A Journey through Ancient Greece 

Day Three: Athens to Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio

This morning we start with a scenic drive via the coastal road from Athens towards the Corinth Canal. It will take about an hour to get to Corinth, we will cross the bridge that connects the mainland with the Peloponnese, over the narrow canal. After a brief stop we will continue towards Mycenae; one of the most important cities of ancient Greece. We will walk under the famous Lion gate up to the Mycenaean acropolis and the Palace. We will see the tomb of Agamemnon and the ruins of the Cyclopean walls that protected this mighty city. After Mycenae we will set off to Epidaurus. The site of Epidaurus, which is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is vast. With ruins of temples and hospital buildings devoted to the healing gods - it is considered to be the birthplace of Asklepios. The monuments, particularly the temple of Asklepios, the Tholos and the Theatre are considered some of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture and date from the 4th Century BC. For most travellers, Epidaurus is known for the magnificent theatre that still stands there – and is still used for plays and other performances. The theatre is considered a marvel of engineering as the acoustics are unrivalled even by today’s standards. We will end the day by heading to the port town of Nafplion, one of the most historic and beautiful towns of Greece.

• Breakfast Included

Day Four: Nafplion

Today we have a free day in the pretty coastal town of Nafplion. The town has a medieval atmosphere and walking around the old town's narrow cobblestone streets will feel like a step back in time with its elegant squares and large mansions. For panoramic views of the town, head up to the hill top fortress which dates back to the Venetian ages. There are also many beautiful beaches in the region.

• Breakfast Included

Day Five: Nafplion to Olympia

Today we set off from Nafplion to Olympia. We enjoy a spectacular drive through the mountains of Arcadia to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, first held in 776 B.C. Olympia, one of the most important sites in antiquity and one of the most interesting today. The town itself is not remarkable but the surroundings are stunning. Not only is the amazing site of ancient Olympia lovely to walk though and admire but also the nature surrounding is of exquisite beauty.

• Breakfast Included

Day Six: Olympia

In the morning we visit the ancient Olympic stadium and the Temples of Zeus king of the Gods and Hera's temple - wife of Zeus, goddess of marriage and birth in Greek mythology. We will then drive north to Patras, cross the Gulf of Corinth on the new and most impressive suspension bridge to mainland Greece. Then on to Delphi, situated on the slopes of Mount Parnassus to see the home of the legendary oracle the most revered site of ancient Greece and considered to be the navel of the world. The oracle was consulted by all the ancient Greeks to predict future events ie. the outcome of battles and the course of history.

• Breakfast Included

Day Seven: Delphi

This morning we enjoy the sightseeing of Ancient Delphi - probably the ancient world's most famous oracle. The site is at the foot of the mountain - the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi. Here we start our walk. Passing by the Castalia Spring, we visit the archaeological site and view the monument of the Argive Kings - the treasury of the Athenians, the Athenian Stoa, the Polygonal Wall, the monument of Platea and the Temple of Apollo. The site is very large with a lot to see, including the famous oracle where in ancient times people believed they would learn what their future held. The views from the site are incredible – the setting is so impressive that in ancient times it was considered the navel of the world. After our walk around the site, we will visit the museum. 

Day Eight: Flight home

This morning, we say goodbye to Greece as we make our way back to the airport for our flight home.

• Breakfast Included