In my opinion, this is the most balanced route — a perfect blend of natural beauty, four iconic stops in a single day, and short scenic drives. ✨
What awaits you: Corinth Canal, where you can see two seas at once — the Aegean and the Ionian; the magnificent Theatre of Epidaurus with the legendary acoustics of the ancient world; Mycenae — the citadel of King Agamemnon, from where the Greeks set off for Troy; and romantic Nafplio — the first capital of Greece, where a leisurely lunch by the sea awaits you.
↓ Below — a point-by-point breakdown with travel times
This is a private tour — after each guided visit you'll have time for photos, strolling, and rest.
In Nafplio — unlike group tours where you get fifteen hurried minutes for a photo — we'll have genuine free time to stroll, dine, and simply enjoy the atmosphere.
The two-hour range (8–10 hours total) accounts for your free time to savour la dolce vita in Nafplio.
Detailed descriptions of each tour stop appear below.
Enjoy the virtual tour!
Corinth Canal — a 2,500-year-old dream. The tyrant Periander first envisioned it in the 7th century BC, but retreated — construction seemed impossible. Later, Julius Caesar, Caligula, and Nero took up the idea (Nero personally started digging with a golden shovel and brought 6,000 prisoners from Judea). All abandoned it. Only in 1893 did French engineers finish what antiquity could not.
The canal cuts through the Isthmus of Corinth for 6.3 kilometres, with sheer limestone walls dropping 80 metres — a sight both awe-inspiring and dizzying. We'll stop on the bridge for photos, and I'll tell the full story — from imperial ambition to the ruinous bankruptcy of the company that finally cut it through.
The drive to Epidaurus — 40–50 minutes along the sea. After the canal, we pass Kenchreai (the former port of Corinth), from where the Apostle Paul sailed to Ephesus, and the "Baths of Beautiful Helen" — hot springs named after Helen of Troy. Along the way — the story of the Peloponnesian War and how Sparta defeated Athens.
A picturesque bay with the village of New Epidaurus — one of those places better witnessed than described. The video above speaks for itself.
Epidaurus is not merely a theatre — it is the greatest healing sanctuary of the ancient world. The sanctuary of Asclepius, god of medicine, flourished for a thousand years, drawing pilgrims from every corner of the Greek world. Incubation, sacred serpents, and the interpretation of dreams — all formed part of its therapeutic practice.
The theatre was built by the architect Polykleitos the Younger around 340–330 BC and seats 14,000 spectators. Its proportions are mathematically perfect — the cross-section of the rows follows the golden ratio.
The acoustics of Epidaurus have been the subject of scholarly inquiry for over a century. In 2007, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology discovered that the limestone seats themselves act as a natural acoustic filter — attenuating low-frequency ambient noise while amplifying the higher frequencies of the human voice.
Every summer, the Athens Festival is held here — ancient Greek tragedies and comedies performed by the world's finest theatre companies, under the open sky, in the very same theatre where they first echoed 2,400 years ago.
Then — transfer to Nafplio — 20–30 minutes through olive groves
Nafplio — a city that remembers everything: from its mythical founder Nauplius, son of Poseidon, to the first president of independent Greece, Kapodistrias, assassinated right here, on the church steps.
Palamidi Fortress, towering 216 metres above the city, was built by the Venetians in just three years (1711–1714). 999 steps lead to the top. We won't climb up — we'll admire it from below.
The Venetians ruled Nafplio twice — in 1388–1540 and 1686–1715 — and gave the city its unmistakable character. Narrow alleys, elegant balconies, Syntagma Square with its marble fountain — everything here breathes Venice.
Bourtzi Fortress — a miniature Venetian fort on a tiny island in the middle of the Argolid Gulf — one of Greece's most recognizable symbols. Built in 1473 to guard the harbour entrance.
Today Nafplio is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and lunch. On the central Syntagma Square — cafés overlooking historic buildings; on the waterfront — seafood restaurants with views of Bourtzi; in the alleys — traditional tavernas. You'll have 2 hours of free time.
