3-DAY PELOPONNESE: CORINTH, EPIDAURUS, MYCENAE, OLYMPIA & DELPHI PRIVATE TOUR

We pick you up at the Port or Airport or your Hotel in Athens at a convenient early morning time. 

Start your tour with an early morning pick up from your residence and set off towards the Peloponnese peninsula.

Driving for about an hour we reach our first stop at Corinth Canal, an awe-inspiring engineering miracle, six and a half km long, separating the Aegean Sea from the Ionian Sea.

 

After the Canal, we visit close by Ancient Corinth with the stunning Doric Temple of Apollo and the Bema, where Apostle Paul preached and wrote the First Epistle to the  Corinthians. 

Next,  we ascend to the impressive acropolis of Ancient Corinth also known as Acrocorinth where the view is 360° and you can take incredible photos.

Leaving Corinth and going deeper into the Peloponnese, we reach 75 minutes later the Sanctuary of Asclepios at Epidaurus where we will admire the ancient theatre (you can practice its notorious acoustics), the Tholos, the Stoa of Abaton, the Stadium and the Museum.

After this fascinating site, we head to Tolo, a beautiful seaside village, well known for its fish and seafood, and where we will enjoy our fresh Greek lunch.

The next amazing site is Mycenae, the kingdom of famous Agamemnon, leader of the Greek army at Homer’s Iliad epic poem. Mycenae entrance is through the imposing Lion Gates, you walk by the graves of kings and the cyclopean architecture of Treasury of Atreus. A really powerful site.

Finally, we set off towards the medieval, seaside city of Nafplio, driving through dense orange and olive groves. Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece, the former first capital of the country, built in neoclassical architecture with narrow cobblestone alleys and surrounded by three formidable castles.

Walk on the main Syntagma Square with two old Turkish mosques, and many cafes, and little taverns and enjoy a delicious dinner by the Arvanitia Promenade, a by the sea walk, overlooking the Burtzi castle.

Have a full night’s rest in a 4- star hotel in Nafplio like Ippoliti Hotel or Xenon Inn .

Dream of the days to come to Greece….

After your breakfast at the hotel in Nafplio, we set off for the 2-hour drive to  Ancient Olympia,  another Greek UNESCO site.

You will visit the museum and the famous archaeological site of the ancient Olympic Games.

Olympia lies in the fertile valley of Alpheios river and it was the most celebrated site of Ancient Greece.
As you stroll by the ancient paths you will visit the Doric Temples of Zeus and Hera, the Bouleuterion, the Prytaneion, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, the Palestra, the Workshop of Pheidias and so many other stunning ancient buildings.
At the museum, you will admire masterpieces such as the Nike of Paionios and the breathtaking Hermes and the Infant Dionysus statue.

You can have your lunch in one of the local traditional taverns in the picturesque modern Olympia village.

After Olympia, as an option, we offer free of charge a 1-hour visit to the oldest Greek winery, the Achaia Clauss for wine tasting and interesting facts on Greek wine varieties and methods.

After the winery, we head northwest to another engineering miracle, the Rio Antirio Bridge.

The Rio-Antirrio Bridge, also known as the “Charilaos Trikoupis” bridge, was completed in 2004 for the Olympic Games.

The bridge is named after the Greek Prime Minister who envisioned the connection of the Peloponnese with Western Greece in 1889.

Crossing it, we leave the Peloponnese behind us and enter the mainland towards Delphi. The first stop is Nafpaktos, a scenic little Venetian port and castle, a popular escapade for a romantic weekend.  You can stroll the beautiful town and have a coffee or tea at the port. 

Next,  we drive to Galaxidi and Delphi where we stay overnight at 4-star or Boutique hotels, like Ganimede in Galaxidi –  its breakfast is totally yummy – or Nidimos in Delphi, depending on availability.

After your rest and breakfast at your hotel, your driver picks you up and transports you to Delphi, a remarkable archaeological site and museum. 

Delphi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered to be the centre of the Ancient World. Leaders, Kings, and Marshals would consult Pythia, before taking any important decision. 

Thus, the site became massively rich and powerful and the excavated buildings prove its past wealth and abundance. Our guests will witness the Temple of Apollo, the Amphictyonic Council, the Siphnian Treasury, the Theatre, the Tholos, the Gymnasium and the Stadium, which are some of the important buildings on the site.

The museum exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary and oracle, covering the long period from prehistory to late antiquity. Some of the masterpieces of the permanent collection include the famous Charioteer, the Sphinx of the Naxians, and the statues of Kleobis and Biton.

For lunch, we have chosen the best quality traditional food, service, and high hygiene taverns in the area.
Traditional Tavern “To Patriko mas” combine an astounding view of the vast valley and sea with exceptional food and service.

Later on, we will make a stop at Arachova, a very popular ski resort village to view the local artefacts, and taste famous formaella local cheese production, and olives. 

After Arachova, we stop at another UNESCO site, the Hosios Loukas monastery, where you can admire the amazing mosaics and frescoes from the early 10th c AD. The frescoes of the crypt were cleaned in 1960 and until then they were covered in plasters.  It is one of the most important monuments of Middle Byzantine architecture and art. 

Leaving the monastery, we will drive through the countryside and bring you back to your residence, port, or drop you off at the airport without any extra charge. 

OPTION: You may be interested in a hiking or olive oil tasting tour in Delphi, please ask us for this addition to your schedule.