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TRAVEL INSURANCE

Tour Itinerary
Short Version
See itinerary at right  for details

GREECE

A Spiritual Odyssey to the Sacred Land

Departures: Any Sunday, March 7 - October 24, 2010

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

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

Day 1, Sunday: 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: Arrive Athens / to Delphi / Tour Begins (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: 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: In Athens / the Acropolis (B)
Morning  walking tour of the Acropolis, the original site of Athens, a limestone plateau overlooking the city. Explore the Parthenon, the all-marble temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, daughter of Zeus and Goddess of wisdom, war, and crafts that was long the religious shrine and high fortress for the Athenian people. Here you will experience the magnificence that was Greece, the cradle of western civilization! Return to the hotel. Free time to explore Athens on your own before dinner on your own to sample one of the many delightful local restaurants. Free evening to sample the Athens nightlife.
 
Day 5, Thursday: Full day touring of Aegina & Epidaurus (B/L)
Today you will visit some of the most 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: In Athens / Optional tour to Cape Sounion (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: Depart Athens / Return flight home (B)
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.

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.  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.