Then — transfer to Mycenae — 20–30 minutes through citrus groves
The Lion Gate — the main entrance to the citadel, built around 1250 BC. It is the oldest example of monumental sculpture in Europe — a monolithic slab weighing 20 tons with two lionesses guarding a symbolic column.
The construction itself is a masterpiece of Bronze Age engineering: a triangular relieving stone above the lintel takes the load off the entrance, while massive walls up to 8 metres thick made the citadel impregnable. As you walk beneath these gates, remember: these same stones were touched by Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Orestes — heroes whose fates inspired Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides.
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Mycenae — the cradle of European civilization and the centre of the first great culture on the Greek mainland. The city was founded around 1700 BC and reached its peak in 1400–1200 BC, when Rome did not yet exist and Homer would not be born for another five centuries.
Mycenaean civilization gave humanity the first Greek writing — Linear B, deciphered only in 1952 by Michael Ventris. The Mycenaeans built Europe's first monumental palaces, created an advanced bureaucracy, traded from Egypt to Britain, and left behind myths that still define Western culture — from the Iliad to Hollywood blockbusters.
Here ruled Agamemnon — the "king of kings," supreme commander of the Achaeans, who assembled a thousand ships and led the united Greek forces against Troy.
This bloody family saga — the curse of the House of Atreus — began even earlier: Agamemnon's grandfather Tantalus fed the gods the flesh of his own son, his father Atreus served his brother Thyestes a dish made from his children. Blood called for blood, until Agamemnon's son Orestes slew his own mother and was acquitted by the court of Athens on the Areopagus — the first trial by jury in recorded history.
Treasury of Atreus (or Tomb of Agamemnon) — the greatest domed structure of antiquity before the Roman Pantheon. The dome is 13.5 m high and 14.5 m in diameter — without mortar, using the most precise stonework.
The dromos — a corridor 36 metres long — leads to a monumental entrance 5.4 metres high. The lintel above the door weighs 120 tons — the heaviest stone ever raised in antiquity. Inside, the tomb was lined with bronze rosettes, and the walls decorated with red and green patterns. Unfortunately, the tomb was looted in antiquity — but the architecture itself remains a monument to the engineering genius of the Bronze Age.
In 1876, self-taught German archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, already famous for excavating Troy, began searching for Mycenae. And he found it: five shaft graves with golden masks, jewellery, and weapons. Upon seeing the golden mask, he telegraphed the king: "I have gazed upon the face of Agamemnon." The mask turned out to be 300 years older than the Trojan War — but that only added to its value.
Modern scholars date the famous golden mask to the 16th century BC — three centuries before the Trojan War. But this does not diminish its significance: the mask remains the symbol of the Mycenaean era and is kept in the National Archaeological Museum of Athens as the crown jewel of the collection.
From the top of the citadel, you can see the entire Argolid Plain — the very "gold-rich Mycenae" of Homer. From here you can see the mountains, the sea, and the road along which, 3,200 years ago, Agamemnon's ships departed for Troy.
Mycenaean civilization perished around 1100 BC — during the Bronze Age collapse that destroyed all the great powers of the Eastern Mediterranean. The so-called Dark Ages followed. Yet the memory endured in myth — and millennia later, Schliemann proved that the myths had not lied.
Return to Athens — approximately 1.5 hours along a scenic coastal road
Frequently asked questions about the Argolida tour
I narrate not only at the monuments themselves but also on the way there — providing the full historical context so you understand how events and eras connect.
At the sites, as a licensed guide, I enter with you and explain everything on the spot. After each visit — free time for photos and exploring on your own.
• Mycenae — 20 €
• Epidaurus — €20
• Children under 18 — free
• EU citizens under 25 — also free (yes, in the EU, youth discounts — one of the finer perks of the European Union)
• EU seniors (67+) — 50% discount
• Others — full price
• For me as a licensed guide, entry is free — you don't have to pay for me!
