic flame of the modern-day Olympic Games is lit by reflection of sunlight in a parabolic mirror at the restored Olympia stadium and then transported by a torch to the place where the games are held. The sanctuary, known as the Altis, consists of an unordered arrangement of various buildings such as the Temple of Hera (or Heraion/Heraeum) ,Temple of Zeus, the Pelopion and the area of the altar, where the sacrifices were made, the hippodrome and later the stadium. Olympia is also known for the gigantic ivory and gold statue of Zeus that used to stand there, sculpted by Pheidias, which was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World by Antipater of Sidon. The area is hilly and mountainous; most of the area within Olympia is forested. Enjoy a private tour with an expert English Speaking guide to Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus and Olympia. Start your tour with a trip towards the Corinth Canal in the Peloponese region where you have the first stop. Visit the Epidaurus Theatre, famous for its perfect acoustics, where great classical works are still performed here to this day. After lunch ( not included) we go towards Mycenae, to visit the prehistoric Acropolis with its Lions Gate and the Agamemnon's Tomb. Visit the Mycenae's Museum before returning to Athens. Enjoy a walking tour of the ancient Olympic Games, which were celebrated every four years by the Greeks. The sanctuary contained many treasures of Greek art, such as temples, monuments, altars, theatres, statues, and votive offerings of brass and marble. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of the most important museums in Greece, presents the long history of the most celebrated sanctuary of antiquity, the sanctuary of Zeus, father of both gods and men, where the Olympic Games were born. The museum's permanent exhibition contains finds from the excavations in the sacred precinct of the Altis dating from prehistoric times to the Early Christian period. Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, ferry tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. The Olympic Village Hotel (3*) was completely renovated in 2000. It is situated in a quiet area, a few minutes’ walk from Ancient Olympia, where you can go shopping or visit the Archaeological Site with the Museum and its ruins. The Hotel has 60 guest rooms which are furnished in an attractive contemporary style. Overnight at Olympic Village Hotel (3*). |
 Olympia |
 Lions Gate |
 Olympic Village Hotel |
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Day 2
Arachova Arachova is a town, and a municipality of which this town is the seat, located in the western part of the prefecture of Viotia. It is one of the highest towns. Arachova is a touristic attraction because of the proximity to popular Delphi but was developed in the late 20th century with a ski resort. The main products are olives. The traditions and popular activities are maintained and are celebrated by the inhabitants. Traditional dances, the reviving of the fight of Arachova against the Turks as well as meals. Traditional cheese include Formaella (which is sold only in Arachova) and Tsipouro (a grappa like liquor). The skiing resorts of Parnassus are situated in the northwest on the Parnassus. It is the most modern and largest skiing resorts in Greece. Continue your tour with Delphi, known for the oracle at the sanctuary that became dedicated to Apollo during the classical period. Visit to the Museum of Delphi with its Spectacular finds including the World famous Charioteer, the Naxian Sphinx, the Statue of Antinoos, the Ancient Sanctuary of the Greek God Apollo. We leave Olympia and will also leave the Peloponnese by crossing over the newly built bridge near Patra. We will now be back on mainland Greece and journey to the quaint village of Arachova where you will have dinner, have the time to wander through the streets and rest for the night. On the outskirts of the most cosmopolitan winter resort of Greece, lies the Anemolia resort and conference (3*). Just two hours from Athens, the wooden and stone buildings harmoniously blend into the mountainside, overlooking the Delphi valley. There are 61 standard rooms with balcony with table and 2 chairs2 chairs, direct dial telephone, min bar, satellite tv, radio, central heating, air condition (hot-cold), hair dryer. In the hotel's restaurant you may taste a wide choice of the local specialties, or alternatively enjoy a hot or cold snack in the comfort of your own room. You can enjoy a lot of activities, you can enjoy the archaeological site of Delphi, swimming pool, gymnasium, a sauna as well. Overnight at Anemolia Resort & Conference Hotel (3*). |
 Arachova |
 Anemolia Resort & Conference |
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Day 3
Athens The morning will be spent by seeing Delphi, once considered to be the center of the universe. Delphi is known for the oracle at the sanctuary that became dedicated to Apollo during the classical period. You will visit the archaeological site dedicated to the god Apollo and will also see the impressive museum there. We make our way to Kalambaka with a stop at Gravia. This is where Odysseus Androutsos, with about 100 men, stopped 8 thousand Turks. Over 400 of the Turks died, while Androutsos lost only 2 of his men. Now, it’s on to Kalambaka, driving through Lamia. We make a stop in Domokos (optional) for coffee and we end the day at your hotel in Kalambaka Enjoy your private airport transfer today. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard). |
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