People instantly associate Athens with the Acropolis. Actually the word ‘acropolis’ literally means ‘high city’ – so, something built on a hill. There are many ‘acropoles’ in Greece – there is a wonderful one overlooking Lindos on Rhodes. But what people are really talking about in Athens is The Parthenon, a temple started in 447BCE and dedicated to the Goddess Athena after whom the city is named. The word ‘Parthenon’ means ‘virgin girl’ and in the 6^th century CE it was dedicated by Christians to the Virgin Mary.

THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACE IN THE WORLD?

The Parthenon is the spiritual home of all Greeks. It has an amazing and proud history. It is a wonderful place to visit, and the Parthenon museum is a culture vulture’s delight. It is also absolutely drop-dead-gorgeous by moonlight and there is nothing more romantic in the world than to have dinner at a restaurant at the base of the hill as the moon rises behind the temple ruins. We Greeks say ‘dine beneath the acropolis when the moon is full and you can’t help but fall in love’. The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion is equally romantic at sunset. Understandably they are both popular places to propose marriage

THE TEMPLE AT THE CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSE

The Parthenon is also the Temple at the Centre of the Universe. At least, it was during the Golden Age of Greece and if you want to sample wonderful relics and ruins dating back to the bronze age it’s a wonderful base. It’s within an easy drive of Delphi, the wonderful Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, Corinth and Mycenae. A little bit further away, but still comfortably doable as a day trip, are sites like ancient Olympia and Thermopylae.

If you like to run, then Ancient Marathon is a predictable 26.2 miles!

ATHENS BY NIGHT

When the day (trip) is done Athens is just a brilliant place to spend the evening discussing the things you’ve seen, talking about walking in the footsteps of Delphic Priestesses and heroes from the Trojan War. And the place to go is the Plaka district where Athenians and tourists alike gather for dinner, music, and conversation. Tables are filled with mezze to share on hot pitta bread, glasses are filled with a variety of local wines (and hey, there’s nothing wrong with frosty cold retsina on a hot summer night), and the air is filled with love.

HOW LONG SHOULD YOU COME FOR?

To be honest you can probably see the best bits of Athens in 2 days and nights – it’s quite a small city. But if you want to experience the Golden Age of classical Greek civilisation you can cover a lot in 5 or 6 days. We can make all the arrangements – hotels of all qualities, private transport to visit the sites, great recommendations for places to drink, dine and dance even. We’re local experts and it’s always good to have that connection.


YOUR INBOUND AGENT FOR ALL THINGS GREEK

As an inbound travel agent for all things Greek, we offer a full portfolio of services ranging from cutural day trips and short breaks out of Athens, to soft adventure tours of the mainland, multi-island-hopping holidays and full-on cruises. If you are planning a tour to Greece make sure you speak to our incredibly knowledgeable and expert team.

For more information about our wide range of holidays & trips in Greece get in touch with our experienced team on our contact us page.

Or by calling +(30) 21620 20021.

Fifty years ago the way to explore Greek history and the islands was by ferry, with a back-pack, sleeping on the beaches, staying where you wanted for as long as you wanted. It was a carefree if very sandy way to travel. Then we had island-hopping cruises where your ship docked at a harbour somewhere, you rushed and rushed around for an hour or two, then rushed back to head-off for the next place.

HYBRID ISLAND-HOPPING WITH ALL CREATURE COMFORTS

Of course, you can still cruise. But we recommend a hybrid way to island hop. One that gives you time to soak up the character and experience the culture and history of our beautiful islands, We particularly recommend this 10-day tour which visits 4 amazing places.

IT ALL STARTS IN ATHENS…

OK, so Athens isn’t an island – it’s even better, it’s a legend! Home and hearth to ever Greek and everything Hellenic it is a city that never sleeps and a place you’ll never tire of. We spend three nights here. The day you arrive we transfer you to your hotel and the evening is at leisure to acclimatise. On Day 2 we give you a guided morning tour that climaxes at The Acropolis and The Parthenon.  This evening explore the restaurants and bars as you choose.

