Embarking on a journey to uncover the ancient wonders of Mycenae and Epidaurus from Athens is a captivating experience. For just €50 per person, travelers can enjoy a 10-hour exploration of iconic sites like the Tomb of Agamemnon and the renowned ancient theater of Epidaurus. Seamless transportation, guided commentary, and optional lunch in Nauplia enhance the overall experience, allowing visitors to explore the rich history of Greek civilization. What awaits beyond the bustling streets of Athens is a captivating glimpse into the magnificent ruins that have stood the test of time.
Key Points
- A full-day tour from Athens that visits the ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus, priced at €50.00 per person with advance booking recommended.
- Highlights include the Tomb of Agamemnon, Lionesses Gate, Corinth Canal, and the ancient theater of Epidaurus known for its exceptional acoustics.
- Includes transportation in an air-conditioned bus with pickup from central Athens hotels, and a guided tour with live commentary in English and Spanish.
- Offers a reserve now, pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours, providing flexibility for travelers.
- Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on average by 885 reviewers, with positive feedback on the guides’ knowledge, tour organization, and transportation.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This full-day tour from Athens takes visitors to the ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus, offering a comprehensive exploration of Greece’s rich historical legacy.
Priced at €50.00 per person, the tour is likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended.
With a duration of 10 hours, the tour provides a convenient option for those seeking to discover these iconic destinations. Guests can take advantage of the reserve now and pay later feature, as well as the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to the tour’s departure.
The tour’s accessibility, with pickup from central Athens hotels, ensures a seamless experience for participants.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour’s itinerary highlights an immersive exploration of Greece’s storied past, featuring visits to the ancient site of Mycenae and the renowned ancient theater of Epidaurus.
Travelers will discover the mighty ruins of Mycenae, a significant center of Greek civilization, and uncover the Tomb of Agamemnon and the iconic Lionesses Gate.
Plus, the tour includes a stop at the Corinth Canal, a feat of 19th-century engineering that slices through the isthmus connecting the Peloponnese peninsula to mainland Greece.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore the charming seaside town of Nauplia, the first capital of modern Greece.
Finally, the tour culminates with a visit to the ancient theater of Epidaurus, famed for its exceptional acoustics.
- Explore ancient Mycenae, a hub of Greek civilization
- Marvel at the engineering wonder of the Corinth Canal
- Discover Nauplia, the first capital of modern Greece
- Tour the renowned ancient theater of Epidaurus
Transportation and Pickup Details
Convenient pickup from central Athens hotels is available, with guests typically collected around an hour before the tour’s scheduled departure.
The group then travels in an air-conditioned bus equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, providing a comfortable journey.
The tour offers 13 drop-off locations, including major hotels and metro stations, ensuring easy access to your final destination after the day’s adventures.
Whether you’re staying in the heart of Athens or on the outskirts, the transportation arrangements are designed to make your experience as seamless as possible.
With the efficient pickup and drop-off system, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic route to Mycenae and Epidaurus.
Inclusions and Options
The tour includes a guided experience with a knowledgeable live tour guide, who provides commentary in both English and Spanish. Participants will also receive headsets, allowing them to better hear the guide’s insights throughout the day.
Entrance fees to the key sites of Mycenae, the Tomb of Agamemnon, and Epidaurus theater are included in the tour price, should visitors choose to explore these historical landmarks. Plus, an optional 3-course lunch in the town of Nauplia is available for those interested in a more comprehensive culinary experience during the day.
The tour’s inclusions cover:
- Guided tour with live English and Spanish commentary
- Headsets for improved audio experience
- Entrance fees to Mycenae, Tomb of Agamemnon, and Epidaurus
- Optional 3-course lunch in Nauplia
Customer Feedback and Ratings
Customers have consistently rated this tour highly, with an overall average of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 885 reviews.
Travelers particularly commended the guides’ breadth of knowledge and the tour’s overall organization, awarding them 4.7 and 4.4 stars, respectively.
