You will start your journey in the morning and head towards Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon. On the way, you will have the opportunity to make a short stop at the Corinth Canal to stretch your legs and admire this impressive engineering achievement. Once you arrive at Mycenae, the guide will offer to the whole family a captivating guided tour, specially designed to keep the interest of the youngsters at all times.
Before setting off to Nafplio, you will stop and participate in a fun pottery workshop. Inspired by the Mycenaen artifacts, you will be introduced to the ancient art of pottery, in order to create your very own, unique Mycenean artifact to take back.
Your journey will continue with a visit to the picturesque town of Nafplio where you will have time to explore its narrow cobblestone alleys, enjoy the famous gelato and admire its unique architecture with its well-preserved neoclassical mansions.
Treasury of Atreus at Mycenae
The Treasury of Atreus or Tomb of Agamemnon is a beehive-shaped tomb, the largest and best preserved of the 9 tombs situated around the citadel at Mycenae. It was built around 1250 BC and was discovered in the late 1800’s by the German archeologist Schliemann who gave it its name which actually had no bearing to either Atreus or Agamemnon but to an earlier ruler buried there. It stands 13.5 m high with a diameter of 14.5 m and has a lintel stone, surmounted by a relieving triangle above the doorway, which weighs 120 tons. The tomb, which faces the palace, consists of an entrance passageway 36m long leading to a circular burial chamber roofed over with a vault shaped like a beehive. The site of the tomb was chosen to be visible from the roads leading to Mycenae to show the ruler’s dominion over the settlements in the area.
The Museum of Mycenae
Located at the entrance of the ancient site of Mycenae, a short distance from the Lion Gate, the Museum houses about 2500 exhibits, mostly ceramic vases, jewelry, wall paintings, tools and weapons unearthed in the vicinity. The present museum was inaugurated in 2003 and covers a total surface of 2000 sq.m on 3 levels but only 3 rooms showcase the exhibits. Other rooms are dedicated to storage, conservation and the study of the many finds. One of the most famous exhibits is a copy of the golden mask of Agamemnon, whose original, along with the most important artifacts found at the site, is in the Athens National Archeological Museum. The three display rooms exhibit objects from the public and private life of Myceneans, the grave sites and finds relating to religion, science, art and trade. . At the entrance of the museum there are wall posts narrating the history of Mycenae and its excavation and opposite the entrance there is also a model of the ancient site.
The Town of Nafplio
One of the most picturesque towns of Greece, Nafplio is a major seaport in eastern Peloponnese, spreading across a peninsula jutting out into the Argolic Gulf. It was the first capital of the new Greek state between 1823 and 1834. With its seafront Promenade with its cafes, bars and restaurants, and the town’s parks, statues, museums, attractive narrow streets, churches, elegant Venetian houses and neoclassical buildings, Nafplio offers ample opportunity to explore the architectural and cultural traditions that successive waves of Frankish, Venetian and Turkish rule left their mark on. The city’s strategic position led it to have three fortresses, Palamidi dominating the city on a steep hill, Akronafplia, the oldest castle at the top of the old town and Bourtzi on the islet in the middle of the harbor. Less than 2 hours’ drive from Athens, Nafplio makes for an ideal day trip and is a hub for visiting archeological sites nearby such as Mycenae, Epidavros, Tyrins, Argos, Nemea and more.
Bourtzi Fortress at Nafplio
Built in 1473 by the Venetians, the fortress of Bourtzi is located on an islet in the middle of the harbor. Originally, it acted as part of Nafplio’s defences and had a mobile chain which connected it to the other fortress of Akronafplia with the purpose of deterring invaders from entering the harbor and the city. During the Greek Revolution, the Greek government briefly sought shelter here during the civil strifes. It was used alternatively as a prison, and between 1865 and 1935, the executioners of Palamidi used this fort as their residence. Subsequently, it was used as a center of the Greek National Tourism Organization and from 1960-1970, it was used as a hotel and restaurant. Today, the fort can be visited by boat.
Palamidi Fortress at Nafplio
The fortress of Palamidi stands on a hill overlooking the town of Nafplio and was built between 1711 and 1714 by the Venetians. It played a significant role in the liberation of the city in the Greek War of Independence when the fort was seized in 1829 from the Turks after a long siege. Every year, on 30 November, the anniversary of this victory is commemorated on the name day of Agios Andreas in the chapel in the fort. From around 1840 until the 1930’s, the fort was used as a prison where, at one time, Kolokotronis, the leader of the War of Independence was imprisoned. Today, the fort can be reached by stairs or by road and one can admire the eight imposing bastions, built one above the other and joined by a wall, and see the historic chapel of Agios Andreas and the water tanks still used to collect rainwater.
Notes & Clarifications
- Prices vary according to group size
- Keep in mind that this is a private tour and possible to customize to meet your desires. Should you want to change the itinerary please do not hesitate to contact us by sending us a request through the inquiry form
- Don’t forget your hat, sun-block and a light cardigan
What makes us different?
- We offer only private tours. No mixed groups
- We are absolutely flexible. Our tours can be customized to your wishes
- Special requests are always welcome. We love to tailor holidays
- All of our tours are designed and operated by our company
- Our tour leaders “Insiders” are thoroughly selected and trained, each one of them expert in his field
- We always match the most suitable “Insider” driver that matches your profile and interests
Full day
Nafplio
en
Archeology
Arts & Events
Kid Friendly
Nature
Excursion
1/2 day
Athens
en
