Ancient Corinth Canal Epidaurus Nafplio Private Luxury Tour

Exploring Greece’s most iconic sites becomes effortless with the Ancient Corinth Canal Epidaurus Nafplio Private Luxury Tour. Priced at $208.68 per person, this 8.5-hour journey offers a personalized way to discover the historic Corinth Canal, the legendary Mycenae, and the charming Nafplio. The tour is perfect for travelers who value comfort, expert insights, and the flexibility to tailor their experience, all while enjoying a luxurious private vehicle equipped with WiFi, air conditioning, and bottled water.

Designed for small groups or private parties, this tour offers a seamless way to appreciate Greece’s ancient treasures without the hassle of crowds or rigid schedules. The guide’s extensive historical knowledge and attentive service shine through, making this a compelling choice for those eager to explore Greece at their own pace. A key consideration is that entrance fees for sites like the archaeological areas and museums are not included, so budget accordingly.

Key Points

• Private, fully customizable tour with pick-up from Athens hotel, Airbnb, or port
• Visits to Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Epidavros, Nafplio, and Bourtzi Castle
• Expert English-speaking driver provides insightful commentary throughout the day
• Comfortable transportation with WiFi, air conditioning, and bottled water included
• 45-minute visit to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its perfect acoustics
• Tour duration of approximately 8.5 hours makes it ideal for a full day trip

Pickup and Transportation in Style from Athens

This private tour begins with a pickup from your Athens hotel, Airbnb, or port, ensuring a relaxed start to your day. The mode of transportation is a luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle equipped with WiFi and bottled water, making the journey as comfortable as the sites you visit. For families or groups with infants or children, car seats can be booked in advance.

The small group or private setting means the driver is dedicated solely to your party, offering a personalized experience. The tour’s flexibility allows you to customize the itinerary, making it ideal for those with specific interests or time constraints.

Exploring Corinth: A Waterway with 2,000-Year-Old Roots

The first stop is the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. This canal, completed in the late 19th century, was first conceived by Periander, the ancient tyrant of Corinth, around 602 BC.

While the modern canal is 20 minutes long, it embodies a dream that spans 2,000 years. Before its construction, ships would have to bypass the Peloponnese, adding roughly 185 nautical miles to their voyage. The canal’s dramatic location and historical significance make it a striking photo opportunity, especially since it visually separates the mainland from the Peloponnese, effectively turning it into an island.

The Rich History of Ancient Corinth

After viewing the canal, the tour continues to Ancient Corinth, once one of Greece’s largest city-states with a population of 90,000 in 400 BC. This city is well known from Saint Paul’s letters in the New Testament and is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles for its historical role in early Christian history.

Today, the modern city of Corinth lies about 5 kilometers northeast of the archaeological site. Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient city, including the Archaeological Museum, the Basilica, Lechaion Road, and the Fountain of Peirene. Entrance fees are not included but the site offers a wealth of history visible through its temples, the theater, and the agora.

The Archaeological Museum of Corinth: Unveiling Ancient Treasures

Within the archaeological site, the Archaeological Museum of Ancient Corinth displays artifacts from recent excavations. Opened in 1932, the museum showcases objects from key areas such as Hadgimoustafa spring, the Stoa, the Odeion, and the Temples.

A visit here provides context to the ruins seen on-site, and the museum’s collection of inscriptions and reconstructed temples offers a glimpse into life in ancient Greece. The museum’s location underpins the site’s historical richness, making it a highlight for archaeology buffs.

Discovering the Temple of Apollo at Corinth

A short walk from the museum leads to the Temple of Apollo, built around 550 BC. This early Doric temple is one of the oldest in the Peloponnese, notable for its monolithic columns, which are rare in ancient Greek architecture.

The temple’s exposed structure allows visitors to appreciate ancient craftsmanship and offers a tangible link to Greece’s religious past. Its location on the site emphasizes its importance in ancient Corinth’s spiritual life.

The Strategic Forte of Acrocorinth

At the core of this tour is a visit to Acrocorinth, a monolithic rock that served as the fortress of ancient Corinth. Overlooking the city, it provided a last line of defense due to its commanding view of the Isthmus of Corinth.

