Greece

Greece 5days

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Fri 7 August 2020

Brief Itinerary

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Day

Highlights

Overnight

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Day 1

Arrive in Athens, Welcome Dinner

Athens

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Day 2

Mount Pelion & Thermopylae

Volos

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Day 3

Travel to Skopelos Island

Skopelos

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Day 4

Mamma Mia and Skopelos Highlights Tour

Skopelos

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Day 5

Return to Athens, Depart

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Athens, Welcome Dinner

Monastiraki Square and the Acropolis

Welcome to Greece! You'll begin your trip in Athens, home to both the iconic Acropolis and so much more. The mythology of this spectacular city precedes it, with towering temples to Classical deities and the ruins of ancient marketplaces rubbing shoulders with lively nightlife, crowded flea markets, and contemporary cuisine. Make the most of your time in the city at some of these spots:

• Check out the views of the can't-miss Parthenon. (Pro tip: The Parthenon is the temple, the Acropolis is the hill.) This temple to Athena has enchanted visitors since its construction was completed in 438 BC. It's probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of ancient Greece and is visible from many of the city's high points.
• Stop at the sprawling National Museum for a crash course in ancient iconography. Be sure to seek out the room housing the Antikythera mechanism, essentially an ancient astronomical computer.
• Visit a smaller archaeological site at the Tower of the Winds, then stroll down neighbouring pedestrian Aiolou Street to stop at shops and cafes. 
• Find your perfect souvenir or sun hat in the busy stalls of the Monastiraki flea market. 

In the evening, you'll sit down to enjoy either a welcome dinner with views of the Acropolis or wine tasting in a bar in downtown Athens.

Day 2: Mount Pelion & Thermopylae

Mount Pelion

Hit the road early today to continue your journey. Your first stop is Thermopylae, where Leonidas of Sparta battled the Persian army in 480 BCE.  It's now transitioned to a more relaxing way of life, taking its name's translation of "hot gates" a bit more literally for its therapeutic sulphur hot springs.

Continue to the coastal city of Volos and take in both the sea and mountain views as you stroll along the city streets and pedestrian waterfront path. Volos's central port once tied together trade from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, an influence you can still see as you walk through its squares. Stop in one of the tsipouradika to sample the local alcoholic speciality of tsipouro, a dstilled brandy made from wine press pomace, and its accompanying mezze small plates.

You'll also visit the green landscapes and stone villages of Mount Pelion. You'll start with the area's traditional villages, including Makrynitsa, Vyzita, and Milies, home to a famous traditional local train on the Pelion narrow-gauge railway. You'll then continue on to Tsagarada and Agios Ioannis on the Aegean coast.

In addition to its scenery, Mount Pelion is also known for being the mythological home of the centaurs, creatures who were half-human, half-horse. Keep an eye out in the greenery and you never know what you might spot.

Day 3: Travel to Skopelos Island

Protected island cove

Set sail for Skopelos in the Sporades island group today. Legend has it the island was founded by Peparethos, son of the god of wine Dionysus, and Ariadne, princess of Crete. In antiquity it was known for its wines; now it's better known as the filming location for Mamma Mia. Either way, revelry awaits. 

Skopelos town is the island's capital, seated on a hill on the northern coast. With its medieval castle, stone houses, narrow streets, and Byzantine churches, the town encapsulates what it means to be a typical Greek island community.

Day 4: Mamma Mia and Skopelos Highlights Tour

Agios Ioannis church atop its cliff

Today's six-hour guided tour will take you around to all the island highlights, with a special focus on the ones that brought Skopelos onto the big screen in Mamma Mia. 

You'll start at the Agios Ioannis chapel, where the film's wedding scene was filmed. Hike up all 199 steps to get to the top or just relax on top of the nearby rocks and take in the views.

Stop at an olive press in Glossa village to learn about Skopelos olive oils as you make your way to Kastani beach. At the beach, you'll hear more about the filming on the island as you relax in a beach bar on the sands where 10 days of filming took place and have the chance to hop in the water.

Your next stop is Agnontas beach, for more swimming or lunch in a beach taverna. Then head back to Skopelos town, but make sure you keep an eye out for Cape Amarandos and its signature three trees protruding into the water on the way.

Day 5: Return to Athens, Depart

Wave to the city

Time to say farewell to Greece. You'll head back to Athens after breakfast to catch your flight, either home or onward to your next adventure.

Map

Map of Central Greece & Skopelos Exploration - 5 Days

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