Exploring the treasures of Argolis Region

Corinth Canal - The Corinth Canal links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It slices through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, effectively separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, and arguably turning the peninsula into an island. The canal, dug at sea level without any locks, stretches 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) and is only 21.4 meters (70 ft) wide at its base, making it too narrow for most modern ships. Today, it holds little economic significance and serves mainly as a tourist attraction. The idea for the canal dates back to classical times, with an unsuccessful attempt made in the 1st century AD. Construction began in 1881 but faced geological and financial challenges that bankrupted the original builders. It was finally completed in 1893, but its narrowness, navigational issues, and frequent closures for landslide repairs meant it never attracted the expected level of traffic.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - At Ancient Corinth, visitors can explore:

The Temple of Apollo
This temple is one of the earliest Doric temples in the Peloponnese and mainland Greece. Constructed around 560 B.C.E. from local oolithic limestone atop a prominent rocky hill north of Acrocorinth, the Archaic temple symbolized the growth and prosperity of the Greek city of Corinth.

The St. Paul’s Step
During Paul’s stay in Corinth, he was brought before the proconsul Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus for judgment on charges of illegal teachings. Tradition holds that Paul’s trial took place at the Bema, a large elevated platform in the center of the Roman Forum of ancient Corinth, from which city officials addressed the public. Due to its association with Saint Paul, the Bema was converted into a Christian church during the Byzantine period.

Archaeological Museum of Corinth - The museum’s galleries display:

Artifacts from the Prehistoric Period found in Ancient Corinth, Korakou Hill, and Zygouries (Prehistoric Gallery)

Items from the Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods of Corinth (Classical Gallery - under reconstruction, accessible to the public in 2016)

Artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine, and Frankish periods of the city.

Finds from the Sanctuary of Asklepios and the Early Christian cemetery (Asklepieion Gallery)

A selection of statues, sculptures, Greek and Latin inscriptions, and items related to the Jewish community in the area (Atrium).

A new (East) gallery, under construction and set to open in 2016, will feature artifacts from the smaller settlements and sanctuaries of Corinth, as well as the twin Kouroi found in the ancient Tenea cemetery.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - Epidaurus (3rd Century B.C.) is a spiritual site worth visiting for its Sanctuary of Aesculapius and the ancient Theater with its unique acoustics. The Sanctuary of Aesculapius was an ancient healing and cultural center, and the Theater of Epidaurus, one of the few that retains its original circular Orchestra, is a rare aesthetic marvel still in use today.

Tolon - Tolon is a seaside town located 7 kilometers (4 miles) east of Nafplion. Visitors can enjoy lunch at a traditional family-owned restaurant with a view of the Saronic Gulf.

Nafplion - Nafplio is a seaport town in the Peloponnese, Greece, that has expanded up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. The town was a significant seaport held by various royal houses during the Middle Ages as part of the lordship of Argos and Nafplia. Initially held by the de la Roche family after the Fourth Crusade, it later came under the Republic of Venice and finally the Ottoman Empire. Nafplio was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Greece from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. Today, Nafplio is the capital of the Argolis regional unit.

Mycenae - Mycenae was a center of power during the Late Bronze Age, from the 16th century B.C. to the 11th century B.C. The Acropolis of Mycenae protected the royal families within its famous Cyclopean walls. The Lion Gates, followed by a steep path through ancient buildings and pathways, lead to the Palace of Agamemnon, the mighty leader of the Greeks against the Trojans, who was murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover upon his victorious return from the Trojan War. After leaving the Acropolis of Mycenae, visitors can make a short stop at another hill opposite the Palace to see the impressive Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon.

Olympia - After concluding the Argolis tour, we will drive through the mountains of central Peloponnese to the village of Olympia, where we will stay for the night. Olympia is renowned for the Olympic Games, held every four years to honor Zeus, starting in 776 B.C.

Sightseeing at Olympia

Archaeological Site of Olympia - The next morning, after breakfast, we will visit:

The Temple of Zeus
The massive Temple of Zeus, the most important building in the Altis and the largest temple in the Peloponnese, is considered by many to be the perfect example of Doric architecture.

The Temple of Hera
The Temple of Hera, one of the oldest monumental temples in Greece, stands in the northwest corner of the sacred precinct of the Altis, on the south slopes of Kronios hill, protected by a powerful terrace wall. This temple is where the Olympic Flame is lit every four years.

The Workshop of Pheidias
West of the sacred enclosure, directly opposite the Temple of Zeus, was the workshop of Pheidias, where the great sculptor crafted the gigantic chryselephantine statue of Zeus, listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Ancient Stadium of Olympia
This is the site that hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women’s games in honor of Hera.

