Four days private tour in Greece, Nafpaktos Delphi Epidavros Mykines and Olympia from Corfu
Corfu-Nafpaktos - Galaxidi - Itea
Departure by ferry from Corfu to Igoumenitsa, the port on the Greek mainland. Driving on the road towards south Greece after 244 km arrival in Nafpaktos, known as Lepanto during part of its history. It is a town and a former municipality in Aetolia-Acarnania, West Greece, situated on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth, 3 km (2 mi) west of the mouth of the river Mornos. Its Medieval character, unspoiled charm, and laid-back style make it a popular destination for relaxing holidays!
On a hill above Nafpaktos stands an imposing Medieval castle, a vestige of the Venetian rule. From Nafpaktos Castle, you can marvel at a breathtaking view of the sea and the natural surroundings. The port of Nafpaktos Greece is arguably the trademark of the town! Surrounded by stone-made walls and towers, it oozes a discreet medieval charm. A sunset stroll along the seafront promenade is beyond dreamy! If you want to continue your stroll to another place, head to Gribovo, a lovely place packed with plane trees!
Free time for optional lunch in a seaside restaurant.
Later tour comes into a pretty resort along the Gulf of Corinth, little Galaxidi curves around a seafront hillock, with narrow cobblestone streets connecting the well-sheltered harbours to either side. The older harbour was a major shipbuilding centre during the 19th century, a prosperous era when the town acquired its fine crop of stone mansions.
At the end arrival in the hotel in Itea, built in the background of the Crissaean Gulf extends together with the neighbouring Kirra, along the coastline of the plain sharing the same name, the Crissaean Plain and it is the south ending up of the famous landscape of Delphi. Itea, a relatively new city, since it was founded in 1830, it managed to become soon an important commercial and transit centre due to a series of favourable circumstances.
Delphi - Arachova - Osios Loukas Monastery - Nafplio
After breakfast, we will first visit the archeological site of Delphi, the Navel of the Earth, as Delphi is called, the most important oracle of the ancient Greek world was located, and its reputation exceeded the boarders of Greece, even during the ancient years, which is proved by the findings of the diggings that showed oblations from Syria and Armenia.
The oracle of Delphi was dedicated to God Apollo and Pythia, the High-Priestess, was the medium to deliver to the interested people the prophecy. Delphi, as it was recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, gathers a large number of Greek and foreign visitors all year long.
Visit to the Treasure of the Athenians, the sanctuary of Apollo, the amphitheater, the stadium. The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of the most important in Greece, exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary, site of the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections are comprised primarily of architectural sculpture, statues and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. These reflect its religious, political and artistic activities from its early years in the eight century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity. After the tour rest in Arachova for lunch and shopping in the mountain town. Later we will visit the Monastery of Saint Luke which is built in the western foothills of Elikonas under the citadel of ancient Steirida, near the village of Steiri, in Boeotia. It is one of the most important monuments of mid-Byzantine art and architecture and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites .
The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of the most important in Greece, exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary, site of the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections are comprised primarily of architectural sculpture, statues and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. These reflect its religious, political and artistic activities from its early years in the eight century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.
Later stop for rest and lunch in Arachova, a mountain town on the slopes of Mount Parnassos. Continuing our route we will pass through the Isthmus of Corinth and in the afternoon we will reach the beautiful city of Nafplio.
Ancient Epidavros - Mykines - Ancient Olympia
After breakfast we will visit the "Golden Mycenae", the kingdom of the mythical Agamemnon, first praised by Homer in his epics, is the most important and richest palace center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Their name has been given to one of the most brilliant civilizations of Greek prehistory, the Mycenaean, and the myths associated with their history spanned the centuries with the Homeric epics and the great tragedies of the classical era, while inspiring and continuing to inspire the world intellectual creation and art. The mythical tradition bears as the founder of Mycenae Perseus, son of Zeus and Danae, daughter of Akrisius, king of Argos, descendant of Danaeus. Mycenae was founded between two high conical hills. On a low hill that dominated the Argolic plain and had control of road and sea communications. We continue to Ancient Epidaurus, where in the archaeological site of Asklipieion, is the ancient Theater of Epidaurus. The Asclepieion of Epidaurus was one of the great pan-Hellenic sanctuaries of antiquity. It belonged to Epidaurus, a small city-state of classical times located on the nearby west coast of the Saronic Gulf, on the site of the present-day settlement of Old Epidaurus. The buildings of the Asclepieion - temples, sports facilities, theater, baths, etc. - were spread in a narrow, mountainous valley surrounded by mountains that leave only one way out to the sea. Later lunch in a local restaurant and then drive to Olympia ( 3hrs ). Arrival in our hotel.
Olympia - Corfu
Visit to the archaeological site of ancient Olympia which is located in a landscape that enchants with its beauty and tranquility, in the green valley between Alfeios and Kladeos river. Here were born the most important games of ancient Greece, the Olympics, which took place every four years in honor of Zeus, an institution with pan-Hellenic radiance and brilliance from antiquity to the present day. The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of the most important in Greece, presents the long-standing historical development of one of the most glorious sanctuaries of antiquity, which was dedicated to the father of gods and men, Zeus, and was the cradle of the Olympic Games. Later drive to Igoumenitsa with intermediate stops for rest and lunch. From Igoumenitsa return by ferry to Corfu.
Tour may starts from Athens or Thessaloniki
Inclusions
· Transport by private vehicle
· Hotel accommodation on Bed & Breakfast basis.
· English speaking driver
· Professional guides in visiting places
· Round-trip ferry tickets
· Bottled water
· Hotel pickup and drop-off
· Tolls
Request form
Exclude:
- Lunch
- Drinks
- Monasteries entrance fees
- Museums and archaeological sites entrance fees
Booking request