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0115 9404 303School Classical Studies trip to Athens
Athens, the enchanting capital of Greece is one of the oldest cities in the world, its written history going back over 3400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city state, a centre for arts, learning and philosophy. It is widely refered to as the cradle of westrn civilisation and the birthplace of democracy. The most important civilization of the ancient world flourished in Athens and can be glimpsed through some of the world''s most formidable edifices, the national Archaeological Museum features the greatest collection of Greek antiquities in the world. Athens has had times of boom and decline but still shines under the Attic sky gazing towards the future, still sparkling like the Parthenon and its limpid white Pentelic marble.
from
£499 pp
6 days/5 nights
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Includes:
- 5 nights HB accommodation
- All flights inclusive of tax
- Coach transfers
- Free staff place ratio 1:10
- Detailed information pack
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- Itinerary planning service
- VAT
Suggested Activities
Sample Itinerary
Example AccommodationNational Archaeological Museum of Athens
It is really a treat to see the ancient statues, pottery, jewelry, weapons and utensils in their new improved surroundings. Since then they have opened another wing and have hundreds if not thousands of other artifacts on display this museum is a must visit for history groups going to Athens.
Acropolis
The Acropolis hill (acro - edge, polis - city), the "Sacred Rock" of Athens, is the most important site of the city and constitutes one of the most recognizable monuments in the world. It is the most significant reference point of ancient Greek culture as well as the symbol of the city of Athens itself, as it represents the acme of artistic development in the 5th century BC. During Perikles' Golde...
2004 Olympic Stadium
The major Greek stadium, with a capacity of 72,000, hosted the opening ceremony of the 2004 Olympics as well as the Athletics, Football and closing ceremony. One of the more recent events held here was the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final.
Delphi
Delphi is by common consent the most spectacularly beautiful ancient site in Greece and the one which, even to the uninitiated, most vividly evokes the Classical Past. Enjoy the wild beauty and grandeur of the landscape, which are awesome and inspiring. In antiquity Delphi was regarded as the center of the world (omphalos of the earth) and to this, and its oracle, the place owed its prestige, wh...
Panathinaiko Stadium
In ancient times the stadium was used to host the athletic portion of the Panathenaic Games in honour of the Goddess Athena. During classical times the stadium had wooden seating. It was remade in marble by the archon Lycurgus in 329 BC and was enlarged and renovated by Herodes Atticus in 140 AD, to a seated capacity of 50,000. The remnants of the ancient structure were excavated and refurbished, ...
Agorá
The Agora was the heart of ancient Athens, the focus of political, commercial, administrative and social activity, the religious and cultural centre and the seat of justice. The site was occupied without interruption throughout the city''s history. It was used as a residential and burial area as early as the Late Neolithic period (3000 B.C.). Early in the 6th century, in the time of Solon the Agor...
Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympeion) was an enormous structure, the largest temple in Greece, exceeding even the Parthenon in size. Work began on this vast edifice in 515 BC during the reign of the tyrant Peisistratos, who initiated the building work to gain public favour. Although there were several attempts over many years to finish the temple it was not completed until the 2nd Century AD by ...
The Plaka Area
The old area of Plaka is situated at the foot of the Acropolis, it is a maze of narrow, cobble-stoned, medieval streets that twist through ancient sites, tourist-packed squares and lovely Byzantine courtyards. Its main thoroughfare, known as Adrianou, is packed with souvenir shops, cafes and taverns. It is named after the Roman emperor Hadrian and winds up to the library he built in AD 132, and in...
Saronic Islands
The Saronic Islands are just a short distance away from Athens and its port of Piraeus. Groups who take this tour will explore the Islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra, which have a lot to offer visitors such as natural beauty and clean sandy beaches. The island of Aegina is the closest of the islands at only an hour boat ride from Athens. It is considered to be the birthplace of Aristophanes and is...
Hadrian’s Arch
The Arch of Hadrian is a monumental gateway that spanned an ancient road from the center of Athens, Greece, to the complex of structures on the eastern side of the city that included the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It has been proposed that the arch was built to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and to honor him for his many benefactions to the city. In addition there used to be two ...
Mycenae
Mycenae is the ancient city of King Agamemnon considered one of the greatest rulers of Ancient Greece. In the second millennium BC Mycenae was one of the major centres of Greek civilization, a military stronghold, which dominated much of southern Greece. Though most of the original city state has been destroyed over time, the ruins of the Mycenaean Acropolis are a delight. The awe inspiring "Lion ...
Ancient City of Corinth
Corinth is an ancient city about 48 miles west of Athens on the narrow stretch of land that joins the Peloponnese to the mainland of Greece. The site of ancient Corinth was first inhabited in the Neolithic period, 5000-3000 BC, and flourished as a major Greek city from the 8th century BC until its destruction by the Romans in 146 BC. Today the ruins of this once magnificent city are spread over a ...
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Fly UK to Athens | Arrive Athens. Met on arrival and transfer to accommodation. Rest of the day at leisure. | Evening meal |
| Day 2 | Breakfast. Explore the Acropolis | Visit the National Archaeological Museum, time for shopping or sightseeing in Athens | Evening meal |
| Day 3 | Breakfast. Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus | Tour the 2004 Olympic Stadium | Evening meal |
| Day 4 | Breakfast. Full day excursion to Delphi - home of the mythical Oracle - or Epidaurus | Evening meal | |
| Day 5 | Breakfast. Full Day tour of Saronic Islands | Evening meal | |
| Day 6 | Breakfast. Check out. Transfer to airport. | Fly Athens to the UK | |
Hotel Balasca
This three-star hotel offers comfortable accommodation, an excellent location, and very nice views of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, and a lovely park very near to the hotel.
The Balaskas features an excellent restaurant and a comfy bar, has a public lounge with television and a lovely terrace on the roof with superb views of the city and of the sea.
This is a simple, yet very comfortable hotel in a good location.
The Balaskas features an excellent restaurant and a comfy bar, has a public lounge with television and a lovely terrace on the roof with superb views of the city and of the sea.
This is a simple, yet very comfortable hotel in a good location.
