Argolis

Corinth Canal - Our first stop is a photo opportunity at the breathtaking Corinth Canal. This major feat of engineering allows ships to enter the Aegean Sea when sailing from the Adriatic. Dug through the Isthmus at sea level, the canal is 6.4 kilometres long with a width of only 25 metres. Before its construction in the late 19th century, ships in the Aegean Sea that wanted to cross to the Adriatic or anchor in Corinth had to prolong their journey an extra 185 nautical miles by sailing around the entire Peloponnese.

You will be accompanied from one attraction to the other throughout this two-day itinerary by your driver (who is not a licensed tour guide). This means that your group is free to explore each place on your own and at your own pace.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - A short drive from the Corinth Canal, we reach the ancient town of Corinth, where St Paul lived and preached for two years. First inhabited in the Neolithic period (5000 – 3000 BC), Corinth flourished as a major Greek city from the 8th century BC until its destruction by the Romans in 146 BC. Its commanding position near the Isthmus of Corinth was the primary basis of its importance. Corinth controlled the “Diolkos”, the 6th-century BC stone-paved roadway that connected the Saronic Gulf with the Gulf of Corinth.

You are free to explore this remarkable site at your own pace. Don’t miss the huge agora (market place) and the Temple of Apollo dating to the 6th century BC, both signs that Corinth was one of the richest cities in antiquity.

Archaeological Site Mycenae - Our next stop is Mycenae (meaning “rich in gold”), the kingdom of the historic figure of Agamemnon, first mentioned in the works of Homer. Mycenae was the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece, and gave its name to one of the greatest civilizations in Greek prehistory, the Mycenaean civilization. The myths related to the history of Mycenae have inspired poets and writers over many centuries, from the Homeric body of work and the great tragedies of the Classical period to contemporary literary and artistic creations. Legend has it that Perseus named the new city Mycenae after the pommel (mykes) of his sword, which fell there, or after the Perseia spring, discovered at the site under the root of a mushroom (mykes).

You are free to stroll around this legendary site at your own pace. Take the time to marvel at its many spectacular remains, including the Lion Gate, the tomb of the Mycenaean king Agamemnon and the Palace.

Nafplio - After leaving the archaeological site of Mycenae, your private chauffeur will drive through the city of Argos on to Nafplio, for lunch.

Nafplio is a charming city perfectly situated on a cape overlooking the Argolic Gulf. It was the first capital of modern Greece after the Greek Revolution against the Turkish occupation. According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of the god Poseidon, and Amymone, the daughter of Danaus. Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors have left their mark on the town, strongly influencing its culture, architecture and traditions over the centuries. The Palamidi Castle stands proudly overlooking the town, 216 metres above sea level.

After indulging in some delicious Greek delicacies during our lunch in Nafplio, we will depart for Olympia through the picturesque mountains of the central Peloponnese (Arcadia).

Olympia

Archaeological Site of Olympia - In the morning, we’ll visit the archaeological site of ancient Olympia.

Have you ever wondered when and where the starting line of the first Olympic Games was? Then you should go back 2,800 years and more specifically to 776 BC, in Ancient Olympia. According to mythology, Hercules won a race there and commanded that the race should be repeated every four years.

In this universal place, where the Olympic Idea was born, we will admire one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, the ancient stadium and the Palestra are some of the major stops before you take a path leading to the archaeological museum. Both the site and the museum offer a vivid picture of the splendour, the glory and the breadth of a civilisation that gave so much to the world. You’re on the fast track for a time-travelling adventure through history, taking in all the glory of Ancient Greece.

We’ll then break for lunch before setting course back to Athens.

• Private transportation
• On-board WiFi
• Professional drivers with extensive knowledge of the area and its amenities
• Professional English-speaking drivers
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Bottled water

• Site entrance tickets (standard entry €32, 1 Apr-31 Oct; €16, 1 Nov-31 March)