Exploring the wonders of ancient Greece can be a captivating experience, and a private tour of Corinth, Nafplio, and Mycenae offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s rich history. With convenient pickup from your location, this eight-hour excursion promises to take you on a journey through iconic sites, including the Corinth Canal, the ancient ruins of Corinth, and the impressive Acrocorinth Castle. Along the way, an experienced English-speaking guide will share valuable insights, ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of Greece’s fascinating heritage. What awaits you in this remarkable tour is a …
Key Points
- This private tour covers the highlights of Corinth, Nafplio, and Mycenae, with a pickup service included.
- The tour includes visiting the Corinth Canal, Acrocorinth Castle, Ancient Corinth, Epidaurus Theater, and the Temple of Asklepios.
- The tour is conducted in English and lasts for 8 hours, with a price of €490 for a group of up to 4 participants.
- Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, well-preserved archaeological sites, and insights into the history and culture of ancient Greece.
- The tour includes all entrance fees and an experienced English-speaking guide to provide commentary throughout the journey.
Tour Overview
This private tour takes visitors on an 8-hour journey through the historical sites of Corinth, Nafplio, and Mycenae, with a price of €490.00 per group of up to 4 participants.
The tour is conducted in English, and visitors have the flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Highlights of the itinerary include the Corinth Canal, the Acrocorinth Venetian Castle, the Ancient Corinth archaeological area, the ancient theater of Epidaurus, and the temple of Asklepios.
The tour also includes a visit to the coastal city of Nafplio, which served as the first capital of modern Greece.
Amenities like Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and bottled water are included, and all ticket fees are covered.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with a visit to the Corinth Canal, an iconic feat of engineering that connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Participants will then explore the Acrocorinth Venetian Castle, an impressive fortification with a rich history dating back to the 6th century BC.
Next, they’ll discover the Ancient Corinth archaeological area, a well-preserved site that offers a glimpse into the past.
The itinerary also includes:
- Touring the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, a remarkable example of Greek architecture
- Visiting the Temple of Asklepios, an important ancient healing center
- Exploring the charming coastal city of Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece.
Corinth Canal
Spanning the Isthmus of Corinth, the Corinth Canal is an impressive feat of engineering that has captivated visitors for centuries.
This 4-mile-long waterway connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, allowing ships to bypass the Peloponnese peninsula. Constructed between 1881 and 1893, the canal was an ambitious project that required extensive excavation through solid rock.
Today, the steep limestone cliffs that line the canal’s sides offer a dramatic backdrop for passing ships. Visitors can stroll across the canal’s iconic bridges or take a boat tour to fully appreciate its impressive scale and engineering.
The Corinth Canal stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the persistent pursuit of improving maritime transportation.
Acrocorinth Venetian Castle
After exploring the Corinth Canal, visitors can head to the Acrocorinth Venetian Castle, an impressive fortification that has dominated the city’s skyline for centuries. Perched atop a steep, rocky hill, the castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Gulf of Corinth.
Highlights of the Acrocorinth Venetian Castle include:
- Exploring the castle’s well-preserved walls, towers, and bastions.
- Visiting the remains of the medieval palace and Byzantine churches.
- Discovering the castle’s strategic location, which has made it a crucial defensive site for centuries.
- Learning about the castle’s history, which spans from the ancient Greeks to the Ottoman Empire.
- Enjoying the stunning views from the castle’s highest point, which offer a breathtaking panorama of the region.
Ancient Corinth
Beyond the Acrocorinth Venetian Castle, visitors can explore the ancient archaeological site of Corinth, which was once a thriving Greek city-state and Roman colony. This historic site showcases the remnants of temples, public buildings, and the renowned agora marketplace that were central to the city’s vibrant commercial and cultural life in antiquity. The site offers a glimpse into the daily lives and practices of the ancient Corinthians, from their religious beliefs to their economic activities. Visitors can wander through the ruins, imagining the bustling scenes of the past, and gain a deeper understanding of the rich history and significance of this important ancient Greek center.
| Site Features | Significance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Temples | Religious Beliefs | Temple of Apollo |
| Public Buildings | Political/Administrative | Ancient Agora |
| Agora Marketplace | Commercial Activity | Shops & Workshops |
| Residential Areas | Daily Life | Homes & Workshops |
| Fortifications | Defense | City Walls & Gateways |
Epidaurus and Asklepios
The tour also takes visitors to the ancient theater of Epidaurus and the temple of Asklepios, two renowned sites from ancient Greek history.