…NEXT WE HOP OFF TO MYKONOS…

The following morning we catch the hydrofoil to Mykonos – playground of hedonists from around the globe. We spend three nights here so make sure you enjoy the beaches and nightlife but don’t miss hopping over to the tiny island of Delos for half-a-day, it’s one of the most important ancient sites in Greece. Also check out the optional local cookery and wine courses at Mykonian Spiti, a farmstead up in the hills.

…THEN IT’S SANTORINI…

On Day 6 it’s another hydrofoil trip, heading to the southernmost island of the Cyclades, Santorini. We have the best part of three days and three nights here. There is time to chill out on the black sand volcanic beaches, but we’ll offer you an optional tour of the island and show you Akrotiri – the Greek equivalent of Pompeii (only better!). We also recommend the optional wine tasting tour as the white wines here, grown on volcanic soil, are world renowned.

PRICES FROM €1,375 TO €2,068 PER PERSON IN TWIN ROOM

Prices vary seasonally but we can particularly recommend the low-season in September and October when this part of the Aegean has very pleasant temperatures, warm waters and excellent value prices. Single room supplements apply.

Prices include 4 star B&B hotel accommodation, all transfers, and a half-day city tour of Athens (on a shared basis). Hotel tax (€3.00 pppn) must be settled directly with the hotel.

For more information email info@egh.travel or call +302162020021

For more information about our wide range of holidays & trips in Greece get in touch with our experienced team on our contact us page.

The Athens Marathon, which is run largely along the route taken by the Greek soldier Pheippides when racing to announce victory over the Persians in 490 BCE, is on the ‘must do’ list for any serious road runner. It’s one of the toughest courses in the world, climbing over 332m (over 1,000 feet) and has become one of the most spectacular events of its kind in the world.

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

Known as ‘The Authentic Marathon’, registrations for both individuals and groups opened a few days ago for the series of races – there are 5 in all including 10km, 5km and even a kids’ race. They close when the field is full or on October 1st. The races are held over the weekend of 11th-12th November. It’s a wonderful event with upwards of 40,000 runners taking part.

5 NIGHT PACKAGES STARTING IN ATHENS…

This isn’t the sort of event where you simply turn up in your kit and go for a run so we have a special 6 day package planned, based in Athens. You’ll be here in the company of an experienced running coach who will take you to Marathon to see the museum then drive the course with you giving insight into how best to run the race. They will also take you on a running sightseeing tour of this wonderful city, showing all the highlights, as a warm-up for the main event.

…THE RACE ENDS IN THE PANATHANIAKOS STADIUM…

There can be no more spectacular finish to a race than the famous Panathaniakos Stadium. Luckily it seats quite a few people as you might just be in need of a sit down after that 4 hour slog. Don’t worry if you can’t make that pace, the race starts at 9.00 am and the cut-off time is 8 hours!

…THEN IT’S DINNER IN THE PLAKA DISTRICT…

You’ll have worked up a hunger by the time you finish so back to hotel, get showered and head of to the legendary Plaka district of Athens for something eat and drink. There’s an enormous choice here but don’t worry – we’ve booked you another night in the hotel tomorrow so you have an extra day to recharge your batteries and carb load before you go home.

ENQUIRE FOR PACKAGE PRICES NOW

It’s very reasonable to regitser and enter for the race itself – individuals pay €55 and groups pay €50 per head. But even though it’s November the hotels and runing coaches get booked quite well in advance. If you have clients that want a unique running experience in the ‘Authentic Marathon’ start making enquiries now.

KEEP ON RUNNING!

For more information email info@egh.travel or call +302162020021

For more information about our wide range of holidays & trips in Greece get in touch with our experienced team on our contact us page.

Back in the 1960’s Mykonos, among the jewels of the Cycladic chain, was one of the original stopping-off-spots on the island-hopping ‘Hippy Trail’. No surprises really, there are stunning beaches and the island has always had a laissez-faire sunbathing dress code that lasts to this day. Young people and beaches naturally lead to a party atmosphere and the main town quickly developed a reputation for it’s nightlife. But Mykonos has a lot more to offer than simply tomorrow’s beach BBQ or this evening’s rave.  Look behind the shoreline and there is a world of tradition and legacy.

