Olympia Magna Grecia Olive Farm Horo
Date: November 3, 2016. Uploaded by Jim Gold.
Jim Gold Folk Tour of Greece: October 15-28, 2016. Led by Jim Gold, Produced by Jim Gold International. Jim Gold is an America folk dance teacher, choreographer, and organizer of folk dance tours around the world. More information at jimgold.com
Jim Gold International: Folk Dance Tours
GREECE and Greek Islands ! October 15-28, 2016
Led by Jim Gold
★ Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora, Mycenae, and Epidaurus !
★ Greek Island Cruise to Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Patmos, Kusadasi (Turkey),
Santorini, and Ephesus !
★ Folk dancing with local Greek teachers !
★ International folk dancing with Jim Gold!
★ Our price includes round trip air, transfers, hotels, private bus, guide, sight seeing for land tour, all breakfasts and dinners (except Athens).
ITINERARY
Day 1: Saturday, October 15: Departure from JFK airport in New York City.
Day 2-3: Sunday-Monday, October 16-17: Arrive in Athens. ”The gods could have lived anywhere: They chose Greece.” Transfer to Herodion Hotel. Explore ancient and modern city of Athens; visit the Royal Palace, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Acropolis, and Omonia Square. Greek folk dancing. Overnights at Herodion Hotel.
FIVE DAY CLASSICAL TOUR
Day 4-5: Tuesday-Wednesday, October 18-19: See Corinthian canal, archaeological site of Mycenae, and the theater at Epidaurus. On to Nauplia, Sparta, and the Byzantine site of Mistra. Dinners, Folk dancing with local Naupflia dancers. Overnights in Nauplia: Agamemnon Hotel.
Day 6: Thursday, October 20: Drive through central Peloponnese passing Megalopolis and Tripolis. Tour of historic Olympia. Dinner, folk dancing. Overnight in Olympia: Amalia hotel.
Day 7: Friday, October 21: Morning drive through Nafpakto. Visit archeological sites at Delphi. Dinner, folk dancing, Overnight in Delphi: Amalia hotel.
Day 8: Saturday, October 22: Morning visit to Delphi museum. Drive through Arachova, Lamia, and Trikala. Arrive in Kalambaka. Dinner, folk dancing, Overnight in Kalambaka: Amalia hotel.
Day 9: Sunday, October 23: Visit breathtaking cliff monasteries of Meteora. Rising from gigantic rocks, they appear as nature's gift to the pious who chose solitude and a life of worship. Lunch and Greek folk dancing in a local Kastraki restaurant. Return to Athens, passing through historic Thermopyle. Overnight: Herodion Hotel.
FOUR DAY GREEK ISLAND CRUISE!
Day 10: Monday, October 24: Leave Athens and sail from the harbor of Piraeus to Mykonos.
Lunch on board.
Day 11: Tuesday, October 25: Visit Kusadasi in Turkey. Optional excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus, best preserved Greco-Roman city in the world. Bazaar shopping tour of Kusadasi led by Jim. Sail to the island of Patmos where St. John wrote the Book of Revelation.
Day: 12: Wednesday, October 26: Sail to Rhodes. Explore the medieval city. Optional excursion to Lindos with ancient Acropolis and breath-taking views. Walking tour of Rhodes led by Jim.
Day 13: Thursday, October 27: Visit Heraklion, capital of Crete. Optional excursion to the Palace of Knossos. Sail to Santorini, home of legendary kingdom of Atlantis.
1: Day 14: Friday, October 28: Sail to Piraeus. Transfer to airport for flight back home.
: Jim Gold International, Inc. 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 (201) 836-0362 jimgold.com Email: jimgold@jimgold.com
Best of Olympia
Visit the site of the First Olympic Games and learn about its glorious history, marvel at the treasures housed at the Olympia Archaeological Museum, and experience the real taste of Greece when you sample olive oils and wines produced at Agriturismo Magna Grecia. Approximately 25 miles east of Katakolon is the site of Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games. Even though the temples and monuments have disappeared and only the ruins are left, you cannot help but to envision the grandeur of the Temple of Zeus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The site was a sanctuary even before the stadium was built and the games took place. The Temple of Hera, the Prytaneion and the Philippeion were also monuments standing in the sacred grove. The famous Stadium, the largest of its day, is entered through a long, tunnel-like passage constructed in Roman times. Today, you can stand at the starting line and imagine the roar of the spectators seated in the marble benches as the athletes took their marks on the starting line. Your tour continues to the Olympia Archaeological Museum. Here you'll find the Head of Hera and the superb statue of Hermes of Praxiteles, among many other magnificent pieces found in the area. Admire the sculpted ornaments from the Temple of Zeus and many other priceless pieces. Reboard your coach and drive through picturesque villages and unspoiled scenery to Magna Grecia Farm lying in the heart of a traditional agricultural region. You'll be welcomed with local drinks and homemade snacks. Make sure you try the ouzo, a local liqueur that tastes like licorice. Visit the olive grove and learn the history of the olive tree and the tasty, peppery fruit produced here. You'll see the vineyards and encounter farm animals as well. Immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of this estate and in the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine by sampling a variety of mezes (appetizer dishes) accompanied by local wine. Flirt with Greek culture as you watch a short demonstration of Syrtaki dance, and maybe try a few steps yourself. Opah! Note: There is approximately 1 1/2 miles of walking on even ground, dirt and gravel.