Archaeological Museum of Olympia - The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of Greece’s most important museums, showcases the long history of the most celebrated sanctuary of antiquity, the sanctuary of Zeus, where the Olympic Games were born. The museum’s permanent exhibition includes finds from excavations in the sacred precinct of the Altis, dating from prehistoric times to the Early Christian period. Among the many precious exhibits, the sculpture collection, the bronze collection (the richest of its type in the world), and the large terracotta collection are particularly noteworthy.

Rion-Antirion Bridge - After visiting Olympia, we will drive towards Delphi. On the way, we will see the Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge, one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula to Antirrio on mainland Greece by road. The bridge opened on 12 August 2004, one day before the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, and was used to transport the Olympic Flame.

Nafpaktos Old Port - Nafpaktos, also known as Lepanto, is a seaside village situated on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. We will make a short stop for pictures or enjoy coffee by the sea.

Galaxidi - The next picturesque village on the way to Delphi is Galaxidi. This charming village curves around a seafront hillock, with narrow cobblestone streets connecting the well-sheltered harbors on either side. The older harbor was a major shipbuilding center during the 19th century, a prosperous era when the town acquired its fine stone mansions. Locally known as Hirolakas, or ‘Widows’ Port,’ it remembers the wives who waited in vain for seamen husbands whose ships never returned.

Itea - Itea is a relatively new town founded in 1830, likely named for the many willows that once grew in the area. It is an important resort and the largest port in the Fokida prefecture. The town’s commercial port handles bauxite shipments from the nearby mines.

Delphi - Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town on the southwestern slope of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis. In Greek mythology, it was considered the navel of the earth, home to the Delphic Oracle and a major site for the worship of Apollo after he slew the Python, a dragon that protected the navel of the earth.

Exploring the Navel of Earth

Delphi - The next morning, we will visit Castalia Spring, the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the ancient Stadium, the ancient Theatre, the unique bronze Charioteer, the Temple of Athena Pronea, and the Gymnasium.

Delphi Archaeological Museum - The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important museums, showcases the history of the Delphic sanctuary, home to the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections primarily feature architectural sculptures, statues, and minor objects donated to the sanctuary, reflecting its religious, political, and artistic activities from its early years in the eighth century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity. The museum is housed in a two-story building with a total surface area of 2270 square meters, including fourteen exhibition rooms, 558 square meters of storerooms, and conservation laboratories for pottery, metal objects, and mosaics.

Arachova - The traditional town of Arachova is located just 10 km from Delphi. A visit to Arachova reveals a charming blend of old and new at the sacred grounds of Apollo’s mountain.

Kalambaka - We will continue driving through the mountains of central Greece to Kalambaka, a significant town known for the Meteora, the second-largest and most important complex of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries in Greece after Mount Athos. We will spend the night in a hotel in Kalambaka. If time permits, we will watch the stunning sunset from the rock of Meteora.

Visiting the Meteora Monasteries

Meteora - The next morning, we will visit three of the six monasteries suspended in the air, built on natural sandstone rock pillars. The Meteora Monasteries, dating back to the 11th century, are included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites. The James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only” was filmed at the Monastery of Holy Trinity.

Thermopylae Museum - Thermopylae, also known as the Hot Gates, is famous for the battle between the Greek forces, including the 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas, and the Persians in 480 BC. The battle is commemorated by Simonides’ famous epitaph, “Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, That here obedient to their laws we lie.” The monument of King Leonidas stands by the battlefield, reminding us of the patriots’ sacrifice for a free country.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water included
• Free on-board WiFi access
• Air-conditioned vehicles
• Expert drivers (Please note: Drivers are not licensed tour guides)

• All meals
• Entance fees (Total Cost 68 Euros per adult)
• Four Local Licensed tour guides upon request, depending availability (Additional Cost: 900 Euros)
• Airport pickup and drop off (Additional cost)
• Gratuities
• Hotel Accommodation

Our offerings and amenities are adjustable to meet the demands of our clients. All our trained chauffeurs possess the necessary licenses and are proficient in English. Their expertise will ensure your comfort and safety in our well-kept, cozy vehicles. You’ll gain the exclusive advantage of exploring ancient sites at different hours from the massive tour buses and visitor groups, allowing you to appreciate the magnificent landmarks and get to know their history during less busy periods. The expense of availing our services is less than buying separate tickets from major tour and excursion firms.

• Your tour is totally private. No unknown passengers will participate in your group.
• Infant car seats are available upon request

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.