The Argolis region of the Peloponnese is where Greek mythology meets archaeological reality. Within a single day, you can walk through the Lion Gate at Mycenae where Agamemnon once ruled, sit in the ancient theatre of Epidaurus with its perfect acoustics, and stroll the Venetian waterfront of Nafplio, one of the most elegant small towns in Greece.
A private tour with Exclusive Driver allows you to experience these extraordinary sites at your own rhythm, with the comfort of a luxury vehicle and a chauffeur who knows the region intimately.
The Corinth Canal
The journey from Athens begins with a crossing of the Corinth Canal, a remarkable feat of nineteenth-century engineering that cuts through solid rock to connect the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. A brief stop at the bridge offers dramatic views of the narrow waterway, six kilometres long and just over twenty metres wide.
From here, the road enters the Peloponnese and the landscape opens into the fertile plains of the Argolid.
Mycenae
The citadel of Mycenae was the seat of power for the civilisation that dominated the eastern Mediterranean from 1600 to 1100 BC. Entering through the Lion Gate, the oldest example of monumental sculpture in Europe, you walk the same path as the warriors of the Trojan War.
The site includes the royal palace, the grave circles where Schliemann discovered the gold Mask of Agamemnon, and the impressive Treasury of Atreus, a beehive tomb of astonishing scale and precision.
Epidaurus
The ancient theatre of Epidaurus is considered the finest example of a classical Greek theatre still in existence. Built in the fourth century BC, it seats fourteen thousand spectators and possesses acoustics so refined that a whisper from the orchestra can be heard in the highest row.
The broader sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine, surrounds the theatre and includes temples, baths and treatment facilities that functioned as the ancient world’s most important healing centre.
Nafplio
The tour concludes in Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece and arguably its most beautiful small town. Venetian architecture, Ottoman fountains, neoclassical facades and a fortress-crowned headland create a setting that rewards exploration on foot.
A waterfront lunch in Nafplio, with views of the Bourtzi fortress in the harbour, is the ideal way to conclude the day before the return drive to Athens.
Tour Details
This is a full-day excursion of approximately nine to ten hours. Your chauffeur collects you from your accommodation in Athens and returns you at the end of the day. The itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted to spend more time at any particular site. Entrance fees to archaeological sites are not included but can be arranged in advance upon request.
Frequently asked Questions (FAQ)
The standard itinerary includes the Corinth Canal, the ancient citadel of Mycenae, the theatre of Epidaurus and the coastal town of Nafplio. The order and duration at each site is flexible based on your preferences.
The full-day excursion takes approximately nine to ten hours from Athens, including driving time and visits to all major sites with a lunch break in Nafplio.
Yes. The ancient theatre of Epidaurus hosts the annual Athens Epidaurus Festival during summer months (June to August) with performances of ancient Greek drama. We can time your visit to coincide with a performance upon request.
Absolutely. We can customise the tour to focus on Nafplio as a destination, with time for exploring the old town, Palamidi Fortress, the waterfront and local restaurants.
