Day 10 – Tuesday, October 11: Athens, Acropolis, Mars Hill, Plaka, Lycabetus
Our last full day in Greece was another great weather day, with highs around 75 again. We would spend the entire day in Athens, the capital of Greece. We read from 1 Corinthians 3 as we left the hotel at 8 am.
Athens – Acropolis
We drove a short distance to the Acropolis. As we arrived, we began our climb up past the odeon (small theater that held 5,000) and the Temple of Nike, and through the Propylea (“gate-way” marked with huge pillars today). Reaching the top we saw the Erechtheum (a temple built in 421-406 BC honoring Athena, Poseidon, and Erechtheus a local goddess) and the Parthenon (built between 447-432 BC).
Looking down on the top from the Acropolis in all directions we could see the Temple of Zeus, the Agora (the center of economic and public life) the Stoa of Attilos, and Mt. Lycabetus.
Leaving the Acropolis we stood at the base of the Rock of Areopagus (“Mar’s Hill) where Paul delivered his testimony. We read this speech he gave (recorded in Acts 17). In the context of the pagan customs and culture of the day, Paul was quite bold in proclaiming Christ here. Praise God for those who heard and responded to Paul’s message that day!
Leaving this area, we boarded back on the bus and enjoyed a brief city tour of Athens. We Past by the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, and the old Olympic stadium of Athens (made of all marble and restored for the 1896 Olympic Games).
“This was our final day in Greece, and Athens certainly was the place to be! The Acropolis and the Parthenon on top were stunning to see. About 12,000 people each day visit here. Reading Acts 17 on Mars Hill was also special.”
Plaka/Lycabetus
About noon we said goodbye to Aliki. We enjoyed lunch and some free time in the Plaka, Athen’s marketplace/shopping area. Following this, the rest of the afternoon involved getting to the top of Lycabetus. Ten in the group walked to the top while others took the cable tram. This is the highest hill around Athens. The view was a bit hazy but you can see all of Athens from here, including the Acropolis!
We all returned to the hotel for a leisurely late afternoon until dinner was enjoyed at 7 p.m. Some of us fly home tomorrow morning, while others are flying to Rome for the tour extension.
Day 11 – Wednesday, October 12: Athens, U.S.A. / Rome Extension
