Athens – Corinth – Nemea – Myceanae – Nafplion
The tour opens with a seaside drive. On the way passing coastal villages and the island of Salamis (set of the historical naval battle between the Athenians and Persians). Our first pause the Corinth Canal. Finally opened in 1892 separating the Peloponnese Peninsula from the rest of Greece while connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea.
You’ll have time to stretch your legs, walk across on a pedestrian bridge and admire the canal closer (if you’re game) on some days bungee jumping is an option. Back on the road again it will be a short drive to Ancient Corinth. The old city dominated by the hill of Acrocorinth and the old Castle, which happens to be the oldest and largest castle in southern Greece. Ancient Corinth, located at the foot of the hill includes the Roman Agora of Corinth, the temple of God Apollo and a small museum. Apart from its archaeological and historical interest through the site is also one of the most popular religious destinations in Greece. In this amazing place, the Apostle Paul preached Christianity, was judged by the tribunal in the Agora and established the best organized Christian church of that period. Continuing our next stop will be the site of Ancient Nemea.
Nemea is mainly known for the Nemean Games, its ancient Greek stadium and the Temple Of Zeus but it is also famous for its vineyards. Nemea has the most wineries in Greece as grape growing has been a tradition here since ancient times. Back at the site apart from the museum and the sanctuary, the stadium makes the difference. Nemea has one of the best-preserved stadiums found so far and it is located on a higher level. Of special interest are the tunnels through which the athletes entered the stadium.
After the city of ancient Nemea, we will visit the site of Mycenae. Dated to the 2nd millennium B.C.E. representing what Homer wrote about, Achilles, Agamemnon and Helen of Troy. In the site, you will see the famous Lions Gate (the oldest architectural sculpture in Europe), the cyclopean walls, the burial circle A and the remains of Agamemnon’s Palace. Worth visiting there is also a modern museum exhibiting the findings of the “City Of Gold”. Before setting off again we will make a small stop at the treasury of Atreus, the best-preserved Tholos tomb, one of the finest examples of the Mycenaean architecture.
Traveling in style again we will move towards a more recent history of Greece and the city of Nafplion. Considered as the most scenic city, Nafplion functioned as the capital of Greece until 1834. This romantic city offers you an outstanding combination of fortresses and castles (Palamidi, Bourtzi), a huge harbor open to the Aegean Sea and the unique architecture of the old city of Nafplion revealing Venetian, neoclassical and oriental elements. After walking around the picturesque old city we will stop for lunch at a traditional tavern by the sea and later drive up to the castle of Acronafplia for a panoramic view of Nafplion.
After lunch you will have plenty free time to enjoy the beauty of Nafplion, walk around in the old city and the harbor with its small island – castle Bourtzi.
Nafplion – Palamidi – Tiryns – Epidaurus – Athens
On the following day we will drive up to the castle of Palamidi to visit the site. It is the best preserved fortress in the Peloponnese Peninsula consisting of three parts and providing a breathtaking view of the old and new city. Leaving Nafplion we will visit the site of Tiryns. This is a second Mycenaean fortress not that well preserved but preserving unique parts of its fortification like the tunnels created in the wall. According to Greek Mythology Hercules visited Tiryns to be given his 12 labors by his cousin Eyrystheas, the King of Tiryns.
Last stop will be the site of Epidaurus. After just a short drive you will be able to visit one of the most important ancient sanctuaries dedicated to the God Asclepius, the god of healing and medicine, located in an ideal environment and spread over a hilly area. Its highest point is the theater of Epidaurus. The best preserved ancient Greek theater dated 4th century B.C.E.It is proof of what fantastic miracles the ancient Greek minds could create. You can test the acoustics, great even today. Climb up until the upper seats just to close your eyes and dream you attended an ancient Greek tragedy. Lastly on the way back will follow the eastern coast of Peloponnese Peninsula to reach Athens again. Leaving you with dream like memories of what we call Argolis.
Meals: Breakfast
