Discovering the Wonders of the Argolis Region

Corinth Canal - The Corinth Canal links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It traverses the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, effectively separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, thus arguably turning the peninsula into an island. The canal, dug at sea level without locks, stretches 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) and is 21.4 meters (70 ft) wide at its base, making it unsuitable for most modern vessels. Today, it serves primarily as a tourist attraction rather than an economic route. The canal was first proposed in ancient times, with an unsuccessful attempt in the 1st century AD. Construction began in 1881 but faced geological and financial challenges, leading to the original builders’ bankruptcy. Completed in 1893, the canal’s narrowness, navigational issues, and occasional closures for landslide repairs limited its expected traffic.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Visitors to Ancient Corinth can explore:

The Temple of Apollo
This temple, one of the earliest Doric temples in the Peloponnese and Greek mainland, was constructed around 560 B.C.E. from local oolithic limestone atop a prominent rocky hill north of Acrocorinth. The Archaic temple symbolized Corinth’s growth and prosperity.

The St. Paul’s Step
During Paul’s time in Corinth, he was judged by proconsul Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus for allegedly teaching illegally. Tradition holds that Paul’s trial occurred at the Bema, a large elevated platform in the center of the Roman Forum of ancient Corinth, where city officials addressed the public. Due to its association with Saint Paul, the Bema was converted into a Christian church during the Byzantine era.

Archaeological Museum of Corinth - The museum showcases:

Artifacts from the Prehistoric Period from Ancient Corinth, Korakou Hill, and Zygouries (Prehistoric Gallery)

Items from the Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic City of Corinth (Classical Gallery - under reconstruction - open to the public in 2016)

Finds from the Roman, Byzantine, and Frankish City.

Discoveries from the Sanctuary of Asklepios and the Early Christian cemetery (Asklepieion Gallery)

A selection of statues, sculptures, Greek and Latin inscriptions, and items related to the Jewish community in the area (Atrium).

A new (East) gallery, under construction, will be added to the Museum in 2016, featuring finds from the komai (smaller settlements) and sanctuaries of Corinth, as well as the twin Kouroi from the ancient Tenea cemetery.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - Epidaurus (3rd Century B.C) is a spiritual destination worth visiting for its sites like the Sanctuary of Aesculapius and the ancient Theatre with its exceptional acoustics. The Sanctuary of Aesculapius was a center for healing and culture in ancient times, and the Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the few retaining its original circular Orchestra, remains a rare aesthetic marvel still in use today.

Nafplio - Nafplio is a seaport town in the Peloponnese, Greece, expanding up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. The town was a significant seaport under various royal houses during the Middle Ages as part of the lordship of Argos and Nafplia, initially held by the de la Roche after the Fourth Crusade, before falling under the Republic of Venice and, finally, the Ottoman Empire. Nafplio was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Greece from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. It is now the capital of the Argolis regional unit.

Tolon - Tolon is a seaside town, 7 kilometers (4 miles) east of Nafplion. Enjoy a meal at a traditional family-owned restaurant with a view of the Saronic Gulf.

Archaeological Site Mycenae - Mycenae was a power center in the Late Bronze Age from the 16th century B.C. to the 11th century B.C. The Acropolis of Mycenae safeguarded the royal families within the renowned Cyclopean walls. The Lion Gates, followed by a steep path through ancient structures and pathways, lead to the Palace of Agamemnon, the Greek leader against the Trojans, who was murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover after returning victorious from the Trojan War. Leaving the Acropolis of Mycenae, a short stop on another hill opposite the Palace reveals the impressive monument, the Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon.

Olympia - After the Argolis tour, the journey continues through the mountains of central Peloponnese to the village of Olympia, where an overnight stay is planned. Olympia is renowned for the Olympic Games, held every four years to honor Zeus, starting in 776 B.C. Accommodation will be at a local hotel.

Sightseeing at Olympia

Archaeological Site of Olympia - The following morning, after breakfast, the visit includes:

The Temple of Zeus
The grand temple of Zeus, the most significant building in the Altis, stands at its center and is the largest temple in the Peloponnese, considered by many as the epitome of Doric architecture.
The Temple of Hera
The temple of Hera, one of Greece’s oldest monumental temples, is located in the northwest corner of the sacred Altis precinct, on the southern slopes of Kronios hill, protected by a robust terrace wall. This temple is where the Olympic Flame is lit every four years.
The workshop of Phedias
West of the sacred enclosure, directly opposite the temple of Zeus, was Pheidias’ workshop, where the great sculptor created the colossal chryselephantine statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

Ancient Stadium of Olympia

This site hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women’s games in honor of Hera.

