Tour guide in Athens Sofia M.

Sofia is a professional tour guide and an archaeologist! She has a major in Cultural Heritage Management (MSc) (2013) and in Ancient Greek Theatre (MA) (2019). She was awarded my first title studying about the 5th c. BC classical Attica, greater Athens: “Kalabokas plot. Plot 153: an ancient greek neighbourhood in the deme of Aixonides Ales, today's Voula, in Attica region". My second dissertation is about the Seven-gated-Thebes, Greece: "The topography of ancient Thebes (Greece) through the ancient greek tragedians and the finds". Sofia has been working in the field as an archaeologist for several years. She has cooperated in rescue excavations having short-term contracts with the Ministry of Culture of Greece (Kythira island, Keos-Karthaia, Athens-Plaka, Voula-Attic Riviera, Crete-Knossos, Kavousi, Mochlos islet in Crete). She was also a part of multinational teams in projects held in Greece (Attica, Crete) and in Turkey, in Liman Tepe and Cesme. She has recorded pottery in Lavrion Archaeological Museum and Saint Nicolas Arch. Museum on Crete. One of the coolest experiences was the long-stay in Villa Ariadne, in the house of Sir Arthur Evans, excavating a part of the original Great Labyrinth! Fellowship Sofia was chosen for the annual INSTAP (Institute for the Aegean Prehistory for East Crete) fellowship of 2012-2013 based on Crete island. Tour Guide School Greek National Tour Guide School (2013-2014) Memberships In 2014 Sofia was elected as a representative of Crete at the Panhellenic Federation of Guides attending the annual meeting in Athens. She has represented Crete in London – World Travel Market (WTM) and Vienna (Wien-Messe). Qualifications In 2015 she was short-listed in London, by passing successfully the written exams for the Blue Badge training (21.01.2015). Further Studies During the pandemic she was specialized in Inclusive Education (MEdu) (2023) for people with difficulties, experiencing the lack of understanding in approaching people thinking and ‘seeing’ in a different way and having different needs. Seminars From 2003 I attend the annual seminar of the Archaeological Society (2003-today). She is one of the few certified T-Guides in Europe, specialized in “Guiding people with learning difficulties” and certified in "Tourism for All" by the European Federation of Tour Guide Associations (FEG) from 2019. Guiding experience The last 12 years I have been working as a professional tour guide in Greece. "My passion and specialty is in revealing the archaeological wonders of Athens. Guiding people in Athens of different eras fills me with energy, as I can share my passion for the antiquity with people from all over the world! My approach leading tours is both inspirational and innovative, tailoring the experience to each individual's abilities and needs. Tours become more than just a route, they are an empowering and educational experience. I would love to share my lifetime’s devotion to the ancient world, its studying and understanding with you so that you may see beyond “the ruins”. Though our common journey back in time we will to bring to life the stories of the gods, heroes and philosophers who once walked the same paths that we will walk on Athens. Also utilizing my training in religious tourism provides enlightening tours of the orthodox Christianity and Paganism. Are there any places and dates in common between “the old ways” and Christianity? What does every part of an orthodox church and an ancient Greek temple symbolize? What are the differences between Catholics, Orthodox and other Christians? Why do we fast? These tours are an opportunity for visitors to understand the deep spiritual significance of all of these sites and monuments. Whether you are religious or simply interested in religious history and architecture, these tours offer a unique perspective by illuminating the symbols and stories that adorn the city's churches and temples, offering a rare glimpse into the soul of ancient civilizations and their impact in modern religious practices. Together we will explore the sites and the monuments but also we will talk about the people that inhabited these places. We will trace their deeds and their unfortunate choices. The inspiration and the magic that we lack these days but can be found here …in Greece! No matter what the question is, the answer is here…! We will reveal it together! I would love to help you, build your own, unique experience in Athens, through a customised tour, based on your interests and personality". Filika, Sofia