Lunch optional — in Nafplio you'll have about 2 hours for lunch and a stroll. On the old town waterfront — seafood restaurants with fresh catch and sea views. In the alleys — traditional Greek tavernas. The choice is yours!
Yes. The format is easily adaptable: regular breaks, changing scenery, and history told as a living narrative rather than a lecture.
No particular fitness is required. We keep a comfortable pace with rest stops along the way.
Get in touch — I'll prepare a quote for your dates and group size.
just bear in mind that roaming charges may apply
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The perfect route for your first experience of Greece beyond Athens — or for those who appreciate beauty without a marathon. In 4–5 hours you'll see an engineering marvel, a classic resort town, and a mountain sanctuary with a view that stays in your memory for a long time.
Three stops — three different impressions: Corinth Canal, where you can see two seas in a single glance; Loutraki — a resort at the foot of the mountains along the gulf; and Monastery of St. Patapios at 700 meters altitude — with a panorama that makes you want to just stand and stare.
↓ Below — breakdown by stops with travel times
This is a private tour — after each stop you'll have free time for photos and exploring on your own.
A scenic serpentine road leads to the Monastery of St. Patapios — about 15–20 minutes, not a rally, but the views are worth it.
The difference in time (4–5 hours) is your free time at each stop. You set the pace — it doesn't affect the tour price.
The road to the Corinth Canal takes about an hour along a comfortable highway. But this is not just a transfer — it's a journey through key moments of Greek history. To the left — the Saronic Gulf with the silhouette of Salamis island. It was here in 480 BC that the Greek fleet under Themistocles destroyed the armada of Persian King Xerxes. Three hundred Greek triremes against a thousand Persian ships — a victory that changed the course of world history. Without Salamis, there would have been no Plato, no Aristotle, nor the Greece we are going to see.
As we approach the canal, we pass through places where, according to myth, Procrustes once lived — a bandit who laid travelers on his bed and "adjusted" them to fit: cutting the legs of the tall ones, stretching the short ones. He lived on the border of Attica and Corinthia — exactly where we are driving. Theseus killed him the same way — laid him on his own bed.
The philosophical meaning of the myth runs deeper than it seems: Procrustes is a metaphor for standardization. Anyone who tries to force living reality into rigid frameworks will sooner or later end up on their own bed of standards. The Greeks knew how to package wisdom into stories — and this story remains relevant to this day.
The Corinth Canal is a dream 2,500 years in the making. Tyrant Periander first conceived it in the 7th century BC but retreated before the scale of the task. Julius Caesar planned construction, Caligula sent engineers to survey, and Nero in 67 AD personally thrust a golden shovel into the ground and ordered 6,000 Jewish prisoners to begin work. But the emperor was killed a year later and the project was abandoned. For the next 18 centuries, ships sailed around the Peloponnese — an extra 700 kilometers. The modern canal was cut by French engineers in 1881–1893 and remains one of the narrowest navigable canals in the world: just 25 meters wide with a depth of 8 meters.
The canal cuts through the Corinthian isthmus for 6.3 kilometers, and the sheer limestone walls plunge 80 meters down — a sight both majestic and dizzying. Today the canal handles about 11,000 vessels per year, but large container ships and tankers cannot fit — its economic significance has given way to tourism. However, you can bungee jump from the bridge at 80 meters or sail through on a boat between walls that seem to close in overhead.
We'll stop at the pedestrian bridge — the only place where you can stand calmly over the abyss and take in the scale of what you see. Below your feet — 80 meters of void, the turquoise water of the canal and, if you're lucky, a passing yacht that looks like a toy from this height. Walls of golden limestone stretch into the distance in perfectly parallel lines, and on the horizon the waters of two seas merge — the Aegean and the Ionian. This is that iconic "postcard" view of Greece, but no photograph conveys the feeling of standing on the edge and feeling the wind from the gorge. There will be time here to take photos, breathe the sea air, and simply stand in silence above this engineering marvel.