The fortress was repeatedly used for military defense because of its secure water supply and strategic position. Visitors spend about 30 minutes exploring the fortress, which offers sweeping vistas of the Peloponnese and the sea, as well as remnants of ancient walls and structures.

The Enchanting Theater of Epidaurus and Its Sanctuary

The journey continues eastward to Epidavros, home to the world-famous Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Built in the 4th century BC, this theatre is renowned for its perfect acoustics and symmetry.

The theatre’s tripartite structure—the theatron, orchestra, and skene—has remained remarkably intact, showcasing Greek engineering at its finest. The site also includes the Epidavros Archaeological Museum, which displays artifacts and reconstructed temples, and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, a major healing center in antiquity.

The Sanctuary of Asclepius and Its Medical Legacy

The Sanctuary of Asclepius in Epidaurus was one of the most significant healing temples of ancient Greece. Built in the early 4th century BC, it was a major religious and medical retreat dedicated to the demi-god of medicine.

Despite its age, the site continues to fascinate visitors, with its remains of temples and inscriptions. The healing rituals practiced here laid groundwork for medical practices, making it a site of both spiritual and historical importance.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus: A Masterpiece of Greek Architecture

A highlight of the day is the 45-minute visit to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. Praised for its aesthetics and acoustics, it remains one of the most well-preserved Greek theatres.

The theatre’s design ensures audible sound from the stage to the last row, a testament to ancient Greek skill. Visitors can sit in the ancient seats, imagine theatrical performances, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Time to Explore Nafplio and Its Fortifications

After touring the archaeological sites, the tour pauses in Nafplio, a charming seaside town that once served as Greece’s first capital. The town’s narrow streets, cafes, and shops create a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a break.

Highlights include free time for lunch and shopping, with options to see the Lion of the Bavarians—a large carved rock monument—and Palamidi Castle, which offers spectacular views from its high vantage point.

Nafplio’s Castle and the Bourtzi Fortress

The Palamidi Fortress, built by Venetians, towers over Nafplio from a hill 216 meters high. It features over 900 steps leading up to its ramparts, which provide scenic vistas of the town, the Argolic Gulf, and the surrounding landscape.

The Bourtzi Castle, positioned in the harbor, offers picturesque photo opportunities from the waterfront. This Venetian fortress, built on a small island, adds to Nafplio’s historic charm and maritime appeal.

Practical Details and Tour Customization

This full-day private tour includes pick-up and drop-off in Athens, making it a convenient day trip. The transportation features WiFi, bottled water, and air conditioning, ensuring comfort and connectivity.

While the tour covers many important sights, entrance fees for sites like the archaeological museum, Palamidi Castle, and others are not included, so travelers should budget extra. The tour can be customized to suit specific interests or accommodate different paces, thanks to the private nature of the experience.

Final Thoughts on the Ancient Corinth Canal Epidaurus Nafplio Tour

This private tour offers a well-paced and flexible way to explore some of Greece’s most celebrated locations. The combination of historical sites, stunning vistas, and personalized service makes it ideal for travelers seeking comfort and depth in their sightseeing.

While not including entrance fees, the expert guide and luxurious vehicle enhance the overall experience. It’s particularly suited to those who want a comprehensive, stress-free day with the option to customize stops or extend visits as desired.

This tour provides excellent value for those looking to discover Greece’s past in a relaxed and private setting. It’s a rewarding option for history enthusiasts, families, or anyone eager to explore the Peloponnese with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The private transportation, pick-up and drop-off, expert driver, WiFi, air conditioning, and bottled water are included. Entrance fees are not.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, as this is a private tour, you can tailor the itinerary according to your interests and preferences.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, making it a full-day excursion from Athens.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially with the option to book car seats in advance. The relaxed pace and variety of sites are suitable for families.

What are the main highlights?
Key sites include the Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth fortress, Epidavros Theatre, and Nafplio’s castle and harbor.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for sites like the archaeological museum and Palamidi Castle are not included and should be budgeted separately.