While the service and transportation also received strong ratings of 4.5 and 4.7 stars, some feedback highlighted the need for improvement in the quality of the optional lunch.
Reviewers praised the tour’s ability to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing them to explore the ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus with ease.
Exploring Ancient Mycenae
Ancient Mycenae, once the seat of power for the legendary King Agamemnon, stands as a testament to the grandeur of Greece’s Mycenaean civilization. Visitors to this renowned archaeological site can explore the impressively fortified citadel, marvel at the imposing Lion Gate, and explore the history that has captivated scholars and travelers alike.
The tour explores key highlights, including:
- The Tomb of Agamemnon, a massive beehive-shaped structure that serves as a remarkable example of Mycenaean architecture.
- The Cyclopean Walls, massive fortifications that demonstrate the engineering prowess of the Mycenaeans.
- The Palace of Agamemnon, where visitors can imagine the ruler’s grand lifestyle and the intrigues that unfolded within its walls.
- The Acropolis, the hilltop citadel that served as the heart of the ancient city-state.
The Engineering Marvel: Corinth Canal
Cutting through the Isthmus of Corinth, the Corinth Canal stands as an impressive feat of engineering, connecting the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf and reducing the journey between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese peninsula.
Opened in 1893 after over 2,000 years of planning, the canal is 3.9 miles long, 70 feet deep, and just 23 feet wide at its base. Despite its impressive size, crossing the canal takes only 15-20 minutes.
Today, the Corinth Canal is a popular destination for travelers, who marvel at its steep limestone walls and the ships that pass through its narrow waterway.
It’s a true wonder of human ingenuity and a highlight of the Mycenae and Epidaurus tour.
Experiencing the Epidaurus Theater
The ancient theater of Epidaurus is renowned for its remarkable acoustics, allowing visitors to hear even the softest of whispers from the stage. This remarkable achievement in ancient Greek architecture continues to captivate and impress modern-day travelers on the Mycenae and Epidaurus tour.
As part of the tour, visitors can explore the well-preserved theater and marvel at its impressive design:
- The theater’s seating capacity was over 14,000 people, a testament to its grand scale.
- The unique semicircular design and strategic placement of the seats ensure exceptional sound quality throughout the auditorium.
- Visitors can stand on the stage and test the theater’s renowned acoustics by whispering or dropping a coin, which can be heard clearly by the audience.
- The theater’s exceptional preservation allows visitors to step back in time and imagine the grand productions that once captivated ancient Greek audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Tour Include Any Other Archaeological Sites Besides Mycenae and Epidaurus?
The tour includes a visit to the Corinth Canal, a significant engineering marvel, and a stop in Nauplia, the first capital of modern Greece, in addition to the ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus.
Can I Take Photos and Videos During the Tour?
Participants are generally allowed to take photos and videos during the tour, though visitors should be mindful of rules at each site. Some sites may have restrictions on flash photography or filming. It’s best to check with the tour guide.
Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Bus for the Entire Duration?
Yes, the air-conditioned bus has onboard Wi-Fi available throughout the tour’s duration, allowing passengers to stay connected as they travel. This feature enhances the overall experience and convenience for participants.
What Happens if the Weather Is Bad During the Tour?
If the weather is bad during the tour, the tour operator will make adjustments to the itinerary to ensure the safety and comfort of the participants. They’ll prioritize indoor activities and provide umbrellas or ponchos if needed.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Tour Stops?
Yes, tour participants can typically purchase souvenirs at the various stops. The ancient sites and towns along the tour route often have gift shops and local vendors selling traditional crafts, artwork, and other mementos.
Recap
The captivating day tour from Athens to Mycenae and Epidaurus offers an immersive experience into the rich history of Greek civilization.
Visitors can marvel at the Tomb of Agamemnon, explore the ancient theater renowned for its exceptional acoustics, and admire the engineering feat of the Corinth Canal.
With comfortable transportation, guided commentary, and optional lunch, this tour provides a seamless and enriching way to discover the ancient wonders of these remarkable sites.
