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THE HISTORIC HOUSES ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA INVITES AAADA COMMUNITY TO JOIN A SMALL GROUP STUDY TOUR OF GREECE

The proposed dates are 7 to 24 October 2024, about 17 days, and covering roughly 4,000 years of engaging history, stimulating art and impressive architecture.

In Athens, we visit the unforgettable marble buildings of the Acropolis, other archaeological sites and museums, plus some outstanding 19th-century Neo-Classical houses.

In southern Greece, we travel through the picturesque landscape to visit the Late Bronze Age citadel of Mycenae, the harbour town of Nafplio with its Venetian, Turkish and Greek overlays, the Byzantine citadel town of Mystra, the fortified tower houses of Mani (the ultimate in neighbourhood disputes), the site of the ancient athletic games at Olympia, and the revered sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi.

On the island of Crete, we will explore 3,500-year-old palaces and on Thira contemplate the power of the volcano which blasted a huge caldera out of the island. About 1600 BC, the volcanic explosion covered the island in 60 m of tephra. Excavations in the 1970s revealed an amazing town, much older than Pompeii, of substantial two-storey stone houses still with their contents intact.

HHA tours are limited in numbers and designed to give you a special insight into the various regions visited. We will enjoy local cuisine and sample wines from the resurgent Greek wine industry.

John Wade, a former archaeologist and museum curator, will lead the tour, which requires a degree of ambulatory fitness due to the terrain.

The cost to HHA members, their partners, friends and family will be $11,995. A single supplement of $2,600 will apply, so if you can travel with a friend or partner, the cost will be reduced. 

Places are limited, so please call or email John Wade (0400 674 466 or allowaybank1@gmail.com) to register your interest now. John will be happy to field any questions.

From the July newsletter, read here.