Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplion

Corinth Canal - The Corinth Canal is one of modern Greece’s most significant projects, playing a pivotal role in Mediterranean trade. It has been a source of inspiration for centuries and was completed 25 centuries after its initial conception. This man-made canal in Greece connects the Gulf of Corinth in the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It traverses the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, effectively separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably turning the peninsula into an island.

In the late 7th century B.C., specifically in 602 B.C., the tyrant of Corinth, Periander, sought to connect the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. His aim was to create a canal through the Isthmus of Corinth to avoid the perilous circumnavigation of the Peloponnese and shorten the route. Despite being one of the seven sages of antiquity, Periander’s plans, as ancient writers attest, were never realized.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Ancient Corinth was first settled during the Neolithic period (6500-3250 B.C.). It is situated at the northern base of the Acrocorinth hill, where today’s settlement stands. Its fertile soil and strategic location at the crossroads of land routes from the Balkan Peninsula and mainland Greece to the Peloponnese, as well as waterways connecting the western and eastern Mediterranean, Asia Minor, and Syro-Palestine, provided the region with immense potential for communication, growth, and prosperity from early on.

The city, known since the Mycenaean period, had a significant agricultural output that fueled trade expansion, particularly towards the Western Mediterranean. In the 8th century BC, Corinthian colonies like Corfu in the Ionian Sea and Syracuse in Sicily were established, playing crucial roles in the history of the ancient Mediterranean world.

Archaeological Site Mycenae - Mycenae, “Rich in Gold,” the kingdom of the mythical Agamemnon, first celebrated in Homer’s epics, is the most significant and affluent 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. The myths associated with its history have inspired poets and writers for centuries, from the Homeric epics and the great tragedies of the Classical period to contemporary literary and artistic creations. Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, daughter of Acrisius, king of Argos, and descendant of Danaus, is traditionally considered its mythical founder. Pausanias reports that Perseus named the new city Mycenae after the pommel (mykes) of his sword, which fell there, or after the Perseia spring, discovered there under the root of a mushroom (mykes). Perseus’s descendants ruled Mycenae for three generations. The Mycenaeans chose Atreus, son of Pelops, father of Agamemnon and Menelaus, as their king.

Nafplio - Nafplio, one of the most beautiful towns in the Argolis region (eastern Peloponnese) and one of the most romantic cities in Greece, was the first capital of the newly established Greek state from 1823 to 1834.

According to mythology, the town was founded by Nafplios, the son of the god Poseidon and Danaida Anymone, daughter of Danaus. The town’s history dates back to the prehistoric era, with soldiers from here participating in the Argonautic expedition and the Trojan War. The town declined during Roman times but flourished again during the Byzantine era. Frankish, Venetian, and Turkish conquerors left their mark on the town, significantly influencing its culture, architecture, and traditions over the centuries. Ancient walls, medieval castles, monuments, and statues, Ottoman fountains, and Venetian or neoclassical buildings captivate visitors with their unique architecture and beauty.

Peloponnese - Where myth meets history. Escape to the Peloponnese, where myth and history converge. Monuments from every period of its eventful history, including great archaeological sites like ancient Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Tiryns, the Temple of Apollo Epicurius, Byzantine churches, and monasteries.

Enjoy sightseeing and sports; explore unique villages and enchanting castles amidst stunning natural beauty, mountains, forests, rivers, and caves. The Peloponnese is surrounded by the Greek sea, with lovely beaches, sandy and smooth coasts on the western side, and rocky and intricate on its easternmost side. It’s no wonder that touring the Peloponnese is very popular among travelers. Arrive at ancient Olympia. Overnight

Ancient Olympia, Delphi

Olympia - In the western Peloponnese peninsula, in the so-called “valley of the gods,” Ancient Olympia became the most celebrated sacred site of Ancient Greece and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the most important sports events in all antiquity, founded in the 8th century B.C. (776). Every four years, Greeks from around the world would unite, and all hostilities would be suspended so that everyone could participate in these games in the true spirit of sportsmanship.

Visit Olympia’s archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and tour the impressive remains of buildings that the ancient Greeks used as worship areas, sports and symposium centers, etc.

