Peloponnese is one of the most naturally beautiful regions of Greece, but that sometimes overshadows its vast history. Today we will rectify this!
Departing from Athens we will cross the Corinth Canal, a marvel of engineering, and cross stunning scenery to reach Mycenae, a Bronze Age citadel, home to iconic monuments such as the Lion's Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, the Tomb of Agamemnon and the Treasury of Atreus. We will proceed to the absolutely charming town of Nafplion, where we will experience the influence of the Venetians all around, from the walls enclosing the town and the fort of Palamidi, to the fortress of Bourtzi, located on a small islet just across Nafplion's port. Our tour around Peloponnese still has more to offer as we make our way to Epidaurus, one of the world's most well-known theaters! Its remarkable acoustics -especially given that it was built during the later 4th century BCE- mean it is no surprise that the theater hosts ancient dramas to this very day!
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Starting from Athens, we will take the coastal road to cross the Corinth Canal, a great feat of human ingenuity, where we will take a short break for pictures. We'll soon hit the road again, cross stunning Peloponnesian scenery and reach Mycenae. Although the site seems to have been inhabited since the Early Neolithic Age, Mycenae is known for the civilization that bloomed there during the Bronze Age, when it developed into a great regional power. Great kings like Perseus, Atreus, Agamemnon and Orestes ruled over Mycenae and left an indelible mark on Hellenic history. Today the archeological site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety, as it houses iconic monuments such as the Tomb of Atreus, the Lion Gate, the Tomb of Agamemnon & Clytemnestra and the Cyclopean Walls.
It's time to unwind, so we will stretch our legs in Nafplion, arguably one of Greece's most picturesque towns! We will stop at the seaport of Nafplia and gaze at the Castle of Bourtzi, a small fort sitting on an islet in the middle of the harbor. The Venetian influences are prominent all over the town, with the walls of Acronafplia and the Fortress of Palamidi looming over Nafplion. We will admire the town's architecture as we stroll down the alleys that will lead us to a nearby tavern, where we will enjoy a traditional lunch. Recharged and fulfilled, we are now ready to proceed to our last stop for the day, the Theater of Epidaurus.
Few theaters the world over are as recognizable as the one in Epidaurus, and certainly none as old and still in use! Yes, that is correct! Revived in the 20th century, the theater is still home to ancient Greek dramas to this day, 2,300 years after its creation! Its remarkable acoustics mean that even whispers in the main stage can be clearly heard even in the highest rows of this 14,000 seat architectural marvel. Before you reach the amphitheater, you will also pass by the Temple of Asclepius, God of medicine, to whom the entire complex was dedicated in antiquity.
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