Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio - Full Day Tour - Athens

We depart to Mycenaewith the bus together with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist. The distance is 130km and approximately 1.5 hours. During the way we have a short stop for coffee (not included) and photos at the beautiful Isthmus of Corinth. We reach the ancient city of Mycenae where the Cyclopean Walls “take our breath”, as until today no explanation can be found regarding their construction. Mycenae is considered thegreatest and richest kingdom of the later Bronze Age(around 1350B.C). Even the legendary author Homer was inspired by Mycenae to compose his epic poem “Iliad”.

We admire the archaeological site of the argolic plain with the unique findings such as the great Lionesses Gate, the Ancient Treasure of Atreus also known as King’s Agamemnon Tomb and the Tomb of Clytemnestra.

Later on, we visit the museum of Mycenae (entrance fee EUR12.00 per person not included), where we can find the famous Golden Mask of Agamemnon and various artifacts from the life, the activities and the burial customs of Mycenae. Exhibits from the royal Grave Circle A΄ and B΄ are exposed as well as various burial complexes and other historical copies.

After Mycenae, we reach the beautiful seaside city of Nafplio where we enjoy our greek traditional lunch (not included). Naflpio used to be the first capital of Greece (before Athens) and its architecture has venetian, byzantine, ottoman and modern greek influences. It connects perfectly the intense marks of the historical past with the modern life. The oldest district of the city is called Acronafplia, with various traditional spots where the locals hang out and above it we can see the Castle of Palamidi, which rules from the top of the hill. In front of city’s port, we can see the Castle of Bourtzi in a small island emerging from the argolic gulf.

After the connection of the ancient greek history in Mycenae with the cultural beauty in Nafplio, we head to the epicenter of the ancient drama; the ancient theater that until nowadays is considered the one with the best acoustic balance worldwide, the Ancient Epidaurus (entrance fee 20€ per person not included). In the antiquity, Epidaurus was connected with the healing center of Asclepeion and is considered that there was the origin of the medical science. The art of drama in Epidaurus was connected also with the healing of the human soul, the supreme beauty and moreover the salvation of one’s soul.

Today in Epidaurus, modern artistsorganize newer versions of ancient tragedies as well as the Festival of Epidaurus takes place, known also as Epidavria. We have 1 hour to admire the ancient theater.

Itinerary

Starting location: Halandri Metro Station

* Bus/Coach (1 hour)

* Isthmus of Corinth – Break time, Photo stop, Coffee (15 minutes)

* Bus/Coach (45 minutes)

*Archaeological Site of Mycenae – Free time, Sightseeing, Self-guided tour (105 minutes) (Extra fee)

* Bus/Coach (25 minutes)

* Nafplio – Lunch (1 hour)

* Nafplio – Free time, Sightseeing (1 hour)

* Bus/Coach (25 minutes)

* Epidaurus – Self-guided tour (75 minutes) (Extra fee)

* Bus/Coach (2 hours)

* Arrive back at: Halandri Metro Station