Ιsthmus of Corinth, Αncient Corinth – Mycenae – Epidaurus -Nafplion– Ancient Olympia – Patra -Nafpaktos – Galaxidi – Delphi-Arachova – Thermopylae-Meteora
Athens has an amazing south coast that you have to visit. Let us guide you through, and let yourselves fall in love with the places and the view. Starting from Athens we are heading south, our first stop is Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural beauty that will mesmerize you. It consists of thermal properties, brackish waters – rich in minerals and salts, underwater tunnels and a temperature that is steady around 22-29°C. It is a unique geological phenomenon you must experience and is included in Natura 2000 network. Next stop, the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounio. It is dedicated to the Poseidon, god of the sea. The temple was built from 444 to 440 BC (the Golden Era of Pericles), on the top of the ruins of an older temple from the Archaic area. It is said that in the center of the temple was a more-than-6-meters high, statue of Poseidon. The place of the Temple was important not only due to its proximity to the sea but also it was a sign for the ships arriving, proving them that they were close to Piraeus. Can you imagine swimming and seeing ancient ruins at the same time? Cape Sounio is a unique place, from there you’ ll gaze Aegean Sea and feel the unique energy of the place. We’ll arrive there on time so as in the end of our trip we’ll enjoy the sunset. Then, with the eyes full of the beauty of the place, we’ ll return to Athens.
Athens, early in the morning. We are picking you up from your hotel or apartment and driving to Peloponnese, where we are going to visit all the above magnificent places and meet the Ancient Greek History and Legends!
After a short journey, we are leaving Attica and reaching our first station, Isthmus of Corinth. This admirable structure, whose history starts 2.500 years before, when the tyrant Periandros was the first to begin this project, connects Peloponnese with Greek Mainland, while the Corinth canal connects the two gulfs, Saronic and Corinth, that is Aegean with Ionian Sea.
Our next station is Ancient Corinth, the city that, according to Mythology, was earned by Sun, when He and Poseidon had a dispute, in which finally Poseidon kept Isthmus. Corinth was one of the most important ancient cities, while it performed a crucial role during the Peloponnesian War. Local excavations have revealed a treasure of remains and objects, which you may admire either in the archaeological museum or outdoors.
Next destination is Mycenae, a globally known Ancient Greek City, the kingdom of Great Agamemnon. The archaeological site consists in the fortified Acropolis, the legendary Cyclopean Walls, the treasure and unique tomb of Atreus, the Lions Gate and many other astonishing remains and findings.
Our next station is Epidaurus, not only a beautiful seaside village, but mainly a place whose name is connected with the art of Theater. The ancient theater of Epidaurus, included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list, is a renowned monument, which still hospitalizes many important performances every summer. Near the theater, we can visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the Medicine God.
Leaving the impressive Epidaurus, we are travelling towards Nafplion, one of the most romantic and beautiful towns of Greece. The medieval atmosphere of the old city, together with the view of Palamidi fortress, as well as the small island-fortress lying at the port’s entrance make you feel like you have been transferred into another era. After having enjoyed a walk next to the beach, we can go on.
Plenty of sensations and feelings, we are leaving Nafplion to visit our tour’s next destination, Ancient Olympia. You are going to have the great honor to stand on the ground of the Olympic Games stadium, while the environment’s vibes will motivate your emotion and offer you a time-travel ticket, to meet Phidias sculpting in his workshop, the priestesses of Zeus’ and Hera’s Temples and so many other views and experiences.
Leaving this astonishing archaeological site, with an internal promise to come back once again, we are driving to Patras, the capital of Achaia area and Western Greece, as well as one of the biggest and most important ports of Greece, providing connection to Italy. Patras is a friendly city, famous for its annual Carnival Festival.
After having visited the most important sites of Peloponnese, it is time for us to pass to Greek Mainland through Charilaos Trikoupis (or Rion-Antirion) Bridge and visit Nafpaktos. A city that has survived and merged a history of approximately 30 centuries is willing to offer you its hospitality and induct you in magic. You may enjoy the colors, the nature, the beaches, the castle, the venetian port and many other attractions.
Our next destination is Galaxidi, a picturesque seaside town of Fokida area, well known for its famous naval background and history. Because of its geographical position, Galaxidi developed an important navy, as well as an excellent shipbuilding production. Do not skip a relaxing walk by its ports, as well as by its traditional neighborhoods.
Following the Greek legends and myths’ path, we are visiting Delphi, known also as “Navel of the Earth”, which was an ancient Greek city, performing the role of a spiritual focal point, with many temples, an ancient theater and, of course, the whole world’s greatest and best-known Oracle, where Pythia, priestess of Apollon, was giving holy advice to who was visiting the sanctuary.
Next station is Arachova, the “jewel of Parnassos Mountain”, where you can enjoy a combination of hospitality and natural beauty. This traditional settlement of Viotia prefecture is very popular, especially during winter, because of its proximity to the local ski centers.
We are leaving Arachova to visit our next station, the legendary site of Thermopylae, mainly known as the theater of the Battle between Leonidas, the king of Sparta, with his 300 heroic warriors and the undefeatable Persian army. The name of the city means in Greek “hot gates” and it is given due to the presence of hot Sulphur springs in the area.
After our intense experience of Thermopylae grounds, we are going to meet our next destination, Meteora, one of the most impressive Greek landscapes. Rock formations of height over than 600 meters lying in Thessaly area for many centuries and 8 byzantine monasteries on their tops constitute one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Monuments.
Moving to Kalampaka, the city nearby Meteora, we will be able to enjoy Greek nature and hospitality and have some rest.
Having completed our scheduled trip, we are leaving Kalampaka, having kept deeply in our hearts all this unforgettable experience and driving back to Athens.
* Overnight (Please note that the second overnight will take place either in Nafpaktos or in Galaxidi)
Gallery
Info
Tickets :
Temple of Poseidon: Full: €8, Reduced: €4
Reduced ticket : European citizens over 65 years old,
University students Free entrance : people under 18 years old,
students from European Union
Holiday
January 1st: closed
March 25th꞉ closed
May 1st: closed
Easter Sunday: closed
December 25th: closed
December 26th: closed
Free admission days
March 6th (in memory of Melina Mercuri)
April 18th (international monuments day)
May 18th (international museums day)
Last weekend of September (European heritage days) October 28th
Every 1st Sunday from November to March