Discovering the Wonders of the Argolis Region

Corinth Canal - The Corinth Canal links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It traverses the narrow Isthmus of Corinth, effectively separating the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, thus arguably turning the peninsula into an island. The canal, dug at sea level without locks, stretches 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) and is 21.4 meters (70 ft) wide at its base, making it unsuitable for most modern vessels. Today, it serves primarily as a tourist attraction rather than an economic route. Initially proposed in ancient times, a failed attempt to construct it occurred in the 1st century AD. Construction began in 1881 but faced geological and financial challenges, leading to the bankruptcy of the original builders. Completed in 1893, the canal’s narrowness, navigational issues, and occasional closures for landslide repairs from its steep walls limited its expected traffic.

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - Visitors to Ancient Corinth can explore:

The Temple of Apollo
This temple is among the earliest Doric temples in the Peloponnese and mainland Greece. Constructed around 560 B.C.E. from local oolithic limestone atop a prominent rocky hill north of Acrocorinth, the Archaic temple symbolized the growth and prosperity of the Greek city of Corinth.

The St. Paul’s Step
During Paul’s time in Corinth, he was judged by proconsul Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus for allegedly conducting illegal teachings. Tradition holds that Paul’s trial took place at the Bema, a large elevated platform in the center of the Roman Forum of ancient Corinth, where city officials addressed the public. Due to its association with Saint Paul, the Bema was converted into a Christian church during the Byzantine era.

Archaeological Museum of Corinth - The museum showcases:

Artifacts from the Prehistoric Period from Ancient Corinth, Korakou Hill, and Zygouries (Prehistoric Gallery)
Artifacts from the Geometric, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic City of Corinth (Classical Gallery - under reconstruction - open to the public in 2016)
Artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine, and Frankish City.
Artifacts from the Sanctuary of Asklepios and the Early Christian cemetery (Asklepieion Gallery)
A selection of statues, sculptures, Greek and Latin inscriptions, and items related to the Jewish community in the area (Atrium).
A new (East) gallery, under construction, will be added to the Museum in 2016, featuring artifacts from the komai (smaller settlements) and sanctuaries of Corinth, as well as the twin Kouroi found in the ancient Tenea cemetery.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - Epidaurus (3rd Century B.C) is a spiritual destination worth visiting for its sites like the Sanctuary of Aesculapius and the ancient Theater with its exceptional acoustics. The Sanctuary of Aesculapius was a healing and cultural center of ancient times, and the Theater of Epidaurus is one of the few that retains its original circular Orchestra, offering a rare aesthetic experience, still in use today.

Tolon - Tolon is a seaside town, 7 kilometers (4 miles) east of Nafplion. Enjoy a meal at a traditional family-owned restaurant with a view of the Saronic Gulf.

Nafplion - Nafplio is a seaport town in the Peloponnese, Greece, expanding up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. The town was a significant seaport under various royal houses during the Middle Ages as part of the lordship of Argos and Nafplia, initially held by the de la Roche after the Fourth Crusade, before coming under the Republic of Venice and, finally, the Ottoman Empire. Nafplio was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and the Kingdom of Greece from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. It is now the capital of the Argolis regional unit.

Mycenae - Mycenae was a center of power in the Late Bronze Age from the 16th century B.C. to the 11th century B.C. The Acropolis of Mycenae protected the royal families within the famous Cyclopean walls. The Lion Gates, followed by a steep path through ancient buildings and pathways, lead to the Palace of the mighty Greek leader against the Trojans, Agamemnon, who was murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover after returning victorious from the Trojan War. Leaving the Acropolis of Mycenae, a short stop on another hill opposite the Palace allows a visit to the impressive monument, the Treasury of Atreus, also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon.

Olympia - After the Argolis tour, the journey continues through the mountains of central Peloponnese to the village of Olympia, where an overnight stay is planned. Olympia is renowned for the Olympic Games, held every four years to honor God Zeus, starting in 776 B.C. Overnight accommodation is arranged at a local hotel.

Sightseeing at Olympia

Archaeological Site of Olympia - The following morning, after breakfast, the visit includes:

The Temple of Zeus
The massive Temple of Zeus, the most significant building in the Altis, stands at its center and is the largest temple in the Peloponnese, considered by many as the perfect example of Doric architecture.
The Temple of Hera
The Temple of Hera, one of Greece’s oldest monumental temples, is located in the northwest corner of the sacred precinct of the Altis, on the southern slopes of Kronios hill, protected by a strong terrace wall. This temple is where the Olympic Flame is lit every four years.
The Workshop of Pheidias
West of the sacred enclosure, directly opposite the Temple of Zeus, was the workshop of Pheidias, where the great sculptor created the gigantic chryselephantine statue of Zeus, listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.

