Palamidi Fortress

During the late Bronze Age, the city of Mycenae played an important role in ancient Greece. This full-day trip from Athens provides the opportunity for you to explore this treasure of the ancient world. Traveling by air-conditioned bus, you’ll make a brief stop at the Corinth Canal, a 3.9-mile engineering wonder connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Aegean Sea. Mycenae is the historical setting for much of ancient Greek literature, including the works of the poet Homer. Tour the archeological site, home to the Lionesses Gate and the tomb of King Agamemnon. Before lunch you have the option of visiting a pottery factory to see the techniques that were used by ancient Greeks to create their beautiful vases and earthenware. After a relaxing lunch you’ll continue on the drive, making a short stop in Nauplia, the first capital of modern Greece and home to the fortress of Palamidi. The final stop of the tour is the city of Epidaurus, home to the World Heritage-listed ancient theater and believed by ancient Greeks to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asklepios. The theater at Epidaurus is perhaps the best-preserved theater of ancient Greece and is still used today because of its amazing acoustics.

During the late Bronze Age the city of Mycenae was a hugely important city in ancient Greece, this day trip from Athens will give you the opportunity to explore this wonder of the ancient world. Driving along the scenic coastal road of the Saronic Gulf, you will make your way to Mycenae. Mycenae is the historical setting for much of ancient Greek literature, including the works of the poet Homer. Here you will visit the archeological site, home to the Lionesses Gate, and the tomb of King Agamemnon. Continuing on we will make a short stop in Nauplia, the first capital of modern Greece and home to the fortress of Palamidi. After enjoying a relaxing lunch you will continue on to the final stop. The city of Epidaurus, home to the World Heritage listed ancient theatre and believed by ancient Greeks to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son Asklepios. The theatre at Epidaurus is perhaps the best preserved theatre of ancient Greece, and is still used today due to its amazing acoustics.

Begin your day trip with a pick-up at your Athens hotel or apartment early in the morning. In just an hour from the city of Athens, you will pass through the famous Corinth Canal ( short stop ) which connects the Saronic to the Corinthian Gulf and literally divides mainland Greece from the Peloponnese. Leavie behind Corinth canal and after a 1 hour drive you will enter the region of Argolis, land of Homer’s Golden Mycenae, a Unesco World Heritage site, and go uphill to visit the archaeological site, home of the mythical king Agamemnon. Enjoy a walking tour and hear all myths and history as you pass from the Cyclopean Walls, the Lion’s Gate, the Royal Tombs of Agamemnon and his wife Clytemnestra and the Treasury of Atreus. The next stop is picturesque Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, with its Venetian Palamidi fortress and the fortified islet of Bourtzi  located in the middle of the harbor. There, you will have a fun break and have an optional lunch in a traditional restaurant with Greek cuisine. Enjoy some free time and walk in the narrow streets of this beautifull town with classical buildings dating back to the 16th -17th century. Continue on to Epidaurus and visit the breathtalking ancient theatre. Have a unique opportunity to hear all about the history of the 4th century UNESCO world heritage highlight and one of the best preserved classical Greek theaters still used today due to its amazing acoustics. Leaving back the Peloponnese you will take the road back to Athens. This tour will end late in the afternoon with a drop off at your hotel or apartment.

After gathering with your group, you'll head west along a beautiful scenic route on your way to the Corinth Canal. Following a short break there, your next destination will be ancient Corinth. During ancient times, the town of Corinth was considered one of the richest cities in Greece, due to the remains of the Temple of Apollo the Ancient Agora. This is also the place where Saint Paul preached and lived for about two years of his life. Following that exploration you will drive through vineyards and olive trees on the way to Mycenae. It will be there that you will visit the famous Cyclopean Walls around the Acropolis of Mycenae, as well as the Tomb of King Atreus. From there you will continue by visiting the first capital city of the Democracy of Greece, the beautiful city of Nafplion which boasts the fortified islet of Bourtzi. Finally, on your way back to Athens you will visit the ancient theater of Epidaurus.

