Explore Greece’s classical archaeology, taking in ancient temples, palaces and fortresses
Visit Delphi, located in striking surroundings beneath Mount Parnassus
Discover the Acropolis of Athens and its dedicated museum, containing the mesmerising caryatid sculptures
"A very well planned tour, well led and most enjoyable"
- ACE customer on a previous Athens, Delphi & the Peloponnese tour
Our journey across the Peloponnese embraces some of the most evocative names from ancient Greece: Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games; Mycenae, from where Agamemnon went to war against Troy; and, soaring above the Gulf of Corinth, Delphi, the ‘centre of the world’.
Our tour begins in Athens, where, stepping inside the Acropolis Museum, we will explore fascinating finds from over 2000 years of history, including the mesmerising caryatid statues, and make a visit to the impressive Parthenon Gallery. Our visit to the Acropolis itself will take in the Propylaia – the monumental gateway – together with the Parthenon and the Erechtheion.
The wealth of Corinth is epitomised by the Doric Temple of Apollo and the magnificent buildings of the Roman forum. At Epidaurus, the most celebrated healing centre of the ancient world, we will see the sanctuary of Asklepios, god of healing, and the well-preserved theatre, renowned for its harmonious proportions and wonderful acoustics.
Another early highlight is the Bronze Age site of Tiryns, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to an evocative fortress; while at the astonishing Lion Gate at Mycenae – tracing the footsteps of Heinrich Schliemann – we will view the grave circle and the palace megaron. We will also explore Mystras near Sparta, a former Frankish outpost housing the Palace of Despots – a rare example of Byzantine civic architecture – as well as numerous churches adorned with 14th and 15th century frescoes.
Moving onwards in our journey, we will discover the spectacular sanctuaries of Olympia and Delphi, both sites of enormous significance in the religious world of ancient Greece. The Archaeological Museum at Delphi holds some of the most magnificent artefacts from the Mediterranean world, including the bronze Charioteer of Delphi and the stone omphalos, or, ‘navel of the world’.
We will stay throughout in hotels of three and four-star quality.
This tour will be led by Gillian Hovell, BA. Gillian is an ancient historian and archaeologist with expertise spanning the Neolithic to Roman Britain and the Greek and Roman Mediterranean. Gillian actively digs at major sites in the UK and Europe, from Orkney to Pompeii, and is also an experienced tour leader and lecturer, regularly delivering talks for the Arts Society and at museums including the British Museum and the Ashmolean. An award-winning writer, she has given several TV, radio and podcast interviews and also runs online courses in archaeology, ancient history and Latin as ‘The Muddy Archaeologist’. Gillian’s guide to the archaeological sites of the Mediterranean is due for publication in 2024.
Tour Director Gillian Hovell writes:
“I look forward to exploring some of the greatest art and ancient sites and museums in the world on this tour. We will begin with a celebration of the marvels of classical Athens, then travel through the great prehistoric Bronze Age at sites such as Mycenae and Tiryns, and explore the innovative Archaic world of oracles and world-changing art. The tour takes us to remarkable Hellenistic sanctuaries and Roman towns, and we can even walk in the footsteps of St Paul!”
11
£3895
PELO-24
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, ten breakfasts, ten dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £525.