Ancient Stadium of Olympia

This is the site that hosted the ancient Olympic Games and the Heraia, the women’s games in honor of Hera.

Archaeological Museum of Olympia - The Archaeological Museum of Olympia, one of Greece’s most important museums, showcases the long history of the most celebrated sanctuary of antiquity, the sanctuary of Zeus, father of both gods and men, where the Olympic Games originated. The museum’s permanent exhibition includes finds from excavations in the sacred precinct of the Altis, dating from prehistoric times to the Early Christian period. Among the many valuable exhibits, the sculpture collection, for which the museum is most famous, the bronze collection, the richest of its kind in the world, and the large terracotta collection are particularly noteworthy.

Rion-Antirion Bridge - After concluding the visit to Olympia, the journey continues towards Delphi. Along the way, the Charilaos Trikoupis bridge, one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type, is encountered. It spans the Gulf of Corinth near Patras, connecting 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.

Nafpaktos Old Port - Nafpaktos, also known as Lepanto, is a seaside village located on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. A brief stop for photos or a coffee by the sea is planned.

Galaxidi - The next picturesque village on the way to Delphi is Galaxidi. Little Galaxidi curves around a seafront hillock, with narrow cobblestone streets connecting the well-sheltered harbors on either side. The older harbor was a major shipbuilding center during the 19th century, a prosperous era when the town acquired its fine stone mansions. It is locally known as Hirolakas, or ‘Widows’ Port’, in memory of the wives who waited in vain for seamen husbands whose ships never returned.

Itea - Itea is a new town founded in 1830, likely named for the many willows that grew in the area. Itea is a significant resort and the largest port in the Fokida prefecture. Its commercial port handles bauxite shipments from the region’s bauxite mines.

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 considered the navel of the earth, the site of the Delphic Oracle, and a major site for the worship of the god Apollo after he slew the Python, a dragon that protected the navel of the earth.

An overnight stay is planned at a local hotel.

Exploring the Navel of Earth

Delphi - The following morning, the visit includes 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.

Delphi Archaeological Museum - The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of Greece’s most important museums, displays the history of the Delphic sanctuary, site of the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections primarily consist of architectural sculptures, statues, and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. These reflect its religious, political, and artistic activities from its early years in the eighth century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.

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

Arachova - The traditional town of Arachova is located just 10km from Delphi. A visit to Arachova reveals the charming blend of old and new at the sacred grounds of the mountain of Apollo.

Kalambaka - The journey continues through the mountains of central Greece, arriving at Kalambaka, a significant town known for the second largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries in Greece after Mount Athos, Meteora. An overnight stay is planned at a hotel in Kalambaka. If time permits, the stunning sunset from the rock of Meteora can be enjoyed.

An overnight stay is planned at a local hotel.

Visiting the Meteora Monasteries

Meteora - The following morning, a visit to three of the six suspended-in-the-air Monasteries, built on natural sandstone rock pillars, is planned. 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.

Thermopylae Museum - Thermopylae, also known as the Hot Gates, is a significant town famous for the battle between Greek forces, including the 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas, and the Persians in 480 BC, commemorated by Simonides in the famous epitaph, “Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, That here obedient to their laws we lie.” The monument of King Leonidas was erected by the battlefield, reminding everyone of the sacrifice of those patriots for a free country.

• Private transportation
• Professional drivers
• On-board WiFi
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Bottled water

• All meals
• Four Local Licensed tour guides upon request, depending availability (Additional Cost: 1100 Euros)
• Airport pickup/drop-off on request (additional fee varies by vehicle type)
• Gratuities
• Hotel Accommodation
• Entance Fees

Embark on a 4-day adventure, exploring some of the nation’s most renowned historical landmarks and breathtaking landscapes.

Discover the historically significant sites in Argolis, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games in Olympia, the mystical Oracle of Apollo at Delphi, and the awe-inspiring Meteora monasteries suspended in the air. Each location provides a unique insight into Greek heritage and culture.

Why Choose Hellenic Private Tours?

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An extensive network of licensed, experienced tour guides available upon request.

• Your tour is totally private. No unknown passengers will participate in your group.
• Infant car seats are available upon request

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.