MYKONIAN SPITI – OUR HILLSIDE HIDEAWAY THAT CAPTURES THE TRUE TASTE OF GREECE

‘Spiti is the Greek word for ‘home’ and our wonderful discovery, a farm that celebrates all things traditional about the islands of the Cyclades, makes for a very different Mykonian experience. Inside, under the watchful eye of proprietor and chef Teta, hundreds of guests have learned  how to prepare and cook local delicacies. 

Meanwhile, away from the kitchen, Teta’s business partner, cult Greek wine sommelier Stathis Pasoglou, will offer you an executive wine tasting – retsina this is most definitely not! Even olive oil never tasted this good.

FROM BAKERY BREAKFASTS TO DELICIOUS DINING

Cookery class students naturally get to eat the food they have prepared, accompanied by a glass of wine or two. Alternatively, by arrangement, Mykonian Spiti also offers classic Cycladian meals. And oh, we forgot to mention the bread cooking classes, the chance to explore the farm, and everything totally and immersively ‘island Greek’

…IT’S ALL PART OF THE EXPLORE GREECE MYKONOS EXPERIENCE…

Explore Greece offers a full 7 night package programme to Mykonos that not only gives guests the option of enjoying the beaches and nightlife, but to take island jeep safaris, cruise the south coast, take a half day visit to the exceptional ruins and history on display at the nearby island of Delos and much more. 

For more information email info@egh.travel 

Athens was at the centre of all things classical about Greece. Nothing has changed – but what most people don’t realise is that some of the greatest sites of Greek civilisation are no more than a short road trip away. So, even if you’re only staying a few nights in Athens, there’s no reason you can’t visit the places that bring myths and legends to life. Herewith our day-by-day-trip guide to the Golden Classical Age.

OLYMPIA

An 11-hour road trip takes you to the site of ancient Olympia, home of the world renowned games. Features include:

Temple of Zeus

Gymnasium

Altar of Goddess Hera

Archeological Museum

4th century BC Hermes of Praxiteles Corinth canal

ANCIENT CORINTH

In as little as 5 hours we take you in the footsteps of St. Paul who taught at the Corinthian Acropolis for 18 months. Highlights include: Ancient Corinth
Temple of Apollo
Museum
The step of Apostle Paul
Ancient port of Kechries
Corinth Canal

MYCENAE AND EPIDUARUS

A day ‘tour de force’, this 9-hour trips is crammed with important sites and sights – for those who only have one day spare on their hands, this is the trip to take as you get to see: Corinth Canal
Lion’s gate
Cyclopean Walls
Royal Tombs
Mycenae Museum
Palamidi Fortress
Bourzi island
Theatre of Epidaurus
Sanctuary of Asclepius

DELPHI

The Oracle at Delphi famously advised ‘everything in moderation’ – we’re not quite sure she’d approve of what is something of a full on ‘legend-fest’ of a day where the highlights unfold one after the other:
Treasury of the Athenians
Temple of Apollo
Delphi Museum
Ancient Stadium
Ancient Theatre
Castalia Spring
Temple of Athena Pronaia
Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios
Mount Parnassus
Arachova
Galaxid

CAVE OF LAKES

And now for something completely different – Greece isn’t all about ancient history, we also have some stunning natural history. And no more so than at the Cave of Lakes where fossils dating back to Neolithic times have been found.

CAPE SOUNION

An easy 5-hour tour along the Athenian Riviera for some lakeside swimming and a visit to possibly the most photographed building in Greece outside of the Parthenon – the Temple of Poseidon, past which sea captains, both ancient and modern, sailed making an offering to the God of the seas for safe passage.

TOTAL COMFORT IS ASSURED – LET US PUT TOGETHER A PACKAGE FOR YOU

All trips are in luxury air-conditioned transport with a knowledgeable English-speaking driver and/or guide.  Vehicles have Wi-Fi and bottled water is included. If you are planning a visit to Athens and want to make the most of your time there let us tailor-make a package of day-trips for you.

