After the Corinth Canal, you enter the region of Argolis, land of Homer’s Golden Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dating back to the second century B.C., Mycenae was one of the major centers of Greek civilization and a military stronghold which dominated much of southern Greece.
Visit the archaeological site, home to the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon. You will see the Cyclopean Walls, the Lion’s Gate, the Royal Tombs, including Agamemnon Clytemnestra's, and the Treasury of Atreus, a magnificent 14th-century B.C. structure. Time will then be taken for a traditional Greek optional lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Before lunch an optional stop in a pottery factory. After lunch through ARGOS proceed to Nauplia the first capital of modern Greece with its Venetian fortress of PALAMIDI and the fortified islet of BOURTZI (short stop). Continue on to Epidaurus and visit the ancient theatre. The UNESCO’S world heritage listed monument is reputed to be the birthplace of Apollo's son Asklepios, the healer and was the most celebrated healing center of the classical world.
Epidaurus is probably most famous for its theatre, one of the best preserved classical Greek buildings and still used today due to its amazing acoustics. The Argolis (Mycenae - Epidaurus) day tour returns to Athens in the late afternoon.
Olympia
While your stay at the Port of Katakolon, don't miss the chace to visit one of the most important archaeological sites of Ancient Greece. Join us in reliving the wonder and thrill of the original Olympic Games, which were held from 776 BC. to 393 AD. as you explore the ruins of the great monuments.
Enter the famous archaeological site of Olympia and marvel at the Temple of Hera, in front of which burns the Olympic Flame during modern day Olympic Games. See the Temple of Zeus, which once housed the Golden and Ivory statue of Zeus (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and the original Stadium and Bouleuterion, unique in history, where once competitors swore an oath to conform to the rules.
Follow your guide and walk a short distance in order to visit the world famous Archaeological Museum of Olympia where you can admire, amongst many priceless exhibits, the marble statues of the Temple of Zeus and the unique statue of Hermes, carved by the ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles. Return to your coaches and drive back to the ship on time.
