While Greece is famous for her islands and some of the wonderful sites and sights they offer, there’s a whole lot more to see on the mainland. Indeed, some of the most amazing highlights from the ‘Golden Age’ right through the Byzantine period are to be found on the Peloponnese, the large promontory of land that hangs down into the Mediterranean with the Aegean one side and the Ionian the other. Amazingly a 3 day road trip from Athens can encompass some of the most famous places in the world. These are ‘must see’ visits for any culture vulture!
DAY 1 – ARGOLIDA, CORINTH, EPIDAURUS, ASKLEPION, NAFPLION, MYCENAE
We depart from Athens for Epidaurus, making a brief stop at the famous Corinth Canal. Epidaurus is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an amazing Amphitheatre and the Asklepion – the most important sanctuary of Asclepius, the Greco-Roman God of Medicine, in ancient Greece. We then stop at Nafplion, the second capital of Greece, whose architectural styles are influenced by ancient Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman cultures. Then it’s the Bronze Age ruins at Mycenae where the Trojan war started when Helen, wife of Agamemnon’s brother Menelaus, ran off with Paris.
Finally, we will head for Olympia through the Central Peloponnese. Overnight at Olympia with so much to talk about over dinner.
DAY 2 – OLYMPIA
Today it’s all about the Olympic Games with a visit to the Archaeological Site with the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Stadium and the Archaeological Museum. It’s a wonderful place with far too much to see to note here. Later we drive across the plains of Eliad and Achaia before arriving in Delphi where we stay overnight.
DAY 3 – DELPHI
The site of the Oracle at Delphi should be on any classical scholar’s ‘must see’ list. You’ll hear all about the history from your guide and visit the Archaeological Site and the Museum of Delphi. Then we visit Arachova, a beautiful old city, famous for its colorful carpets, wine and Formaela cheese for a visit. In the afternoon, we return to Athens.
FANCY AN EXTRA DAY?
If you have time for an extra day, we can add an overnight and take you to Meteor to see the famous Meteorite monasteries that hang off vertical cliffs. We’ve brought you forward several thousand years but it’s still an ancient and amazing sight dating back to medieval times. En route back to Athens we stop at the historic site of Thermopylae, where the battle between the ancient Greeks and the Persians changed the course of European history.
For all overnight stops accommodation is in 3 or 4 star hotel, depending on location, on a B&B basis giving you the chance to dine in the local restaurant of your choice.
YOUR INBOUND AGENT FOR ALL THINGS GREEK
As an inbound travel agent for all things Greek, we offer a full portfolio of services ranging from cutural day trips and short breaks out of Athens, to soft adventure tours of the mainland, multi-island-hopping holidays and full-on cruises. If you are planning a tour to Greece make sure you speak to our incredibly knowledgeable and expert team.
