2 Labours of Hercules: Stymphalian Birds and the Nemean Lion

2 Labours of Hercules: Stymphalian Birds and the Nemean Lion

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Visit two magnificent locations where, according to mythology, the hero and demigod Hercules performed two of his Labors - the Stymphalian Birds at beautiful Lake Stymphalia in the rugged mountains of the Peloponnese, and the Lion at Nemea.

Highlights

Be impressed by beautiful Lake Stymphalia and its Environmental Museum. Let your guide inspire you to relive the legend of the Stymphalian Birds
Revel at the story of Hercules and the Nemean Lion at Ancient Nemea
Visit the impressive yet serene site of Ancient Nemea and its archaeological museum
Sample and be inspired by the world-acclaimed local red Nemean wine and indulge in gourmet local Greek cuisine
Enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Greek countryside on the way to and from Stymphalia and Nemea

Description

This well-researched and meticulously organised tour combines several attractive themes into a single irresistible fusion, so typical of the real, yet not well known, Greece: mythology, natural scenery, archaeology and traditional cuisine. The tour sets off early in the morning from Athens, so as to encompass the chosen evocative sights and sites in the Corinthia region of northern Peloponnese. Driving past the impressive Corinth Canal and through the forested mountains of Corinthia, the first stop is at lake Stymphalia, the location where legend has it that the ancient hero and demigod Hercules cunningly managed to destroy the predator Stymphalian Birds which plagued the region by performing his Sixth Labor. Lake Stymphalia and its complex wetland ecosystem is a Natura 2000 natural protection area and is also home to the delightful and rich Environment Museum of Stymphalia, which is one of the tour's destinations. Following the description of the Labor by the tour leader and the visit to the museum, the tour continues through fabulous scenery to Ancient Nemea with its magnificent Temple of Zeus and its ancient stadium which is now used again every four years by hosting the revived Nemean Games, as they were performed 2,500 years ago. The guide will reveal the importance of Ancient Nemea through the visit to the extensive site as well as the museum, whilst also unraveling the legend of the First Labor of Hercules, where he overcame the fearsome Nemean Lion bare-handed. Rich is the Nemean land in history, in magnificent relics of ages past and in legends and rich it also is with the treasures of its land - its wine and its food. How fitting therefore that the explorers of fabled Corinthia would rest and relax at a local Greek gourmet taverna, to sample the acclaimed red Nemean wine, painstakingly created from the Aghiorghitiko grape variety, accompanied by local delicacies. All good things come to an end and the tour finishes in Athens at the designated drop-off point, however what will remain alive are happy memories of the vibrant nature, the myths, the legends, the historical sites and the aroma and flavors of the wine and the food of this blessed land. Indeed, what more is there to ask for?

Includes

Air-conditioned car, luxury minibus or coach 3-course lunch (appetizer, main course and dessert or fruit) up to the value of €18 at a local restaurant serving traditional Greek dishes Two glasses of wine A bottle of mineral water during the drive Tickets to museums and archaeological sites