For more information email info@egh.travel 

Crete is the largest island in Greece. It’s 5^th biggest in the Mediterranean and, perhaps surprisingly, is 88^th in the world in terms of size. Yet even given these impressive statistics, in terms of culture and history, and also natural beauty and glorious beaches, it punches well above its weight. Crete is a big deal, and it’s very much the real deal.

MINOS BEACH ART HOTEL SPECIAL OFFER – SAVE 10% ON HOTEL RATES

To get the best possible deal you need to stay in the best possible place at the best possible rate. Naturally there are hundreds of hotels on an island as big as Crete and we have to admit we haven’t even stayed in half of them! But we know a good deal when we see one and the Minos Beach Art Hotel, on Crete’s east coast, just an evening stroll from the old fishing harbour of Agios Nikolaos, brings a combination of lovely accommodation, a great location, lovely sands, and translucent seas. It also has great art on show in its own right in the reception areas and garden (you probably spotted a clue in the name!)

KNOSSOS, PHAISTOS, GORTYS AND SPINALONGA ARE JUST A DRIVE AWAY

About 50-minutes from Heraklion airport (we provide the transfer) the Minos Beach Art Hotel is a great base from which to explore Crete. You naturally have to see Knossos, legendary home of the equally legendary ‘half-man, half-bull’ Minotaur. We also recommend Phaistos which has some of the most wonderful Greek ruins in the Mediterranean – visit there and then go down to the coast at Matala (famous in the Joni Mitchell song for it’s moon!) and see the cave dwellings.

Also make time for the old Roman capital Gortys. In typical Roman fashion it’s right in the middle of the island and the old walls and amphitheatre are now hidden amongst a jungle of olive groves. Nearer to hand the old, abandoned Leper Colony on the island of Spinalonga maps history of a different kind.

DRIVE THERE, MAKE SURE YOU GET LOST COMING HOME

You can see all the sites within an hour or so of the hotel. But one of the best things about Crete is getting off the beaten track. So, f you hire a car to explore by all means follow the sat-nav on the way there, but then wind your way home through the back roads and stop at one of the timeless back-of-beyond village restaurants where you’ll find a warm welcome and wonderful food.

BOOK BEFORE MAY 31^ST FOR DISCOUNT, STAY ANY TIME UNTIL AUGUST 31^ST

Book with us before the end of the month to lock-in the discount. Then you can travel any time up until the end of August with the exception of the periods 11^th thru’ 16^th and 24^th and 25^th June.

To book or more information email info@egh.travel 

Everybody knows what a meteor is – a piece of space rock that burns up as it enters the Earth’s atmosphere and becomes a ‘shooting star’. But what do you know about Meteora in Greece, a rock formation which has some of the most amazing monasteries imaginable?

There’s a big clue in the name. ‘Meteor’ in Greek means ‘high’ or ‘lofty’ and, indeed, shooting star meteors are lofty objects, high above the earth. So too, at Meteora, the monasteries literally hang precariously into space, ‘high church’ dangling precipitously in the air from the cliff face on mountains that go up to over 600m.

SAFE FROM SECULAR SCRUTINY

The first monastery was built here somewhere around the end of the 11^th century CE. At the peak of the monastic community there were more than 20 occupied monasteries, amazing when you think that all materials had to be pulled up the sheer cliffs by ropes, in baskets. Now only 6 monasteries remain intact, although the ruins of others are still visible.

Equally amazing, even up until the 1920s, access for both people and goods was by rope, basket and/or ladders. This meant that they were essentially safe havens for both monks and nuns from marauding Turks or other secular invaders. More recently steps have been cut into the cliffs to make it easier to visit.