Loutraki — the name comes from the Greek "loutra" (λουτρά), meaning "baths." And for good reason: thermal springs have been flowing here since antiquity. Ancient Greeks believed the mineral-rich hot waters possessed healing powers — and came here to treat everything from rheumatism to heartbreak. Romans built a bathhouse complex, remnants of which archaeologists still uncover. The modern resort grew around those same springs: water rises from 700 meters depth at 30–37°C, rich in chlorides and sodium.
"Loutraki" mineral water is famous well beyond Greece — it's exported to dozens of countries. But locals know: the best-tasting water comes from the free drinking fountains along the promenade. The promenade itself stretches for several kilometers along the Corinthian Gulf — with palm trees, cafés, and views of the mountains on the opposite shore. It's the perfect spot for a short stroll and a cup of Greek coffee before the mountain ascent to the monastery.
Loutraki is home to Greece's largest casino — Club Hotel Casino Loutraki. But the town's appeal lies not in gambling but in the atmosphere of an authentic Greek resort: no tourist crowds, with tavernas cooking for locals, and that special Mediterranean rhythm of life where nobody rushes anywhere. Here you can see retirees playing backgammon in the square, fishermen mending nets in the harbor, and families with children on the evening "volta" — the traditional promenade stroll.
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The Gerania mountain range rises above the town, reaching 1,350 meters. That's where the road leads to the Monastery of St. Patapios — the next stop on our route. The serpentine ascent takes about 30 minutes, but the views become increasingly breathtaking with every turn: the Corinthian Gulf recedes below, and endless mountain panoramas open up ahead.
Then — the ascent to the Monastery of St. Patapios — 30 minutes along a scenic serpentine road
The Monastery of St. Patapios is an active women's monastery clinging to a cliff at 700 meters above sea level. Founded in 1952 around a cave where the Venerable Patapios of Egypt practiced asceticism in the 10th century. The cave itself with 13th-century frescoes is preserved in its original state — a narrow passage leads to where the incorrupt relics of the saint were discovered.
The monastery's greatest treasure is the panorama. From the terrace, you can see the entire Corinthian isthmus: to the left — the Corinthian Gulf, to the right — the Saronic, and between them a narrow strip of land with a thread of canal. On clear days you can see Athens, the islands of the Saronic Gulf, and the mountains of the Peloponnese. This is one of those views that cannot be captured in a photograph — you only grasp the scale standing at the edge of the cliff.
The monastery is a place of pilgrimage but also welcomes regular tourists. The nuns offer guests loukoumi and cold water, and the monastery shop sells honey, herbal teas, and hand-painted icons. The dress code is relaxed: women are offered skirts at the entrance, men just need long trousers. The atmosphere is serene — after the bustle of Athens, this place feels like another dimension.
The road to the monastery is an experience in itself. The serpentine climbs from Loutraki through pine forests and emerges onto open slopes with breathtaking views. On the way back we descend the same road — but the views are completely different, because you're looking down at the gulf and the town at the foot of the mountains.
Then — return to Athens — approximately 1.5 hours via highway
In short:
No tickets needed!
• Corinth Canal — free entry
• Monastery of St. Patapios — free entry
This is one of the advantages of this route — no ticket queues and no additional entry fees.
I narrate not only at the sites themselves but also on the way to them — providing the full historical context so you understand the connections between events and eras.
At the sites, as a legally licensed guide, I enter with you and explain everything on the spot. After the tour — free time for photos and independent exploration.
Since this is a half-day tour (4–5 hours), lunch is not originally included. But if you wish, we can set aside time for a snack in Loutraki — there are cafés and tavernas on the promenade with views of the Corinthian Gulf.
Yes. The format is easily adapted: pauses, changing locations, views, "history without boredom."
No special preparation needed. The pace can be kept relaxed, with stops along the way.
