Athens Trip Overview
We visit Greece, Corinth, Sparta, Ancient Olympia, Nafplio, Mycenae, Delphi, Thebes… as travelers, not as tourists.
Schedule is flexible, but most importantly our drivers are seasoned travelers and are dedicated to helping you live the tour of your life, that is suited to your needs and lifestyle, allowing all passengers to enjoy the scenic drive, stopping wherever you desire, take photos, have a break, swim.
Like all vacations in Greece local food is high in our list of things to do, we will taste local gastronomy and wines
We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A’class or 3/4* Hotels with breakfast at an additional cost from 90€ per double room / weekend-holidays 120€ per double room – if more than 2 rooms 15% less. (Driver’s room complimentary).
You have the options of a full payment at the time of your booking or reserve your tour with a deposit only 50% at a lower rate (than Option/ Full Pay). See additional info.
Additional Info
Duration: 4 days
Starts: Athens, Greece
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Athens Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Athens, Attica, Greece
We visit Greece, Corinth, Sparta, Ancient Olympia, Nafplio, Mycenae, Delphi, Thebes… as travelers, not as tourists.
Schedule is flexible, but most importantly our drivers are seasoned travelers and are dedicated to helping you live the tour of your life, that is suited to your needs and lifestyle, allowing all passengers to enjoy the scenic drive, stopping wherever you desire, take photos, have a break, swim.
Like all vacations in Greece local food is high in our list of things to do, we will taste local gastronomy and wines
We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A’class or 3/4* Hotels with breakfast at an additional cost from 90€ per double room / weekend-holidays 120€ per double room – if more than 2 rooms 15% less. (Driver’s room complimentary).
You have the options of a full payment at the time of your booking or reserve your tour with a deposit only 50% at a lower rate (than Option/ Full Pay). See additional info.
Itinerary
Day 1: Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplion (overnight)
Stop At: Corinth Canal, Isthmia, Loutraki 201 00 Greece
The marvelous man-made Corinth canal connecting the Aegean and Ionian seas, as well as the Peloponnese peninsula with the central part of Greece.
More than 2500 workers digging 6.400m for twelve years (from 1881 to 1893) Stop for photography, walk across on a pedestrian bridge and admire the canal from 80 m high
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos), Argous 105 Ancient Korinthos village, Corinth 200 07 Greece
ncient Corinth was one of the largest and most important cities of Greece, with a population of 90,000 in 400 BC. The Romans demolished Corinth in 146 BC, built a new city in its place in 44 BC, and later made it the provincial capital of Greece.
Walking in the remains of the ancient City of Corinth is like to walk back in time. For Christians, Corinth is well known from the two letters of Saint Paul in the New Testament, First and Second Corinthians. Corinth is also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as part of the Paul the Apostle’s missionary travels.
Combined ticket 8€ for summer or 4€ for winter
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Temple of Apollo, Ancient Corinth, Corinth 20007 Greece
Temple of Apollo, in Ancient Corinth, was built about 550 B.C. in the Doric style on the ruins of much earlier temple. It is one of the earliest Doric temples in the Peloponnese constructed of local limestone on top of an imposing, rocky hill.
This temple was an emblem for the Greek city of Corinth, reflecting its growth and prosperity.
The Temple of Apollo was built upon a Temple Hill, which was an outcropping of natural rock, which allowed for a sturdy platform on which the temple could be built. The Temple of Apollo dominated Ancient Corinth.
The remains of other temples, a theater, shops, public baths, pottery factories, a gymnasium, a triumphal arch, and other buildings such as villas have been excavated since 1896 on the site around the Temple of Apollo.
The temple initially consisted of 42 monolithic, 6×15 limestone columns, over 7 m high.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Archaeological Museum of Corinth, Old Corinth, Corinth 20010 Greece
Visit Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth. The museum was built in 1931/32 by the architect W. Stuart Thompson and was extended in 1950. It contains collections of prehistoric finds, various items ranging from the Geometric to the Hellenistic period, Roman and Byzantine finds, excavation finds from the Asklepieion of Corinth, and a collection of sculptures and inscriptions.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Citadel and Treasury of Atreus, Mycenae Greece
The Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon is a large tholos constructed during the Bronze Age around 1250 BC. The lintel stone above the doorway weighs 120 tons, with approximate dimensions 8.3 x 5.2 x 1.2m the largest in the world. The tomb was used for an unknown period. Mentioned by Pausanias, it was still visible in 1879 when the German amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered the shaft graves under the ‘agora’ in the Acropolis at Mycenae. The tomb has probably no relationship with either Atreus or Agamemnon, as archaeologists believe that the sovereign buried there ruled at an earlier date than the two, but it was named thus by Heinrich Schliemann and the name has been used ever since.
