Discover the wonders of ancient Greece on a day tour to Mycenae and Epidaurus. This guided journey takes visitors through the remnants of the once-powerful Mycenaean civilization, including the iconic Lion Gate and the impressive Tomb of Agamemnon. The tour then moves on to the renowned Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, renowned for its remarkable acoustics. Enjoy a delightful 3-course lunch featuring local flavors as you explore the scenic route along the Corinth Canal. With complimentary pickup and knowledgeable guides, this tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into Greece’s glorious past. But what secrets might these ancient sites still hold?
Key Points
- Comprehensive 9-hour day tour to explore the ancient ruins of Mycenae and the renowned Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, with a complimentary 3-course lunch included.
- Opportunity to visit iconic sites like the Lion Gate, Tomb of Agamemnon, and the well-preserved Ancient Theater, known for its exceptional acoustics.
- Convenient pickup and drop-off services, along with a scenic route featuring the Corinth Canal, enhancing the overall tour experience.
- Tour package includes entrance fees, licensed guide, and transportation, providing a hassle-free way to discover these historical landmarks.
- Customer reviews highlight the tour’s organization, scenic route, and historical insights, though some note requests for longer stays and mixed feedback on lunch quality.
Tour Overview and Pricing
Offering a comprehensive day tour, this excursion to Mycenae and Epidaurus is priced from $127.04 per person.
The 9-hour tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve your spot without upfront payment.
Highlights of the itinerary include exploring the ancient ruins of Mycenae, known for its ‘rich in gold’ history, and marveling at the exceptional acoustics of the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus.
Complimentary pickup and a scenic route along the Corinth Canal are also part of the tour.
Entrance fees, a 3-course lunch, and a licensed guide are all included, while additional expenses like personal purchases and gratuities aren’t covered.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour takes visitors on a journey to explore the ancient ruins of Mycenae, the famed ‘city rich in gold.’ Travelers will visit key sites within the archaeological site, including the iconic Lion Gate, the Tomb of Agamemnon, and the Palace. Afterwards, the tour proceeds to the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, renowned for its exceptional acoustics that once entertained up to 15,000 spectators.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Lion Gate | Iconic entrance to the ancient citadel |
| Tomb of Agamemnon | Impressive Treasury of Atreus burial monument |
| Palace | Remnants of the former royal residence |
| Ancient Theater | Renowned for its remarkable acoustics |
| Capacity | Originally seated up to 15,000 people |
Transportation and Pickup
This day tour includes pickup and drop-off services, subject to the location of your hotel. For those outside the pickup areas, an alternative meeting point is provided.
The scenic route from Athens to the tour sites takes you past the picturesque Corinth Canal. Along the way, you’ll:
- Enjoy panoramic views of the landscape
- Stop for photos at key points of interest
- Learn about the history and significance of the sites from your licensed guide
- Have the opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insights into the day’s destinations
Whether you’re staying in the heart of Athens or at a hotel outside the city, this transportation arrangement ensures a seamless start and end to your unforgettable journey to Mycenae and Epidaurus.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes entrance fees, a 3-course lunch, a licensed guide (who may be bilingual), and pickup and drop-off services.
However, it doesn’t cover additional food, personal expenses, extra drinks, or gratuities.
The inclusion of the entrance fees ensures that visitors can fully experience the historical sites without any additional costs.
The provided lunch, a 3-course meal, offers a chance to savor local flavors and refuel during the day’s activities.
While the licensed guide enhances the educational aspect of the tour, the pickup and drop-off services add convenience by eliminating the need for participants to arrange their own transportation.
Guests should keep in mind that any extra expenditures or gratuities aren’t part of the package.
Customer Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have provided an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 for this day tour to Mycenae and Epidaurus, based on 30 reviews.
While the guide, transportation, and service received average ratings of 3.8-3.9, the organization of the tour was praised with a 4.5 rating.
Feedback highlights include:
- An interesting journey through the scenic route from Athens to the Corinth Canal and ancient sites.