My prices are quite reasonable. Finding out is easy: just click the button that works best for you
just remember that roaming charges can sting
Click on a photo to view full size
Cape Sounion. The 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon perched on a cliff edge. This is where King Aegeus threw himself into the sea — giving it the name Aegean. But people come here for the sunset: the sun sets right behind the temple columns, and for a few minutes everything turns to gold.
Vouliagmeni Lake. We stop here no matter what — the place is too beautiful to skip. You decide: a quick photo stop or a full 1.5–2 hour swim in the thermal lake with water at 22–27°C and tiny fish that give you a free peeling treatment.
Athenian Riviera. Forty minutes along the coast with photo stops. Greece's coastline stretches 14,000 kilometers — a country the size of Alabama, yet with more coastline than Africa.
Sunset at the Temple. We arrive 40–50 minutes before sunset — enough time to climb up to the temple, explore the 5th-century BC columns, and pick the perfect spot for the main spectacle. The sun sinks straight into the Aegean Sea, painting the cliffs and ancient marble in gold and copper. Even in peak season, there's plenty of space on the cape. The return trip to Athens takes about an hour to an hour and a half depending on your hotel.
The time range depends on swimming. Without swimming — just a photo at the lake — the tour fits in 4–4.5 hours. With swimming — longer. This doesn't affect the tour price. The only difference is the Vouliagmeni Lake admission (€19 per person), which includes sunbeds, changing rooms and full amenities. More about the lake below.
↓ Below — stop-by-stop breakdown with travel times
The lake formed when the roof of a massive underground cave collapsed. The cave connects to the sea through grottos. Water is constantly replenished from a natural radon spring — which is why the temperature is always higher than the sea: 22–27°C year-round.
The lake level sits 50 cm above sea level, ensuring constant natural water renewal. Radon springs lie 50–100 meters deep beneath the bedrock; seawater enters the lake through grottos, diluting the radon concentration with seawater.
Radon baths have a calming and pain-relieving effect, improve heart function, and normalize blood pressure. Under the influence of radon, healing processes in nerve fibers, muscles and bone tissue are accelerated. This doesn't mean everything will heal with one dip, but you'll have a wonderful time. And the place itself is truly beautiful.
Sunbeds surround the lake and are included in the admission price. There are changing rooms, showers and a cafe where you can grab a bite or order drinks. The stop lasts 1.5–2 hours.
The Mermaid. Naturally, in Greece every lake comes with its own myth. According to legend, a mermaid lives here who drags young men to the bottom. So, ladies, if your partner is really getting on your nerves, the phrase "health benefits of water" takes on a whole new meaning.
Fish peeling. One of the lake's highlights — tiny fish that are happy to nibble on you. It's completely painless — you only feel a light, pleasant tingling. The fish have no teeth; their mouths work like tiny scrapers. They gently remove the top layer of dead skin — basically, they snack on your heels. Their saliva contains the enzyme "Ditanol" with antiseptic properties. Normally this treatment is offered at spas, but here it happens in a completely natural setting.
The road from the lake to Cape Sounion runs along the Athenian Riviera — 40–45 minutes with photo stops. The landscape is so stunning that you can't help but recall how, according to myth, Hellas was created.
Once upon a time, the Titans fought Zeus for dominion over the world. They hurled "pebbles" at each other — not all hit their mark, and many fell into the sea, creating the islands of the Aegean and Ionian seas (imagine, 1,500 misses — terrible aim). They carved up the entire Greek coastline, and that's how the divine landscape of Hellas was born.
Greece is a small country, but its coastline stretches about 14,000 kilometers. A country the size of Alabama, yet with more coastline than all of Africa. The Titans really did their job. With terrain like this, how could you not develop a rich mythology? In short, this is no Monaco — it's genuinely beautiful here!
Cape Sounion is one of the most significant and scenic spots in Greece. Located at the southern tip of Attica, about 70 kilometers from Athens, the cape is where, according to myth, King Aegeus threw himself into the sea — which was then named the Aegean.
