This itinerary visits northern Greece, central Greece, eastern Greece, and the island of Poros. It will explore various sacred sites and attempt to comment on ancient Greek sources of inspiration, imagination, and illumination, then further, attempt to recognize how these psychological forces are in play, yet today, with us.

Day 1
Board our plane for Thessaloniki, the second city of Greece.

Day 2
Arrive at our first-class hotel in this beautiful city by the sea. Thessaloniki, although a “new” city (4th century BCE) was one of the most cosmopolitan cities of modern times. Stroll the promenade and enjoy the sunset before dinner in a local taverna.

Day 3
Thessaloniki is famous for its beauty, history, and food. This morning will tour the city, rest, shop, or swim in the afternoon, and this evening we’ll feast on local delicacies.

Day 4
Philip, Alexander, and Aristotle will be our subjects as we visit the ancient Macedonian capital of Pella and the royal tombs at Vergina.

Day 5
Today is free for a cruise around Mt. Athos, the monks’ republic.

Day 6
From Thessaloniki we pass through the beautiful Vale of Témpe to reach Pelion. Visions of centaurs, Thetis and brilliant Achilles stimulate our imagination. “The Greeks know it as one of their country’s most idyllic corners.”

Day 7
Today with our bus we will explore the beautiful recesses of Pelion, possibly the home of Jason, the Argonaut. This afternoon enjoy the picturesque villages and rugged beaches of rustic Pelion.

Day 8
We make a metaphorical leap from the wild land of the centaurs to the serenity of Delphi – from the Dionysian to Apolline. En route we’ll visit Thermopylai, where the Spartans fought and died in 480 BCE. Delphi was the sanctuary of Apollo and site of the most famous oracle in the Eastern Mediterranean. How did those priestesses do it all those years?

Day 9
Inspired by Apollo’s enlightenment, we travel south to the Amphiaraion, ancient center of dream interpretation. Carl Jung had nothing on these folks. On to Marathon, site of the most significant battle of the Persian Wars and name-sake of the famous Olympic race. On to Athens.

Day 10
We have reached the gem of classical civilization, violet-crowned Athens. Today, a walking tour around the ancient agora (center of ancient Athenian democracy), Plaka, cathedral, Syntagma Square, and the old open-air to market in Athinas Street. This city, always a delight, is newly beautified from the 2004 Olympics.

Day 11-13
After breakfast we depart for the beautiful island of Poros, situated in the Saronic Gulf. The island is quiet and beautiful, rich with hospitality, beaches, and great local food. From our hotel on the sea we are strategically situated to explore not only Poros, but also the neighboring islands of Aegina, Hydra, and Spetses. It is also quite easy to have a day excursion to the Peloponnesos to visit the Late Bronze Age site of Mycenae, and the 4th century BCE theatre of Epidauros, the best preserved ancient theater. The evening sunsets over the sea are breathtaking, and the mom & pop tavernas are still uncorrupted by tourism.

Day 14
This morning we take our hydrofoil back to Athens. The rest of the day is free for shopping or for visiting any of the famous museums of Athens, a trip to the Parthenon, or just enjoying the ambience of the newly remodeled city.

Day 15
We drive past Mt. Hymettos out through the vineyards of Attica to the airport, bringing with us a notion of our own connection to Greece.

INCLUDED

* Roundtrip air from JFK
* First Class hotels
* Discussions of Greek democracy, myth, art, literature, history, thought,    culture
* Expert Guiding
* Dining in neighborhood establishments with the natives
* Admissions as mentioned
* Breakfasts
* Transfers

NOT INCLUDED

* Tips to Guides & Drivers
* Items of a personal nature

We have directed this tour many times in the past and will do so in the future. Keep checking back with us at this site.