It is just over a century ago that Athens was chosen as the capital of the re-born Greek nation and since then it has grown from a derelict Turkish smalltown into one of Europe's most important and lively cities. It is, of course, the point to which all roads lead and from which many tours take off. This 20th century boom town is dominated by the 5th century B.C. Acropolis, a perpetual shrine of classic beauty, symbol of western civilization and political thought. The Plaka, just below it, is a totally unplanned populous quarter which will fascinate visitors; some of the best tavernas in town are to be found there. The National Museum is a tantalizing collection of masterpieces of the Greek archaic and classical periods and the Byzantine and Benaki museums will dazzle the visitor with their icons and exuberant peasant costumes.
From Mt. Hymettus you overlook almost the whole of Attica; the Saronic Gulf, Salamis and Aegina, the plain of Marathon and Cape Sounion. These historic places and the bathing beaches south of Athens are all worth an excursion. A few miles out, on the way to Delphi, you should make a halt at Daphni to visit its monastery, the finest Byzantine monument in southern Greece.
Passing through Thebes and Livadia you will come upon fine mountain scenery at the heart of which lies Delphi, seat of the most important oracle of ancient Greece and of the then known world. The sacred precincts, surrounded by mysterious country make this an enchanting journey.