Its ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium, and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. The Archaeological Museum exhibits finds, including a statue of Hermes attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles. Olympia remains, as it was in the past, a renowned destination, a powerful landmark known worldwide.

Archaeological Site of Olympia - In the western Peloponnese, in the beautiful valley of the Alpheios river, lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. Olympia hosted the original Olympic Games, founded in the 8th century B.C. Its extensive ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium, and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia exhibits finds from the site, including a statue of Hermes attributed to the sculptor Praxiteles.

Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, it lies on the southwest foot of Mount Kronios, at the confluence of the Alpheios and the Kladeos rivers, in a lush green landscape. Olympia became the most important religious and athletic center in Greece. Its fame rests upon the Olympic Games, the greatest national festival and a highly prestigious one worldwide, which was held every four years to honor Zeus.

Archaeological Museum of Olympia - Within a minute’s walk from the archaeological site lie the three museums of Olympia that unfold the history of the sanctuary of Zeus and its celebrated games: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Olympic Games, and the Museum of the History of the Excavations at Olympia.

Today, the museum’s permanent collections span 12 halls and over 3,500 years of history, from around the 3rd millennium BC when humans first settled in Olympia to the twilight of Zeus’ sanctuary in the 7th century AD. Renowned for its sculptures and its collection of ancient Greek bronzes, which is the richest in the world, the Archaeological Museum of Olympia is undoubtedly one of the most important museums in Greece.

REGION OF CENTRAL GREECE - REGIONAL UNIT OF VIOTIA - Starting from Athens, travel through Sterea Ellada, the Region of Central Greece, until reaching Delphi. The Region of Central Greece, colloquially known as Ρούμελη (Roúmeli), is one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. The region occupies the eastern half of the traditional region of Central Greece, including the island of Euboea. To the south, it borders the regions of Attica and the Peloponnese, to the west, the region of West Greece, and to the north, the regions of Thessaly and Epirus. Its capital city is Lamia. It is divided geographically into the East and West, with the natural border between them being the southern part of the Pindos mountain range. Pass by Thebes, Livadia, and Arachova. Arrive at Delphi and visit the archaeological site! Arrive in Delphi. Overnight

Delphi, Kalambaka

Delphi - At the foot of Mount Parnassos lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, the most famous oracle of ancient Greece. Delphi was considered the center of the world. According to mythology, it is here that the two eagles sent out by Zeus from the ends of the universe to find the navel of the world met. The sanctuary of Delphi was for many centuries the cultural and religious center and symbol of unity for the Hellenic world. The history of Delphi begins in prehistory. Initially, the site was sacred to Mother Earth and was guarded by the terrible serpent Python, killed by Apollo. Apollo’s sanctuary was built here by Cretans who arrived at Kirrha, the port of Delphi, accompanied by the god in the form of a dolphin. This myth survived in plays presented during the various Delphic festivals, such as the Septerion, the Delphinia, the Thargelia, the Theophania, and of course, the famous Pythia, which celebrated the death of Python and comprised musical and athletic competitions.

Temple of Apollo - Central among the imposing ruins scattered on the southern slopes of Mount Parnassos is the Temple of Apollo. The Temple of Apollo, god of music, harmony, light, healing, and oracles, occupied the most important and prominent position in the Delphic Panhellenic Sanctuary.
It is an imposing temple of the Doric order whose existence was woven through the turbulent history of the site, enduring numerous incarnations before settling into the ruinous state we find it today, dating back to the 4th century B.C. The temple of Apollo was first built around the 7th century B.C. by the legendary architects Trophonios and Agamedes. It was rebuilt after a fire in the 6th century B.C. in tribute to the noble Athenian family that oversaw its construction with funds from all over Greece and foreign emperors.

This temple was destroyed in 373 B.C. by an earthquake and was rebuilt for the third time in 330 B.C. by Spintharos, Xenodoros, and Agathon, architects from Corinth.

Temple of Apollo - The omphalos (navel-stone) was the symbol of Delphi. According to an ancient myth, Zeus sent out two eagles in opposite directions from Mount Olympus, and these two instruments of augury met over Delphi, which was regarded thereafter as the Earth’s navel.

This marble representation of an omphalos is a Hellenistic or Roman copy of the Archaic omphalos, which was kept in the temple’s adyton (inner sanctum). It was surmounted by two gilded eagles. The relief decoration imitates the weave of the agrenon, the thick woolen cloth that covered the original sacred omphalos inside the adyton.

