Corinth, Epidaurus, Nafplion, Olympia, Messene - 2 Day tour

Two-day private tour taking place in the Peloponnese peninsula. The tour takes you to Ancient Corinth probably the richest city in antiquity, to Epidaurus the first medical center of ancient times , to the picturesque Nafplion, the Ancient Olympia the city which gave birth of the Olympic games, and to the Ancient Messene.                  
 

 

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.                     

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

Leaving Nafplio behind us, we head towards Ancient Olympia, which gave birth to the Olympic Games. It is there that you will have your overnight stay. Of course, you can have a nice evening walk and enjoy your dinner.

Day 2

 

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 Olympic museum is situated just a few meters away.

After visiting the archaeological site and museums, which can take up quite a long time, you may need a small meal. After this meal, we will depart with our next destination being the city of Ancient Messene. The city is incredibly beautiful and unknown to many .                          

                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

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 will wonder why this awesome location is not getting the recognition and the visitors it deserves!

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