This presents a fantastic chance to explore some of the most famous important archaeological locations in Argolida - Olympia & Sparta.
This presents a fantastic chance to explore some of the most famous important archaeological locations in Argolida - Olympia & Sparta.
Corinth - Olympia
Corinth Canal - Starting with a coastal drive, you’ll see some Greek seaside villages and the island of Salamis, known for the historic naval battle between the Athenians and Persians. Our first stop is the Corinth Canal, which opened in 1892, separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece and connecting the Saronic Gulf to…
Corinth - Olympia
Corinth Canal - Starting with a coastal drive, you’ll see some Greek seaside villages and the island of Salamis, known for the historic naval battle between the Athenians and Persians. Our first stop is the Corinth Canal, which opened in 1892, separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece and connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. You’ll have time to walk across a pedestrian bridge to admire the canal up close, and on some days, you can even go bungee jumping if you’re adventurous.
Olympia - Olympia, located on Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, is the ancient site where the original Olympic Games were held, dating back to the 8th century B.C. The extensive ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium, and temples dedicated to Hera and Zeus.
Archaeological Site of Olympia - On our second day, we’ll visit the archaeological site and museum of Ancient Olympia, one of Greece’s largest sites and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. As you walk through the site, you’ll see the Gymnasium, the Palaistra, Phidias’ workshop, the Temple of Zeus, and end at the Stadium where Greeks competed for glory and spiritual elevation every four years.
Archaeological Museum of Olympia - The museum is unique, featuring the famous statue “Hermes of Praxiteles” and tools used by Phidias to create one of the seven wonders of the world, the gold and ivory statue of Zeus.
Museum of the Olympic Games - This museum hosts 463 ancient works from the Temple of Zeus at Olympia and other Greek museums. The exhibits cover a wide chronological range from the 2nd millennium BC to the 5th century AD, showcasing the history of the Olympic Games, the longest-running ancient institution.
Olympia - Mystras - Sparta
Mystras - We’ll drive into the southern Peloponnese peninsula through mountainous landscapes to reach Mystras, a unique location known as the ghost city. Fortified on a citadel, Mystras preserves medieval churches, ordinary houses, mansions, and palaces of the Byzantine Empire with Frankish elements.
Archaeological Site of Mystra - At the upper point of the site, you’ll reach the citadel and enjoy magnificent views. Walking downhill, you’ll see palaces and Royal courtyards. Despite being called a ghost city, many monasteries are still in use, and monks will gladly show you around. Before exiting, you’ll find the chapel of St. Demetrios, where Konstantine Palaiologos was crowned the last emperor of Byzantium.
Acropolis and Ancient Theater - We’ll then visit Sparta, known as the eternal rival of Athenian Democracy. Sparta was a military society in ancient Greece, famous for being the birthplace of Helen of Troy and the Kingdom of Menelaus. It was also the city where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans marched to face the Persian army at Thermopylae in 480 BCE.
Leonidas Monument - We’ll pass by the stadium where the statue of King Leonidas stands, marking the end of the Spartathlon race (Athens – Sparta 245.3 km).
Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil - We’ll visit this museum to learn about one of Greece’s most famous products, olive oil.
Sparta - Mycenae - Nafplio
Archaeological Site Mycenae - We’ll visit Mycenae, a UNESCO-protected monument dating back to the 2nd millennium B.C.E., representing the era of Achilles, Agamemnon, and Helen of Troy. You’ll see the cyclopean walls, burial circle A, and the remains of Agamemnon’s Palace.
Lion Gate - At the site, you’ll see the famous Lions Gate, the oldest architectural sculpture in Europe.
Archaeological Museum of Ancient Mycenae - This modern museum within the site exhibits findings from the “City Of Gold.”
Citadel and Treasury of Atreus - Before leaving, we’ll stop at the Treasury of Atreus, the best-preserved Tholos tomb and a fine example of Mycenaean architecture.
Nafplio - We’ll then travel to Nafplio, considered Greece’s most scenic city and its capital until 1834. Nafplio offers a combination of fortresses, castles (Palamidi), Bourtzi, a large port open to the Aegean Sea, and unique architecture with Venetian, neoclassical, and oriental elements. After exploring the old city, we’ll have lunch at a traditional seaside tavern.
Bourtzi - Bourtzi is a small islet with a fortress in a large port open to the Aegean Sea.
Acronauplia - We’ll drive up to the Acronafplia castle for a panoramic view of Nafplio.
Epidaurus - Nemea - Corinth
Sanctuary of Asklepios - After a short drive, you’ll visit one of the most important ancient Greek sanctuaries dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing and medicine, located in a peaceful, hilly area.
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - At the highest point is the best-preserved ancient Greek theater, dating back to the 4th century BCE. You can test its excellent acoustics and imagine attending an ancient Greek tragedy.
Archaeological Museum of Nemea - Our next stop is Ancient Nemea, known for the Nemean Games, its ancient Greek stadium, and the Temple of Zeus. Nemea is also famous for its vineyards, with grape growing being a tradition since ancient times. The site features a well-preserved stadium and tunnels through which athletes entered.
Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Located at the foot of a hill, Ancient Corinth includes the Roman Agora, the Temple of Apollo, and a small museum. It’s also a popular religious destination where Apostle Paul preached Christianity, was judged in the Agora, and established a well-organized Christian church.
Temple of Apollo - We’ll visit the Temple of Apollo in Ancient Corinth, one of the earliest Doric temples in the Peloponnese, built around 560 B.C.E. on a rocky hill north of Acrocorinth. The temple symbolized Corinth’s growth and prosperity.
Akrokorinthos - The old city is dominated by the hill of Acrocorinth and its ancient castle, the oldest and largest in southern Greece.
Athens - We’ll drive back to Athens.
- Hotel/ AirBnb/ Port pick up & drop-off
- Accommodation (according to your booking)
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history. [Not licensed to accompany you in any site.]
- Hotel/ AirBnb/ Port pick up & drop-off
- Accommodation (according to your booking)
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history. [Not licensed to accompany you in any site.]
- Accommodation and breakfast (according to your booking)
- Licensed Tour guide on request (Additional cost)
- Entrance Fees
- Airport Pick Up and drop-off (Additional cost)
- Accommodation and breakfast (according to your booking)
- Licensed Tour guide on request (Additional cost)
- Entrance Fees
- Airport Pick Up and drop-off (Additional cost)
- The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
- The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number…
- The duration of the tours is approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.
- The drivers are not licensed to accompany you inside any site or museum. If you require a licensed guide to tour the sites with you, you need to hire one additionally. If you have any questions you can contact us on the phone number provided by Viator.
- Our company complies with all the health instructions of the World Health Organization about COVID-19.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.