The grave is in the style of the other tholoi of Mycenaean Greece, of which there are nine in total around the citadel of Mycenae and many more in the Argolis. However, in its monumental shape and grandeur it is one of the most impressive monuments surviving from the Mycenaean period.
Combined Ticket ( Tomb & Site): Winter 6€ /Summer 12€. Under 19 y. free / Over 65 y. reduced
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Archaeological Site Mycenae, Mycenae 21200 Greece
The Acropolis of Mycenae, with its strategic position for the control of the Argolid Plain, is the kingdom of the mythical Agamemnon and the most important and richest palatial center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Its name was given to one of the greatest civilizations of Greek prehistory, the Mycenaean civilization, while the myths related to its history, its rulers and their family members (such as Klytaimnestra, Ifigeneia, Elektra, Orestes) have inspired poets, writers and artists over many centuries, from the ancient to the contemporary times. Significant stages in monumental architecture are still visible in the property, such as the massive defensive walls, the cor-belled tholos tombs and the Lions Gate.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Archaeological Museum of Ancient Mycenae, Mycenae Greece
The Museum is built next to the citadel at Mycenae. While the most important Mycenaean artifacts are exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, a variety of other objects unearthed in the vicinity are exhibited in its three halls. It provides context to the excavations and it is easily visited after a tour of the archaeological site.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Palamidi Castle, Eikostis Pemptis Martiou, Nafplio 211 00 Greece
The fort of the Palamidi, which has been preserved in excellent condition, is one of the greatest achievements of Venetian fortification architecture.
The hill of Palamidi, which takes its name from the Homeric hero Palamidis, does not seem to have been systematically fortified until the second Venetian occupation. The construction of the fort was basically carried out during the time of Venetian General Superintendent of the Fleet, Agostino Sagredo, from 1711 to 1714, marking the fort not only as a major feat in terms of its fortifications, but also in terms of the speed with which it was constructed. The engineers Giaxich and Lasalle designed a fort that was based on a system of mutually supporting and mutually defending bastions, which are built one above the other on a east-west axis, and are connected to each other by a wall. The total of eight bastions are self contained so that if one of them was breached, the rest could continue their defense
Not only was the Palamidi a great fortress, it was also the site of a dismal prison. In 1833, during the time of the regency, when King Otto was still a minor, one of the leaders of the revolution, Theodoros Kolokotronis, was imprisoned here on the supposed charge of high treason.
The fortress commands an impressive view over the Argolic Gulf, the city of Náfplio and the surrounding country. There are 913 steps in the winding stair from the town to the fortress. However, to reach the top of the fortress there are over one thousand. Locals in the town of Nafplion will say there are 999 steps to the top of the castle and specials can be found on menus that incorporate this number to catch a tourist’s eye.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Nafplio, Nafplio, Argolis Region, Peloponnese
Nafplio is a historical coastal town in the Peloponnese that has expanded up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. The town was an important seaport held under a succession of royal houses in the Middle Ages as part of the lordship of Argos and Nauplia, held initially by the de la Roche following the Fourth Crusade before coming under the Republic of Venice and, lastly, the Ottoman Empire. The town was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece, from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. Nafplion is the most picturesque town in mainland of Greece and we will stay here for overnight.
We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A’class or 3/4* Hotels with breakfast (additional cost 90€ per double room / weekend-holidays 120€ per double room – if more than 2 rooms 10% less. Driver’s room complimentary). If you wish to do do your own hotel reservation, you need to reserve an extra room for your driver.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Not included, but we can make an arrangement for you and your driver in Boutique hotels 4 stars. See additional info
Day 2: Nafplio, Argos, Sparta (Acropolis & Museum), Mystras, Mount Taygetus, Olympia (overnight)
Stop At: Archaeological Museum of Nauplion, Syntagma Square Nafpliou – Epidavrou, Nafplio 211 00 Greece
The Archaeological Museum is accommodated in the imposing in size as well as strict in symmetry, stone-built Venetian structure which covers and encases the central, Syntagma Square on its west side. It was first built in 1713, during the second reign of the Venetians, under the Naval Proveditore Augustine Sagredo to be used as the navy’s depository, according to the marble inscription fitted on the building’s frontage, written in Latin. It is widely acknowledged as one of the best well-preserved Venetian structures in the whole of Greece.
