We start our tour early in the morning and follow the coastal National Highway until we reach the Corinth Canal.  Through the Isthmus we move to the south, and after about a 62 km drive we reach our main destination, Nafplio, a popular destination and one of the most beautiful cities of Greece.  It was the first capital of the modern Greek State from the start of the Greek Revolution (1821-1834).   Named after Nafplios, son of Poseidon, and home of Palamidis, the local hero of the Trojan war.

The town is modern with an intense Medieval atmosphere.  Enjoy strolling around the Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone alleys and the well preserved neoclassical mansions.   We will explore the city center, the Constitution Square in front of the first Greek Parliament, the house of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Greek Governor of the modern Greek State, and the Archaeological Museum which exhibits important artifacts from the Prehistoric and Mycenaean Era.

Have a coffee or lunch beside the sea, with the view of Bourtzi, the castle that stands on a small islet in the middle of the harbor.  Impressive and well maintained, standing since 1473 when the Venetians completed its fortification.  Until the 1860s, Bourtzi was used as a fortress to protect the city from the pirates and invaders from the sea.  Between 1865 and 1935 Bourtzi served as the residence of the executioners of convicts jailed in the castle of Palamidi… a century later, Bourtzi served as a hotel.  Today it remains as one of the major tourist attractions of Nafplio.

Finally, we will visit Palamidi, the finest of the Venetian fortifications in Greece.  It was built by the Venetians in 1714 within a record time of 3 years during their second occupation of the area.  It lies high on a 216-meter hill to the east of Acronauplia (the old town of Nafplio), dominating the city, in the sense that it almost floats above the city.   It consists of eight bastions surrounded by walls.  Also accessible is the Church of St. Andrew, built on one of the bastions of the fortress, and a prison which was used as the cell of Theodoros Kolokotronis, a hero of the Greek Revolution.  If you are athletic and if you dare to follow the 999 steps  from the town to reach the fortress, you will enjoy an impressive view over the Argolic Gulf, the city of Nafplio and the surrounding areas!

Before we begin our trip back to Athens, we will drive through the beautiful countryside and visit Nemea, the most important region for the production of red wines and considered the crown jewel of the new wine industry.  You will have the opportunity to visit a renowned Greek vineyard for some tasting of local wine varieties.

OPTIONAL: Upon request, this itinerary may revised to a Half Day Tour to include only a visit to Nafplio. Please inquire.