Dominating the Athenian skyline, this beautiful, world-renowned monument is dedicated to Goddess Athena, the virgin patron of Athens. Constructed in 438 B.C. by Ictinus, Callicrates and Carpion, under the supervision of Phidias, the Parthenon is the most important surviving monument of the ancient world and stands as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece and the Athenian Democracy.
The Temple of Poseidon, at Sounion, the tip of the Attica peninsula (45 miles southeast of Athens), was built in 440 B.C. However, archaeological findings show the area was a site of worship as far as 700 B.C. Carved into the base of one of the columns of the Temple of Poseidon is the name of the famous romantic poet Lord Byron. It is possible he made the inscription during his first visit to Greece.
The pass of Thermopylae is the historical site of the battle that took place in 480 B.C. between the Greeks and the Persians. Under the command of King Leonidas of Sparta, the greatly outnumbered Greek army remained in the pass to prevent Xerxes’ vast cavalry and infantry force further invading the land. They held ground for three days before being outflanked via a hidden goat path, which according to legend, was shown to the Persians by a traitor named Ephialtes. However, their feat gave the Greek army enough time to reassemble and successfully combat the Persians in following battles. The epigram on the monuments reads :Oh stranger, tell the Lacedaemonians (Spartans), that we lie here, obedient to their words.
“Private Tour of the Peloponnese - Historical and Mythological Greece”
SUMMARY: When one is searching the internet for products or services, particularly in a foreign country, one is often apprehensive. I am here to tell you that I found Hellenic Private Tours (aka: H.P. Tours), Athens Greece to be a wonderful, reliable, reasonably priced, and ethical group to work with. The product they provide is exactly as they promise. It is FIRST QUALITY and is delivered by enthusiast, knowledgeable drivers.
DETAILS: My wife and I traveled in Europe in June 2015 and spent a considerable amount of time in Greece. We wanted a tour guide company that would show us the Peloponnese peninsula and adjoining area around Delphi. Several months before our scheduled departure, I found H.P. Tours’ website based on a referral from a stateside travel agent (http://www.hellenicprivatetours.com). As I said, I was apprehensive about contracting with a foreign firm for services; therefore, our first e-mail transactions were quite legalistic and detailed. Specifically, my wife and I wanted a private or small group tour with a guide who spoke both fluent Greek (we spoke none) and fluent English. We are in our 60s and have some mobility issues. We are interested in historical and mythological Greece. I asked them to provide a series of options that would fit into our available time envelope. Also, I am a train enthusiast and wanted to experience some unique Greek rail operation as an add-on attraction. I also wanted to include in the agreement pick-up services at the cruise ship terminal and also transportation to the Athens airport. In addition, I asked recommendations for appropriate hotels in our price range.
Mr. Frank Kotsiopoulos, the Managing Director of H.P. Tours, was quick to respond with several available options and a price list. We negotiated a mutually agreeable package price to be paid in cash at the time of arrival. He also explained his very reasonable cancelation policy should we encounter unforeseen complications. I felt the price was fair and equitable for the advertised package, but – being the eternal skeptic that I am – was curious what quality tour we would receive.
What later impressed me the most was that Frank found an error in my plans that was much to his favor and would have caused me considerable embarrassment; however, instead of letting it ride (which was in his financial best interest) he alerted me to the situation, and we reworked the plan. The new itinerary was less expensive, so I insisted that he keep the pre-agreed to contracted price. He refused – saying that he preferred to provide the service at a reasonable price and also make a friend.
When we arrived, Frank was there to meet us. The vehicle was a new Mercedes Benz. On the way to our hotel he gave us a wonderful driving tour. On the following day we met our driver, Valerois (Val) who would prove to be very personable, an expert driver, a knowledgeable guide, and a friend. Long story short – the tour of the Peloponnese was superb. We visited sites in Corinth, ancient Epidaurus, Sanctuary of Asclepius and the ancient theatre, Nafplion, Olympia – site of the original Olympic Games, Delphi – site of the Delphic Oracle, Diakofto to Kalavrita cog railway, and the Monastery of Hosios Loukas. The hotels were first class, comfortable, and reasonably priced. The restaurants recommended were outstanding, the food delicious, and we received preferential treatment as guests of H.P. Tours.
RECOMMENDATION: Do not go to Greece without contacting Frank Kotsiopoulos at H.P. Tours (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Frank & Val – Thanks for the memory!
John & Carol