Epidaurus was home to a prestigious healing sanctuary dedicated to the god of medicine, Asklepios, where pilgrims would seek cures and treatments. The well-preserved ancient theater at the site is renowned for its remarkable acoustics, which allowed for impressive performances in the open-air venue.
Some key features of the Epidaurus and Asklepios sites include:
- Visiting the impressive ancient theater, one of the best-preserved classical Greek theaters
- Exploring the remains of the temple of Asklepios, the center of the healing cult in ancient Greece
- Learning about the medical practices and treatments performed at the Asklepieion sanctuary
- Admiring the scenic natural surroundings of the archaeological site
- Gaining insights into the religious and cultural significance of Epidaurus in the ancient world.
Nafplio as Capital
Serving as the first capital of modern Greece from 1827 to 1834, Nafplio was a city of great historical significance, playing a crucial role in the early years of the newly established Greek state. As a coastal city in the Peloponnese region, Nafplio was an important seaport during the Middle Ages and a popular tourist destination. The city’s status as the second capital, after the liberation from Ottoman rule, underscored its strategic importance and symbolic value for the fledgling Greek nation.
| Historical Significance | Importance as Seaport | Role as Capital |
|---|---|---|
| Played a crucial role in the early years of the newly established Greek state | Important seaport during the Middle Ages | Second capital of the First Hellenic Republic and Kingdom of Greece (1827-1834) |
| Coastal city in the Peloponnese region | Popular tourist destination | Underscored Nafplio’s strategic importance and symbolic value for the fledgling Greek nation |
Booking and Inclusions
Travelers can check availability and reserve their spot without upfront payment, securing their tour through the booking information provided.
This private tour of Corinth, Nafplio, and Mycenae offers several convenient inclusions:
- Complimentary WiFi on the air-conditioned vehicle for the duration of the trip
- Bottled water to keep everyone hydrated
- All ticket fees to the historical sites are covered
- Experienced English-speaking guide to provide commentary along the way
- Flexibility to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, in case plans change.
With these thoughtful amenities, travelers can focus on seeing the rich culture and history of the region during this comprehensive 8-hour excursion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
The tour details indicate that the standard duration is 8 hours. While the website doesn’t explicitly mention an option to extend the tour, customers can likely request a longer itinerary for an additional fee if desired.
Can We Customize the Itinerary to Include Additional Locations?
Absolutely, the tour can be customized to include additional locations. Customers can discuss their preferences with the tour provider, who’ll be happy to accommodate requests and create a personalized itinerary within the scheduled duration.
Do You Provide Any Food Options During the Tour?
The tour does not include any provided meals or food options. However, the tour guide can recommend local restaurants and cafes for participants to enjoy lunch and refreshments during the tour at their own expense.
Is There a Discount for Larger Group Sizes?
There’s no discount for larger group sizes on this tour. The price is a flat rate of €490.00 per group, regardless of the number of participants up to 4 people. Larger groups would need to book multiple tours.
Can We Bring Our Own Equipment/Supplies on the Tour?
The tour allows participants to bring their own equipment and supplies. However, large or bulky items may not be permitted on the vehicle. It’s best to check with the tour operator about any restrictions prior to the tour.
Recap
This private tour of Corinth, Nafplio, and Mycenae offers a comprehensive exploration of Greece’s rich history and stunning landscapes.
With convenient pickup, travelers can experience iconic sites like the Corinth Canal and Acrocorinth Castle, while an experienced guide provides valuable insights into the country’s ancient heritage.
The tour’s itinerary highlights the picturesque charm of Nafplio and the archaeological wonders of Mycenae, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an immersive cultural experience.