Archaeological Museum of Olympia - The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of Greece’s most important museums, showcases the long history of antiquity’s most celebrated sanctuary, the sanctuary of Zeus, where the Olympic games originated. The museum’s permanent exhibition features finds from excavations in the sacred Altis precinct, dating from prehistoric times to the Early Christian period. Among the many valuable exhibits, the sculpture collection, for which the museum is renowned, the bronze collection, the world’s richest of its kind, and the extensive terracottas collection, are particularly noteworthy.

Rion-Antirion Bridge - After visiting Olympia, the journey continues towards Delphi. Along the way, the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge, one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type, is encountered. It spans the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, connecting Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula to Antirrio on mainland Greece by road. It opened on 12 August 2004, a day before the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, and was used to transport the Olympic Flame.

Nafpaktos Old Port - Nafpaktos, also known as Lepanto, is a seaside village on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. A brief stop for photos or a coffee by the sea is planned.

Galaxidi - The next charming village en route to Delphi is Galaxidi. This quaint village curves around a seafront hillock, with narrow cobblestone streets linking the well-sheltered harbors on either side. The older harbor was a major shipbuilding center in the 19th century, a prosperous time when the town acquired its fine stone mansions. Locally known as Hirolakas, or ‘Widows’ Port’, it recalls the wives who waited in vain for seamen husbands whose ships never returned.

Itea - Itea, a town founded in 1830, likely derives its name from the many willows that once grew in the area. Itea is a significant resort and the largest port in the Fokida prefecture. Its commercial port handles bauxite shipments from the region’s bauxite mines.

Delphi - Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town on the southwestern slope of Mount Parnassus in the Phocis valley. In Greek mythology, it was considered the navel of the earth, the site of the Delphic Oracle, and a major worship site for Apollo after he defeated the Python, a dragon guarding the earth’s navel. An overnight stay at a local hotel is planned.

Exploring the Navel of Earth

Delphi - The following morning, the visit includes Castalia spring, the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the ancient Stadium, the ancient Theatre, the unique bronze Charioteer, the Temple of Athena Pronea, and the Gymnasium.

Delphi Archaeological Museum - The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of Greece’s most significant museums, displays the history of the Delphic sanctuary, home to the most renowned ancient Greek oracle. Its extensive collections primarily consist of architectural sculptures, statues, and minor objects donated to the sanctuary, reflecting its religious, political, and artistic activities from its early years in the eighth century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.

The museum is housed in a two-story building with a total area of 2270 square meters, featuring fourteen exhibition rooms, 558 square meters of storerooms, and conservation laboratories for pottery, metal objects, and mosaics.

Arachova - The traditional town of Arachova is located just 10km from Delphi. A visit to Arachova reveals the delightful blend of old and new at the sacred grounds of Apollo’s mountain.

Monastery of Hosios Loukas - The Hosios Loukas Monastery, meaning “Esteemed Saint Luke,” was not built in honor of Luke the Evangelist but was founded by the Greek monk Loukas, who was buried in the monastery’s crypt upon his death in AD 953. One of the monastery’s most striking features is the spectacular gold mosaic of the saint at the entrance. Attached to the abbey is a large church, Katholikon, which is connected to a smaller temple, or Theotokos, built between 997 and 1011 to honor the Virgin Mary.

The temples are adorned with numerous frescoes and mosaics, all beautifully preserved. Beneath the Katholikon lies the crypt containing the saint’s remains.

Although Hosios Loukas is smaller, the building may remind visitors of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul or St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.

• Private transportation
• Bottled water included
• Free on-board WiFi access
• In-vehicle air conditioning for comfort
• Professional drivers for safe transit

• All meals
• Entance fees (Total Cost 60 Euros per adult)
• Three Local Licensed tour guides upon request, depending availability (Additional Cost: 620 Euros)
• Airport pickup and drop off (Additional cost)
• Gratuities
• Hotel Accommodation

Our offerings are versatile and can be tailored to meet the client’s requirements. Each of our professional chauffeurs possesses the necessary credentials and are proficient in English. Rely on their expertise for a secure and comfortable ride in our well-kept vehicles. One of the advantages of our tours is the ability to explore archaeological sites during off-peak hours, away from the hustle and bustle of large tourist groups. This allows for a more immersive learning experience of the monuments and their history. Hiring our services also proves more economical compared to buying separate tickets from big tour companies.

• Your tour is totally private. No unknown passengers will participate in your group.
• Infant car seats are available upon request

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.