6 - Day Classical Greece tour

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.                                                                                      

A few kilometers further, we will find Ancient Corinth. It was considered to be the richest city of ancient Greece and the only one that had two ports. Moreover, it is well known for the visit and teaching 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.

After an approximately one-hour drive, through the greenest fields and forests and overlooking the Saronic Gulf, we will reach Ancient Epidaurus. 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.                      

At Nafplio, you will dine in a traditional restaurant. After your meal, we will check in your hotel where you will rest for a while. Later in the afternoon, you will visit the Palamidi Fortress and also have the opportunity to see the Old Town and walk its picturesque pedestrian streets, admiring the historic buildings and the small water castle Bourtzi in the middle of the harbor.

Day 2

After breakfast, we start our day with our first stop at Mycenae, a drive of just 25 minutes from Nafplio.                        

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, we head south, towards the city of Sparta, known in antiquity for its brave warriors. There, we will visit the small archaeological site. The fortified town of Mystras is situated nearby.                                                               

Mystras, also known as “Myzithras” was founded in 1248 byWilliam II of Villehardouin, ruler of theFrankish Principality of Achaea. In 1259, William II is captured by the Byzantines at the Battle of Pelagonia and three years later the castle surrenders to the Byzantines and specifically Michael VIII Palaiologos.                                                                                                      

In the mid-14th century, Mystras became the capital of the Byzantine Peloponnese. In the area, you can admire numerous Byzantine churches, the palace of Palaiologos and many more.

After a good lunch, we depart for Monemvasia, where we are going to spend the night. Monemvasia is a famous fortified town on southwestern Peloponnese. It is built on limestone rock and has a length of one and a half kilometers, a maximum width of 600 meters and a height of 195 meters. It is linked to the mainland by a 200-meter short causeway, the shape of which resembles a human neck.                                                                                                                                    

Monemvasia was founded in the 6th century AD, after Sparta residents were relocated there. Its strategic position, the power of its fleet and the alliance with the Byzantine emperors, turned Monemvasia into a famous and powerful city. In its long history story, after a brief papal occupation, it was occupied by Venetians. Then, it fell under Ottoman rule, until its liberation in 1821.

We’ll overnight in Monemvasia

Day 3

After breakfast, you are free to explore the amazing fortified town and wander into it 

Then, we will depart and head northeast. After two hours and 30 minutes, we will reach the town of Ancient Messene.                    

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!                                                                                                                                                                                          

Leaving Ancient Messene behind us, we head north. After 1 hour and 30 minutes, we will reach Ancient Olympia, where we will stay overnight.

Day 4

In the morning, you will visit Ancient Olympia.

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. 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, 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.                                                                                                  

Finishing our visit and heading towards the north, we will arrive at Rio, where we have two options, depending on the kind of experience you want to live.                                                     

A) We can cross the famous and impressive Rio – Antirrio Bridge, which boasts a length of 2,580 meters, state-of-the-art technology and incredible resistance to weather conditions.                

B) We can reach Antirrio, onboard a small boat which moves parallel to the bridge and will give us the chance to take many pictures               

After Antirrio, we will move northeast and reach the city of Nafpaktos. This is one of the most ancient Greek cities and is related to important historical events, such as the battle of Lepanto, between the great alliance of Spain, Venice, Genoa, the Duchy of Tuscany and the Papal States (called Lega Santa) against the Ottoman Empire.                                                                    

There you will have the chance to walk along the picturesque harbor and dine in a traditional restaurant.                     

Leaving Nafpaktos behind us, we will move east, passing by beautiful coastal cities like Galaxidi and Itea. We will get to Delphi in the afternoon and you will check in at your hotel.

After some rest, your guide will take you to the picturesque village of Arachova, where you will have the opportunity to make a pleasant walk admiring the stone buildings. You can dine either in Arachova or at a traditional restaurant in Delphi.

Day 5 

After breakfast, we start our day by visiting the archaeological site of Delphi.

At the archaeological site, you will admire the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the Roman Agora, the Athenian Treasury, the Ancient Theatre, the Stadium and many more. The amazing museum is situated in the same location. A few meters away, one can see the famous Castalia Spring and the Ancient Gymnasium.

After finishing our visit to Delphi, and following lunch, we will head towards Thermopylae. This is the location where the Spartan warrior Leonidas told Persians the famous phrase "Molon Labe" which means "come and get them." There, we will photograph the monuments of Leonidas and the Thespians and will have the opportunity to visit the Center for Historical Awareness of Thermopylae .                                                                          

Then, after leaving behind Thermopylae, and passing the towns of Lamia, Karditsa and Trikala we will reach the area of Kalabaka, in Meteora, where you will check in at your hotel.

After a few hours rest, you will make your first walk through the towering cliffs and enjoy an amazing sunset. Then, you can dine in a traditional restaurant and return to your hotel.

Day 6 

After breakfast, we start our tour around the Meteora rocks and the historic monasteries. The location and the natural environment will leave you breathless and you will need to make many stops in the best spots to photograph the phenomenon of the steep rocks of Meteora and the beautiful monasteries that dominate their tops.                              

You can visit all the monasteries you want, as there will be plenty of time at your disposal. Just remember to have a second card and battery for your camera, because you will definitely need them!

After we finish our tour, we will return to the city of Kalabaka for lunch in a traditional restaurant.

After lunch, we take the way back to Athens, satisfied with our six-day tour and the best memories in our baggage!