Odyseas & the Ionian Islands!

After our breakfast, you will start our Athens half day tour which begins with a panoramic drive around Syntagma square, passing by National Garden, Hadrian’s Arch, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Catholic Cathedral,and Schliemann’s House. You will then drive past the Athens Trilogy which includes the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, and the National Library. Your licensed guide will explain more of Athens’s history old and new as you look at these stately buildings. Continue for  a photo stop at Panathinaiko Stadium where the first  Olympic Games took place in 1896. It is the only stadium built out of white marble. Proceed, passing by Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus.  Make your way to the archaeological site of Acropolis an UNESCO’S world heritage monument and visit Propylae the monumental entrance to the Acropolis which blends Doric and Ionic building principles, and the small temple Athena Nike, which stands on a protruding mass of rock, protecting the gate to the citadel and of course the Parthenon, and Erechtheion with its porch of Maidens. Transfer to hotel & the rest of the day free . On the afternoon we recommend  an organized tour in Cape Sounio & the temple of Poseidon. Begin your Sounio tour with a wonderful drive  along the scenic coastal road which affords a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf, passing through some of Athens most beautiful suburbs (Glyfada,Vouliagmeni, Varkiza). As you approach Cape Sounion, it rises like a sheer cliff out of the sea. At  Cape Sounio where you will visit the 5th century B.C. Temple of Poseidon with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in the world(on a clear day you can see at least seven islands).The precipice is a sheer 197 foot drop to the sea. Land masses to the west stand out in sharp profile: the island of Aegina backed by the mountains of the Peloponnese. The beauty of the surviving Doric columns has inspired many poets, including Lord Byron who carved his name on one of the columns.  Transfer back to hotel for overnight.

After breakfast we reccomend t oyou a guided visit to the picturesque Corfu Town for approximately 30 minutes, where you will have the opportunity to see the old city of Corfu and learn a few things about the rich and multicultural history. From there you will get on the coach and head towardsAchilion Palace were you will have 1 hour and 30 minutes approximately to find out about the history of the Palace of Princess Sissi, take pictures and admire the beautiful gardens, surroundings and view. Our next stop is the picturesque coastline of Paleokastritsa and the well known monastery (1 hour and 30 minutes approx). Walk around the little shops, buy souvenirs, take pictures or even try a small boat cruise (not included in the price) around the rocky coast line of Paleokastritsa and take a look at the caves. Then we make our way up to Bella Vista (1 hr approx.), where you’ll have the chance to look at the magnificent view of Paleokastritsa and its bays, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful views of the Ionian Islands. The next and final stop is the old traditional village of Makrades were the guests will have the opportunity to taste and buy local traditional products such as wine, vinegar and olive oil, along with many different souvenirs (approx. 30 min). Continuing over Kratsalos pass we end up in Troumbetta where guests are transfered in the coaches in order to return to their hotel in the afternoon.