The Extended Full Day Tour of Argolis begins with a scenic drive along the coast from the port of Piraeus, passing through the industrial areas of Aspropyrgos and Eleusis. As you travel, you’ll see oil derricks, shipyards, and the arrival of cruise ships and tankers in the distance.
As the highway ascends, the island of Salamis comes into view, along with the bay where the Athenians defeated the Persian Empire in the historic Battle of Salamis in 480 B.C. The drive continues along the Argo-Saronic Gulf for about 30 minutes, passing small towns and villages until the Peloponnesian Peninsula appears on the horizon.
The first stop is the Corinth Canal, where you’ll have approximately 15 minutes to marvel at this engineering feat that separates the Peloponnesus from mainland Greece. The tour then continues over the Isthmus, with a short 15-minute drive leading to Ancient Corinth and Acrocorinth (the Acropolis of Corinth). A brief drive around the archaeological site offers panoramic views of key landmarks like the Temple of Apollo, the ancient Agora, the Bema (where Apostle Paul preached), the Imperial Temple, and the Fountain of Glauke. You’ll have 60 minutes to explore the site at your leisure.
Next, the tour heads to Mycenae, about 30 minutes away. Highlights include the Mycenaean Fortress, the iconic Lion’s Gate, the massive Cyclopean Walls, and the Palace of Agamemnon, where the tragic king was murdered by Clytemnestra. You’ll also visit the Tomb of Atreus, or “Tholos,” and the Mycenae Museum, which houses artifacts such as black-figure pottery and ancient coins. A 60-minute visit is recommended.
The next stop is Nafplio, a charming seaport town located 20 minutes from Mycenae. Once the capital of the First Hellenic Republic and Kingdom of Greece, Nafplio is known for its Venetian architecture, pedestrian streets, and shopping areas. Notable landmarks include the Palamidi Fortress, perched 200 meters above the town and accessible via 999 steps, Acronafplia (the Acropolis of Nafplio), and the seafront castle of Bourtzi. You’ll have 1.5 hours to enjoy lunch and explore the old town.
The final stop is Epidaurus, located 40 minutes from Nafplio. Here, you’ll visit the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its perfect acoustics and still in use for performances of Greek tragedies and comedies. Nearby is the Asclepion, an ancient healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, where patients sought divine healing. The average visit here is about 60 minutes.
The tour concludes with a scenic seaside drive along the Saronic Gulf, crossing the Corinth Canal once again before returning to Athens.
