Overall great trip. Really beautiful island, miles of gorgeous coastline, great food, comfy hotel and all round excellent week.
Athens Tours
Holidays to Athens
Top Five Things to Do on Athens Holidays
Visit The Acropolis: Known as the ‘Sacred Rock’, The Acropolis is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world and in Greek history. This is a must-see destination on any holiday to Athens as it takes you on a journey back in time to the 5th century BC. At the heart of the Acropolis stands the Parthenon, which was once a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Looming over the city of Athens, the Acropolis is an iconic landmark and an architectural wonder that played a significant role in Greek history.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus: Built circa 520 BC, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of the biggest Doric temples in Greece and the most important building in Olympia. This magnificent structure was erected in honour of the Greek god, Zeus, and is twice as big as the Parthenon. Originally, it comprised 104 marble columns but following a storm in the mid-19th century, only 15 remain today. The monument can be found fringed by trees inside an archaeological park at the centre of the city. To see this ancient site rubbing shoulders with the modern-day capital is quite an experience on our holidays to Athens.
Soak up the Views from Filopappou Hill: Away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, Filopappou Hill, also called the ‘Hill of the Muses’, is a green oasis believed to be the mythical battleground of Theseus and the Amazons. Linked by old stone paths, you can explore this ancient site on foot. At its summit is the Filopappou Monument and mausoleum, and you can enjoy immense views over Athens and the Acropolis from here. Walk to the foot of the hill and you’ll find a beautiful 16th-century church with timber roof, marble floors and an 18th-century fresco of St Dimitrios.
Experience the Greek Culture: If you want to take some time out from exploring the ancient sites on your holiday to Athens, the city has a vibrant cultural scene where you can hang out among the locals. You’ll find plenty of cafes where people spill out onto the pavements and they’re perfect for watching the world go by. Or why not visit the Monastiraki flea market where local traders sell a range of second-hand goods? Athens also has an impressive art scene with a good selection of galleries where you can while away a couple of hours.
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium: Another ancient site you should try and see during Athens holidays is the Panathenaic Stadium. Built entirely out of marble in the 4th century BC, and restored in the late 19th century, the stadium hosted the Panathenaic Games and was later used for the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896. Legend has it that at the time of Hadrian’s inauguration in 120 AD, 1000 animals were sacrificed here. As you stand amid the sprawling rows of marble seats, you can almost hear the excitement and noise of the crowd from times gone by.
Angela McCullagh Mountains & Villages of Evia
Amy Higgins Highlights of Ancient GreeceWhat a trip! Having previously only visited a couple of Greek islands, this trip truly opened my eyes to the myriad wonders of mainland Greece. A real whistle-stop tour of the country, spanning beautiful coastline and mountains. Maria, our tour guide, was enthusiastic, kind, passionate, knowledgeable and accommodating. Her content and delivery was interesting, and was positively remarked upon by the whole group. There is seemingly nothing she doesn’t know about Ancient Greece! A brilliant, potted history of some of the most iconic and important sites around Greece.
For those who love history, architecture, good food and wine (and nice hot weather!), this trip is definitely for you.
Carolyn Baxter Highlights of Ancient GreeceThis tour was a comprehensive introduction to some of the sites of ancient Greece, but also included Mystras, a Byzantine town and Meteora, a spectacular landscape with monasteries perched on top of huge rocks. I would personally have benefitted more from what I saw if I’d read up some information in advance. Lida, the guide was excellent, and she gave a lot of useful information about the sites and the mythology and history behind the sites and the history and mythology about them. The hotels were generally good quality though the Rex Hotel in Naufplio was a little tired decor wise. The Nidimos hotel in Delphi village had the best views! There was plenty to eat, of variable quality. The restaurant for the evening meal in Pylos was not very good; the booked group table was given to others, service was glacially slow and the food uninspiring.
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