The museum’s most exquisite piece of archaeological finds still remains to be the Bronze Suit Armor of Dendra region, exhibited in a specially designed area together with the rest of the breathtaking tools which were excavated such as, armor equipment belonging to the soldier dressed in that armor, bronze and clay jugs.
Ticket General 6€ / Reduced 3€
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Akronafplia Fortress, Nafplio Greece
Nafplio’s oldest castle, Acronafplía, rises at the top of the old town. Once the whole city existed within these walls. Parts of the castle was built already in the Bronze Age, and there are still remnants of these old walls in the western part of the castle. Acronafplia was later extended and amplified by respectively Romans, Franks, Venetians and Turks. The thick castle walls form a nice backdrop for the city, and in the last years, the castle is being restored. Especially the eastern parts deserve a visit. Explore this section on foot, by walking off the road that runs through the castle, and in between the old walls.
However, there are more good reasons to visit Acronafplia. The view is beautiful, both to the northern parts of the city and towards the bay, and south to Arvanitia beach and the mountains of Arcadia.
Duration: 30 minutes
Pass By: Argos, Argos, Argolis Region, Peloponnese
Argos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is the largest city in Argolis and a major center for the area.
Since the 2011 local government reform it has been part of the municipality of Argos – Mykines. It is 11 kilometres (7 miles) from Nafplion, which was its historic harbor. A settlement of great antiquity, Argos has been continuously inhabited as at least a substantial village for the past 7,000 years. The city is a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network.
A resident of the city of Argos is known as an Argive. However, this term is also used to refer to those ancient Greeks generally who assaulted the city of Troy during the Trojan War; the term is more widely applied by the Homeric bards.
Numerous ancient monuments can be found in the city today. Agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy.
Stop At: Archaeological Museum of Sparta, 71 Agiou Nikonos btwn Dafnou & Evangelistria, Sparta, Sparta Municipality 231 00 Greece
The Archaeological Museum of Sparta comprises the oldest provincial archaeological museum of the country. Its neoclassical building was constructed between 1874 and 1876 in the center of the city and it has been declared a listed building for its architectural and historical interest. Ticket general 3€
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Acropolis and Ancient Theater, north end of Sparta, Sparta, Sparta Municipality Greece
Sparta was one of the most important Greek city-states throughout the Archaic and Classical periods and was famous for its military prowess. The professional and well-trained Spartan hoplites with their distinctive red cloaks, long hair, and lambda-emblazoned shields were probably the best and most feared fighters in Greece, fighting with distinction at such key battles as Thermopylae and Plataea in the early 5th century BC. The city was also in constant rivalry with the other major Greek cities of Athens and Corinth and became involved in two protracted and hugely damaging conflicts, the Peloponnesian Wars of the mid- to late 5th century BC and the Corinthian Wars of in the early 4th century BC.
Thucydides wrote: Suppose the city of Sparta to be deserted, and nothing left but the temples and the ground-plan, distant ages would be very unwilling to believe that the power of the Lacedaemonians was at all equal to their fame. Their city is not built continuously, and has no splendid temples or other edifices.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Leonidas Monument, Sparta, Sparta Municipality Greece
The King Leonidas statue stands belligerently in front of a stadium. When the Persians attacked at Thermopylae and told the Spartans and their allies to lay down their weapons, Leonidas’ response, immortalized beneath his feet, was ‘Molon labe’ (‘Come and get them’).
Excavations carried out during the previous century, north of the modern town of Sparta, brought to light an impressive construction. The edifice that dates back to the 5th century B.C. was made from large limestone. Archaeologist who carried out the excavations in 1892, initially thought it was a small temple. Although its use is not yet verified, it is believed to be the tomb of Leonidas. According to Pausanias, it was here that the remains of the legendary king of Sparta were transferred and buried after the battle in Thermopylae. The tomb of Leonidas is the only preserved monument of the Ancient Agora.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Archaeological Site of Mystras, located 5 km from the town of Sparta, Mystras, Sparta Municipality Greece
Mystras, the ‘wonder of the Morea’, was built as an amphitheatre around the fortress erected in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape.
General ticket: Summer 8€ / Winter 4€
Duration: 2 hours
Pass By: Mount Taygetos, Kalamata, 241 00 Greece
Mount Taýgetos (2,407 meters ≈ 8,000 feet) has the tallest peak in the Peloponnese on the border between the areas of Laconia and Messinia.
