This full day
Nafplion shore trip offers you the chance to see the maximum amount in one day including extended visits at both Epidaurus and Mycenae and a walking tour in Nafplion. Time is also included to have lunch in a local restaurant.
After meeting your licensed guide at the pier, you start your journey to the district known as Argolis, in the northeast corner of the Peloponnese, which is archaeologically one of the most interesting areas in Greece.
Your first stop is Epidaurus, which is situated on the cool slopes of a beautiful and wooded valley. Epidaurus was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Dedicated to Aesclepius, the god of healing, who restored health to the sick and sometimes (it was said) life to the dead, the city was filled with curative spas and baths and only priests had access to certain secret rites.
Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, with the exception of the astonishing theater. Still used for special performances today, the theater is well preserved. Built into the ground, rather than above it, the theater is known for its fantastic acoustics, which you will observe during your visit.
Next is a scenic drive through the Argos Plain, once ruled by Agamemnon, conqueror of Troy, to the famous citadel of Mycenae. The somber and mighty ruins of ancient Mycenae are vestiges of a kingdom which, for 400 years, was the most powerful in Greece. You enter the Citadel of Mycenae on foot, approaching it through the famous Lion Gate. Inside, are the shaft graves discovered by Schliemann. You will also visit the Beehive Tomb, known sometimes as the Tomb of Agamemnon, the Greek Commander in Chief during the Trojan War.
Early this afternoon you stop in a local restaurant to enjoy lunch (meal not included).
After lunch you return to Nafplion for a walking tour. The narrow streets of the old town are paved
with marble and filled with
elegant Venetian houses and gracious mansions. The town is dominated by
the towering Palamidi Fortress above.
Your first stop is the
Kapodistriou Square and Park which is dedicated to the memory of the
first Governor of Greece. In the park is a statue of Kolokotronis, known
as the Grand Old Man of the Morea, being the leader of the Greeks
during the War of Independence. It was him who besieged the Turkish
occupied Palamidi Citadel for 15 months before it was finally
surrendered back. On the square you also see the current Town Hall
building which was originally the very first High School in Greece.
Continuing through the back streets, not normally meant for tourists,
you come upon the old Catholic Church and the 1702 Church of Agios
Spyidon. The "worry beads" you see everywhere in Greece have a museum of
their own in Nafplion and you will visit the Museum of Komboloi to
learn of their origin.
Next you proceed through the popular Syntagma Square (Constitution
Square) to visit the spectacular display of folk costumes and
traditional textile-producing techniques at the Popular Art Museum,
winner of the 1981 European Museum of the year.
At the end of the walking tour your guide will walk you back to the port.
Mobility: NO wheelchairs
If you cannot find what you are looking for, our
Nafplion shore excursions can also be customized to fit your needs. If you have a larger group, we can offer you a private
Nafplion tour using a mid-size bus or full size coach. Please
contact us with any questions or to receive a customized quote.
