What To Expect

Day 1: Exploring the treasures of Argolis Region
• Corinth Canal

  The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island. The canal was dug through the Isthmus at sea level and has no locks. It is 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) in length and only 21.4 meters (70 ft) wide at its base, making it impassable for most modern ships. Nowadays it has little economic importance and is mainly a tourist attraction. The canal was initially proposed in classical times and a failed effort was made to build it in the 1st century AD. Construction started in 1881 but was hampered by geological and financial problems that bankrupted the original builders. It was completed in 1893 but, due to the canal's narrowness, navigational problems and periodic closures to repair landslides from its steep walls, it failed to attract the level of traffic expected by its operators.

  Duration: 20 minutes

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)

  At Ancient Corinth the traveler has the potentiality to visit: The temple of Apollo This temple is one of the earliest Doric temples in the Peloponnese and the Greek mainland. Built around 560 B.C.E., of local oolithic limestone on top of an imposing, rocky hill to the north of Acrocorinth, the Archaic temple was an emblem for the Greek city of Corinth, reflecting its growth and prosperity. The St. Paul's Step During Paul s stay in Corinth, he was brought for judgment before the proconsul Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus on the accusation of conducting illegal teachings. According to tradition, the site of Paul s trial was the Bema, a large elevated rostrum standing prominently in the centre of the Roman Forum of ancient Corinth and from where the city's officials addressed the public. Probably because of the monument's connection to Saint Paul, the Bema was transformed into a Christian church during the Byzantine period.

  Duration: 45 minutes

  Admission Included: NO

• Archaeological Museum of Corinth

  In the museum galleries are exhibited: Finds dated to the Prehistoric Period from the area of Ancient Corinth, the Korakou Hill and the site of Zygouries (Prehistoric Gallery) Finds from the Geometric, Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic City of Corinth (Classical Gallery - under reconstruction - accessible to the public in 2016) Finds from the Roman, Byzantine and Frankish City. Finds from the Sanctuary of Asklepios and the Early Christian cemetery (Asklepieion Gallery) A selection of statues, sculpture, Greek and Latin inscriptions, as well as finds related to the presence of the Jewish community in the area can also be seen (Atrium). A new (East) gallery currently under construction, will be added to the Museum in 2016, hosting finds from the komai (smaller settlements) and the sanctuaries of Corinth, as well as the twin Kouroi found in the cemetery of ancient Tenea.

  Duration: 30 minutes

  Admission Included: NO

• The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

  Epidaurus (3rd Century B.C) is a spiritual place worth visiting for its sites such as the Sanctuary of Aesculapius and the ancient Theater with its unique acoustics. The Sanctuary of Aesculapius was a healing and culture center of ancient times and the Theater of Epidaurus is one of the very few that retains its original circular Orchestra and it is a rare aesthetic sight, still used in our days.

  Duration: 45 minutes

  Admission Included: NO

• Tolon

  Tolon is a sea town, 7 kilometers (4 miles) east of Nafplion. You will enjoy your lunch at a traditional family owned restaurant enjoying the view of the Saronic gulf.

  Duration: 45 minutes

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• Nafplio

  Nafplio is a seaport town in the Peloponnese in Greece that has expanded up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. The town was an important seaport held under a succession of royal houses in the Middle Ages as part of the lordship of Argos and Nafplia, held initially by the de la Roche following the Fourth Crusade before coming under the Republic of Venice and, lastly, the Ottoman Empire. The town was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece, from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. Nafplio is now the capital of the regional unit of Argolis.

  Duration: 40 minutes

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• Mycenae

  Mycenae was the center of power in the Late Bronze age from 16th century B.C. to 11th century B.C. The Acropolis of Mycenae protected the royal families inside the famous Cyclopean walls. The Lion Gates, followed by a steep path through ancient buildings and pathways, will lead you to the Palace of the mighty leader of the Greeks against the Trojans, Agamemnon who was murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover after he had returned victorious from the Trojan War. Leaving the Acropolis of Mycenae we make a short stop on another hill opposite the Palace, visiting an impressive monument, the Treasury of Atreus also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon.

  Duration: 1 hour

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• Olympia

  After the conclusion of the Argolis tour, we will continue driving through the mountains, in central Peloponnese, reaching the village of Olympia, and stay for the night. Olympia is well known for the Olympic Games, held every four years to honor God Zeus, beginning in 776 B.C. We will spend the night at a local hotel.

  Duration: 10 hours

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 2: Sightseeing at Olympia
• Archaeological Site of Olympia

  The next morning after breakfast we will visit: The Temple of Zeus The massive temple of Zeus, the most important building in the Altis, standing in its very centre, is the largest temple in the Peloponnese, considered by many to be the perfect example of Doric architecture. The Temple of Hera The temple of Hera, one of the oldest monumental temples in Greece, stands in the north-west corner of the sacred precinct of the Altis, on the south slopes of Kronios hill, protected by a powerful terrace wall. This temple is the place where the Olympic Flame lights every four years. The workshop of Phedias West of the sacred enclosure, directly opposite to the temple of Zeus, was the workshop of Pheidias where the great sculptor crafted the gigantic chryselephantine statue of Zeus, listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Ancient Stadium of Olympia This is the place which hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera.

  Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

  Admission Included: NO

• Archaeological Museum of Olympia

  The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of the most important museums in Greece, presents the long history of the most celebrated sanctuary of antiquity, the sanctuary of Zeus, father of both gods and men, where the Olympic games were born. The museum's permanent exhibition contains finds from the excavations in the sacred precinct of the Altis dating from prehistoric times to the Early Christian period. Among the many precious exhibits the sculpture collection, for which the museum is most famous, the bronze collection, the richest collection of its type in the world, and the large terracottas collection, are especially noteworthy.

