ARGOLIS-OLYMPIA-DELPHI-METEORA (Four or Five Days) |
![]() One of the most popular and interesting excursions! Visit some of the most beautiful parts of Greece and the most important archaeological sites in Argolis, Olympia, Delphi and Meteora. 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 resided. 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 the conclusion of Argolis tour and lunch in Nafplion we’ll depart for Olympia through the mountains of Arcadia in central Peloponesse (a very scenic drive) and we’ll pass from various towns and villages, (Tripolis, Vytina, Lagadia). Finally we’ll arrive in Olympia where we’ll have diner and spend the night. Day 2 The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is one of the most important museums in Greece. The museum's permanent exhibition contains finds from the sacred precinct of Altis and the rest archaeological site dating from the prehistoric era. Among the many precious exhibits you we will also see the famous marble statues of Hermes of Praxiteles and the Nike (Victory) of Paionios. After the conclusion of our tour we can have lunch in the town of Olympia and then start our trip to Delphi, where we’ll arrive in the evening. In Delphi we can have diner in a local Greek restaurant and stay overnight. Day 3 After our visit to the Museum we’ll drive down the slope for about a mile to visit the ruins of the Temple of Athena Pronea and the Tholos. After the conclusion of our Delphi Tour we can have lunch in a traditional Greek restaurant in town and then we’ll depart for Meteora. We will enjoy our drive through the mountains of central Greece and we will pass by various towns and villages, (Lamia, Domokos, Trikala) After our drive we will arrive at Kalambaka (the town right below the rocks of Meteora) where we’ll have diner and can spend night. We can also stay overnight in the nearby village of Kastraki. Day 4 ANOTHER OPTION After lunch in Nafplion (the first day) 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 and 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.
The Temple of Epikourios Apollo, one of the most importannt 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 the master architects of the Parthenon, in Athens, the Temple dates back to 420-400 BC. Excavations have revealed that this surviving Temple was was the third to have been erected on the site. The remains of the two previous Temples date back to 600 and 500 BC. It is very interesting that some of the architectural elements of these two previous Temples can still be seen today.
After concluding our visit to Bassae we will continue to Olympia where we will have dinner and stay overnight. 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. Brief history of Olympia: CLICK HERE About the Monasteries of Meteora: CLICK HERE About Thermopylae: CLICK HERE Summer
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 Admission tickets to the sites 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 |