Q: WHAT DO YOU CALL A MAN FROM METEORA?
A: A METEORITE

There is another link between bits of space dust and the people of Meteora – they’re both officially called ‘meteorites’! Although, as you might expect in the high summer heat, the local population moves rather more slowly than their similarly named celestial cousins

Most famous of them all was Saint Athanasios the Meteorite who started building the Great Meteoreon Monastery in the mid 14rh century. In its heyday over 300 ascetics lived and worshipped there, but now numbers have diminished to single figures. Similarly at Varlaam, the second biggest monastery.

HOW TO VISIT METEORA

We’d love to show you Meteora – it’s a special place for Greeks and orthodox Christians everywhere. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can come here on a day trip from Athens (it’s a 12–14-hour trip) or we visit here as part of our 4-day Peloponnese Sites of Antiquity tour that also visits Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi.

That may sound like a bit of a flying visit – but when it comes to Meteorites what else do you expect!

While Greece is famous for her islands and some of the wonderful sites and sights they offer, there’s a whole lot more to see on the mainland. Indeed, some of the most amazing highlights from the ‘Golden Age’ right through the Byzantine period are to be found on the Peloponnese, the large promontory of land that hangs down into the Mediterranean with the Aegean one side and the Ionian the other. Amazingly a 3 day road trip from Athens can encompass some of the most famous places in the world. These are ‘must see’ visits for any culture vulture!

DAY 1 – ARGOLIDA, CORINTH, EPIDAURUS, ASKLEPION, NAFPLION, MYCENAE 

We depart from Athens for Epidaurus, making a brief stop at the famous Corinth Canal. Epidaurus is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an amazing Amphitheatre and the Asklepion – the most important sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greco-Roman God of Medicine, in ancient Greece. We then stop at Nafplion, the second capital of Greece, whose architectural styles are influenced by ancient Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman cultures. Then it’s the Bronze Age ruins at Mycenae where the Trojan war started when Helen, wife of Agamemnon’s brother Menelaus, ran off with Paris.

Finally, we will head for Olympia through the Central Peloponnese. Overnight at Olympia with so much to talk about over dinner.

DAY 2 – OLYMPIA

Today it’s all about the Olympic Games with a visit to the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. It’s a wonderful place with far too much to see to note here. Later we drive across the plains of Eliad and Achaia before arriving in Delphi where we stay overnight.

 DAY 3 – DELPHI

The site of the Oracle at Delphi should be on any classical scholar’s ‘must see’ list. You’ll hear all about the history from your guide and visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum of Delphi. Then we visit Arachova, a beautiful old city, famous for its colorful carpets, wine and Formaela cheese for a visit. In the afternoon, we return to Athens.

FANCY AN EXTRA DAY?

If you have time for an extra day, we can add an overnight and take you to Meteor to see the famous Meteorite monasteries that hang off vertical cliffs. We’ve brought you forward several thousand years but it’s still an ancient and amazing sight dating back to medieval times. En route back to Athens we stop at the historic site of Thermopylae, where the battle between the ancient Greeks and the Persians changed the course of European history.

For all overnight stops accommodation is in 3 or 4 star hotel, depending on location, on a B&B basis giving you the chance to dine in the local restaurant of your choice.

YOUR INBOUND AGENT FOR ALL THINGS GREEK

As an inbound travel agent for all things Greek, we offer a full portfolio of services ranging from cutural day trips and short breaks out of Athens, to soft adventure tours of the mainland, multi-island-hopping holidays and full-on cruises. If you are planning a tour to Greece make sure you speak to our incredibly knowledgeable and expert team.

The Marathon season has moved to autumn. October 2^nd sees the London Marathon, November the 6^th brings the New York equivalent. Both are run on what most runners consider ‘flat tracks’ – good places to record a ‘PB’ (personal best). The Athens’ Marathon, run over the original route from Marathon to Athens, is an altogether different beast. You’d expect that, after all it’s a thing of legend, the mother of all Marathons. 

If you’re running it this year, or thinking of running it in 2023, it needs the best possible preparation – and that’s where we can help.  

