Corinth – Nafplio – Mycenae
After meeting your driver you will depart Athens and drive along the coast. You will access the peninsula by crossing the awe-inspiring Corinth Canal. You will realize the enormity of the achievement as you will have the opportunity to photograph it (includes a stop).
Shortly after, we reach the ancient city of Corinth. In ancient times, Corinth was amongst the richest cities and this is quite evident by its remains, including the huge Roman Agora (marketplace) and Apollo’s Temple, constructed in the 6th century BC.
Meet with your driver again and start driving to Mycenae (a UNESCO World Heritage site), the fortified royal residence of King Agamemnon, leader of the Trojan War. The mighty citadel is surrounded by huge Cyclopean Walls. Entrance to its Acropolis is through the famous Lion Gate, which symbolize the power of the kings of Mycenae, “a city rich in gold” according to Homer. Beyond the Lion Gate is the stairway leading to the Palace complex, the grave circle with six royal tombs, the courtier’s houses, sanctuaries, and other important buildings. Outside the walls are the beehive tombs, the largest of which is the so-called “Treasury of Atreus,” ruins of private houses and a grave circle with 14 royal tombs and 12 tombs of private citizens.
Your next stop is Nafplio, the first capital of Greece after the 1821 Greek revolution. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit the medieval castle of Palamidi, or explore the old city of Nafplion, and have a traditional Greek lunch.
After your visit, you will begin your drive back to Athens.
Extended Argolis
You can inlude the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus (UNESCO World Heritage site). This is a 12 hours tour program with an approximately one hour stop to visit the theater. In antiquity, Epidaurus was the center of the Greek medical world and birthplace of Asclepius, patron god of medicine. Psychotherapy, hydrotherapy and brain surgery were some of the treatments performed here. You will see the principal monuments, particularly the temple of Asclepius, the Tholos and the 4th century theater which is considered one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture. Its acoustics are still almost perfect today.
- Entrance fees into the archaeological area of Mycenae, Museum and Treasury of Atreus are 9 Euro pp (combined ticket obtained at the ticket office).
- Entrance fees into the archaeological area of Ancient Corinth are 6 Euro pp.
- Entrance fees into the archaeological area of Epidaurus Theater are 6 Euro pp.
- Entrance fees into Palamidi fortress are 4 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 Palamidi Fortress:
- Winter Period: 08:00-15:00
- Summer Period:
April 2016: 08.00-19.00
May until october 31st 2016: 08:00-20:00
Opening hours for the archaeological area of Mycenae:
- Winter period: 08:00am-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
Restrictions
- Please note that on this tour, your driver is not licensed to accompany you on your climb to the Temple of Poseidon. If you want a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you can hire one at extra cost.
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 reasns.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.
- 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.
- 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.
