What I'm Doing in Greece 7-9

Day 07: 26 May PYLOS Half day Sfaktiria Island Boat Trip. Archaeological Museum

This morning we rise early and transfer to the wharf and at 08h00 board our private chartered boat (exclusive to our group) for our half day boat tour to Sfaktiria Island. Between 1821 and 1832 CE, the Greeks fought a war of independence against the occupying Ottoman Turks. On 20th October, 1827 CE a naval battle was fought in the bay at Pylos. The Battle of Navarino was fought by the Greeks and their allies; Britain, France and Russia, against the Ottoman Turks. This was a decisive defeat for the Ottoman and Egyptian forces, and a pivotal victory for the Greeks, who’s success at Navarino led to eventual Greek independence. The Battle of Navarino was the last major naval battle in history to be fought entirely with sailing ships, although most ships fought whilst at anchor. The Allies' victory was achieved through superior firepower and gunnery. The involvement of the English and French was prompted by Russia’s strong emotional support for their fellow-Orthodox Christians as they rebelled against the Ottoman’s, Russia’s traditional foe. The British, at the time the world hegemonic power, feared unilateral Russian action would be a destabilizing factor. So, Britain and France bound Russia by treaty to a joint intervention, which aimed to secure Greek autonomy whilst preserving Ottoman territorial integrity. Much of this was specifically to check Russia’s ambition, as Turkey, the ‘Sick Man of Europe’ further weakened, creating increasing political instability in the region. We embark on our cruise, sail into the bay and stop first at the Tripito Lighthouse where, at the top of the little island rests a marble column erected in honor of the French allies killed during the Battle of Navarino. We then skirt the big Island of Sfaktiria, which acts as a seawall keeping the Navarino Bay sheltered and calm. En route, we see the memorial to the Greeks killed during the holocaust of Sfaktiria in 1825 CE, as well the Santa-Rosa Monument, the great Italian philhellene. We next stop at the Russian Memorial and Church of St Nicolas, built in 1997 CE to commemorate the Russian allies also killed here. Our third stop is a small island in the middle of the bay called “Little Turtle”, due to its shape. Here lies the Anglican Memorial to the British allies killed. After our visit, we return to the wharf and transfer back to Pylos, where we visit the Archaeological Museum before returning to the hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the beach. Dinner is served at the hotel. Overnight (3 star) Hotel Miramare (or similar) Meal plan: breakfast, hotel dinner

Day 08: 27 May OLYMPIA Drive Olympia. Half day Olympia tour: Museum, Stadium, Hera

Today we drive from Sparta to Olympia, arriving in the early afternoon. We take lunch in the hotel and in the afternoon, we depart on a half day tour of Olympia to visit the Museum, Stadium, and Hera. We begin our tour of ancient Olympia at the excellent on-site Museum. This was a place in ancient Greece where rival states shed their protective armor and congregated in peace to enjoy the ancient games and make offerings to the Gods. The Temple of Zeus once dominated the entire complex and housed the 13m (43ft) Statue of Zeus, considered by the Greeks to be one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We also visit the Stadium and the Temple of Hera, which is the site's most intact structure. This is the oldest structure in the precinct, originally dedicated to Zeus as well as Hera, and gradually rebuilt from wood into stone. The walls were of mud-brick with a tiled roof. The games, which were the most prestigious athletic event in Greece, were held in conjunction with a festival to Olympian Zeus. Three heralds were sent to all the Greek states to announce their date and declare the universal truce, under which all hostilities were suspended for one week. The games were brought to an end in 393 CE, under an edict of the Emperor Theodosius that banned all pagan festivals. The temples were destroyed in 426 CE. After our visit we return to the hotel. This evening we gather in the foyer and depart for an evening meal in a local restaurant. After the meal, we transfer back to the hotel. Overnight (3 star) Ilis Hotel (or similar) Meal plan: breakfast, hotel lunch, restaurant dinner

Day 09: 28 May KALAMBAKA Drive via Half day Delphi tour: Mus., Sanctuary of Apollo

This morning we drive across the Rio-Antirrio Bridge en route to Delphi. We take a lunch box with us prepared by the hotel which we eat in the coach en rouite. We arrive in Delphi in the early afternoon. And immediately begin a half day guided tour of this spectacular site, including the excellent Delphi Museum. According to mythology, Zeus released two eagles at opposite ends of the world and they came to rest at Delphi, the 'navel of the world.' Delphi is known as the center of worship for the God Apollo, son of Zeus who embodied moral discipline and spiritual clarity. But even before the area was associated with Apollo there were other deities worshipped here including the earth goddess Gea, Themis, Demeter and Poseidon, the well-known god of the sea. By the end of the Mycenaean period Apollo had displaced these other deities and became the guardian of the oracle. Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, most important oracle in the classical Greek world, and it was a major site for the worship of the god Apollo. His sacred precinct in Delphi was a Pan-Hellenic sanctuary, where every four years athletes from all over the Greek world competed in the Pythian Games, the precursor to the Olympic Games. After our tour we drive to Kalambaka and check into our hotel. Dinner is served at the hotel. Overnight (3 star) Hotel Famissi (or similar) Meal plan: breakfast, boxed lunch, hotel dinner