Silver of the Aegean (10-days study trip to Athens, the Ancient mining sites at Lavrion and the volcanic island of Milos): Silver of the Aegean

Arrival at Athens' new airport. Transfer to a comfortable hotel in downtown Athens, located near the Acropolis and in the lively, charming old city. Depending on arrival tie, you probably have some time to relax or to visit parts of the center of Athens. In the evening we meet for a stroll through the old city and welcome dinner in a typical nice little tavern.

Acc.: : hotel*** in downtown Athens (D: dinner)

Day 2: Sightseeing of Athens & Acropolis & new museum

After the breakfast we will stroll through the lanes of Plaka towards the new archaeological museum of the Acropolis. There we will get all information that we will need for the visit of the famous temple of Athena Parthenon on the Acropolis. Later we will still have time to vistit other archaeological sites in the center of Athens.

Acc.: : hotel in Athens center

Day 3: Ancient mining in Lavrio

The ancient silver mining was important for the European and Western civilization. With the silver the ancient state of Athens financed the war against the Persians and won the battle in the gulf of Salamis. We will visit one of the oldest ancient theaters at Thorikos. There we will also discover old mining facilities for washing and concentrating the ore. Also a mining shaft can be seen. Later we will drive through a forest area with a deep doline (falle into cave) and see other mining areas. If time allows, we can optional visit also the temple of Poseidon at Sounion.

Acc.: : hotel in the center of Athens (L)

Day 4: Transfer to Milos

We will have a taxi transfer to the harbour of Piraeus from where we will sail to Milos island by a ferry. Optional: Flight to Milos (depending on weather conditions). After arriving on Milos we will have free time for relaxing or discovering the near area around.

Acc.: : hotel in Adamantas (D)

Day 5: Ancient Milos & fisherhouses at Klima

Plaka / Tripiti is the main town of Milos. We visit the archaeological museum with important items from excavated Ancient Greek and Prehisotric settlements of Milos. Afterwards, we walk to the archaeological excavations and to the place where the Venus statue was found. The little Ancient theater offers great views to the Gulf of Milos and its not far from the early-Christian catacombs.
At around noon, we walk down to the Ancient port of Milos and the picturesque fishing village Klima. In the afternoon we walk back to Adamas on a scenic route. On the way we may discover spectacular volcanic rocks containing black volcanic glas (obsidian).

Acc.: : as before (Milos) (B)

Day 6: Mining museum, sulphur mine and active fumaroles

Today will be an excursion though different, relatively difficult to access parts of the island. Therefore use 4x4 vehicles (drivers provided). First we'll get a good overview on the geology and mining history of Milos in the Mining Museum of Milos.
The adventurous part starts when we head on to an old, abandoned sulfur mine, located in a spectacularly beautiful bay on the rugged SE coast. Old tools, caverns where sulfur was produced are still visible and the atmosphere is eery. At the same spot there is an incredible beach where we could take a bath.
Later we drive through the volcanic rim of the Tsingrado craters to an lava dome that has still active fumaroles. We will discover the impact of hot, acid steam onto volcanic rock, changing its structure into caoline. After this visit we will get to the Fyriplaka beach where we could swimm in crystal clear water.

Acc.: : hotel in Adamas (B, L)

Day 7: Profitis Ilias mountain

Today we will visit the top of mount Prophitis Ilias (748m), starting near the chapel of Agia Marina. On our way we will have georgeous views onto the whole island and the bay, a former (submarine) crater. Mount Prophitis Ilias is geologically one of the most interesting places on Milos, where we can discover many altered rocks bearing rich quartz cystals, agate and even gold. After this mountain we drive by 4x4 through an wild landscape of former geysirs. There will be spots to discover opale and agate. Later we will arrive at the former manganese minig area of Vani. In the summer time we will be able to do bathing at beautyful bay.

Acc.: : as before (B, L, D)

Day 8: Vistit of the prehistoric town of Phylakopi and walking tour around the northern coast of Milos

Phylakopi was one of the most important prehistoric towns. Its trade of volcanic glass = Obsidian made it strategically important. We will see the ruins of the fortification and some buildings. If we are lucky, we will discover even sharp obsidian knifes on our walk along the northern coast of Milos. We will visit a small, hidden chapel, stroll along beautyful beaches and will take photos of the famous bays of Mytikas and Sarakiniko. At some parts we will discover fossils and even rare minerals.

Acc.: : as before (B, D)

Day 9: Spectacular boat trip around Milos and to Kimolos Island

Today is a very relaxed day to fully enjoy Milos' legendary beauty: on a boat, we sail around Milos' bizarre and phantastic coastlines,- likely to become an unforgettable excursion! Be sure to have plenty of film/stroage media with you, since you will be using it ALL! Swimming breaks in particularly beautiful spots are included.
In detail: we start at the cape Vani and follow the coastline anticlockwise until the famous "Kleftiko" cliffs, made of imposing white pumice layers. In former times, fishermen and pirates were used the bizarre coast to hiding their boats in that area.

Acc.: : as before (B, L)

Day 10: Return to Athens - end of tour

Our tour ends today with transfer to the airport and the short fly back to Athens. If there are not enough tickets for the small airplane, we will sail back to Piraeus by ferry boat. In this case we will inform you in time to stay one day longer in Athens to catch your flight. Alternatively, you could stay a bit longer on Milos or go to another island ... depending on time, there are many options.

Acc.: : none (B)

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