Day 1: Athens, Corinth Canal, ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplio – Olympia Your private 3-day tour will start from Athens early in the morning. Drive towards the scenic coastal road of Athens to the magnificent structure of the Corinth Canal, which is in Peloponnese, the southern peninsula of Greece. The canal connects the Saronic with the Corinthian Gulf in the Aegean Sea - a dream of the ancients, that came true in 1893. Have time for some rest and some amazing photos above the canal. Leave Isthmos and drive to the ancient Corinth (the city of Apollo and Aphrodite, plus one of the most important visits of St. Paul, where he lived for almost 2-years doing important missionary work). Ancient Corinth was an important city state during the ancient years, the richest and most famous port of ancient Greece. Make a short stop for some great photos and rest. There, you will visit the archaelogical site and musreum, plus the church that has the 1st Letter to the Corithians written in four languages - Greek, Arabic, French and English. Then, the driver will take you to Mycenae, the golden city of King Agamemnon, the one you united all the Greek cities to fight for a common purpose against Troy. Mycenae was the city from where the Mycenaean civilization started and has an archaeological site to check it out. There, you will visit the burial Royal Tombs of the kings and queens, the cyclopian walls, the Lion Gate and the Treasury of Atreas. Go on to Nafplio, the first modern capital of Greece from 1821 till 1834. See the castle of the city, Palamidi that's over the town as well as Mpourtzi, the island fortress, the first defence line of the port. It is a wonderful seaside place, ideal for some walking, and taste the famous Greek cuisine and have a memorable lunch in a traditional restaurant or tavern. There, see the old houses of the Nafplio, as well as the local shops that sell handmade objects and jewelry for all tastes and wallet sizes. This is perfect place for walking, shopping and for having lunch. So when you feel hungry, get ready to taste some famous Greek cuisine and have a memorable lunch. The tour will guide you to a traditional restaurant or tavern at Nafplio. It's up to you to choose from a variety of flavors from the most well-known Greek dishes. After your lunch, you will be driven back to Olympia and you will overnight there. Have free leisure time. Day 2: Olympia – Rio Antirio Bridge, Galaxidi, Itea and Delphi Ancient Olympia was the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games in Classical times. There, you will visit both the archaeological site and choose between the Archaeological Museum of Olympia with a great amound of artifacts and statues in it, and the Museum of the Olympic Games. The games were held every 4 years from the 8th-century BC until the 4th-century AD. You will visit the Temple of Zeus, Pelopion the stadium, the Temple of Hera, the Phillipeion, the Phidias workshop and many other structures worth your attention. Feel the aura of the Olympic Games, fighting on the Pallestra or running around the stadium and understand why ancients took so seriously the cultivation of body, mind and soul. When you feel hungry, get ready to taste some famous Greek cuisine and have a memorable lunch. The tour will guide you to a traditional restaurant or tavern. It's up to you to choose from a variety of flavors of the most well-known Greek dishes. After your lunch at Olympia, drive to Delphi through the largest cable bridge in Europe, Rio Antirio and the magnificent town of Nafpaktos and Itea. Overnight and have free time in Delphi. Day 3: Delphi, Return to Athens In the morning and after your breakfast, visit both the archaelogical site with the ancient theatre and the museum. Delphi was the first tourist attraction of antiquity, as it was busy all the year round. It was the site of where the God Apollo had his sanctuary, where prophecies were given to every man, prince, general and king by Pythia the High Priestess. It was also the center of the universe, according to Zeus, King of the Gods. You will visit the Oracle of Apollo, the Omfalos, the Temple of Athena Pronaia, Castalian Spring and see some magnificent artifacts and statues such as the Sphinx of Naxos. Have lunch with a great view of Mount Parnassus and Itea. After that, it will be time to return back to Athens.