Many more copies of the omphalos, in various materials, existed in Delphi. This example may have been the one witnessed by the travel writer Pausanias in the 2nd century AD.

Tholos of Athena Pronaia - The tholos of the sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, clearly visible from above, is perhaps the most characteristic monument at Delphi and the most important building of this small sanctuary. Located between the later temple of Athena and the Treasury of Massalia, this circular building of unknown purpose is a masterpiece of Classical architecture. It is thought to have been connected with chthonic cults, although Pausanias, who saw its ruins in the second century AD, does not refer to it as a temple.

According to Vitruvius, this impressive building was raised in 380 BC on plans by the architect Theodoros of Phocea or Phocis, who even wrote a book about the way it was built. The tholos is a synthesis of most styles of Classical architecture. It rests on a three-stepped podium, and the twenty Doric columns of the outer peristyle supported a Doric frieze of triglyphs and metopes with relief decoration. Inside the cella were ten engaged Corinthian columns.

REGION OF CENTRAL GREECE - REGIONAL UNIT OF VIOTIA - The Region of Central Greece until reaching Delphi. The Region of Central Greece, colloquially known as Ρούμελη (Roúmeli), is one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece. The region occupies the eastern half of the traditional region of Central Greece, including the island of Euboea. To the south, it borders the regions of Attica and the Peloponnese, to the west, the region of West Greece, and to the north, the regions of Thessaly and Epirus. Its capital city is Lamia. It is divided geographically into the East and West, with the natural border between them being the southern part of the Pindos mountain range. Pass by Thebes, Livadia, and Arachova. Arrive at Delphi and visit the archaeological site! Arrive in Kalambaka. Overnight!

Thessaly - Travel through Thessaly, a region of sheer beauty with mountains, rivers, beaches, the popular Plastira Lake, Tempi valley, and not least the unique Meteora, the most photogenic spiritual site in Greece. Archaeological areas, Byzantine monasteries and churches, traditional settlements, and ski resorts complete the fascinating natural beauty of Thessaly and make it a popular holiday destination. Soaring like a sleepless guardian above the city of Volos, Mt Pelion is gorgeous throughout the year. Set against an idyllic backdrop of olive groves that shimmer in the sunlight, dense forests, and lush fruit orchards, these 24 stone-built villages are the true gems of Pelion. Arrive in Kalambaka. Overnight!

Kalambaka, Kastraki, Meteora - Thermopylae

Meteora - The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area.

Meteora monasteries; the miracle of Greece. A few kilometers northwest of the town of Kalabaka, the impressive rocks of Meteora rise from the plains of Thessaly, one of the most amazing places in Greece. Many centuries ago, on these gigantic rocks with the breathtaking landscape reaching heights of more than 600 meters, one of the most important monastic communities of Greece was formed.

In 1988, the Meteora monasteries were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and the Meteora-Antichassia area is part of the Natura 2000 network, hosting some rare species of birds and flowers.

Kalambaka - Kalabaka is a town and the seat of the municipality of Meteora in the Trikala regional unit, part of Thessaly in Greece. The city of Kalampaka is built at the foot of the Meteora and is on the left side of the river Pinios. It is the starting place for visitors who wish to explore the monuments and magnificent sites of Aspropotamos of Hasia, Koziakas, and the Meteora. Kalampaka is known worldwide for the famous monasteries that exist on the top of the rocks of the Meteora. Every year, millions of visitors come from all over the world to admire and honor them. Kalampaka is a city of rich history and important monuments. One of the most significant is the Holy Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, located in the northeastern part of the city under the very high rock of Aea. The ancient name of the city was Aeginion, as it is mentioned in the Hellenistic and Roman years due to the great importance of its position.

