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OUR ADULT TOUR PROGRAMMES...
Battlefield &
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Greece – the Birth Place of Democracy
Greece evokes a heady sense of cultural romance. The Greeks are justifiably proud of their heritage – literature, drama, art, architecture, philosophy and politics. Mainland Greece is surrounded by more than 1400 islands, of which 169 are inhabited. Although the Greeks are fierce guardians of traditions they still know how to have fun. Greece is the perfect place to combine culture with relaxation.
There are many tours available from a short Athens Cultural break to a Classical Greece two centre tour or a week’s tour taking in many classical sites. Visiting these famous places breathes life into classical studies and leisure time is built into the various tours so that students are not overloaded with information.
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Athens
Athens has had a traumatic history characterised by glory, followed by decline & near annihilation and the city’s resurgence in the 19th century when it became the capital of independent Greece. During Athen’s golden age monuments were built on the Acropolis and drama and literature flourished. Under Roman rule, Athens was still a major seat of learning and then came centuries of invaders until the Turks invaded in 1453 and settled for 400 years. After the War of Independence Athens became a capital city in 1834. There is so much to see in Athens but no visit would be complete without going to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon.
Delphi
The Oracle of Delphi was the most important shrine in Greece, built around a sacred spring and considered to be the centre of the world. Delphi became a showcase of art treasures as all the Greek states sent rich gifts to keep the Oracle on their side. In the 4th century AD, Christian Rome put an end to the prophesying and the site became a ruin. Excavations began at the end of the 19th century by French archaeologists and the numerous finds are now housed in the museum. There are many monuments that can be visited on the site.
Corinth
Ancient Corinth was the richest port and largest city in ancient Greece and guarded the narrow isthmus connecting the Peloponnesus (southern Greece) to the mainland. Little now remains of the ancient city except for the ruined arches and entryways to shops on the agora. The Romans levelled the city in 146BC and then Julius Caesar founded the city of New Corinth in 44BC and this was the city that Saint Paul found upon his arrival in 51AD. The Corinth Canal was dreamed about from ancient times but the technology to do this was lacking. An attempt was made by Nero in 66AD but it had to wait until a French Company finished the task in 1893.
Mycenae
This ancient city was once thought only to exist in Greek legend and the poetry of Homer and it was only found in 1870 by an amateur archaeologist. The city was the centre of the large and powerful Mycenaean Greek civilisation. The people were warriors fighting heroic battles and there was an extensive trade network with neighbouring civilisations. There are many excavated artefacts to see including the so-called death mask of Agamemnon.
Epidaurus
The theatre of The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epiduarus is a perfect example of ancient Greek theatre construction. The theatre was used for musical and poetic contests as well as theatrical performances and performances are still given today in these incredible surroundings.
An Athen’s Cultural Break
Day 1 Return Flight to Athens where you will be met by an English speaking representative and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 This day is dedicated to Athens with a Panoramic tour of the city and a guided visit to the Acropolis and its museum. Walking tour of Plaka. Afternoon drive along the coastal road of Athens to Cape Sounion for a guided visit to the Temple of Poseidon.
Day 3 Morning visit to the ancient Greek and Roman market followed by a visit to the National archaeological museum. Afternoon is at leisure.
Day 4 Day excursion to Delphi, visiting the site and museum. An alternative would be a day visit to the Argolic Plain (Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus).
Day 5 Morning is at leisure before transferring to Athens airport for your return flight to the UK.
What is Included
- Scheduled flights to Athens Airport.
- 4 Nights hotel Accommodation on Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis.
- Excursions and entrances as per the itinerary.
- Professional qualified English speaking guide throughout the tour.
- Coach hire throughout.
- All taxes
Longer tours will take in the sites mentioned above as well as Tolo. ancient Olympia and Nafplion (the first capital of modern Greece).
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Book this Tour
Call us on: 01293 865 001
from overseas:
+44 (0)1293 865 001
E-mail us at: schools@Holts.co.uk
Write to us at:
Holts Tours, Wolvers Home Farm, Ironsbottom , Sidlow, Reigate, Surrey RH2 8QG, UK
Download booking form in pdf by clicking here.
You can send us your booking form by post or fax it to:
01293 863 312
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