Day 1: Athens, Canal, ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia Your private four-day tour starts from Athens early in the morning. Drive towards the scenic coastal road of Athens to the magnificent structure of the Corinth Canal, which is in the Peloponnese, the southern peninsula of Greece. The Canal connects the Saronic with the Corinthian Gulf in the Aegean Sea. A dream of the ancients, that came true in 1893. Time for a rest and some amazing photos above the canal. Leave Isthmos and driving to ancient Corinth (the city of Apollo and Aphrodite, plus one of the most important places of St. Paul who lived here for almost two years doing missionary work). Ancient Corinth was an important state city during the ancient years, the richest and most famous port of the ancient Greece. Make a short stop for some great photos. Here you will visit the archaeological site and museum, plus the church that has the 1st Letter to the Corinthians written in four languages: Greek, Arabic, French and English. Then, the driver will take you to Mycenae, the golden city of king Agamemnon, the one who united all the Greek cities to fight for a common purpose against Troy. Mycenae was the city from where the Mycenaean civilization started and has an archaeological site to visit. There you will see the burial Royal Tombs of the kings and queens, the cyclopian walls, the Lion Gate and the treasury of Atreas, the Cyclopean Walls. There is an option to visit Epidaurus where you will be able to see the ancient theater of Epidaurus with its fantastic acoustics that is even used nowadays mostly in the summer for festivals, theatrical plays and music concerts. A must-see is also the sanctuary of Asklipeios, who was the son of the god Apollo. On to Nafplion, the first modern capital of Greece from 1821 till 1834. You will see the castle of the city, the Palamidi that's above the town as well as Mpourtzi the island fortress, the first defence line of the port. This is a wonderful seaside place, ideal to walk around and taste the famous Greek cuisine and have a memorable lunch in a traditional restaurant or tavern. There you can see the old houses of the Nafplion, as well as the local shops that sell handmade objects and jewelry for all tastes and wallets.  After your lunch, you will be driven to Olympia and overnight there. Free leisure time. Day 2: Olympia, Rio Antirio Bridge, Nafpaktos, Itea, Delphi Ancient Olympia is the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games in classical times. There you will visit both the archaeological site and choose between Archaeological Museum of Olympia with a great amount of artifacts and statues, and the Museum of the Olympic Games. The Games were held every four years from the 8th century BC until the 4th century AD. Visit the Temple of Zeus, Pelopion, the stadium, the Temple of Hera, the Phillipeion, the Phidias workshop and many other structures that are worth your attention. You can feel the aura of the Olympic Games, of fighting on the Pallestra or running around the stadium and understand why ancients took the cultivation of body, mind and soul so seriously. After lunch at your choice of restaurant in Olympia, you will drive to Delphi, through the largest cable bridge in Europe, Rio Antirio, and see the magnificent town of Nafpaktos and Itea. Overnight and free time in Delphi. Day 3: Delphi, Amfissa, Lamia, Trikala, Kalambaka, Meteora Delphi was the first touristic attraction of antiquity. It was the place the god Apollo had his sanctuary, were the propheses were given to every man, prince, general and king by the Pythia High Priestess. It was the center of the universe, according to Zeus, king of the gods. You will visit the Oracle of Apollo, the Omfalos, the temple of Athena Pronaia, Kastaleia Spring and see some magnificent artifacts and statues, such as Eniochos the charioteer, the twin Brothers and Sphynx of Naxos. Have lunch in Delphi with a great view of Parnassus and Itea and then you'll head to Meteora, passing by many towns like Amfissa, Lamia (the capital city of the Thessaly Plain), Trikala, Kalambaka. Overnight and free leisure time in Kalambaka or Kastraki. Day 4: Meteora, Thermopylae, Athens After your breakfast you will visit the monasteries of Meteora. They come second in religious importance and size after mount Athos in orthodox christianity. Meteora means "middle of the sky", "suspended in the air" or "in the heavens above" and the monasteries are built on high pillars at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains. Since the 11th century monks and nuns have lived here. The monasteries are: St. Nicolas, Grande Meteoro, Varlaam, Rousannou, Holy Trinity and St. Stephen. You will visit up to three monasteries, depending on the day. Admire the wonderful, panoramic views. After lunch, drive back to Athens with a short stop at the battlefield of Thermopylae or Hotgates and the Hot Springs, where King Leonidas and the 300 brave Spartans gave their lives for the freedom of Greece.

