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.

Continuing our private tour, and not far away, lies ancient Corinth, the richest city of ancient Greece and the only one that had two ports. The city is known for the visit and stay of Apostle Paul in it.                                                                       

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.

We continue and after a 30 minutes drive through villages and fields where grapes and olive trees are cultivated, we reach the ancient city of Mycenae.   

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

Leaving Mycenae behind us and after approximately 30 minutes, we reach the town of Nafplio, where we will also dine. Nafplio is the capital of the Argolis prefecture. In the 19th century, it was the first capital of Greece (from 1828 to 1844), 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. 

After lunch, we will visit the Palamidi fortress. Upon completing our visit to Nafplio, we will take the road again, towards ancient Olympia. We will reach the location early in the evening and spend the night there.

The historic and famous city of Ancient Olympia is located on the west side of the Peloponnese. It is, of course, the city which gave birth to the Olympic Games in 776 BC.

Day 2

We will start the second day of the tour by visiting ancient Olympia.                                                                                            

At the archaeological site, 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 Olympic museum is situated just a few meters away.                                                                                                                                                                                                                

After we complete our visit to ancient Olympia, and have a meal, we take the road to ancient Messene. Our route will take us through picturesque, seaside villages of eastern Peloponnese and we will arrive at our destination in about an hour and a half.      

The ancient city of Messene was founded in 370 or 369 BC by the Theban general Epaminondas, after his victory over the Spartans. Here, you can admire the imposing city wall and walk through the Arcadian Gate.                                         

In this incredibly beautiful ancient site, you can admire the ancient theater, the Ekklesiasterion (or Odeon), the Arsinoe fountain, the Asklepieion, the ancient stadium and many more The small museum is situated just a few meters away.

Leaving enchanted by Ancient Messene, you’ll wonder why this awesome location is not getting the recognition and the visitors it deserves!

Dazzled, happy, and with your camera cards full to capacity, you get in the car in order to return to Athens.