Nafplio, Mycenae and Epidaurus Two Days Tour from Athens1

Day 1

We leave Athens and head towards the Corinth canal. Here we have a short stop by the Corinth canal, which separates the mainland from the peninsula of the Peloponnese and connects the Ionian Sea with the Aegean Sea. There you will have the chance to enjoy breathtaking views, taking as many photographs as you would like to.

Continuing our journey we drive towards the archaeological site of Mycenae, passing through the lush valley of Argolis with its many olive groves, lemon and orange trees. On your way you will drive pass the Mycenaean citadel of Tiryns and you will be impressed by its remaining cyclopean walls. Once upon a time there used to be a two story high palace of great importance on top of that hill. 

Once in Mycenae you will enjoy a guided tour through the treasure of Atreus (the tomb of Agamemnon) and the ancient citadel. We learn about the classical Greek culture as we walk through this impressive site.

Walk inside the tomb passing the ancient pass that was leading to its one and only entrance and enter the tomb that still stands intact. Once inside you will see another smaller gate leading to an extra room, which must have been the treasury house of it. If the assumptions of the archaeologists are correct and this was the tomb of Agamemnon, try to imagine the amount of gold and jewels that must have been placed there, in order for him to take with to the afterlife.

Then we reach the legendary Lions’ Gate, the one and only official entrance to the citadel that still bears the emblem over the gate that represents a column protected by two lions. 

Lunch in Mycenae.

We proceed to the beautiful town of Nafplio. The afternoon is free for you for a visit to the majestic Venetian fortress of Palamidi crowning the city or alternatively go for a refreshing swim. Don’t miss also the opportunity to visit important landmarks such as the Old Mosque, Vouleftikon and harbor island fortress of Mpourtzi.

Day 2

We spent the next morning in leisure for a walk to the old city with its beautiful neoclassic houses. Meander along picturesque lanes and stepped streets; pass handsome mansions and flower-filled balconies; and discover examples of the city’s Frankish, Venetian and Ottoman periods.

Around noon we depart for Epidaurus. The UNESCO’S world heritage listed monument is reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo’s son, Asclepius, the healer and was the most celebrated healing center of the classical world. Reaching Epidaurus you will have a tour of the spiritual sanctuary of Asclepius and the theater, one of the best preserved classical Greek buildings and with the most famous acoustics in the world, still used today.

Among other things you will see the ancient stadium, the remainings of the ancient gymnasium and restaurant, the remainings of the temple of Artemis, as well as the very impressive Tholos, a round building with a labyrinth still existing in its basement, where some traditions say that the sacred snakes of Asclepius used to be kept.

Since Epidaurus used to be one of the most famous ancient Greek healing centers and health treatment was very much related with the worshipping of the gods, the priests were often at the same time the healers of people. Partly restored and very impressive stands out the Avaton, a long rectangular building where the patients had to spend their first night and the god would come to their dreams. Part of their treatment would be based on that dream – message that the god had sent. With the great success that this sanctuary and healing center kept on having, more and more visitors with even more precious offerings kept on coming, and the evolution of the sanctuary was that created the need of building the ancient theater.

Your tour ends back to Athens late in the afternoon.