Your private tour start from Athens early in the morning. Drive towards the scenic coastal road of Athens to the magnificent structure of the Corinth Canal, which is in Peloponnese, the southern peninsula of Greece. The Corinth Canal connects the Saronic with the Corinthian Gulf in the Aegean Sea. A dream of the ancients that came true in 1893. Time for some rest and some amazing photos above the Corinth Canal. Leave the Isthmos and driving to the Ancient Corinth, where St. Paul lived for almost two years doing very important misionary work. There is the church that has the 1st Letter to the Corinthians written in four languages, Greek, Arabic, French and English. Ancient Corinth was an important state city during the ancient years, the richest and most famous port in ancient Greece. There you can visit both Greek and Roman arhitectures at the archaeological site and the museum. Then, the driver will take you to Mycenae, the golden city of King Agamemnon, the one who united all the Greek cities to fight for a common purpose against Troy. Mycenae was the city from which the Mycenaean civilization started and has an archaeological site. There you will visit the burial Royal Tombs of the kings and queens, the cyclopian walls, the Lion Gate, and the treasury of Atreas,the Cyclopean Walls. Go on to Nafplion, the first modern Capital of Greece from 1821 till 1834. You will see the Castle of the city, Palamidi, as well as Mpourtzi the island fortress, the first defence line of the port. It's a wonderfull seaside place ideal for some walking and tasting of famous Greek cuisine in a memorable lunch in a traditional restaurant or tavern .There you can see the old houses of the Nafplion as well as the local shops that sell handmade objects and jewelry for all tastes and wallets. After your lunch, drive back to Athens.

Day 1 Departing from Athens you will travel west in air-conditioned comfort. Along the way you will enjoy a short stop at the Corinth Canal, an impressive 3.9 miles (6,3 km) canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth to the Aegean Sea. After you have had the chance to view this impressive engineering feat its onwards to Mycenae. During the late Bronze Age the city of Mycenae was a hugely important city in ancient Greece. The city was considered a myth until 1874 when the amateur archeologist Heinrich Schliemann found the ruins after reading the description of landmarks in the writings of Homer. Schliemann uncovered the amazing shaft tombs containing human remains along with many artifacts. The tombs also contained many ancient weapons and golden artifacts representing the honor and position of the people buried there. Also found among the graves was King Agamemnon’s gold burial mask. Agamemnon is famous for launching the Trojan wars, to recover Helen, his brother’s wife. You will have the opportunity to explore this fascinating archeological site and, home to the Lionesses Gate, and the tomb of King Agamemnon. After exploring the sites at Mycenae we will head to Nafplio where will be staying the night. Here you will have the afternoon free to visit the Venetian fortress of Palamidi, or alternatively you can visit the National Gallery Annex with its permanent collection of works inspired by the Greek War of Independence. Day 2 After spending a restful night's sleep in your hotel you will begin the day with a relaxing walk around the city’s beautiful old town. You will also be able to visit the Peloponnesian Folklore Foundation, with its astonishingly rich collection of traditional Greek costumes, seeing it win European Museum of the Year. In 2005 the museum installed a new permanent exhibition focusing on urban Greece, particularly Nafplio in the 19th and 20th centuries. Dioramas show elegant town-house parlors stuffed with marble-topped furniture, Persian carpets, and ornate silver and china bibelots, a real treat for the eyes. At noon we will depart for the city of Epidaurus, believed by ancient Greeks to be the birth place of Apollo’s son Asklepios. Epidaurus is famous due to its World Heritage Listed ancient theatre. The best preserved theatre of ancient Greece, this architectural marvel once seats 15,000 spectators and is still used today due to its remarkable acoustics. After exploring the theatre and the stunning views of the countryside that it offers we will make our way back to Athens.

On this tour you have the chance to admire landscapes and monuments such as the Old City. See a variety of historical and traditional buildings, such as the 1st High School of Greece, the Courthouse, the Armansperg Residence, the Land gate, the Castle of Palamidi, the Lion of Bavaria, the Akronauplia, the Cathedral Church of Euaggelistria and many other striking monuments.  You will be provided with a free map of the city at the start of the tour along with free earphones which you may use to listen to the recorded tour, available in 8 languages. Enjoy the use of your daily ticket and hop on and off as often as you want. The open top buses operate during summer months from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM allowing you to enjoy the sun along with the sites.