Greece · Archaeology

Private Tour of Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidaurus & Canal From Athens

9 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Athens. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private full-day tour from Athens through the Peloponnese
  • 02 See the Corinth Canal and Ancient Diolkos
  • 03 Visit UNESCO-listed Mycenae, the kingdom of Agamemnon
  • 04 Explore Nafplio’s waterfront, old town, and Venetian landmarks
  • 05 Discover the ancient theatre and sanctuary at Epidaurus
  • 06 Travel in a modern private vehicle with WiFi, A/C, and bottled water

Travel from Athens into the heart of the Peloponnese on a private full-day journey that combines ancient history, engineering landmarks, and one of Greece’s most charming seaside towns. From the Corinth Canal and Ancient Diolkos to the legendary kingdom of Mycenae, this experience brings together some of the region’s most important cultural highlights in one seamless itinerary.

Explore the UNESCO-listed site of Mycenae, admire the elegant waterfront atmosphere of Nafplio, and visit Epidaurus, famed for its remarkable ancient theatre and sanctuary of Asclepius. With private transportation and a knowledgeable English-speaking driver, this tour is ideal for travellers who want to discover classical Greece in comfort.

Explore the UNESCO-listed site of Mycenae, admire the elegant waterfront atmosphere of Nafplio, and visit Epidaurus, famed for its remarkable ancient theatre and sanctuary of Asclepius.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Athens, Corinth, Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidaurus
Languages English, Greek

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Canal, Mycenae, Nafplio & Epidaurus Tour

Isthmus Canal

  • Visit the Isthmus Canal, one of the most important projects and 19th century engineering masterpieces, playing a catalytic role for the Mediterranean trade.
  • Visit Ancient Diolkos, a paved trackway in Ancient Greece which enabled boats to be moved overland across the Isthmus of Corinth.

Mycenae

Rich in gold! King Agamemnon's mythical kingdom sung in Homer's epics. It is the most important and richest center of the late Bronze Age.

  • The Lions Gate: The main entrance of the Bronze age citadel of Mycenae erected during the 13th century BC.
  • Grave Circles A and B: Royal cemeteries situated to the south of the Lion Gate and outside the Bronze Age citadel.
  • The Cyclopean Walls: The main characteristic of the Mycenean walls is that they are made of huge limestone boulders. Only the mythical Cyclopes had the strength to move the enormous boulders that made up the walls of Mycenae and Tiryns.
  • The Royal Palace: Consisting of domestic apartments, the Throne Room Suite, the Grand Staircase, a collection of rooms for officers or palace officials and the Forecourt.
  • The Treasury of Atreus: A large tholos or beehive tomb constructed during the Bronze Age around 1250 BC.
  • Tomb of Clytemnestra: A Mycenean tholos type tomb built in 1250 BC named after Clytemnestra the wife of king Agamemnon and leader of the Greeks in Trojan war.
  • The Mycenean Archaeological Museum: The most important Mycenean artifacts are exhibited here. You will be dazzled by the gold grave goods, burial masks, jewellery, weapons, worship idols and frescoes.

Nafplio

A seaport town in the Peloponnese. A charming town with a spectacular waterfront, small cobblestone streets and historic buildings, crowned by the Palamidi fortress and the Bourtzi fortress. The town was the first capital of the modern Hellenic Republic after the 1821 War of Independence against the oppression of the Ottoman Empire.

  • Palamidi Castle: Nestled on the crest of a 216 m high hill, this Venetian built fortress commands an impressive view over the Argolic gulf. There are 999 steps to the top of the castle! Climb them if you must!
  • Freedom Square: Thanking the French for their contribution in our War of Independence against the Ottomans, an obelisk is erected here depicting a French and a Hellenic woman in their struggle for Liberty. 
  • Bourtzi: The water castle of Bourtzi is a Venetian fortress located in the middle of the harbor.
  • Constitution Square: The most important and historic square in Nafplion. The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first king of Greece was obliged to grant after the 3rd of September uprising in 1843. 
  • First Hellenic Parliament: Strolling down the old world near Syntagma square you will find an imposing mosque. Built in 1730 with a large hall and characteristic dome, the mosque housed the first Hellenic parliament from 1825 until 1826.
  • Anastasios of Nafplia church: Located in the old world you will be impressed by the church's dome and the wall paintings decorating the spiritual interior. A true Christian Orthodox religious pragmatism. 
  • St.Spyridon church: It was here outside this church one of the blackest events in modern Greek history took place. The assassination of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Greek Governor in 1831!
  • Lunch at one of the many unique traditional tavernas
  • Antica Gelateria di Roma for the best gellato and Italian delights
  • Pergamonto for the best 'loukoumades'in Greece (puff balls with honey or chocolate and almond nuts)
  • Stroll amongst the town's shops where you can treat yourself and buy handmade souvenirs for your family and friends.

Epidaurus

One of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece! Located on the NE side of the Peloponnese in the region of Argolis.

  • The Epidaurus amphitheatre: Famous for its classic Greek construction and astounding acoustics. Enjoy the arts! Be captivated by the theatrical performances from Euripides, Sophocles, Aristophanes and Aeschylus. Drop a pin or coin on the stage... it will be heard even if you are sitting at the last seats of the theater.
  • The Epidaurus Archaeological Museum: Noted for its reconstructions of temples and its columns with inscriptions. 
  • The Asclepius: The sanctuary dedicated to the ancient Greek demi-god of medicine Asclepius. A marvelous ancient medical retreat.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Athens. 5 cities · 9 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Fully Private Tour
  • English speaking tour driver well-versed in Greek history
  • Pick-up and drop-off service: Athens Hotel, Airbnb residence or Port
  • Transportation via modern, first-class private vehicle
  • All vehicles with WiFi, A/C, Bottled Water
  • Optional service to secure your entrance tickets beforehand; additional charges apply post-booking

What's Not Included

  • Entrance fees for the sites: Epidaurus and Mycenae
  • Accompanying licensed tour guide for on-site and/or museum visits. Additional fees vary based on engagement time, and the service is subject to availability
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off (additional cost depending on vehicle type)
  • Food & Drinks
  • Tips and Gratuities

Know before you go

  • Exclusive Experience: This is a private, personalised tour tailored exclusively for you and your group.
  • Booking Confirmation: Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
  • Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Our proficient English-speaking tour drivers will greet you at your hotel's lobby or the entrance of your Airbnb, apartment, or villa. We ensure timely pickups and drop-offs at your preferred location. If you're arriving at the airport or port, your driver will be waiting for you at the arrival's area, holding a signboard displaying your name, making it easy for you to identify them upon your arrival.
  • Expert Insight: Although our tour drivers are deeply knowledgeable about both ancient and modern Greek history, they are not licensed guides and cannot accompany you inside archaeological sites and museums. For a more detailed exploration, we offer local licensed tour guides at an additional fee of €180, based on availability.
  • Child Car Seats: Book in advance if you require infant or child seats.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Athens.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Athens.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Athens..

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