The slopes of Taygetus have been inhabited since at least Mycenean times. The site of Arkina, near the village of Arna, contains three beehive tombs and is still unexplored. Taygetus was important as one of Sparta’s natural defenses. The Spartans threw criminals and “unfit” (weak, sickly, deformed, or mentally challenged) infants into a chasm of Taygetus known as Ceadas or Caeadas. Recent evidence, found by the University of Athens, discovered remains of adult individuals which appeared to confirm that Ceadas was mainly a place of punishment for criminals, traitors and captives. During the era of barbarian invasions, Taygetus served as a shelter for the native population. Many of the villages in its slopes date from this period. In Medieval times, the citadel and monastery of Mystras was built on the steep slopes, and became a center of Byzantine civilization and served as the capital of the Despotate of the Morea. Mystras remains occupied by a tiny religious community. The buildings are remarkably well-preserved and a major tourist attraction in the region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stop At: Olympia, Olympia, Elis Region, West Greece
Stay for overnight. We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A’class or 4* Hotels with breakfast (additional cost 110€ per double room / weekend-holidays 130€ per double room – if more than 2 rooms 10% less. Driver’s room complimentary). If you wish to do do your own hotel reservation, you need to reserve an extra room for your driver.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Not included, but we can make an arrangement for you and your driver in Boutique hotels 4 stars. See additional info
Day 3: Ancient Olympia, Rio- Anirio, Nafpactos, Galaxidi, Delphi
Stop At: Archaeological Site of Olympia, Archea Olympia, Olympia 27065 Greece
Olympia (Ολυμπία) is one of the most influential ancient Greek sanctuaries, located in western Peloponnese, in Elis. It is is positioned in a serene and rich valley at the confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers. In antiquity it was famous beyond the borders of mainland Greece for hosting the Olympic Games every four years, starting in 776 BCE.
The archaeological site is located withing walking distance of the modern village called Ancient Olympia and it includes ruins from Bronze Age to the Byzantine eras. The site covers an expanded area of ruins scattered among low trees, as well as the ancient stadium where the Olympics took place. An impressive array of artifacts which were unearthed during excavations are on exhibition at the nearby Olympia Museum.
Entrance fees (Combine Site & 2 Museums): Winter 6€ /Summer 12€. Under 19 y free
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Archaeological Museum of Olympia, Archaia Olympia, Olympia 27 065 Greece
By the time Theodosius I banned the Olympics and ordered the destruction of the temples, the sanctuary had amassed an incredible amount of buildings, fountains, baths, statues, trophies, and votive offerings of every kind. Even though Olympia was plundered several times in antiquity, archaeologists have unearthed a wealth of objects during excavations that started in 1875 and continue to our day. The Museum at Olympia shelters and exhibits the most striking of these finds, some of which are worth traveling around the world to experience in person.
Perhaps the most famous of all the statues in the Olympia Museum are:The Hermes of Praxiteles. Circa 340 BCE
The Nike of Paionios of Mende in Chalkidiki, Macedonia (his name is carved on the base of the statue). Circa 420 BCE.
The helmet Miltiades dedicated to Zeus at the sanctuary after he led the Athenians in victory at Marathon. The act is inscribed on the helmet itself “ΜΙΛΤΙΑΔΕΣ ΑΝΕΘΕΚΕΝ ΤΟΙ ΔΙΙ” (the name Miltiades is clearly visible in the lower left part of the helmet). 490 BCE.
A Persian helmet dedicated to Zeus by the Athenians after their win against the Persians at Marathon. The helmet was part of the battle spoils and it is inscribed “ΔΙΙ ΑΘΕΝΑΙΟΙ ΜΕΔΟΝ ΛΑΒΟΝΤΕΣ” (Offered to Zeus from the Athenians who took it from the Medes). 490 BCE.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Museum of the Olympic Games, Olympia Greece
Beautifully presented displays depict the history of the world’s most prestigious sporting competition. Learn about its core original events (foot racing, wrestling, boxing and chariot racing), why it’s associated with Hercules (or Pelops), and what fate befell women who tried to watch the Games despite prohibitions. The sculptures, mosaics, pottery art and votive offerings all pay tribute to athletes and athleticism, while bronze strigils were used by the athletes themselves to scrape down. Other Games of Ancient Greece also get a mention.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Rio-Antirrio Bridge (Charilaos Trikoupis), Gefira Charilaos Trikoupis, Antirrio Greece
The Rio–Antirrio Bridge, officially the Charilaos Trikoupis Bridge, is one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and 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.
It opened one day before the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, on 12 August 2004, and was used to transport the Olympic Flame.