The highest point of the cape is the ancient Temple of Poseidon, god of the seas. Doric columns rising against the sea create an unforgettable landscape, especially at sunset, when the sun sinks into the Aegean waters, bathing everything in golden light.
We arrive at Cape Sounion 40–50 minutes before sunset so you can enjoy the views. There's plenty of space on the cliff, so even on busy days, it never feels crowded.
Crowning the cliff is the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon. The place is so beautiful that it truly inspires all kinds of madness.
Even the famous Lord Byron wrote poetry here and, in his excitement, carved his name into one of the stones — the only "Kilroy was here" graffiti that guides proudly show to tourists.
Unlike King Aegeus, however, my tours include a return transfer to Athens. The drive back takes about an hour.
In short:
Tickets are paid separately:
• Cape Sounion — €20 (full ticket). Children under 18 — free. Winter (November–March) — free for everyone
• Vouliagmeni Lake — €19 per person. Includes sunbeds, changing rooms, shower and full amenities
Swimming is optional — it doesn't affect the tour price. No need to pay me extra for waiting — just the lake admission ticket.
Drive from Athens to the lake — 30–50 minutes. Swimming 1.5–2 hours (or a 5–10 min photo stop). Then along the Athenian Riviera to the Temple of Poseidon (40–45 min with photo stops). We arrive at Cape Sounion 40–50 min before sunset. Return — 1–1.5 hours.
Total duration: 5–6 hours with swimming, 4–5 hours without.
Of course. Without swimming — just a photo at the lake, 5–10 minutes. In that case, the tour fits in 4–4.5 hours. This doesn't affect the tour price.
Perfectly suitable. Vouliagmeni Lake is safe for children — warm water, gentle entry, full amenities. The fish peeling is a special thrill for the little ones. Cape Sounion is spacious, but keep an eye on kids near the cliffs.
Swimsuit and towel (if you plan to swim), comfortable shoes, sunscreen. It can be windy at Cape Sounion — a light jacket won't hurt (in winter). A camera is a must — the sunsets here are unbelievable.
My prices are quite reasonable. Finding out is easy: just click the button that works best for you
just remember that roaming charges can bite
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A 1.5-hour walking tour — short on time but infinite in meaning: you don't just "look at ruins," you begin to see the logic of the Acropolis.
In Athens, there are places "from the list," and then there's the place where that list was invented. The Acropolis.
In 1.5 hours, we'll walk through the key points of the complex and piece everything together into a complete picture.
The Propylaea — the monumental entrance to the Acropolis, built in 437–432 BC.
Temple of Athena Nike — an elegant Ionic temple dedicated to the goddess of victory.
The Parthenon — the pinnacle of ancient Greek architecture, built in 447–438 BC.
The Erechtheion — an architecturally complex temple, famous for the Porch of the Caryatids.
Panoramic views of Athens from the Acropolis reveal a breathtaking view of the modern city.
This is the perfect option if you want something rich and to the point.
In this format, you make your own way to the Acropolis entrance, where we meet.
If you need a more comprehensive and comfortable option — with hotel pickup, transfer to the Acropolis and a full city tour of Athens' key landmarks, I recommend the tour "2,500 Years Old" .
.Short and clear:
The tour is suitable for people with average fitness. The climb to the Acropolis takes about 15–20 minutes at a relaxed pace.
The tour runs in any weather. If it rains — bring an umbrella and shoes with proper soles.
Yes. The 1.5-hour format is ideal for families: no marathon, with pauses.
About 1.5 hours: key Acropolis monuments + viewing points.
No, tickets are not included. Maximum price — €30.
Under 18 — free entry.
EU passport and under 25 — free entry.
EU passport and 67+ — 50% discount.
Non-EU passport — full price.
My prices are quite reasonable. Finding out is easy: just click a convenient button below
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Photos of the Acropolis and its main landmarks
