Athens: Full Day Trip to Nafplio and Ancient Epidaurus
ID: GYG212907-333366
Category:
Country: Greece
Duration:
10:00 hours
Description
Enjoy a colorful day at the coastal city of Nafplio, the first capital of Greece, to discover its rich architecture and admire the various monuments still standing and the famous ancient theater of Epidaurus.
Depart Athens with a friendly escort (archaeologist) by bus from the Halandri Metro station and reach Nafplio where there are various alternative options to discover the hidden gems of the city.
There is plenty of time to climb the 999 steps of the Castle of Palamidi (or let the bus drive you to it) and admire the wide view of the region along with the endless beauty of the Argolic Gulf from the top of the hill. Naflpio used to be the capital of Greece before Athens and its architecture has venetian, byzantine, ottoman and modern greek influences. Admire the main attractions like Bourtzi Castle and Acronauplia as well as the various picturesque squares in the city center. Observe the colorful venetian houses that attract your eyes with the bougainvilleas hanging flashily from the balconies. You have the chance to enrich your trip by visiting the Komboloi Museum and the distillery of Tsipouro, Ouzo or Mastiha known as “ouzo experience” in the most traditional district of the city. Enjoy a greek lunch break in a cozy tavern and be one with the locals.
Later on, travel into history by visiting the ancient theater of Epidaurus. In the antiquity, Epidaurus was a sanatorium, connected intensively with the Asclepeion healing temples. Asclepeion was the 5* hotel of the ancient times and is considered as the origin of the medical science. Nowadays, Epidaurus is most known as the theater with the greatest acoustic of all times and still hosts the Festival of Epidaurus every summer.
Feel the aura of the ancient tragedians who through their interpretations led the audience to “catharsis”, the purification and purgation of emotions.
Highlights
- Visit the coastal city of Nafplio, the first capital of Greece
- Enjoy a visit to the small island of Bourtzi Castle (optional)
- Taste the unique gastronomy of Greece
- Explore the impressive Castle of Palamidi on the peak of a hill with stunning views
- Retrace history at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus known worldwide for its perfectly balanced acoustics
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• This tour has one meeting point at the Halandri Metro Station, which is easily reachable by the Blue Metro Line from Athens downtown. In this way you save time (up to 2 hours), instead of sitting on the bus, in traffic, waiting for all hotel pickups to finish. Make sure to arrive 10 minutes prior to the time indicated in the schedule.
• Wear comfortable shoes to walk and please bring money for the entrance fees to the sites you will choose to visit
All required protective equipment is provided
All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
At 8:30 AM, outside the Halandri Metro Station (Blue Line), which is a 20-minute ride from Athens Syntagma. Once you are at Halandri Metro Station, follow the exit “To Vrilissia” and meet your trip attendant outside the station. Please bear in mind that you should be at the departure point 10 minutes before the time indicated in the schedule.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 48 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 48 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