We will take a ferry from Rio to Anirio(20 min) and be able to admire this Bridge
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Nafpaktos 303 00, Greece
Nafpaktos, known as Lepanto during part of its history, is a coastal town situated on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth.
It is named for Naupaktos, an important Athenian naval station in the Peloponnesian war. As a strategically crucial possession controlling access to the Gulf of Corinth, Naupaktos changed hands many times during the Crusades and the Ottoman–Venetian Wars. It was under Venetian control in the 15th century, and came to be known by the Venetian form of its name, Lepanto. It fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1499 and was used as naval station by the Ottoman Navy in the 16th century, being the site of the decisive victory by the Holy League in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.
Except a brief period of Venetian control in 1687–1699, Lepanto remained under Ottoman control until Greek independence in 1829.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Galaxidi, Galaxidi, Delphi, Phocis Region, Central Greece
Galaxidi is built on a natural double harbor on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. It is 15 km southwest of Delphi.
Galaxidi is a small port situated on a natural double harbour surrounded by mountains. The deeper main harbour provides docking facilities for yachts and small fishing boats and is lined with restaurants, bars, and stores. The smaller harbour is Chirolaka.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Mount Parnassus, Delphi Greece
Drive via Mount Parnassus in central Greece that towers above Delphi, north of the Gulf of Corinth, and offers scenic views of the surrounding olive groves and countryside. According to Greek mythology, this mountain was sacred to Dionysus and the Dionysian mysteries. It was also sacred to Apollo and the Corycian nymphs, and it was the home of the Muses. Parnassus is one of the largest mountainous regions of Mainland Greece and one of the highest Greek mountains. Overnight on the slopes of this amazing mountain, in a traditional village
We can arrange accommodation for you in selected Boutique Hotels A’class or 3/4* Hotels with breakfast (additional cost 80€ per double room / weekend-holidays 100€ per double room – if more than 2 rooms 10% less. Driver’s room complimentary). If you wish to do do your own hotel reservation, you need to reserve an extra room for your driver.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Not included, but we can make an arrangement for you and your driver in Boutique hotels 4 stars. See additional info
Day 4: Delphi, Apollo Oracle, Athena’s Temple, Museum, Levadia, Thebes, return to Athens
Stop At: Temple of Apollo, Delphi Greece
Delphi is the ancient sanctuary that grew rich as the seat of Pythia, the oracle who was consulted about important decisions throughout the ancient classical world. The ancient Greeks considered the center of the world to be in Delphi, marked by the stone monument known as the omphalos (navel).
It occupies a site on the south-western slope of Mount Parnassus, overlooking the coastal plain to the south and the valley of Phocis. It is now an extensive archaeological site with a small modern town of the same name nearby. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in having had a great influence in the ancient world, as evidenced by the various monuments built there by most of the important ancient Greek city-states, demonstrating their fundamental Hellenic unity.
Ticket site & Museum Summer 12€ Reduced Winter 6€
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Delphi Archaeological Museum, Ethniki Odos Amfissas – Livadias, Delphi 330 54 Greece
The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of the most important in Greece, exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary, site of the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections are comprised primarily of architectural sculpture, statues and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. These reflect its religious, political and artistic activities from its early years in the eight century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: The Tholos of Delphi, Delphi 330 54 Greece
The sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, and the Tholos.
The tholos is a circular building which was created between 380 and 360 BC at the center of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. It is constructed with 20 Doric columns on its exterior diameter which measures 14.76m.
The building stands 13.5 meters tall at the center of the Athena Pronaia sanctuary, and its interior columns were of the Corinthian order.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Livadia 321 00, Greece
Livadia is a town in central Greece. It is the capital of the Boeotia regional district.
Lebadia was originally an insignificant place, but it rose into importance in consequence of its possessing the celebrated oracle of Trophonius. The oracle was consulted both by Croesus and by Mardonius ( Persian Commander) and it continued to be consulted even in the time of Plutarch, when all the other oracles in Boeotia had become dumb. Pausanias himself consulted the oracle, and he speaks of the town in terms which show that it was in his time the most flourishing place in Boeotia.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Archaeological Museum of Thebes, Threpsiadou 1 Plateia Keramopoulou, Thiva 33200 Greece
The Archaeological Museum of Thebes is one of the most important museums of Greece since some of its collections are rare or unique. The exhibits originate from excavations all around Boeotia and cover a long chronological period spanning from the Paleolithic to the Post Byzantine periods.
General/summer admission: 6 € Reduced/ winter admission: 3 €
Duration: 1 hour
Pass By: Athens, Athens, Attica
Return in Athens at evening
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
