Corinth Canal

Start your tour with an early morning pick up from your residence and set off towards the Peloponnese peninsula. Driving for about an hour we reach our first stop at Corinth Canal. The Canal is an awe-inspiring and man-made engineering miracle, six and a half km long, separating the Aegean Sea from the Ionian Sea. Because of its width, only small and narrow cargo and cruise ships still make a voyage through the canal regularly.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)

Very close to the Canal lies the ancient city of Corinth. The site today, first excavated in 1892 CE by the Greek Archaeological Service, is dominated by the Doric peripteral Temple of Apollo (c. 550-530 BCE). The majority of the other surviving buildings date from the 1st century CE in the Roman era and include a large forum, a temple to Octavia, baths, the Bema where St. Paul addressed the Corinthians and the Asklepeion temple to Asclepius.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

Leaving Corinth and going deeper into the Peloponnese, we reach 75 minutes later the stunning Sanctuary of Asclepios at Epidaurus, a UNESCO listed site. The theatre of Epidaurus represents the finest and best-preserved example of a classical Greek theatre. At the site, you will visit: the vast ancient theatre (you can practice its notorious acoustics); the Tholos; the Stoa of Abaton; the Stadium and the on-spot Museum.

Archaeological Site Mycenae

After this fascinating site, we head to Tolo, a beautiful seaside village, well known for its fish and seafood, and where we will enjoy our fresh Greek lunch. Next is a UNESCO site, the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns, the kingdom of famous Agamemnon, leader of the Greek army at Homer’s Iliad epic poem. The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are the imposing ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. Mycenae entrance is through the imposing Lion Gates, you walk by the graves of kings and the cyclopean architecture of Treasury of Atreus. A really powerful site.

Nafplio

Finally, we set off of towards the medieval, seaside city of Nafplio, driving through dense orange and olive groves. Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece, the former first capital of the country, built in neoclassical architecture with narrow cobblestone alleys and surrounded by three formidable castles. You will walk on the main Syntagma Square with two old Turkish mosques, many cafes and little taverns and stroll at the promenade overlooking Bourtzi castle.

Archaeological Museum of Sparta

After breakfast and at an easy to follow pace, we wander in the captivating old town of Nafplion, with preserved architectural character and the two castles, Acronafplia and Palamidi. Next, we will depart for a 2-hour ride to Sparta. Modern city Sparta is built in the exact spot where ancient Sparta was. You pay tribute to the Tomb of Leonidas, or Leonidion, a 5th century BC monument, where according to tradition the remains of Leonidas have been buried. Walk at the Archaeological Site with the Spartan Acropolis where you will admire the Late Roman Wall surrounding the hill of the citadel, the Agora, the temple of Athena, one of the largest Roman theatres, a 10th century A.D. Basilica and the dedicated museum. The view from the top of the Acropolis with the city of Sparta on the left and the imposing Mt Taygetos on the right is astounding.

Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil

Next stop is the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil where you will see rare fossil olive leaves, 50,000-60,000 years old, and get inspired by culture, history and technology of the Greek olive oil and soap production through the centuries.

Archaeological Site of Mystra

Right after a short drive, we arrive at Mystras, a UNESCO listed site, an astonishingly well-preserved medieval town, built-in 1209 AC. Mystras is perched on the slope of Taygetos, 5 km from the city of Sparta. A labyrinth of stone streets leads to beautiful Byzantine churches, to impressive fortifications with the citadel, to the Byzantine palaces, the mansions, the churches and monasteries all influenced by splendid Constantinople’s architecture. Your driver will get you to the top of the Geoffrey of Villehardouin Castle in Mystras with the stunning view. Last drive of the day and overnight stay in Monemvasia at Hotel Byzantino Monemvasia or Liotrivi(depending on availability).

Monemvasia Municipality

After your breakfast, you stroll Medieval Castle Town of Monemvasia which is built on rocks and is surrounded by the Aegean Sea. Plenty of free time to feel the medieval atmosphere, to gaze at the blue sea and take stunning photos.

Kapsia Cave

Leaving behind us Monemvasia and heading north, your next visit is Kapsia Caves, an impressive cavern, one of the top ten of Greece’s most important caves. Clay objects and human bones have been found there attesting to ancient civilizations, while the cave itself is a rainbow of colours from green and blue to yellow and red, full of stalactites and stalagmites.

Vytina

For lunch, we visit traditional Vytina, a mountainous lush small village with local freshly made traditional products. Full of beautiful experiences, we head back to Athens and drive you to your hotel or airport.