ARGOLIS-BASSAE-OLYMPIA (Three Day Tour) |
![]() A classic and one of the most popular excursions! Visit some of the most beautiful parts of Greece and the most important archaeological sites in Argolis, Bassae, and Olympia. ITINERARY Driving afterwards through the hills of Corinth, among thousands of olive trees and vineyards, we’ll arrive at the prefecture of Argolis where we’ll visit the archaeological site of Mycenae. Mycenae, 'Rich in Gold', was the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon who dominated the Aegean Sea after the distraction of the Minoan Empire. The city looks out across the plain of Argos to the sea. Its elevated position and its huge Cyclopean Walls offered protection from surprise attacks by pirates and enemies. At the peak of its power (1300 B.C.) the population resided around the fortress where the Royal Family had its Palace. The Palace, symbol of power of the Mycenaean rulers, was reached by a large ramp beginning at the Lions Gate. After concluding our visit to Mycenae we’ll drive through the plain of Argos among endless farms of orange trees and forty minutes later we’ll arrive at the picturesque town of Nafplion (First capital of modern Greece from 1829 to 1834). Nafplion is the most ancient city in Greece. According to the myth it was founded by Theseas who first conceived the idea of organized cities where people could live together. The city lies under the imposing rocks of Palamide the most formidable Venetian Castle in the Eastern Mediterranean. The smaller Castle of Acronafplia (where the ancient city was founded) crowns Nafplion and at the entrance of the harbor, in the Argolic Gulf, there is yet another, third Castle Bourtzi, situated on a small islet. Whether you decide to have lunch in the old medieval quarter, with the narrow, stoned paved streets, or by the port, with the view of Bourtzi, Nafplion is the best choice for lunch in this trip. After lunch in Nafplion we can continue with the tour of Argolis, visiting Epidaurus. (extended Argolis tour). Epidaurus is famous for its ancient Theatre and the sanctuary of Asclepios. After concluding our visit to Epidaurus we’ll return to Nafplion to stay overnight. The afternoon will be free to explore the old medieval quarter with the traditional restaurants hidden in the narrow, stone paved streets and the port with all the modern cafeterias with view to the Bourtzi Castle. Day 2 The Temple of Epikourios Apollo, one of the most important and imposing ancient Temples, stands in the bare and rocky landscape of Bassae 1.100 m. above the sea level. Attributed to Iktinos, one of master architects of the Parthenon in Athens, the temple dates back to 420-400 BC. Excavations have revealed that this surviving temple was the third to have been erected on the site. The remains of the two previous temples date back 600 and 500 BC. It is very interesting that some of the architectural element of these two previous temples can still be seen today. After concluding our visit in Bassae we will continue to Olympia where we’ll have dinner and stay overnight. Day 3 The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is one of the most important museums in Greece. The museum's permanent exhibition features finds from the sacred precinct of the Altis and the rest archaeological site dating from the prehistoric era. Among the many precious exhibits you we will see the famous marble statues of Hermes of Praxiteles and the Nike (Victory) of Paionios. After the conclusion of our tour in Olympia we can have lunch in the town and start our return trip back to Athens. All our private tours are flexible. It is always up to you to change the itinerary according to your wishes. Admission fees, hotel and food are not included in the price of the trip Summer Admission Tickets Reduced admission (50%) for visitors (Original passport or copy necessary) Free admission for visitors (Original passport or copy necessary) Days of free admission for all to archaeological sites & public Museums Holidays 1 January: closed 6 January: 08:30 - 15:00 Shrove Monday: 08:30 - 15:00 25 March: closed Greek Orhodox Good Friday: 12:00 - 15:00 Greek Orhodox Good Saturday: 08:30 - 15:00 Greek Orhodox Easter Sunday: closed Greek Orhodox Easter Monday: 08:30 - 15:00 May 1: closed Holy Spirit Day: 08:30 - 15:00 15 August: 08:30 - 15:00 28 October: 08:30 - 15:00 25 December: closed 26 December: closed |