Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Epidaurus, Tolo, Mycenae

Corinth Canal - Begin the tour with an early morning pick-up from your accommodation and head towards the Peloponnese peninsula. After about an hour’s drive, the first stop is the Corinth Canal. This canal is a remarkable feat of human engineering, stretching six and a half kilometers and separating the Aegean Sea from the Ionian Sea. Due to its narrow width, only small and narrow cargo and cruise ships can navigate through it regularly.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Located near the canal is the ancient city of Corinth. The site, first excavated in 1892 CE by the Greek Archaeological Service, is dominated by the Doric peripteral Temple of Apollo (circa 550-530 BCE). Most of the other remaining structures date back to the 1st century CE during the Roman era and include a large forum, a temple to Octavia, baths, the Bema where St. Paul addressed the Corinthians, and the Asklepeion temple dedicated to Asclepius.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - Departing from Corinth and venturing further into the Peloponnese, the journey continues for 75 minutes to the breathtaking Sanctuary of Asclepios at Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The theatre of Epidaurus is the finest and best-preserved example of a classical Greek theatre. At the site, visitors can explore the vast ancient theatre (and test its famous acoustics), the Tholos, the Stoa of Abaton, the Stadium, and the on-site museum.

Archaeological Site Mycenae - After exploring this captivating site, the tour proceeds to Tolo, a charming seaside village renowned for its fish and seafood, where a fresh Greek lunch will be enjoyed. Next is a UNESCO site, the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns, the kingdom of the legendary Agamemnon, leader of the Greek army in Homer’s Iliad. The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are the impressive ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. The entrance to Mycenae is through the imposing Lion Gates, where visitors can walk by the graves of kings and the cyclopean architecture of the Treasury of Atreus. A truly powerful site.

Nafplio - Finally, the tour heads towards the medieval, seaside city of Nafplio, passing through dense orange and olive groves. Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece, the former first capital of the country, built in neoclassical architecture with narrow cobblestone alleys and surrounded by three formidable castles. Visitors can stroll on the main Syntagma Square with two old Turkish mosques, numerous cafes, and little taverns, and enjoy a walk along the promenade overlooking Bourtzi castle.

Nafplio, Sparta, Olive Oil Museum, Mystras, Monemvasia

Archaeological Museum of Sparta - After breakfast, at a leisurely pace, explore the captivating old town of Nafplion, with its preserved architectural character and the two castles, Acronafplia and Palamidi. Next, embark on a 2-hour journey to Sparta. Modern Sparta is built on the exact location of ancient Sparta. Pay homage to the Tomb of Leonidas, or Leonidion, a 5th-century BC monument, where tradition holds that the remains of Leonidas are buried. Visit the Archaeological Site with the Spartan Acropolis, where you can admire the Late Roman Wall surrounding the citadel hill, the Agora, the temple of Athena, one of the largest Roman theatres, a 10th-century A.D. Basilica, and the dedicated museum. The view from the top of the Acropolis, with the city of Sparta on the left and the imposing Mt Taygetos on the right, is breathtaking.

Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil - The next stop is the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, where rare fossil olive leaves, 50,000-60,000 years old, can be seen, and visitors can be inspired by the culture, history, and technology of Greek olive oil and soap production through the centuries.

Archaeological Site of Mystra - After a short drive, arrive at Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site, an astonishingly well-preserved medieval town built in 1209 AC. Mystras is perched on the slope of Taygetos, 5 km from the city of Sparta. A labyrinth of stone streets leads to beautiful Byzantine churches, impressive fortifications with the citadel, Byzantine palaces, mansions, churches, and monasteries, all influenced by the splendid architecture of Constantinople. The driver will take you to the top of the Geoffrey of Villehardouin Castle in Mystras, offering a stunning view.

The last drive of the day leads to an overnight stay in Monemvasia at Hotel Byzantino Monemvasia or Liotrivi (depending on availability).

Monemvasia, Kapsia Caves, Vytina

Kapsia Cave - Leaving Monemvasia behind and heading north, the next visit is to Kapsia Caves, an impressive cavern, ranked among Greece’s top ten most important caves. Clay objects and human bones have been discovered there, attesting to ancient civilizations, while the cave itself is a rainbow of colors from green and blue to yellow and red, filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Vytina - For lunch, visit traditional Vytina, a mountainous, lush small village offering local freshly made traditional products.

Filled with beautiful experiences, the tour returns to Athens, where guests are driven to their hotel or the airport.

• Travel in comfort with brand new luxury vehicles, WiFi, A/C, and complimentary bottled water
• Complimentary airport pick up and return service
• Enjoy engaging live commentary from a professional English-speaking tour driver
• Two-night stay at select 4-star or boutique hotels, including breakfast
• Experience exclusive luxury with private transfers
• Convenient free pick up and return service to your residence, hotel, or port

• Gratuities
• Lunches (unless you take the lunch option)
• Admission fees into archaeological sites, museums
• All entrance fees are half price from November-March
• Licensed Guide. Available on request under extra cost.

Enjoy an exceptional 3-day (2-night) private tour from Athens. Travel in style with our new Mercedes Benz vehicles as you explore renowned UNESCO sites in the Peloponnese, along with Byzantine and Medieval landmarks, museums, and caves. Benefit from complimentary airport pick-up and drop-off as you visit:

• Corinth Canal
• Ancient Corinth
• Mycenae (UNESCO)
• Epidaurus (UNESCO)
• Nafplion
• Sparta
• Mystras (UNESCO Site)
• Olive Oil and Olive Museum
• Monemvasia
• Kapsia Caves
• Vytina
• Return to Athens.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.