Meteora - Kastraki is located in the western part of Meteora, amphitheatrically built among the towering cliffs, and is a municipal district of Kalabaka. Its history is lost in the course of time.
In the eastern part, there is the old picturesque district of the village and above the spindle, small but impressive because of the form and the support position. It is mainly the base of climbers coming from different parts of the world to admire the wonderful landscape formed by the towering rocks. Kastraki has an important local tradition, customs, and folk songs, all of which have a uniqueness. The impressive landscape with canyons, plateaus, and the ghostly figures of “sacred rock” pops up through the lush landscape and strives, as if to touch the heavens. Today the village has been declared, along with the entire region of Meteora, a Monument and World Heritage by UNESCO, while it has grown into a wonderful place for recreation with camping, taverns, and guest houses, offering pleasant relaxation.

The Great Meteoron Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour - The Great Meteoro (Grand Meteor), also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorphosis (Transfiguration of Christ), is a male monastery and is the oldest and largest of all the monasteries of Meteora.

The foundation of the Monastery of Great Meteoron marks the beginning of organized monastic life at Meteora. On the most imposing rock, it occupies a commanding position among the monastic complex of Meteora.

It’s the largest and most formal of the extant Meteora Monasteries, as its name implies. Founded shortly before the middle of the 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, who was also its first founder and the first to organize a systematic monastic community.

Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas at Meteora - Saint Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery. The beginning of monastic life on the rock of Anapafsas is placed in the 14th century, and the name of the monastery is probably due to its old founder. The monastery was renovated in the first decade of the 16th century.
The construction and installation of the monastery (tall rectangular building with successive levels) adapted to the capabilities of the very small area of the plateau of the rock on which it was built. Going up, you see the small chapel of St. Anthony and the crypt, where codes and heirlooms were previously stored. On the walls of the chapel remain frescoes of the 14th century. On the next floor is the church of the monastery, a small single room, almost square space preceded by a large enough in relation to the church narthex (lite). Upstairs are the old bank of the monastery, which was restored and today serves as the official residence (hostel), the ossuary, and the renovated, since 1971, the church of St. John the Baptist.

Monastery of St. Stephan - St. Stephen was inhabited by monks in the late 12th century. The assembly of the building of the monastery, which was founded in the 14th century, was completed in the 15th and 16th centuries. The first founder of the monastery is the monk, later abbot of it, Antonios Kantakouzenos. Antonios, according to some researchers, was the son of the Serbian Despot of Epirus Nikephoros II (1359) and a descendant of the great Byzantine family. The second founder is Monk Philotheos “ex Sklatainas,” who is referred to as the renovator of St. Stephen.

Theophilos erected a new old Catholic, built the cells, and other facilities of the monastery. During his days (1545), the monastery became stavropegic and retained this privilege until 1743. In 1798, a new church was built dedicated to Saint Charalambos, who in the 17th century was referred to as the second patron of the monastery. In the 18th and 19th centuries, several buildings and the abbey were built for the first time, taking the form it has today.

Varlaam Monastery - The monastery Varlaam owes its name to the hermit-anchorite Varlaam, who first inhabited the rock in the 14th century. The history of the monastery begins substantially from the early 16th century when the rock settled and organized their priory by the Ioannina brothers Theophanes and Nektarios Apsaras, descendants of the old continent Byzantine family.

The Apsaras in 1518 renovated fundamentally the chapel of the Three Hierarchs, which was built on the site of the original Catholic monastery that was built by Varlaam, in 1536 built the winch tower, and in 1541 built the present church dedicated to All Saints.

In 1627, the chapel of the Three Hierarchs was rebuilt in place of the Old Catholic, which had been built by the Apsaras, and in 1637 was decorated by the artistic crew of John priest and children, who came from Kalabaka.

The monastery is distinguished in spiritual prosperity and its participation in national struggles in recent years.

Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) - The monastery of the Holy Trinity was established in 1488 by a monk named Dometios. However, sources reveal its existence since 1362. The oldest building phase of the monastery is represented by the current church, which was built, as we learn from the inscription, in the year 1475/6 and is dedicated to the Holy Trinity.

The frescos of the church were made by the painter and priest named Antonios and his brother Nicholas, in 1741. The Catholic exonarthex was built in 1689 and decorated in 1692. In 1682, with the expenses and efforts of Hieromonk Damaskinou, Jonah, and Partheniou, the chapel of St. John the Baptist was built and decorated.

Visitors must cross a pedestrian path downhill to the foot of the cliff and then climb 145 carved steps to reach the monastery. Northwest of the building complex of the monastery, behind the church, the visitor arrives at the highest point of the rock, from the balcony you can enjoy a rare view of the other monasteries and the Meteora rocks.

