4-DAY SITES OF ANTIQUITY

We depart from Athens for Epidaurus, making a brief stop at the famous Corinth Canal. Epidaurus is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an amazing Amphitheatre, remarkable for its acoustics, and the Asklepion - the most important sanctuary of Asclepius , the Greco-Roman God of Medicine, in ancient Greece.

Later we drive to the town of Nafplion, the second capital of Greece, to enjoy the traditional colourful architectural styles influenced by ancient Greek, Venetian and Ottoman cultures. We stop here for a couple of hours which also gives you time to see a great number of eclectic Neoclassical buildings and even Modernist buildings.

Our next visit of the day is to the Bronze Age ruins at Mycenae to explore the Archaeological Site, the Tomb of Agamemnon and the museum. This is where the Trojan War all started when Helen, wife of Agamemnon’s brother Menelaus, ran off with Paris.

Finally, we will head for Olympia through the Central Peloponnese. Overnight at Olympia.

Today it’s all about the Olympic Games with a visit to the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. It’s a wonderful place with far too much to see to put in writing.

Later we drive across the plains of Eliad and Achaia to the magnificent bridge which crosses the Bay of Corinth from Rion to Antirion. En route we pass through the picturesque towns of Nafpactos and Itea before arriving in Delphi where we stay overnight.

The site of the Oracle at Delphi should be on any classical scholar’s ‘must see’ list. You’ll hear all about the history from your guide and visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum of Delphi. Then we drive to Arachova, a beautiful old city, renowned for its colorful carpets, wine and Formaela cheese for a two hour visit.

In the afternoon, we travel to Kalambaka, our overnight stop.

The Byzantine monasteries that sit on the rocks here have been classified by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage. The most imposing, Grand Meteoro and Varlaam occupy commanding positions among the monastic complex of Meteora. The visit is ideal for working up an appetite to sample the local delicious traditional Greek cuisine.

On the way back to Athens, we visit the historic site of Thermopylae, where the battle between ancient Greeks and Persians changed the course of European history. We visit the battlefield, the statue of King Leonidas and the museum, returning to Athens early in the evening.