Corinth-Argolis-Olympia 3 or 4 Days

Day 1
Starting from Athens in the morning, we follow the coastal National Highway to the Corinth Canal, where we make a short stop.  Moving along to the south of the city we arrive to Ancient Corinth, one of the most powerful city states of ancient Greece.  At this site, you will visit the 6^th century BC Temple of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Asclepius, the God of medicine and healing.  You will also see the Bema, the public platform that was used for public announcements and judgments, and where St. Paul had to plead his case in front of the Roman governor Gallio under the accusations of contrary teaching (50s AD).   Follow with a visit to the Museum where you may view some of the most impressive artifacts.

Our next destination is Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon and the most important and richest palatial center of the Late Bronze Age in Greece.  Its name was given to one of the greatest civilizations of Greek prehistory, the Mycenaean civilization (1600-1100 BC).  Taking a tour of the archaeological site, you will see the Lion Gate, located at the entrance of the Bronze Age citadel of the city.  The impressive Cyclopean wall surrounding and protecting the Acropolis, and the tomb of king Agamemnon, the biggest and best preserved of all the tombs.

Next stop is the picturesque town of Nafplio, the first capital of the modern Greek State, and characterized by a Medieval atmosphere, beauty, culture, history and tradition.  Discover the Bourtzi castle located in the middle of the harbor and the Palamidi, a dominating fortress that appears as it is floating over the city.  Enjoy lunch at Nafplio before we depart for Olympia.

We continue on a scenic drive through the Peloponnese region until we arrive to Olympia, where we will spend the night.

Day 2
We start in the morning our tour at ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the most important athletic event of all times: the Olympic Games founded in the 8^th century AD.  Among its extensive ruins, included are the Gymnasium and athletic training areas used by the athletes and the stadium.  Visit the celebrated Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the statues of Nike and Hermes of Praxiteles, as well as the altar where the Olympic Torch is ignited for the Modern Olympic Games.  After exploring the monuments and temples, it is the Archaeological Museum that will attract your attention.  You will find exhibitions of some of the most important excavation findings from the Prehistoric times to the Early Christian Period.

Lunch in the town of Olympia before we start out trip towards Delphi, where we spend the night.

Day 3
We begin in the morning our tour of Delphi, one of the most sacred and beautiful ancient sites in Greece, known as the cultural and religious center and referred to in the ancient years as the “Navel of Earth.”  You will have the opportunity to visit the Sanctuary of Delphi (4th century BC).   Here is where according to mythology, the Pythia, a priestess who served as the Oracle, was widely credited for her prophecies inspired by the spirit of the god Apollo.  Continue with a visit the Temple of Apollo, the Castallian Spring, the Ancient Stadium that hosted the Pythian Games, and follow the sacred way to the Athenian Treasury.  You will also have the opportunity to visit the Museum of Delphi, which exhibits many archaeological treasures.

We stop for lunch at a traditional local tavern before we start out return trip to Athens.