Discover the rich cultural heritage of ancient Greece on this captivating day tour from Athens. Explore the iconic Corinth Canal, marvel at the renowned Epidaurus Theater, and uncover the storied past of Mycenae – home to the legendary King Agamemnon. Culminate your journey in the charming seaside town of Nafplion, Greece’s first capital. With personalized attention from an English-speaking driver and a comfortable Mercedes, this immersive experience promises to transport you back in time, leaving you eager to unveil the secrets that lie within these remarkable historic sites.
Key Points
- This 9-hour day tour from Athens explores the historical sites of Corinth, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Nafplion, including the Corinth Canal, ancient theater, and Mycenaean ruins.
- The tour is priced at Kč 12,444 for a group of up to 3 participants and includes an English-speaking private driver in an air-conditioned Mercedes.
- Highlights include the impressive acoustics of the Epidaurus theater, the charming old town of Nafplion, and the legendary Mycenaean site with its Cyclopean Walls.
- The tour offers a personalized experience with hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Entrance fees to the archaeological sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae are included, but food, drinks, and tips for the driver are excluded.
Tour Overview
This day tour offers an immersive exploration of Athens and its surrounding historical sites, including the Corinth Canal, Epidaurus, Nafplion, and Mycenae.
Priced at Kč 12,444 per group (up to 3 participants), the 9-hour tour provides a flexible booking experience, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Guests will be picked up from their Athens or Piraeus accommodations by an English-speaking private driver, who’ll guide them through the day’s highlights in an air-conditioned Mercedes.
Along the way, they’ll learn about the Corinth Canal, marvel at the ancient theater of Epidaurus, explore Nafplion’s historic landmarks, and uncover the archaeological wonders of Mycenae.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins at the Corinth Canal, a 6 km long waterway that connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Guests will marvel at this impressive engineering feat before proceeding to Epidaurus, home to an ancient theater renowned for its remarkable acoustics.
Next, the group will explore Nafplion, Greece’s first capital from 1829 to 1834. Here, they’ll visit the imposing Palamidi Castle and enjoy the local cuisine.
The final stop is the archaeological site of Mycenae, notable for the tomb of Agamemnon and the impressive Cyclopean Walls.
Throughout the day, travelers will gain insights into ancient Greek history and culture, seeing the rich heritage of these renowned destinations.
Corinth Canal
First, the Corinth Canal is a 6-kilometer-long waterway that connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas, cutting through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth.
It’s an impressive feat of engineering, completed in the late 19th century after decades of planning and construction.
The canal allowed ships to bypass the dangerous sea route around the Peloponnese peninsula, saving time and reducing the risk of accidents.
Visitors can stand atop the canal’s steep sides and marvel at the engineering accomplishment, as well as the sheer scale of the project.
The canal is a popular stop on many day tours from Athens, providing a glimpse into Greece’s rich history and impressive infrastructure.
Epidaurus Theater
After visiting the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal, the tour heads to the ancient theater of Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its remarkable acoustics.
Built in the 4th century BCE, the theater is considered one of the best-preserved ancient Greek theaters. Its remarkable acoustic design allowed for perfect sound projection, enabling even those seated in the farthest rows to hear the words of performers on stage.
Visitors can experience this unique feature by standing on the stage and speaking – their voice will resonate clearly throughout the entire auditorium.
Exploring this ancient amphitheater offers a glimpse into the impressive architectural and engineering accomplishments of the ancient Greeks.
Nafplion Exploration
Nafplion, Greece’s first capital from 1829 to 1834, offers visitors a captivating blend of history, architecture, and local cuisine.
Travelers can explore the charming old town, strolling along the picturesque promenade and admiring the Venetian-style buildings.
Atop the hill stands the impressive Palamidi Castle, accessible by a challenging 999-step climb that rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Argolic Gulf.
The town’s waterfront is dotted with lively cafes and tavernas, inviting guests to savor traditional Greek dishes and soak in the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Whether wandering the cobblestone streets or indulging in the local fare, Nafplion provides a delightful respite from the hustle and bustle of Athens.
Mycenaean Archaeology
Leaving the charms of Nafplion behind, the tour then proceeds to the archaeological site of Mycenae, offering visitors a glimpse into the captivating Mycenaean civilization that flourished in ancient Greece.
Mycenae was the seat of the legendary King Agamemnon, leader of the Greek forces in the Trojan War.
Visitors can explore the impressive Cyclopean Walls, named for the massive blocks of stone used in their construction, and the royal tombs, including the renowned Tomb of Agamemnon.
The site’s highlights also include the Lion Gate, a magnificent architectural feat that served as the main entrance to the ancient city.
Uncovering the grandeur of this once-powerful kingdom provides a fascinating window into Greece’s storied past.
Transportation and Services
The tour provides a private group experience with an English-speaking driver who’ll pick up participants from their accommodation in Athens or Piraeus, holding a sign with their last name.
The air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle includes fuel, tolls, parking fees, and state taxes. Passengers can enjoy cold bottled water throughout the journey.
The transportation services offer:
- Personalized service with an English-speaking driver
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle
- Fuel, tolls, parking fees, and state taxes included
This comprehensive transportation package ensures a comfortable and stress-free day tour, allowing participants to fully enjoy the historical and cultural sights along the way.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour includes an English-speaking private driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entrance fees to the archaeological sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae.
However, it excludes food, drink, and guide services within the sites. Bottled water is provided, but travelers will need to cover their own meals and refreshments during the day.
While the driver can provide recommendations, visitors are responsible for their own dining experiences in the charming town of Nafplion. Tips for the driver are also not included in the tour price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Visit Corinth Canal and Epidaurus on the Same Day?
Yes, one can visit the Corinth Canal and Epidaurus on the same day. The tour itinerary highlights that the first stop is the Corinth Canal, followed by a visit to the ancient theater of Epidaurus.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Site Visit?
The tour allocates approximately 1-2 hours at each site, allowing visitors sufficient time to explore the highlights of the Corinth Canal, ancient theater of Epidaurus, and archaeological site of Mycenae. The time in Nafplion is flexible for touring and dining.
Is There a Lunch Break Included in the Tour Schedule?
The tour itinerary doesn’t mention a scheduled lunch break. Participants will need to plan their own meals during the day’s sightseeing. The tour focuses on visiting historical sites, with transportation and entry fees included.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?
The tour’s itinerary can likely be customized to include additional sites, though this may incur extra fees. Travelers should consult with the tour operator to discuss their preferences and any potential changes to the standard itinerary.
Are Audio Guides Available at the Archaeological Sites?
Audio guides are not typically provided at the archaeological sites on this tour. However, visitors can often rent audio guides on-site or download self-guided audio tours to enhance their experience and learn more about the sites.
Recap
This day tour offers travelers a comprehensive exploration of ancient Greek history and culture.
From the dramatic Corinth Canal to the remarkably preserved Epidaurus Theater, visitors will be immersed in the architectural wonders of the past.
The charming town of Nafplion and the impressive ruins of Mycenae provide further insight into Greece’s illustrious legacy.
With seamless transportation and expert guidance, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts.
