Discovering the Wonders of the Argolis Region

Corinth Canal - The Corinth Canal links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It traverses the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, effectively separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, thus making the peninsula an island. The canal, dug at sea level without locks, stretches 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) and is 21.4 meters (70 ft) wide at its base, rendering it unsuitable for most modern vessels. Today, it serves primarily as a tourist attraction rather than an economic route. The canal was first proposed in ancient times, with an unsuccessful attempt in the 1st century AD. Construction began in 1881 but faced geological and financial challenges, leading to the bankruptcy of the original builders. It was completed in 1893, but due to its narrowness, navigation issues, and frequent closures for landslide repairs, it did not attract the anticipated traffic.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Visitors to Ancient Corinth can explore:

The Temple of Apollo
This temple is among 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 time in Corinth, he was judged by proconsul Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus for allegedly conducting 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, where city officials addressed the public. Due to its association with Saint Paul, the Bema was converted into a Christian church during the Byzantine era.

Archaeological Museum of Corinth - The museum showcases:

Artifacts from the Prehistoric Period from Ancient Corinth, Korakou Hill, and Zygouries (Prehistoric Gallery)
Artifacts from the Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic City of Corinth (Classical Gallery - under reconstruction - open to the public in 2016)
Artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine, and Frankish City.
Artifacts 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, will be added to the Museum in 2016, featuring finds from the komai (smaller settlements) and sanctuaries of Corinth, as well as the twin Kouroi discovered in the ancient Tenea cemetery.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - Epidaurus (3rd Century B.C) is a spiritual destination worth visiting for its sites like the Sanctuary of Aesculapius and the ancient Theatre with its exceptional acoustics. The Sanctuary of Aesculapius was a center for healing and culture in ancient times, and the Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the few retaining its original circular Orchestra, remains a rare aesthetic marvel still in use today.

Tolon - Tolon is a coastal town, 7 kilometers (4 miles) east of Nafplion. Enjoy a meal at a traditional family-owned restaurant with a view of the Saronic Gulf.

Nafplion - Nafplio is a seaport town in the Peloponnese, Greece, expanding up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. The town was a significant seaport under various royal houses during the Middle Ages as part of the lordship of Argos and Nafplia, initially held by the de la Roche after the Fourth Crusade, then 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. It is now the capital of the Argolis regional unit.

Mycenae - Mycenae was a power center in 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 the famous Cyclopean walls. The Lion Gates, followed by a steep path through ancient structures, lead to the Palace of Agamemnon, the Greek leader against the Trojans, who was murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover after returning victorious from the Trojan War. Leaving the Acropolis of Mycenae, a short stop on another hill opposite the Palace reveals the impressive Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon.

Olympia - After the Argolis tour, the journey continues through the mountains of central Peloponnese to the village of Olympia for an overnight stay. Olympia is renowned for the Olympic Games, held every four years to honor Zeus, starting in 776 B.C. Overnight accommodation is provided at a local hotel.

Sightseeing at Olympia

Archaeological Site of Olympia - The following morning, after breakfast, the visit includes:

The Temple of Zeus
The grand temple of Zeus, the most significant building in the Altis, stands at its center and is the largest temple in the Peloponnese, considered a perfect example of Doric architecture.
The Temple of Hera
The temple of Hera, one of Greece’s oldest monumental temples, is located in the northwest corner of the Altis, on the south slopes of Kronios hill, protected by a strong terrace wall. This temple is where the Olympic Flame is lit every four years.
The workshop of Pheidias
West of the sacred enclosure, opposite the temple of Zeus, was Pheidias’ workshop, where the great sculptor created the colossal chryselephantine statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

Ancient Stadium of Olympia

This site 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 originated. The museum’s permanent exhibition includes finds from excavations in the Altis, dating from prehistoric times to the Early Christian period. Noteworthy are the sculpture collection, the museum’s most famous feature, the bronze collection, the richest of its kind globally, and the extensive terracotta collection.

Rion-Antirion Bridge - After visiting Olympia, the journey continues towards Delphi. Along the way, the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge, one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type, is encountered. It spans the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, connecting Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula to Antirrio on mainland Greece by road. It opened on 12 August 2004, a 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 on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. A brief stop for photos or a coffee by the sea is possible.

Galaxidi - The next charming village on the way to Delphi is Galaxidi. This quaint village curves around a seafront hillock, with narrow cobblestone streets linking the well-sheltered harbors on either side. The older harbor was a major shipbuilding center in the 19th century, a prosperous time 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, founded in 1830, likely derives its name from the many willows that grew in the area. It is a significant resort and the largest port in the Fokida prefecture. Its commercial port handles bauxite from the local mines.

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

Overnight accommodation is provided at a local hotel.

Exploring the Navel of Earth

Delphi - The next morning, the visit includes 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, displays the history of the Delphic sanctuary, home to the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections primarily consist of architectural sculptures, statues, and minor objects donated to the sanctuary, reflecting its religious, political, and artistic activities from the eighth century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.

The museum is housed in a two-story building with a total area of 2270 square meters, featuring 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 10km from Delphi. A visit to Arachova reveals the charming blend of old and new at the sacred grounds of Apollo’s mountain.

Kalambaka - The journey continues through the mountains of central Greece to Kalambaka, a notable town renowned for the second largest and most significant complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries in Greece after Mount Athos, Meteora. Overnight accommodation is provided at a hotel in Kalambaka. If time permits, the stunning sunset from the rock of Meteora can be enjoyed.

Overnight accommodation is provided at a local hotel.

Visiting the Meteora Monasteries

Meteora - The next morning, three of the six suspended Monasteries, built on natural sandstone rock pillars, are visited. 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 a significant town famous for the battle between Greek forces, including the 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas, and the Persians in 480 BC, commemorated by Simonides in the famous epitaph, “Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, That here obedient to their laws we lie.” The monument of King Leonidas was erected at the battlefield, reminding everyone 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.