This Argolis tour is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something different to see with your time in Athens, as you will be able to check out the beautiful coastline as you make your way over Mycenae where you will take in all of these cities ruins and sites before moving onwards to the charming village of Nafilo which is world famous for its hand-woven carpets and handmade wines before ending the day with an exploration of Epidaurus.
To visit Mycenae – Lions Gate – Royal Tombs will take about 2.5 hours
The bus will head along the coastal side of the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal which is connected to the Aegean Sea, this road will lead us to our first stop of the day which is Mycenae also known as the kingdom of Agamemnon. The area of Mycenae is recorded to be one of the wealthiest bronze age sites in all of Greece, and with deeper excavations that were done by the legendary archaeologist Henrich Schliemann, he came across a lot of treasures which also included the Gold Death Mask of King Agamemnon. Here at Mycenae, you will be able to see the famous Lions Gate that marked the entrance to the citadel it stood around 10 ft. wide as well as high with 2 lions inscribed in stone just above the entrance, the reason for the lions was to symbolize power. The actual Citadel of Mycenae was created just on the slopes of the hill that overlooks the valley of Argos and was kept protected by the cyclopean walls that were so high and built out of huge heavy boulders, these stones were so big and heavy that the myth has it no man could have created this wall and it must have been done by Cyclops hence the name ‘Cyclopean Walls’. Another great exploration for us here is the Royal Tombs where there were 9 royal tombs built during the 15th and 14th century BC with the most monumental being ‘Treasury of Atreus’ and ‘Tomb of Clytaemnestra’ that had facades decorated with green and red marble. Just outside the walls of Mycenae was the tomb of Aegisthus who had organized the killing of King Agamemnon along with his mistress, the reason that Aegisthus's tomb can be found outside the walls of Mycenae was that the town and its people rejected her because her evil acts. The last area for you to see here at Mycenae is the Archaeological museum which holds many valuable pieces that were taken from the citadel itself which then went on to declare Mycenae as a world heritage area.
To visit Nafpilio will take about 20 Minutes Photo Break,
Time to move on from Mycenae to our next destination which is called Nafplio to reach here we will need to take a drive along the plains of Argolis. Nafplio is such a beautiful town within the area of Argolis but also is known to be one of the most romantic cities in all of Greece, this town was the very first capital of the newly born Greek state between the years of 1823 and 1834. The town got its name as it was founded by the son of Poseidon and his son's name was ‘Nafplios’, the history of this little cute town goes back to the prehistoric era when the soldiers participated in the Trojan War. During the Roman times, this little town declined in its state and popularity and it wasn’t until the Byzantine times that it became more known and flourished like a flower in spring, Venetian, Turkish, and Frankish conquerors left their trademarks on the town which greatly influenced the culture, traditions but also its style of architecture to which can be noticed by the ancient walls – castles – monuments and even ottoman fountains, this town is unbelievably picturesque and there is no other place like it anywhere in the world.
To visit Epidaurus – Ancient Theatre will take about 2 hours
Up next and lastly for today’s tour will be Epidaurus which is famous for its ancient theatre that was built in the 4th century BC. The theatre had and actually still has the most fascinating acoustics that can be perfectly heard by a crowd of 15000 people, the story has it that if you stand at the top of the theatre and someone stands at the bottom and drops a small pin then the person at the top can hear that pin drop to the floor perfectly. As you take a look around you will see for yourself that this town is a delicate fishing village with a few handy beaches that are bursting with delicious fish restaurants should you wish to sample some local cuisine.
The tour for today has come to a close so it is time to head back on the bus and make our way back up the Corinth Canal till we reach the Saronic Gulf before reaching our final destination of Athens. This just about wraps up our tour for today, therefore your guide will then drop you back off at your allocated drop-off points where you will be able to spend the rest of the day relaxing and also reviewing your day with us.
*This Argolis Tour is available all year round.
INCLUSIONS
*Pick up and Drop Off
*Professional Licensed Guide
*Parking Fees
*Transport and Driver
EXCLUSIONS
*Lunch – Drinks
*Entrance Fees
*Gratitude’s
MYCENAE ANCIENT SITE TICKET
General admission fee: €12 Reduced: €6
The price is reduced by 50% during winter (1 November and 31 March). Children under 18 (with proof of ID), students and others (scroll down for the full list) pay €10 for their tickets (€5 during winter). Entry to the Acropolis not only gives you access to the Citadel (where you can see the Parthenon and the Erechtheion) but also the North and South slopes, where you will find the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus – amongst other features.
EPIDAUROS ANCIENT SITE TICKET
General admission fee: €12, Reduced: €6
