Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking through the corridor onto the stadium at ancient Olympia; seeing the oracle at Delphi; the Corinth canal; the theatre at Epidavros; climbing up to the Acropolis. Honestly - too many to choose !

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fabulous. Eva was wonderful.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It’s very uneven underfoot at times - you definitely need proper walking shoes/sandals. In September it was still very hot so make sure you have a refillable water bottle. Be prepared for some days to be more strenuous than others

Suggestions

A day ‘off’ mid week would be welcome - maybe at Pylos or Nafplio where you could enjoy the seaside?

Most Inspirational Moment

Mycenae

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very good in impossible circumstances

Most Inspirational Moment

Pass

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent. V organised. V well informed about the subject of the trip. Pro active. Sensitive to clients requirements. Friendly, humorous. Well done Eva.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Earplugs, particularly for Athens hotels. Noise usually from other travellers. Try and find an alternative to Lakonia Hotel, Sparta. Spartan room (ha ha), v hard bed, paper thin walls. Olympic Village Hotel, I think it has a four star sign as you enter. This is a poorly maintained hotel 3* max. My room had a cracked sheet of glass covered by a safe deposit box. It would have taken 5 mins to remove it and make the area safe. I had to unplug the fridge at night it was so noisy

Suggestions

Day 8. Visit to Arachova - a complete and utter waste of time. Nothing to see or do. Would have preferred more time at Meteora and an additional visit to a second monastery. Most travellers on this trip didn't need two full meals a day. No need for lunchtime restaurants all the time, coffee shop would do for a snack.

Most Inspirational Moment

The amazing age, state of preservation and artistic quality of the sites and artefacts in the museums. All brought to life and put into context by Eva's clear and lively descriptions and stories.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eva our archaeologist and group leader was the perfect guide giving us an excellent introduction to all the sites and their place in the story of Greece. She seemed to have endless enthusiasm and energy and answered all our questions to make sure we had a clear picture of each place and its stories. She made sure we had suggestions for good places to try delicious local food in every village or town we visited.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are at all interested in Greek history and archeology book this trip now. Make sure you have non slip footwear as smooth limestone can be very slippery and there are lots of steps.

Suggestions

We would love to do another trip covering more of Ancient Greek history especially with a guide as good as Eva.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the sites are magical, even the Acropolis, overrun with tourists. Our favourites from the past, Delphi and Olympia were still amazing, but one of the special visits was to Eva's favourite, Ancient Messene. We'd hardly heard of it, but it's a wonderfully excavated site with a complete stadium and mausoleum- you can even see the basins that the athletes washed in. And even better, there were only half a dozen visitors apart from us! We can't decide whether to write to Mary Beard and tell her to get on out there and make a programme about it, or just let it remain a well-kept secret.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eva was brilliant. We did a similar trip some years ago, where the tour leader was British and just dealt with group logistics. At each site we picked up a local guide, some of whom were better than others. Eva combined both roles with enormous energy and enthusiasm. As a Greek graduate in archaeology she guided us round the sites, answering questions, pointing out details that we would not have been aware of, ensuring that we were up to scratch with the flow of Greek history. These discussions continued whilst we travelled. At the same time she was always aware of group dynamics, wanting to make sure that all eleven of us were having a good time.. There was a lot of laughter and enjoyment! By the end of our trip she must have been exhausted! Exodus, I hope you realise what an extraordinary resource you have in her. She certainly made our eight days memorable and educational (in a very good way!)

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take note of the accurate title of the trip - Highlights . As travellers now in our seventies we had visited almost all the sites over the last fifty years and the purpose of the holiday, for us, was as a refresher. For this, it was a brilliant itinerary. It would also be excellent as a taster if you had no experience of the sites and wanted an overview. But don't expect to linger! Also, be aware that two sites, the Acropolis and Delphi, are steep with very uneven surfaces. Make sure your shoes are up to it.

Most Inspirational Moment

This trip excelled because Elly, our archaeology guide stayed with us throughout and the depth of her knowledge was amazing. She made this trip with her explanations and dedication.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Lovely lady who worked constantly throughout and was very efficient in every way. Helpful and dependent.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The only criticism l have is that the flights at both ends of the trip made it necessary for me to book hotels at both ends in Heathrow and having to check in at 5 am does not start a holiday well. I was too tired to enjoy our first day in Athens.

Suggestions

I suggest that the group flights arrive in Athens on the first day afternoon and that the Athens tour takes place the following day when everyone has rested up. Also, the return flight to arrive back to UK earlier on final day.