Athens: Private Day Tour To Argolis

Exploring the captivating region of Argolis just outside Athens can be a rewarding experience for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike. This private day tour provides an opportunity to discover ancient ruins, charming towns, and breathtaking landscapes, all while enjoying the comfort of a luxury vehicle and the expertise of an English-speaking driver. From the iconic Corinth Canal to the legendary site of Mycenae, the itinerary promises to immerse you in Greece’s rich cultural heritage. As you explore this immersive journey, you’ll find yourself captivated by the stories and sights that have shaped the Argolis region for centuries.

Key Points

This private day tour from Athens explores the historical region of Argolis, including stops at the Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplion, and Epidaurus.
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours and includes hotel pickup, with a starting price of $390.74 for up to 2 people.
Highlights include the Cyclopean walls, Lion Gate, and Treasury of Atreus at Mycenae, the well-preserved ancient theatre at Epidaurus, and the picturesque harbor of Nafplion.
Transportation is provided via luxury car, minivan, or minibus, with an English-speaking driver for smooth communication.
The tour allows for flexible reservation and payment, and entrance fees to archaeological sites are an additional cost.

Tour Overview

This private day tour to Argolis from Athens offers an immersive exploration of the region’s rich history and magnificent archaeological sites.

Priced from $390.74 per group (up to 2 people), the 8-hour excursion includes hotel pickup and complimentary cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Visitors will marvel at the Corinth Canal, a notable engineering feat, before discovering the ancient ruins of Corinth, Mycenae, and Epidaurus.

The tour also includes a stop in the picturesque town of Nafplion, Greece’s first capital.

Travelers will travel in comfort, with an English-speaking driver and Wi-Fi-equipped transportation.

While meals and entrance fees aren’t included, this tour offers a flexible and comprehensive way to discover the wonders of Argolis.

Corinth Canal

The tour begins with a scenic stop at the Corinth Canal, a notable engineering achievement completed in 1893 that connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas.

This 4-mile-long canal took over 100 years to construct and features steep limestone walls that plunge 300 feet down to the waterway below. Visitors can admire the impressive size and scale of this man-made marvel from the viewpoint.

The canal’s construction was a significant feat, as it allowed ships to avoid the treacherous journey around the Peloponnese peninsula.

Today, the Corinth Canal remains an important waterway, facilitating international trade and shipping, while also attracting travelers with its dramatic, picturesque setting.

Ancient Corinth

After the scenic stop at the Corinth Canal, the tour continues to Ancient Corinth, where visitors can explore the ruins of this once-thriving ancient Greek city.

Sightseeing here lasts approximately 1 hour and includes key sites such as the Temple of Apollo, the Roman forum, the Lechaion Road, and the Peirene Fountain.

The Temple of Apollo, dating back to the 6th century BC, stands as a testament to the city’s glorious past.

Nearby, the Roman forum showcases the influence of the Roman Empire, while the Lechaion Road and the Peirene Fountain provide insights into the daily life and infrastructure of ancient Corinth.

This stop offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history and archaeology of the region.

Mycenae

From Ancient Corinth, the tour proceeds to the legendary archaeological site of Mycenae, where visitors spend approximately 1 hour exploring the remarkably well-preserved ruins.

The highlights of Mycenae include the Cyclopean walls, the iconic Lion Gate, the royal tombs, and the Treasury of Atreus, which is considered the best-preserved prehistoric monument in Europe.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive craftsmanship and engineering feats of this once-powerful city, which was the seat of the legendary King Agamemnon.

The tour provides ample time for visitors to wander through the ancient ruins, soak in the rich history, and imagine the grandeur of this iconic site from the Mycenaean civilization.

Nafplion

Upon departing Mycenae, the tour makes its way to the charming town of Nafplion, where visitors spend approximately 1 hour exploring the city’s historic sites and enjoying a lunch break. Nafplion holds the distinction of being the first capital of modern Greece, and it boasts a picturesque harbor framed by the towering Palamidi Fortress and the small island fortress of Bourtzi.

Visitors can:

Admire the Venetian architecture that lines the streets of the Old Town.
Climb the 999 steps to the top of the Palamidi Fortress for panoramic views of the city and the Argolic Gulf.
Stroll along the promenade and take in the serene atmosphere of the harbor.

After a relaxing interlude in Nafplion, the tour continues to the next destination, the ancient site of Epidaurus.

Epidaurus

The tour then proceeds to the ancient site of Epidaurus, where visitors spend approximately 1 hour exploring the renowned Sanctuary of Asclepius and the remarkably well-preserved ancient theatre known for its exceptional acoustics.

The Sanctuary of Asclepius was an important healing center in ancient Greece, dedicated to the god of medicine. Visitors can wander through the archaeological site and marvel at the ancient ruins.

The highlight is the ancient theatre, which is considered one of the best-preserved in the world. Acoustically engineered to perfection, the theatre could seat over 14,000 people and is renowned for its incredible sound quality, allowing performers to be heard clearly from any seat.

Transportation Details

The tour provides transportation by a luxury car, minivan, or minibus, depending on the size of the group, and the vehicle is equipped with Wi-Fi for your’ convenience. The driver is an English-speaker, ensuring smooth communication throughout the tour.

The transportation options offer the following advantages:

Comfort and convenience for the group, with ample space and amenities.
Flexibility to navigate the scenic roads and access the historical sites on the itinerary.
Personalized service, as the driver is dedicated to ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience for the participants.

Additional Information

Food and drinks aren’t included in the tour price, but participants have the option to enjoy a lunch in Nafplion during the sightseeing stop.

Entrance fees to the archaeological sites are an additional cost that visitors need to cover.

The tour offers flexibility, allowing travelers to reserve their spot without an upfront payment. This ‘reserve now, pay later’ approach lets customers secure their tour and make the payment at a later date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour can usually be customized to include additional stops. Clients can discuss their preferences with the tour operator, who may be able to accommodate special requests within the allotted time and budget.

Are Child Seats Available for the Transportation?

Child seats are typically available upon request for private group tours. The tour provider can accommodate families with young children by providing appropriate car seats or booster seats as needed for the transportation used.

Is the Tour Conducted in Multiple Languages?

The tour is conducted in English. Private tours typically offer the flexibility to accommodate other languages if requested in advance, subject to the availability of multilingual guides. Customers should inquire about language options when booking.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?

No, there does not appear to be an option to extend the duration of the tour. The tour is a pre-set 8-hour itinerary, and the details provided do not mention any flexibility to extend the duration beyond that fixed timeframe.

Are Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator typically offers discounted rates for seniors and students, though the specific discount amounts may vary. Customers should inquire about any available discounts when booking the tour to take advantage of potential savings.