  Duration: 45 minutes

  Admission Included: NO

• Port of Killini

  We will continue with a 45-minutre drive towards the port of Kyllini in order to catch an early afternoon ferry with direction to Zakynthos. Kyllni. Kyllini is the largest port in Ionian Sea and the third in Greece. Our ferry ride has duration approximatelly 75 minutes.

  Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

  Admission Included: YES

• Zante, also often known as Zakynthos, is the most southerly of the Ionian Islands and one of the most popular Greek islands. Triangular in shape the island has three distinct geographical areas: the north west is mountainous with quaint traditional mountain villages, the central region is a fertile plain rich with olive groves and vineyards and the south east is characterised by beautiful beaches. Arriving at Zakynthos, we will have the potentiality to visit the historic St. Mark's Square and the nearby Solomos Square with all the neoclassical buildings. Optionally, you may visit the Byzantine Museum and marvel at the old icons and frescoes that survived from the medieval churches which did not survive the disastrous earthquake of 1953. Finally, we will be directed to our hotel in order to spend the night. We will spend the night at a local hotel.

  Duration: 10 hours

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 3: Highlights of Zakynthos
• Zakynthos Town

  The next day after breakfast, we will stroll around the town of Zakynthos. We will make a stop at the famous St Dionysios Church, the church of the patron saint of the island which is biggest that exists in the city. Observing the belfry we will find a lot of resemblances with the belfry of the church Saint Markos in Venice. Next to the church stands the monastery of St. Dionisios with the cells of the the nuns and the museum of the church . The church hosts the relics of the Saint, and apart from a source of force for the locals, its is also considered a great attraction for the visitors visitors.

  Duration: 30 minutes

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• Navagio Panagioti

  Navagio means shipwreck in Greek but this beach is also often known as Smugglers cove. It is the most famous sight on Zante and one of the most photographed beaches in the world. This beach is only accessible by boat, but can also be viewed from a viewing platform which looks down on this picturesque beach. The story of the shipwreck is that it was a coaster carrying contraband cigarettes and alcohol and while being pursued by the Greek Navy in bad weather it was wrecked and washed up on to the beach. White pebbles and a small stretch of sand comprise this beach which is surrounded by gorgeous turquoise water - the colour has to be seen to be believed.

  Duration: 90 hours

  Admission Included: NO

• Port of Killini

  Concluding the tour of Zakynthos we will catch an early evening ferry in order to return to the Greek mainland. The ferry route has duration approximatelly 75 minutes.

  Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

  Admission Included: YES

• Rion-Antirion Bridge

  Concluding our visit at Olympia, we will continue driving towards Delphi. En route we will find the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge, one of the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and longest of the fully suspended type. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, linking the town of Rio on the Peloponnese peninsula to Antirrio on mainland Greece by road. It opened one day before the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, on 12 August 2004, and was used to transport the Olympic Flame.

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• Nafpaktos Old Port

  Nafpaktos, also known as Lepanto, is a seaside village situated on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. We will make a short stop for pictures or we may enjoy our coffee by the sea.

  Duration: 10 minutes

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• Galaxidi

  The next picturesque village that we find on the way to Delphi is Galaxidi. 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. It’s known locally as Hirolakas, or 'Widows' Port', remembering the wives who waited in vain for seamen husbands whose ships never came home.

  Duration: 20 minutes

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• Itea

  Itea is a new town founded in 1830 and probably owes its name due to the many willows that grew in the region. Itea is an important resort and the most important and biggest port of Fokida prefecture. In its commercial port are being loaded the bauxites from the bauxite mines operating in the region.

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• Delphi

  Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town on the southwestern slope of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis. In Greek mythology, it was the navel of the earth, the site of the Delphic Oracle and a major site for the worship of god Apollo after he slew the Python, a dragon who protected the navel of the earth. We will spend the night at a local hotel.

  Duration: 10 hours

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 4: Exploring the Navel of Earth
• Delphi Ancient Town

  The next morning, we will visit Castalia spring, the ancient Sanctuary of Apollo, the Treasury of the Athenians, the ancient Stadium, the ancient Theatre, the unique bronze Charioteer, the Temple of Athena Pronea and the Gymnasium.

  Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

  Admission Included: NO

• Delphi Archaeological Museum

  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. The museum is housed in a two-storey building with a total surface area of 2270 square metres, with fourteen exhibition rooms, 558 square metres of storerooms and conservation laboratories for pottery, metal objects and mosaics.

  Duration: 45 minutes

  Admission Included: NO

• Arachova

  The traditional town of Arachova is located just 10km from Delphi. A visit in Arachova, reveals the charming combining of the old with the new, at the holy grounds of the mountain of Apollo.

  Duration: 30 minutes

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

• Kalambaka

  We will continue driving through the mountains of central Greece, arriving at Kalambaka, an important town well known due to the second largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries in Greece after Mount Athos, Meteora. We will spend the night in a hotel at Kalambaka. Time allowed, we will watch the awesome sunset from the rock of Meteora. We will spend the night at a local hotel.

  Duration: 10 hours

  Admission Included: NOT_APPLICABLE

Day 5: Visiting the Meteora Monasteries
• Meteora

  The next morning, we will visit three from the six suspended in the air Monasteries, built on natural sand stone rock pillars. The Meteora Monasteries date back to the 11th century and are included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites. The James Bond movie for your eyes only was filmed at the Monastery of Holy Trinity.

  Duration: 2 hours

  Admission Included: NO