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TRAVEL INSURANCE

Tour Itinerary
Short Version
See itinerary at right  for details

GREECE

A Spiritual Odyssey to the Sacred Land

Departure: September 19 - 25, 2010

Locally Hosted

An enchanting journey to the sacred sites of ancient Greece that were home to the pantheon of Gods and Goddesses that have shaped our lives! Explore the glorious Temple of Apollo, where the Oracle of Delphi priestesses uttered prophecies with mythical implications that changed the lives of countless individuals and nations.

Walk the ancient pathways at the magnificent Acropolis in Athens, including the famous Parthenon, dedicated to Athena. Enjoy Epidaurus, Aegina and the spirituality of the Asclepeion.

 A balance of spirituality and time for relaxation offer happy memories that will be with you forever!

Your Spiritual Hosts in Greece

During this spiritual journey your local Greek guides will discuss the various ceremonies, meditations and initiation rituals that connect with the powerful energies of the Greek Gods and Goddesses and the aspects of consciousness that they represent within your consciousness that assist you in your personal growth in Greece’s most spiritual sites and you will also see some of the country’s traditional sites on regular conducted tours.

TOUR ITINERARY
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)

Day 1, Sunday, September 19: Depart from home
Arrange your own flight reservations for the overnight trip to Athens, Greece.
Note: Body Mind Spirit Journeys will be happy to assist you with your flight plans.

Day 2, Monday, September 20: Arrive Athens / Tour Begins / To Delphi (D)
Please be in Athens no later than 11am in order to join your tour coach as you drive through the beautiful countryside, passing areas of historical importance from ancient mythology and tradition.  Delphi is the home of the ancient oracle, one of the most famous, mystical sites in the world. After the Acropolis, Delphi is the most popular archaeological site in Greece. In ancient times it was considered the center of the known world, the place where heaven and earth met, and where man/woman were considered closest to God/Goddess. Check into your hotel. Free time before dinner at your hotel.
 
Day 3, Tuesday, September 21: In Delphi: Temple of Apollo / Late PM return to Athens (B)
You have a full day to take in Delphi.  First you visit the magnificent Temple of Apollo, located in a spectacular mountain setting. Apollo Delphinus or Delphinius was the dolphin-form of the god that was revered at Delphi, in spite of its location high in the mountains. The oracle that was located at this site was said to be founded by Apollo, the God of Healing and Oracles. Oracles were given once a month and would attract people from all over Greece. The temple was destroyed by fire in the fourth century BC and then rebuilt. The temple walls were inscribed with words of wisdom such as "Know Thyself", "Nothing in Excess". This spiritual experience whereby the spirit of Apollo was asked for advice on critical matters relating to people's lives or affairs of the state was a “magical” occurrence several thousand years ago. And, the fact that the town still attracts a million visitors a year could make one believe some of that magic is still there. If you have a belief that you can receive guidance from other realms, you keep an open mind and are receptive when you are at the Oracle, it may be an enriching experience.  Time permitting, you may visit the ancient springs that pre-dated the temples and whose water is purported to have special healing powers. There will be time for personal meditation to experience the very special qualities of this site. Return to the hotel. Balance of the day to relax and explore on your own before returning to Athens in the late afternoon.  Dinner and evening on your own. Overnight  Athens.
 
Day 4, Wednesday, September 22: In Athens / Athens Tour / the Acropolis (B)
Enjoy a tour of Athens, combining many of the city's principal modern and classical sights. This tour includes an overview of the modern city and striking contrasts to the remains of its glorious past. Here you will experience the magnificence that was Greece, the cradle of western civilization. Drive by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square, the Pan Athenian Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896). See vistas of the Presidential Palace (ex Royal Palace), government buildings and elegant homes. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, University, National Library and Omonia Square. In contrast, you visit the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and the crowning beauty and glory that was Athens, the Acropolis with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens.  Return to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore Athens, have dinner on your own at one of the many delightful local restaurants, and to sample the Athens nightlife.

 
Day 5, Thursday, September 23: Full day touring of Aegina & Epidaurus (B/L)
Today you will visit some of the more spiritual places in Greece. In Greek mythology, Aegina was the nymph of the island that bears her name. The archaic Temple of Aphaia, the "Invisible Goddess", on the island was later subsumed by the cult of Athena. Aphaia may be read as an attribute of Aegina that provides an epithet. Aphaia was a Greek goddess who was worshipped exclusively at this sanctuary.  Epidaurus, reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo's son Asklepios, the healer, was known for its sanctuary as well as its theater, which is once again in use today. The cult of Asklepios at Epidaurus is attested to in the 6th century BC. Epidaurus was the most celebrated healing center of the Classical world, the place where ill people went in the hope of being cured. In their dreams, the god himself would advise them what they had to do to regain their health. Asklepios, the most important healer god of antiquity, brought prosperity to the sanctuary. Even after the introduction of Christianity and the silencing of the oracles, the sanctuary at Epidaurus was still known as late as the mid 5th century, although as a Christian healing center in Greek mythology. Return to Athens for a free evening.

Day 6, Friday, September 24: In Athens / Optional tour to Cape Sounion / Farewell Dinner (B/D)
Full day at leisure for independent exploration and shopping. Or you can take an optional tour to Cape Sounion, as you depart along the Saronic Gulf with its splendid views. The crowning feature of the tour is Cape Sounion, dominated by the spectacular Temple of Poseidon overlooking the Aegean Sea. Return to Athens for the balance of the day free. This evening you enjoy a special Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 7, Saturday, September 25: Tour Ends / Depart Athens / Return flight home (B)
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Please note: This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to circumstances beyond our control. Pre/post nights are available upon request. Travel insurance is highly recommended.  Some inclusions may not be available on indicated dates and dates may have to be adjusted.  Listed local Hosts and guides are subject to availability and will be hosting your itinerary wherever possible. However, due to scheduling, there may be some times when the local Host or guide is not available. If this occurs, BMSJ will provide a comparable and experienced substitute.

TOUR PRICES: 
** Bonus! SAVE! You will receive a 5% discount if ALL payments are made by check or money order. This discounted price is noted below in red.