Nafplio plus Epidaurus

Informazioni generali

Destinazione
Atene, Grecia

Il programma nel dettaglio

We enjoy a colorful day in Nafplio, one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. We combine the modern touch of Nafplio with the ancient Epidaurus. Admire the multi-architecture aspect of the first capital of Greece with the characteristic picturesque squares and the various monuments. We explore Epidaurus, the most famous ancient theater of all times. The archaeological site is a world heritage site of UNESCO.



Highlights

Take photos from the picturesque Isthmus of Corinth connecting the Corinthian with the Saronic Gulf

Visit the coastal city of Nafplio

Visit the magnificent Castle of Palamidi on the top of the hill (optional)

Enjoy a short boat ride to the impressive Castle of Bourtzi (optional)

Walk around the numerous squares of the cosmopolitan city of Nafplio

Learn about the history of Komboloi and the art of Tsipuro making (optional)

Delve into the Ancient Epidaurus, known as the theater with the best acoustic balance worldwide

Learn about Asclepeion, the healing center of the antiquity



We depart to Nafplio with the bus of AMMON EXPRESS together with our friendly trip attendant-archaeologist, at 08:30a.m from the “Smart-Eco-Pickup” at Halandri metro station. The distance is 150km and lasts approximately 2 hours. During the way we have a short stop at the beautiful Isthmus of Corinth for coffee and photos.



We reach Nafplio where there is a big variety of alternative options to discover its “hidden treasures”. If we wish, there is plenty of time to “climb” the 999 steps up to the Castle of Palamidi (or just let the bus drive us to it) where we can admire the panoramic view of the area together with the endless beauty of the Argolic Gulf. Nafplio was the first capital of Greece (before Athens) and the architecture of the city has venetian, byzantine, ottoman and modern greek influences. It connects perfectly the intense marks of the historical past with the modern life. The oldest district of the city is called Acronafplia with various traditional spots where the locals hang out. We can enrich our trip by visiting the Komboloi Museum and the famous Distillery of Tsipuro, Ouzo or Mastiha known as “ouzo experience” (optional visits).



Watch the colorful venetian houses that catch our eye with the characteristic “fuchsia bougainvilleas” hanging flashily from the balconies. In front of the port, the small island of the Castle of Bourtzi emerges from the Argolic Gulf and we can visit it enjoying a short boat ride (optional visit).



The charm and the colors of the past periods are bonded harmoniously with the picturesque narrow streets of the old district. We enjoy a gastronomical experience choosing one of the numerous traditional taverns and the travel of tastes begins.



Later on, we continue our trip to the epicenter of the ancient drama; the ancient theater that until nowadays is considered the one with the best acoustic balance worldwide, the Ancient Epidaurus. In the antiquity, Epidaurus was connected with the healing center of Asclepeion and is considered that there was the origin of the medical science. The art of drama in Epidaurus was connected also with the healing of the human soul, the supreme beauty and moreover the salvation of one’s soul. Today in Epidaurus, modern artists organize newer versions of ancient tragedies as well as the Festival of Epidaurus takes place, known also as Epidavria.



Feel the aura of the ancient tragedians who through their interpretations leaded the audience to “catharsis”, the purification and purgation of emotions. After having one hour to admire the ancient theater, we depart to Athens at around 16:00 where we are back after 2 hours at the Smart-Eco-Pickup of Ammon Express, the Halandri metro Station. Join us and feel like being with a friend who is excited to show you around like a Greek!