Description

Day 1

We start our tour, driving on the Athens - Corinth National Road, having on our left the Saronic Gulf and the island of Salamis, where in 480 BC the famous battle of Salamis took place.After about an hour, we make our first stop at the Corinth Canal. There, we will admire and take pictures of the magnificent Canal, which connects the Saronic with the Corinthian Gulf.

We continue our tour on route to ancient Epidaurus. Our journey takes us through a lush forest with a spectacular view of the Saronic Gulf. After about 50 minutes, we reach Epidaurus, the city of Asclepius, the god of medicine.      

Epidaurus was considered to be the home of the Greek god of medicine Asclepius. It was also the most important therapeutic center of antiquity. There you will admire the Asklepieion (Sanctuary of Asclepius), the Abaton, the Tholos (circular building), the Ancient Stadium and the Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its perfect acoustics, where performances are still given today. The museum is situated in the same location.

Leaving Epidaurus behind us and after a short 30-minute drive, we reach the city of Nafplio.

Nafplio is the capital of the Argolis prefecture. In the 19th century, it was the first capital of Greece (from 1828 to 1834), after the liberation of the country from Ottoman rule. The old city has been given the status of a “traditional settlement” by the Greek state. It is full of historic buildings and ideal for walks through its narrow, picturesque alleys.      

Just above the town, the Palamidi Fortress dominates the area. This is an amazing fortress that was fortified by the Venetians from 1686 to 1715 and has been kept in immaculate condition, giving all visitors a sense of awe.                     

In Nafplio, you will have lunch at a traditional restaurant, walk around the picturesque town and then visit the Palamidi Fortress.

We will then drive towards Mycenae, located approximately 25 minutes from Palamidi.                                                     

The city of Mycenae was the kingdom of the legendary King Agamemnon, whom Homer has praised. Mycenae is famous for its Mycenaean civilization, which lasted from 1,600 to 1,100 BC. At the Acropolis of Mycenae, you will admire the Cyclopean Walls and cross the impressive Lion Gate. A little further, the tomb of Agamemnon, stand impressive majestic, which is nothing less than this great King deserved. The museum is situated in the same location.

After this visit, we depart for Olympia, the city that gave birth to the Olympic Games, where we will also spend the night.

Day 2

After breakfast, we start our tour by visiting the archaeological site.

There, you will admire the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera (Heraion), the Palaestra, the Gymnasium, the Ancient Stadium, the Zanes (stone bases of bronze statues of Zeus), the workshop of the famous sculptor Phidias, the circular Philippeion and many more. The museum is situated in the same location, where, among many exhibits, you will see the famous statue of Hermes of Praxiteles. The museum of the Olympic games is situated just a few meters away.

After this long visit, you may need a small meal. Once we have it, we depart for ancient Corinth, the richest city of ancient Greece and the only one that had two ports. The city is also famous for the visit of Apostle Paul.

At the archaeological site, you will see the Temple of Apollo, the Pirene and Glafki fountains, the Ancient Agora and the location called “Vima” (Step) where the Apostle Paul was led to be tried by the Roman Proconsul Gallio, who refused to prosecute him. You will also see the Roman Odeon and the Ancient Theatre. The museum is situated in the same location.

Of course, we will continue our drive to the Acrocorinth rock, where the fortress by the same name stands at an altitude of 575 meters above the ancient city. There, we will make a brief stop and take pictures.

Then, we take the road back to Athens to conclude our tour.