Holy Monastery of Rousanos - Saint Barbara - The rock referred to as Rousanou was inhabited from the early 16th century, while the monastery was founded in the 14th century. However, the monastery took its present form in the 16th century when the brothers Ioasaf and Maximus from Epirus and the abbot of the monastery of Great Meteoron, the ruined church that was dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ.

The Catholicon that was built by the two brothers from Giannena in 1545, and decorated with frescoes, is dedicated to this day to the Transfiguration but also honored in the memory of Santa Barbara. The monastery became a refuge for persecuted individuals and families during the various historical vicissitudes of the nation. During the 19th century, the monastery declined and slowly fell into a hermitage for the monks of the monastery Varlaam. Today, after its restoration in 1980 by the Archaeological Service, it operates as a nunnery.

Thermopylae - Thermopylae is a place in Greece where a narrow coastal passage existed in antiquity. It derives its name from its hot sulfur springs. In Greek mythology, the Hot Gates is one of the entrances to Hades. The Battle of Thermopylae was conducted in 480 BC between the Greeks and the Persians at the same time the Naval Battle of Artemision took place. The Persian Army, led by Xerxes, reached the passageways of Thermopylae. The Greeks chose this strategic spot to face the Persian attack. Xerxes commanded Leonidas, the leader of the Greek Army, to surrender his armory, but he replied, ‘Come and get them.’ For two days, the Greeks fought heroically. On the third day, Ephialtes betrayed the Greeks, showing the Persians the passageway to get to the backside of the Greeks. Thus, the Persian Army surrounded the Greeks. Leonidas remained at the battle site along with 300 Spartans, 700 Thespians, and 400 Thebans, loyal to his homeland laws. He fell dead from Persian arrows.

Leonidas Monument - Why did the battle of Thermopylae become one of the most world-famous battles? The Thermopylae battle is a perfect example of selflessness, sacrifice, and obedience to the laws of the country. The resistance in the passage is a result of hard military training, better gear, and strategic use of the land to multiply the defense abilities.

Where is the Thermopylae Memorial? The passage of Thermopylae (which literally means “Hot Gates”) doesn’t exist anymore since the mud deposition made by the Spercheios river moved the beach and the sea a few kilometers away. Near Thermopylae, next to the national road connecting Athens to Thessaloniki, there is a memorial statue of King Leonidas and his soldiers with an inscription saying:

“Ὦ ξεῖν’, ἀγγέλλειν Λακεδαιμονίοις ὅτι τῇδε κείμεθα, τοῖς κείνων ῥήμασι πειθόμενοι”, which means: “Stranger, tell Spartans that we lay here, staying faithful to Sparta’s laws.” Drive back to Athens!

• Private transportation
• Professional English-speaking tour driver
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Breakfast included

• Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
• Gratuities
• Food and drinks
• English-speaking licensed tour guide (We can arrange for a tour guide for you with an extra cost)

The private four-day journey to Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora is deemed as one of the best value tours in Greece and extremely popular among tourists. If your aim is to break the monotony of mundane life and explore the best that Greece has to offer, our four-day comprehensive Greek tour is an opportunity you shouldn’t pass up. This private trip covers significant landmarks such as Epidaurus, Nafplion, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora.

Key attractions of this four-day Greek excursion

• Driving through scenic countryside landscapes in Greece
• Visiting prominant landmarks including Epidaurus, Mycenae and Delphi, along with Olympia, the birthplace of the famed Olympic Games
• Viewing the largest bridge in Europe, situated in Rio – Antirio
• The itinerary grants travelers the flexibility to personalize their tour!

• A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable shoes are recommended
• Sunscreen and hats are recommended for visits during the summer months
• Duration time is approximate and may vary based on local traffic and conditions
• While the local operator does its best to ensure sites are open before travel, they are not responsible for short-term closures
• Athens Airport transfers: arranged on request!
• Important note: You will have a professional English-speaking driver with good knowledge of the history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums according to the program. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you’d like to have one, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject to availability on bookings day!
• We suggest that you have your admission tickets pre-purchased as there is a chance not to find availability, please note that we can buy the tickets for you in advance -under a small service fee.

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.