BUT FIRST – THE LEGEND 

The legend surrounds a man called Pheidippides (pron. Fy-dippi-deeze) who, in 490 BCE, ran the 25 odd miles from the battlefield at Marathon back to Athens to announce the result of a battle with the Persians. But there’s a lot more to it than that – previously he had run 150 miles to Sparta in two days to try and get the Spartan army to turn out as back-up. Then he had to run back to the battlefield to announce they weren’t going to come. (Don’t mention it in the tavernas, the Athenians have long memories!) 

THE ORIGINAL RESULT – NIKE! 

Somehow the much-outnumbered Athenian army managed to win the day and the leg weary messenger was despatched to the Acropolis to report to the city elders that their valiant boys had overturned the odds. The story has it that he ran up the hill, shouted ‘Nike’ (we won), and then sadly died of exhaustion.  

THE LONGEST UPHILL CLIMB OF ANY MARATHON 

The Athens’ event has become a real crowd-pleaser recently and 60,000 runners are expected at the starting gate on November 13^th, 2022, setting off in the footsteps of Pheidippides. We wish them luck – it’s one of the toughest ‘asks’ in any runner’s career, with over 20kms of climbing and some steep descents before you reach the end – these days the Panathinaikos Stadium. No runner can expect a PB on this track! 

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE IS THE BEST POSSIBLE PREPARATION 

It’s a particularly tough race if you’re running the course for the first time – you need to be properly prepared and that means you need local knowledge. We have a special 6-day (5 night) tour that gives you all you need to know. Flying in on the Thursday before the race the itinerary includes: 

• Collection from the airport and transfer to your hotel in Glyfada on the Athens Riviera 
• Guided tour of Marathon and drive down the classic route in the company of a running coach who will share all the ‘hacks’ on how to make sure you get round 
• Historic Athens discovery run – the day before the race your running coach will lead you on a run through Athens, stopping to point out all the famous sights along the way 
• Transfer from your hotel to the start of the race and collection at the end to transfer back to hotel 
• A day’s R&R cruise to visit Hydra, Poros and Aegina – three lovely islands in the Saronic Gulf 
• Transfer back to airport for your flight home 

APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 WILL OPEN AROUND MAY 2023 

Applications are now closed for this year’s event. But, if you’d like to think about running in 2023, either independently or with your club or a group of friends, do get in touch with us straight away. We can organise a complete Authentic Athens Marathon package and help secure entries.  

Many people see Athens as a great place for a city break. For sure it has the world-famous Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, the Swiss Guards, the Temple of the Olympian Zeus and many more classical features. It also has great hospitality, bars and restaurants.

The problem is that people often try and rush through Athens in a day, often using it as a jumping off place for the islands. We have a better and much more rewarding strategy, especially if you’re a culture vulture – come to Athens for a week and make it your base for a series of ‘days out’ that lets you explore many of the other World Heritage sites on the mainland or the Peloponnese.

What few explores appreciate is that most of the great sites and sites of legend are within a comfortable day’s drive of Athens. You can get picked up from your hotel after breakfast, drive through some stunning scenery in air-conditioned comfort, have a guided tour of a UNESCO World-Heritage site and return to the city for dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Plaka district.

 

 

 

 

The list of options is a ‘must see’ menu of antiquity:

• Mycenae
• Delphi
• Olympia
• The Monasteries at Meteora
• The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion
• The theatre and sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus

 

Within a few days, tutored by our expert guides. you can be fully inculcated into ancient Greek history and legend.

Most people also fail to realise that Athens has a very cosmopolitan and sophisticated beach culture. The Athenian Riviera is a wonderful stretch of coast, lined by sandy beaches, just a few kilometres from the city. It’s a brilliant place to spend a day if you think you’re going into cultural overload. Alternatively, if you’re the sort of person that likes sand in your toes, why not base yourself here – the hotels are top class but a little more chilled than their more urban counterparts, and you can pop back into the hubbub of the centre any time you please.

 

 

 

If you have Athens on your travel agenda, please don’t think of it as a place where your interest ends at the Parthenon. We’d prefer you see as ‘to the Parthenon and beyond’. Come to Athens as a place from which to Explore Greece.