Day 1:
We depart Athens through the coastal road to reach the impressive Corinth Canal (short stop). We will then continue to Epidaurus. Epidaurus was known in antiquity as a healing center, the place where the god of medicine Asclepius was born and worshiped. The amphitheater of Epidaurus, famous for its remarkable acoustics and symmetrical beauty, the most perfect theater of Ancient Greece, is a well preserved monument, still in use today during the “Summer Athens’ Festival”. We then continue on to Mycenae one of the most significant historical monuments of Greek civilization. Mycenae was the kingdom of the mighty Agamemnon, leader of the Greekarmy during the Trojan war. We will head to Nafplio where you have the opportunity to explore this beautiful city.
Overnight in Nafplion.
Day 2:
We depart in the morning towards south of Peloponnese until we reach Sparta, a prominent city-state in ancient Greece, situated on the banks of the Eurotas River in Laconia, in south-eastern Peloponnese. We continue on to Mystras, the “Wonder of the Morea”, was built as an amphitheater around the fortress erected in 1249 by William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape. The beauty of the churches of Mystras, which during the Paleologus Renaissance had been covered with dramatic frescoes, the renown of the libraries of Mystras and the glory of its writers (including Georges Gemiste Plethon and Jean Bessarion who brought neo-Platonic humanism to Italy) gave substance thereafter for the legend of the “Wonder of Morea”.
After lunch we head to Gytheion where we will stay overnight.
Day 3:
After breakfast, we depart for the area of Mani where you will be able to admire the Caves of Diros, the “Gates of the Underworld”. The Diros Caves are located approximately 12 miles south of Areopolis and they are part of an underground river. About 5,000 meters have been exposed and accessible by small boats and through narrow passageways. One is surrounded by formations of stalagmites and stalactites. Archaeological research has shown that the caves have served as places of worship in Paleolithic and Neolithic times and their inhabitant believed that the caves were the entrance to the underworld.
After lunch, we start our way back to Athens.
Entrance Fees
- Entrance fees into the archaeological area of Mycenae, Museum and Treasury of Atreus are 9 Euro total pp (combined ticket obtained at the ticket office).
- Entrance fees into the archaeological area of Epidaurus Theater are 6 Euro pp.
- Entrance fees into Mystra area & Sparta Museum are 5 Euro total pp (combined ticket obtained at the ticket office)
- Entrance fees into Diros Caves are 12 Euro pp.
Free admission for:
- Journalists
- Persons under 18 (with current identification to prove age)
- University students from Greece and the E.U
Free admission for all on the following dates:
- 6 March
- 5 June
- 18 April
- 18 May (International Museums Day)
- The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
SUMMER PERIOD: 1 April – 31 October
WINTER PERIOD: 1 November – 31 March
Opening hours for the archaeological area of Mycenae:
- Winter period: 08:00-15:00
- Summer period: 08:00-20:00
Opening hours for the archaeological area of Epidaurus:
- Winter period: 08:00-15:00
- Summer period: 08:00-20:00
Opening hours for the archaeological area of Mystra:
- Winter period: Monday – Sunday: 08:00-15:00
- Summer period: Monday to Sunday: 08:00- 20:00
Opening hours of Diros Caves:
- Winter period: Monday to Sunday: 08:30 – 15:00
- Summer period: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
Restrictions
- Please note that on this tour, your driver is not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you want a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you can hire one at extra cost.
- Mystra is a huge hilly area with lots of difficult walking over, sometimes loose rocks, so please wear close toe good walking shoes.
Special Notes
- Comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes are recommended. Sun glasses and sun screen are suggested.
- Photography is permitted throughout the tour.
- The order of the sites may change due to many reasons.We do our best to ensure that every stop described is available for your visit. There are some times when a site or building is closed at the last moment with little to no warning. We assume that those in charge make those decisions based on external information and for the visitors’ safety and we apologize when this causes inconvenience and disappointment.
Tips
- Our prices are much better in comparison to those of the big tour operators, because we are ourselves the tour operator and we do not use third party providers.
- A hat to protect your head and shade your face is also recommended when spending a significant amount of time in the sun.
- The area around Mycenae and Epidaurus theater can become quite crowded, especially during the peak travel months, so be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you.
- Do not accept ‘gifts’ from street vendors approaching tourists. They may offer you roses, but if choose you accept, you will be expected to pay or give a tip for them.
- It’s always a great idea to bring a bottle of water and sunscreen with you because in the warmer months it becomes quite hot and sunny.
