The Greek word Acropolis (Ακρόπολις) literally means “city on the edge”, usually a very auspicious group of structures built upon the highest vantage point. Without a doubt the most famous example is the Acropolis of Athens, site of the Parthenon, the Temple of Nike Athena, and the Erectheum – and most definitely a high point in any visit to Greece’s capital city. Athens is a city full of character and contradictions, historic monuments and ultramodern architecture, which is home to an amazingly diverse population.

Throughout the mainland and islands of Greece you will find many examples of ancient citadels near or around which modern cities still thrive: Sparta, Corith, Argos and Thebes are just a few examples. It isn’t that the modern residents built there out of disrespect, but rather because their ancient predecessors had the knack to choose optimal locations for urban planning. Issues such as prevailing weather, access points, water supply and other resources as well as arable land were all important considerations. The Greeks always knew how to live well!

Whatever region of Greece you explore you will be greeted by vivid imagery steeped in history. There are myriad ways to see Greece for all tastes and all budgets. Group tour packages offer a wide variety of routes as well as accommodation options from luxury hotels to charming family inns. You also have the option of creating a tailor made tour just for you with self-drive car rental or chauffeured luxury car or limousine hire, you can even discover Greece from the air in a private aircraft or helicopter charter.

Olympia (Greek: Ολυμπία Olympí'a, older transliterations, Olimpia, Olimbia), a sanctuary of ancient Greece in Elis, is known for having been the site of the Olympic Games in classical times, comparable in importance to the Pythian Games held in Delphi. Both games were held every Olympiad (i.e. every four years), the Olympic Games dating back possibly further than 776 BC. In 394 AD, ( after exactly 1170 years ) emperor Theodosius I abolished them as they were then considered reminiscent of paganism. The first olympic games were in Olympia in honor of Zeus.

The sacred mountain retreat of Delphi, home of the famous Oracle or Pythia, was sacred to both Dionysus and Apollo. Located on the south-western slopes of Mount Parnassus the site commands breathtaking views of olive groves of the Phocis valley and the Gulf of Corinth beyond. The sanctuary was holy to all the tribes of Greece, and a place of truce and peaceful gathering. Many important decisions were made there and it is hotly disputed as to how much the priests of Apollo actually influenced the politics of the ancient world in their interpretations of the Pythia’s ranting.

Today Delphi is still a place of stunning beauty and unique energy, and the Navel of the Earth still draws vast numbers of visitors annually from all around the world. Spring is a particularly wonderful time to visit as, along with the archeological treasures in the Delphi museum, the temperatures are mild and the almond trees and wild herbs scattered throughout the site are in bloom. Sip the cool water from one of Europe’s most ancient and deep springs!

Nearby points of interest are the winter resort town of Arahova with its lively night life and the charming fishing village of Galaxidi where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties. Accommodation available in the area ranges from Spa resorts of rustic elegance to boutique art hotels and cozy family hotels. Ski packages are available during the winter season while summer and winter offer great opportunities for a wide range of outdoor activities such as trekking, free climbing, hang-gliding or rent a 4x4 vehicle to go on a photo safari to discover the wealth of plant and animal life.