- A desire for a longer stay at the archaeological site of Mycenae.
- Mixed reviews on the quality of the included lunch.
- Some issues with the ticketing process.
Exploring Ancient Mycenae
Nestled in the Peloponnese region of Greece, the ancient city of Mycenae once stood as a powerful center of Greek civilization, renowned for its architectural grandeur and mythological significance. Visitors can explore the legendary Lion Gate, the monumental entrance to the fortified citadel, and the impressive Treasury of Atreus, a remarkable tholos tomb believed to be the burial site of the legendary King Agamemnon. Within the palace complex, the remains of the throne room and living quarters offer a glimpse into the daily life of the Mycenaean elite. The site’s museum displays a captivating collection of artifacts, including intricate gold masks, that provide insights into the wealth and sophistication of this bygone era.
| Mycenaean Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Lion Gate | Monumental entrance to the citadel |
| Treasury of Atreus | Tholos tomb believed to be Agamemnon’s burial site |
| Palace Complex | Remains of throne room and living quarters |
| Museum Artifacts | Intricately crafted gold masks and other treasures |
| Architectural Grandeur | Impressive scale and engineering feats |
Visiting the Ancient Theater
After exploring the impressive ruins of ancient Mycenae, visitors can now turn their attention to the remarkable Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and architectural elegance.
This ancient wonder, originally built to accommodate up to 15,000 spectators, continues to captivate audiences with its remarkable preservation and stunning natural setting.
Visitors can:
- Marvel at the theater’s impressive size and symmetry, which allowed for unparalleled sound quality.
- Imagine the grand performances and cultural events that once filled this historic space.
- Explore the surrounding archaeological site and learn about the site’s significance in ancient Greek culture.
- Appreciate the theater’s integration with the breathtaking natural landscape, creating a truly awe-inspiring experience.
Lunch in Mycenae or Nafplio
Following the tour of the ancient sites, visitors can savor a delightful 3-course lunch in either the nearby town of Mycenae or the charming coastal city of Nafplio. The meal, included as part of the tour package, provides a welcome respite and opportunity to further take in the local culinary traditions of the region.
| Dish | Mycenae | Nafplio |
|---|---|---|
| Appetizer | Tomato and Feta Salad | Tzatziki with Pita Bread |
| Main Course | Moussaka | Grilled Fish with Lemon Potatoes |
| Dessert | Baklava | Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts |
The lunch allows guests to sample authentic Greek flavors and further appreciate the region’s rich history and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Specific Dietary Preference for the Lunch?
Yes, you can request a specific dietary preference for the lunch. The tour operator is typically accommodating of various dietary needs, so be sure to let them know your requirements when booking the tour.
Is the Tour Guide Fluent in Multiple Languages?
The tour guide is likely fluent in multiple languages, as the details indicate the guide "may be bilingual." This suggests the guide can communicate in more than one language to accommodate the diverse backgrounds of tour participants.
How Much Free Time Is Allotted for Exploring the Sites?
The tour provides ample time for exploring the sites. Visitors typically have about 1-2 hours to wander around Mycenae and 1 hour at the Epidaurus Theater, allowing them to thoroughly experience the ancient landmarks.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?
The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, they do provide free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for those who may need to adjust their plans.
Can I Opt-Out of the Pickup Service and Make My Own Way to the Starting Point?
Yes, you can opt-out of the pickup service and make your own way to the starting point. The tour provider allows this flexibility, so you don’t have to utilize the included transportation if you prefer to arrange your own travel.
Recap
This day tour to Mycenae and Epidaurus offers an immersive experience into ancient Greek history.
Visitors will explore the iconic sites of Mycenae, including the Lion Gate and Tomb of Agamemnon, and marvel at the renowned Ancient Theater of Epidaurus.
With a delightful 3-course lunch, complimentary pickup, and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides an unforgettable glimpse into Greece’s glorious past for just $127.04 per person.
