A plunge into ancient history and mythology
Take a break from the commotion of the busy capital with this one day tour of Mycenae and Epidaurus from Athens, combining Mycenae, the most significant and rich palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age, and Epidaurus, the healing centre of the Greek and Roman world.
10 Hours
Argolis, Greece
100.00 €
50.00 €
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Accompanied by our expert professional guide, we will head out aboard our comfortable air-conditioned bus along the scenic coastal highway for the Corinth Canal. Cutting through the narrow Isthmus, the four-mile-long canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. While this engineering wonder was not completed until 1893, rulers during classical Greek times more than toyed with the idea. The Roman emperor Nero was the first to attempt to construct the canal, personally breaking the ground with a pickaxe and removing the first basket-load of soil in 67 CE.
Once we reach the Great Mycenae, you will have a chance to explore this major Greek civilization center and military stronghold which had dominated much of southern Greece and parts of southwest Anatolia. Perseus, son of Zeus and king of Argos, is traditionally considered as its mythical founder. It is said that he named the new city Mycenae after the pommel (mykes) of his sword, which fell there. Built among two tall conical hills, Mycenae ‘Rich in Gold’, the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon, has served as an inspiration for classic and modern poetry and literature, not to mention for the everlasting works of Homer.
In this magnificent archeological site, featured on the list of World Heritage Sites, you will discover the Cyclopean Walls, which, due to their size, were believed to have been built by the Cyclops. After all, no mere man could have moved these huge boulders… Marvel at the Lion Gate, the citadel’s monumental entrance, and its bastion, and explore the Royal Tombs, and the Treasury of Atreus, an impressive tomb excavated into the side of a hill, dating back to 1250 BC.
You may decide to sit down for lunch at a nearby traditional Greek restaurant or visit a pottery factory to study the craft up-close, if you select these options, before we head out to Nauplia, the time and again besieged stronghold that stood strong in the face of adversity over the ages and served as state capital prior to 1834. We will pass by the Venetian fortress of Palamidi, nestled on the crest of a 216-metre high hill, and the water castle of Bourtzi, located in the middle of the harbor, before we continue to peaceful hinterland of Epidaurus.
As the sanctuary to the heroic god of medicine in ancient mythology, Asclepius, Epidaurus is considered the birthplace of medicine and is thought to have had more than two hundred dependent spas in the eastern Mediterranean.
Up ahead, we hold our breath as we enter one of the most important sites to visit in our journey to the past, the ancient Theater of Epidaurus, truly the best-preserved example of classical Greek theater. It is a unique achievement of art and architecture as its unparalleled acoustics and aesthetics continue to mesmerize visitors even to date.
On our way back to Athens, in the late afternoon, you will certainly feel a step closer to mythical times of grandeur and inspiration.
When visiting archeological sites and doing some of our own “digging around”, we recommend using some sunscreen and always wearing loose fitting clothes and comfortable walking shoes. Greece is, after all, a warm and sunny country so put on a hat when you are out in the sun and enjoy the tour.
Nafplion – Epidaurus – Mycenae full day tour from Athens From:... This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
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