Greece
Athens, Nauplia, Sparta, Olympia, Delphi,
Meteora, Mycenae, and Epidaraus
Thessaloniki
Folk Dancing, Folk Music, History, Culture, Art, and Adventure!
When: Oct 19-30, 2024
Led by: Lee Otterholt
Guided by Maroula Konti
Features:
★ Athens, Nauplia, Sparta, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, Mycenae, and Epidaurus, Thessaloniki
★ Daily folk dancing with Lee Otterholt
★ Meet and dance with local Greek folkdance groups
★ Price includes hotels, private bus, guide, sight seeing
for land tour, all breakfasts and dinners
★ Click here to see Greek folk dance class
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Download Greek itinerary pdf
OUR ITINERARY
Friday, October 18: Departure on airline of your choice.
Day 1-2: Saturday-Sunday, October 19-20: Arrive in Athens.
“The gods could have lived anywhere: They chose Greece.” After your arrival, enjoy a Welcome dinner. Then next day, explore ancient and modern city of Athens; visit the Royal Palace, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Acropolis, and Omonia Square. Greek folk dancing. Overnight Athens Wyndham Hotel.
Day 3: Monday, October 21:
Drive to Cape Sounio, known for its Temple of Poseidon, one of the major monuments of the Golden Age of Athens. Its remains are perched on the headland, surrounded on three sides by the Aegean sea. Wine tasting in Spata. Overnight Parthenon in Athens.
FIVE DAY CLASSICAL TOUR
Day 4: Tuesday, October 22:
See Corinthian canal. Visit archaeological site of Mycenae. Legend has it that the name was connected to the Greek mykēs (μύκης, “mushroom”). theater at Epidaurus. Dinner. Folk dancing with Niko’s group Overnight at Hotel Liberty in Nauplion.
Day 5: Wednesday, October 23:
Visit Palamidi castle. Ouzo tasting in Karonis. Visit a farm for the orange harvest. Walking tour of Nauplia, a Peloponnesian coastal city, capital of the regional unit of Argolis. Founded in antiquity, the city became an important seaport in the Middle Ages. Overnight at Hotel Liberty in Nauplion.
Day 6: Thursday, October 24:
Depart for Olympia. Drive through central Peloponnese passing Megalopolis and Tripolis. The Peleponnesian city of Kalamata where the Syrtos, the national dance of Greece, (Kalamatianos) originated. Visit the Museum and archeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Dinner, folk dancing (see video). Overnight at Hotel Olympian Asty in Olympia.
Day 7: Friday, October 25:
Depart for Delphi. Drive through Nafpakto. 100 year old Yiayia dances Tsamiko on Easter Sunday in Nafpaktos. Visit Delphi museum and archeological site. Dinner, folk dancing, and overnight Hotel Amalia in Delphi.
Day 8: Saturday, October 26:
Drive through Arachova, Lamia, and Trikala. Arrive in Kalambaka. Home of Karagouna (see video) and the Karagonides Festival. Visit two of the most famous Meteora monasteries. Dinner, folk dancing. Overnight in Hotel Grand Meteora in Kastraki.
Day 9-11: Sunday, October 27–Tuesday, October 29:
Depart for Thessaloniki. Ochi day celebrations, parade, and more! Visit ancient Aigai, capital of the Macedonian kings. In 1977 the professor Manolis Andronikos uncovered four royal tombs in Vergina. The studies indicated that the largest of the tombs belonged to Philip II, the father of Alexander the Great. The underground museum contains the graves and all the valuable grave offerings, including the famous golden larnax of Philip with the star of Vergina.
City tour of Thessalonika. (Northern Greece, home of the hora Zondaritikos: see videos). We’ll visit castle, Modiano Market, and archeological museum. White tower and Church of Agios Dimitrios.
The Ochi day is one of the two national holidays in Greece and it is celebrated everywhere in our country with school parades. But in Thessaloniki it is really unique. Here’s why: Greece was liberated from the Ottomans in 1830, but northern Greece remained under the Turks until 1912 (Balkan wars). The city was liberated on the 26th of October, the feast day of saint Dimitri is, the patron saint of the city. So, as you understand it is a double celebration for the people. It’s the ceremonial Celebration in the big church and after the service, the impressive military parade. The main road leading to the White Tower was renamed to “leoforos Nikis” Niki means Victory. It was renamed by the king George I, who entered the city. It’s really unique and impressive. The celebration lasts 3 days, with parade on the 28th. Dinner and overnight in Hotel Classical Imperial Palace.
Day 12: Wednesday, October 30: Breakfast and flight home. (Or back to Athens)
Visit www.jimgold.com to see YOUTUBE tour videos !
Total balance due July 1, 2024
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Air Transportation: International air not included except as noted.
Rates: Tour rates are subject to change in the event of currency fluctuations or increase in costs. Inclusive tour rates are per person in double occupancy. In case of computer or human billing errors, we reserve the right to reinvoice clients with corrected billing.
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