Greece: An Adventure Awaits Minnesota State University, Mankato Study Abroad Trip

Destinations in Greece Athens Loutraki (city within Corinthia) Wineries (Lafkiotis, Nemea and Skouras) Saronic Gulf Cruise (Aegina, Poros and Hydra) Nauplion Epidarus Mycenae Acropolis (Athens) Sounion Ancient Corinth Canal of Corinth Lake Vouliagmeni Olympia Delphi (Not on itinerary)

Athens, Greece

Cultural Highlights of Athens Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Syntagma Square which is the central square adjacent to Parliament in Athens. Folk dancing and entertainment at a local restaurant in Athens.

Other Highlights in Athens Old Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece –Visitors can run around the historic track and sit in the marble stadium –Greece was host to the Olympics in 2004

Loutraki

Loutraki Highlights Beaches Access to several sightseeing day excursions Blue Lake Heraion Loutraki is the seat of the municipality Loutraki-Perachora. It is largely a tourist town, and is well-known in Greece for its vast natural springs. The name itself, Loutraki derives from the Greek word for Spring.

Wineries Lafkiotis Nemea (Wine Coop) Skouras

Lafkiotis Winery Family-owned winery located in that has been in operation for 40 years. Wine is aged in French, oak barrels in environment-controlled cellars. Lafkiotis exports to several countries around the world including the United States. (

Nemea (Wine Coop) A Greek Wine Coop established in 1937, which now includes all vine- growers in the region. com/nemea/

Skouras Winery In 1966 George Skouras built a modest winery at Gymno, a tiny vineyard commune inside the Nemea Appellation. Since then he has grown tremendously and is on the forefront of Greek Wine Industry.

Saronic Gulf Cruise Leaving Athens to reach Aegina, Poros and Hydra Islands

Aegina Island

Picturesque houses Horses pulling carriages Busy port with cruise ships, fishing boats, dolphins, catamarans Small in size – only 83 square kilometers Olive tree hillsides

Poros Island Population of 3,500 Serviced by ferries Island named for Poseidon “God of the Sea” 33 square kilometers

Poros Island Unique icon souvenirs are available on the island.

Hydra Island Beautiful port village Cafes/restaurants Most popular Saronic Gulf Island compared with Aegina, Angistri, Poros and Spetsis Gold shops

Nauplion Belltower of Fortress of Palamidi View of Bay of Nauplion

Nauplion Looming castles Marble pavements Remarkable architecture Elegant mainland city Belltower of Fortress of Palamidi

Epidaurus Epidaurus was built around the 3 rd Century BC and is adorned with a multitude of buildings most famous of which is the ancient Theater of Epidaurus. “If a coin drops in the center – you can hear it anywhere in the theater”

Mycenae High above the modern town of Mycenae, the excavated ruins of the original city state are found. Some of the famous ruins include the lions gate and the royal tombs

Acropolis View of Acropolis from below the hill in Athens

Acropolis: Erechtheion Construction began in 420 Built to accommodate religious rituals Famous for the six caryatids which support the structure

Acropolis: Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus

Acropolis - Parthenon The Parthenon is temple of the Greek Goddess Athena and considered the most important surviving building of classical Greece.

Acropolis: Museum The museum consists of nine galleries mapped out in chronological order display art from the acropolis This photo is of Nike unloosening her sandal. The relief is from the parapet of the bastion of the temple of Athena Nike. Dated to circa 410 BCE.

Sounion Southernmost tip of the Attica Peninsula Ruins of the ancient Greek Temple of Poseidon – “the god of the sea” in classical mythology Offers a beautiful view of the Aegean Sea

Sounion

Coastal Views Near Sounion

Ancient Corinth

Greek city-state on the Isthmus of Corinth Founded circa 6,000 BC Visited by Apostle Paul Destroyed by an Earthquake in 1858 Tied to many historical eras including; Prehistoric, Classical, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman

Castle of Corinth The Castle Rests at the Top of the Hill

Canal of Corinth Connects the Ionic and Aegean Seas

Canal of Corinth Ionic Sea Side of the Canal

Canal of Corinth Aegean Sea Side of the Canal

Lake Vouliagmeni Population of 4,000 Sits on Hymettus Mountain Beaches Site of 2004 Summer Olympics

Olympia Stadium at Olympia

Olympia Site of the Olympic Games in classical times Olympic Games date back further than 776 BC In 394 emperor Theodosius I abolished them because they were reminiscent of paganism

Delphi Delphi is one of the most important archaeological sites of Greece, known for the oracle which influenced world affairs for over 1,000 years Also known as the belly button of the world

Delphi

Scenic View Near Delphi Group Photo at Delphi Marker

Questions?

Thanks and I look forward to traveling with you and sharing in this exciting experience! OPA!