Most Inspirational Moment
All the sites are magical, even the Acropolis, overrun with tourists.
Our favourites from the past, Delphi and Olympia were still amazing, but one of the special visits was to Eva's favourite, Ancient Messene. We'd hardly heard of it, but it's a wonderfully excavated site with a complete stadium and mausoleum- you can even see the basins that the athletes washed in. And even better, there were only half a dozen visitors apart from us! We can't decide whether to write to Mary Beard and tell her to get on out there and make a programme about it, or just let it remain a well-kept secret.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Eva was brilliant. We did a similar trip some years ago, where the tour leader was British and just dealt with group logistics. At each site we picked up a local guide, some of whom were better than others.
Eva combined both roles with enormous energy and enthusiasm. As a Greek graduate in archaeology she guided us round the sites, answering questions, pointing out details that we would not have been aware of, ensuring that we were up to scratch with the flow of Greek history. These discussions continued whilst we travelled. At the same time she was always aware of group dynamics, wanting to make sure that all eleven of us were having a good time.. There was a lot of laughter and enjoyment! By the end of our trip she must have been exhausted!
Exodus, I hope you realise what an extraordinary resource you have in her. She certainly made our eight days memorable and educational (in a very good way!)
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take note of the accurate title of the trip - Highlights . As travellers now in our seventies we had visited almost all the sites over the last fifty years and the purpose of the holiday, for us, was as a refresher. For this, it was a brilliant itinerary. It would also be excellent as a taster if you had no experience of the sites and wanted an overview. But don't expect to linger!
Also, be aware that two sites, the Acropolis and Delphi, are steep with very uneven surfaces. Make sure your shoes are up to it.
