ATHENS, DELPHI & THE PELOPONNESE
Our journey across the Peloponnese embraces some of the most evocative names from ancient Greece: Olympia, birth-place of the Olympic Games; Pylos, site of Nestor’s royal palace; Mycenae, from where Agamemnon went to war against Troy; and, soaring above the Gulf of Corinth, Delphi, the “centre of the world”. Our itinerary is further enhanced by two nights in Athens, where the New Acropolis Museum is the mesmerising new home for the remaining Parthenon sculptures.
Our passage starts in Corinth, whose wealth is epitomised by the Doric temple of Apollo and the magnificent buildings of the Roman forum. In the sanctuary at Epidauros, the most celebrated healing centre of the ancient world, we will see the striking tholos and the theatre renowned for its harmonious proportions and wonderful acoustics. There then follows one of the great archaeological experiences: the Lion Gate at Mycenae where, tracing the footsteps of Schliemann, we will view the grave circle and megaron-type palace.
Mystras, near Sparta, was a Frankish outpost, and later became the Byzantine capital of the Morea. We will explore the Palace of the Despots, a rare example of Byzantine civic architecture, and numerous churches adorned with 14th century frescoes. “Sandy Pylos”, the home of Nestor, is still dominated by his monumental dwelling, the best preserved of Mycenaean palaces.
Olympia, one of the most important sanctuaries of antiquity, is dedicated to the father of the gods, Olympian Zeus. Our visit will take in the Doric temples of Zeus and Hera, the workshop of Pheidias and the treasuries. Delphi enjoys the most spectacular of settings beneath Mt Parnassos; it was here that the enigmatic oracle foretold the future, and it is on the same sacred slopes that we will discover the temples of Athena and Apollo. The archaeological museum holds some of the most magnificent artefacts of any ancient civilisation, including the bronze Charioteer of Delphi.
We stay throughout in hotels of mostly three-star quality and some four-star with swimming pools. For variety some meals will be taken in local tavernas or restaurants, where wine is included.
Athens’ long-anticipated New Acropolis Museum finally opened its doors earlier this summer. Lying at the foot of the Acropolis, the museum hosts such iconic sculptures as the Calfbearer, the Kritios Boy and the Erechtheion caryatids. The museum’s crowning achievement is the glass and steel cube that houses the Parthenon’s sculpted friezes – and, one day perhaps, even London’s Elgin Marbles. The gallery shares the exact dimensions and orientation of the Parthenon, whose monumental outline dominates the hillside opposite.
This tour will be led by Andrew Wilson BA, BD, FSAScot a specialist in archaeology and ancient history. He studied archaeology and theology before working overseas as an archaeologist with a particular interest in Roman frontier systems and Byzantine mosaics.
Itinerary
Day 1Depart Heathrow 0820 on British Airways for Athens, arriving 1400. Transfer to Nafplion for three nights at Hotel Amalia.
Day 2Whole-day excursion to ancient Corinth (forum, temple of Apollo, museum, stoa) followed by Argos (agora, large baths complex, theatre) and Tiryns (Mycenaean fortress with cyclopean walls and galleries). Evening talk: Greek Theatre.
Day 3Epidauros (theatre, sanctuary of Asklepios) then Mycenae: Lion Gate, grave circle, megaron-type palace, treasury of Atreus. Evening talk: The Church in Mediaeval Greece.
Day 4Mystras: fortress, Palace of Despots, beautifully-situated churches (14th century frescoes) then continue to Pylos for two nights at Hotel Karalis.
Day 5Morning: Nestor’s Palace (Linear B tablets). Afternoon: Ottoman Neokastro fortress (dramatic views over Navarino Bay). Evening talk: Battle of Navarino Bay.
Day 6Messini (magnificent circuit of 4th century BC walls, sanctuary of Asklepios) then continue to Olympia for two nights at Hotel Olympion Asty. Evening talk: Olympic Games.
Day 7Ancient Olympia: palaestra, temple of Zeus, temple of Hera, stadium, museum. Afternoon free. Evening talk: Ancient Greek Religion.
Day 8Via Rio-Antirio bridge to mainland Greece and Delphi: temples of Athena and Apollo, gymnasium, theatre, museum with overnight at Hotel Amalia, Delphi.
Day 9Via Osios Loukas church to Athens for two nights at Hotel Parthenon. Afternoon: temple of Olympian Zeus (Greece’s largest), Hadrian’s arch.
Day 10Agora, Acropolis (Propylaia, Parthenon, Erechtheion), New Acropolis Museum (Parthenon sculptures, Peplos kore, Erechtheion caryatids).
Day 11Morning: Archaeological Museum. Depart Athens 1500, arriving Heathrow 1655.
Cost includes: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, breakfast & dinner, excursions & admissions.
Not included: travel insurance, single room supplement £325.
