Athens: Full Day Trip to Nafplio and Ancient Epidaurus

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ToursSightseeing ToursCulture & HistoryArchitectureArchaeologyHistory & HeritageMeet the LocalsNature & AdventureNature & PanoramaDay TripsViewing PointsDay Trips FromDay Trips ToAncient HistoryMedium-risk activities

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.

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

Description

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.

Includes

Round-trip transportation from Athens Transfer in a new, luxurious air-conditioned bus English-speaking escort (archaeologist) Free WiFi on the bus Basic travel insurance Options for visits to sites and museums
Guided tour inside the sites Entrance fee to Ancient Epidaurus (12€) Entrance fee to Palamidi (8€, optional) Boat ride to Bourtzi Castle (4,50€) round trip (optional) Entrance fee to Komboloi Museum (2€) (optional) Entrance to Tsipouro Distillery (7€, 45 minute tour) (optional) Cost of lunch at the restaurant Personal expenses

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