Nafplion Private Tour Option 3

Best of Epidaurus, Mycenae and Nafplion

Starting from the pier in Nafplion

Tour Summary-
Type: Antiquities, Culture, Walking
Length: 8 Hours
Walking: Difficult
Mobility: NO wheelchairs
Guide: Licensed Guide
Languages: English and Greek
Prices: Scroll Down or Click here for Prices

This full day tour combines the two tours with an extended visit at both Epidaurus and Mycenae plus a short walking tour in Nafplion. If you have a full day, this is the best option from the port of Nafplion.

Just 20 miles east of Nafplion is one of the most renowned of Greece’s ancient sites, as reflected by its listing as a World Heritage Site. 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. You visit the somber and mighty ruins of ancient Mycenae, 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.

After your visits to Epidaurus and Mycenae you enjoy time to have lunch on your own before you embark on a walking tour of the port city. Nafplion is one of Greece’s most romantic and prettiest towns. The narrow streets of the old town are paved with marble and filled with elegant Venetian houses and gracious neoclassical mansions. The setting is dominated by the towering Palamidi Fortress above.

Your walking tour begins as you marvel at the beautiful neo classical buildings lining the port, and then onto the Kapodistriou Square and park which is dedicated to the memory of the first Governor of Greece.

In the park, with his beloved Palamidi Fortress in the background, is also the 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 he 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.  Your guide will walk with you back to the pier at the end of your tour.

Tour Breakdown:
1- Depart pier and drive to Epidaurus- 45 Minutes
2- Visit Epidaurus- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
3- Drive to Mycenae- 40 Minutes
4- Visit Mycenae- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
5- Free time for Lunch- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes
6- Return to Nafplion- 40 Minutes
7- Nafplion Walking Tour- 1 Hour and 30 Minutes                                                      

See More Options in this Port

Private Sightseeing Tours and Shore Excursions from Nafplion