athens and nafplion

A country steeped in history, Ancient Greece was at the heart of the civilised world producing exceptional creativity in thinking, writing and theatre. A third of the population of Greece lives in the capital, Athens, a city dating back some 3,500 years. The city is dominated by the famous Acropolis with the Parthenon, which has stood for 2,000 years along with the nearby Agora which formed the political heart of ancient Athens. Artifacts from excavations of Ancient Greece form the priceless collections of the National Archeological Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Benáki Museum. Nearby, the Temple of Poseidon towers over steep cliffs which tumble into the Aegean Sea at Cape Sounion, whilst at Delphi Ancient Greeks consulted the oracle at the Temple of Apollo.

On the Peloponnese, Corinth is home to the Odeion and the Temples of Apollo and Octavia. Epidaurus is renowned for its magnificent 4th century BC theatre, whilst the Sanctuary of Asklepios was an extensive therapeutic and religious centre. Nafplion was shaped by the many struggles between the Turks and Venetians. and houses Venetian castles alongside ancient mosques. Ancient Olympia is home to the original Olympic Games. The site includes the Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra - an ancient training centre for athletes, and also the Archeological Museum with a room dedicated to the Olympic Games.