Corinth Canal

Begining with a drive along the coast, you will get the chance to see some Greek seaside villages and the island of Salamis. Salamis is where the historical naval battle took place between the Athenians and the Persians. Our first stop of the day, the Corinth Canal. Eventually opened in 1892 separating the Peloponnese from the rest of Greece all the while connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. Having time to walk across on a pedestrian bridge and admire the canal closer, you may go bungee jumping on some days (if you’re game).

Sanctuary of Asklepios

A short drive away and you will be able to see one of the most important ancient Greek sanctuaries. Dedicated to God Asclepius, he was the god of healing and medicine.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

Epidaurus is located in peaceful environment and spread out on a hilly area, its highest point being the actual theater of Epidaurus. As the best preserved ancient Greek theater (dated 4th century B.C.E.) it is proof of what miracles the ancient Greek minds could create. Test the acoustics great even today and climb up to the higher seats just to close your eyes and dream you are attending an ancient Greek tragedy.

Archaeological Site Mycenae

Then it’s back on the road and heading for Mycenae (dated to the 2nd millennium B.C.E) which represents the era of Achilles, Agamemnon and Helen of Troy, the cyclopean walls, the burial circle A and the remains of Agamemnon’s Palace.

Lion Gate

Actually in the site, you will see the renowned Lions Gate (the oldest architectural sculpture in Europe), the cyclopean walls, the burial circle A and the remains of Agamemnon’s Palace.

Archaeological Museum of Ancient Mycenae

Within the site there is a modern museum exhibiting the findings of the “City Of Gold” before leaving the site we will make a small stop at the treasury of Atreus, the best preserved Tholos tomb, one of the finest examples of the Mycenaean architecture.

Citadel and Treasury of Atreus

Just before leaving the site we will make a small stop at the treasury of Atreus, the best preserved Tholos tomb found and one of the finest examples of the Mycenaean architecture.

Nafplio

From here we will travel through time towards a more recent history of Greece and to the city of Nafplion. Nafplion is considered the most scenic city which also functioned as the capital of Greece until 1834. It offers you an impressive combination of fortresses and castles (Palamidi, Bourtzi), an enormous port opened to the Aegean Sea and the unique architecture of the old city of Nafplion revealing Venetian, neoclassical and oriental elements. Lunch will be at a traditional tavern by the sea.

Bourtzi

Bourtzi is a little islet with a fortress in a huge port opened to the Aegean Sea.

Before leaving we’ll drive up until the castle of Acronafplia for a panoramic view of Nafplio.

Olympia

We will drive to the birthplace of the Olympic Games to overnight.

Archaeological Site of Olympia

On our second day we will visit the archaeological site and the museum of Ancient Olympia. This is one of the largest sites in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. Walking through the site you will pass by the Gymnasium, the Palaistra, the workshop of Phidias, the Temple of Zeus and you will end up at the Stadium where for every four years the Greeks competed for glory and for spiritual elevation honoring their cities.

Archaeological Museum of Olympia

The museum is also quite unique as it includes the renowned statue “Hermes of Praxiteles” with its perfect analogies and tools that belonged to Phidias himself. With the tools he created one of the seven wonders of the world “the gold ivory statue of Zeus”.

Museum of the Olympic Games

The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games hosts 463 ancient works, from the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, and other museums in the Greek territory. The exhibits cover a wide chronological range, from the 2nd millennium BC until the 5th century AD. Ancient exposed in thematic units and through them yperchilietis shows the history of the Olympic games, the longest ancient institution. Apart from ancient art, the visitor has the possibility of detailed information through the rich visual material. After a walking in the footsteps of ancient athletes we will take our lunch at the village.

Nafpaktos Old Port

Nafpaktos is a large seaside town on the north shore of the Corinthian Gulf with a long beach and an impressive Venetian castle that includes a small fortified harbor. It was an important Athenian naval base during the Peloponnesian War due to its proximity to the western entrance of the gulf. When the Venetians took control they called it Lepanto.

Delphi

We will drive to the ancient site of Delphi, a famous sanctuary with a PanHellenic character dedicated to Apollo. It served as an oracle and was considered ‘the naval’ the center of the world. Today Delphi is a symbol of Greek cultural unity. The scenic location allows you to have a soothing view of the Greek mountains.

Temple of Apollo

You will visit the temple of Apollo where Pythia spoke to the oracles.

Delphi Archaeological Museum

While in the museum you will be able to see the famous charioteer and Gold Ivory statues.

Arachova

Aráchova is a mountainous village nestling picturesquely at the foot of Mt. Parnassós in Viotia, Southern Greece.It is the most cosmopolitan winter destination in Greece, a great favorite for passionate ski lovers and celebrities, or just first-time visitors who wish to relax in a dreamy mountainous setting with modern tourism facilities. Its modern ski resort, its close proximity to Athens, and its breathtaking mountainous landscape are the strongest reason why. Apart from the mountain activities, Aráchova is also famous for its bustling nightlife and as the favorite mountain resort of Athenians.

Monastery of Hosios Loukas

Our trip will continue to Hosios Loukas monastery a site of Greece’ Medieval period which represents the second golden age of Byzantine art (11th -12th century) in particular its golden mosaic decoration and fine architecture. After spending sometime in this area of serenity we will make our last stop at the town of Leivadia for a Greek dinner and walk by the Krya springs.

Athens

We will drive back to Athens.