Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio Tour from Athens
Hightlight
-
English-Speaking
-
Group-Friendly
-
Reservations
History
Mycenae, the Bronze Age stronghold of Agamemnon, dominated the Peloponnese from 1600–1100 BC with its Lion Gate and massive Cyclopean walls. Epidaurus, sacred to Asclepius, hosted healing rituals and the finest ancient theater, its acoustics still astonishing.
Nafplio, Greece’s first modern capital (1823–1834), blends Venetian fortresses, Ottoman mosques, and neoclassical charm. Together, these UNESCO gems trace 3,500 years of power, healing, and beauty.
Highlights
- Marvel at the engineering of the Corinth Canal
- Explore Mycenae’s Lion Gate, Cyclopean walls, and Tomb of Agamemnon
- Experience Epidaurus Theater’s perfect acoustics (drop a coin, hear it from the top)
- Wander Nafplio’s Venetian alleys, fortresses, and waterfront cafes
- Use VR device and multilingual audio guide for immersive ancient world
Full Description
Journey from Athens into the mythic Peloponnese. Pause at the breathtaking Corinth Canal, then enter Mycenae’s golden realm—walk through the Lion Gate, descend into the beehive tomb, and trace walls built by giants.
Continue to Epidaurus, where the 14,000-seat theater and healing sanctuary await. Test its legendary acoustics, then relax in romantic Nafplio—climb to Palamidi Fortress or swim at Arvanitia beach.
With expert leader, VR immersion, and 10-language audio, this full-day odyssey revives the ancient world in vivid detail.
Why Choose This Experience?
This expertly paced tour packs three UNESCO sites and a charming town into one unforgettable day. Your tour leader combines live insights with cutting-edge VR and audio guides in 10 languages—perfect for all ages and interests.
Convenient central pickups, comfortable minibus, and generous free time in Nafplio make it ideal for history lovers, families, or anyone craving authentic Greece beyond Athens.
What’s Included
- Round-trip air-conditioned minibus with professional driver
- Expert English-speaking tour leader
- Virtual Reality device for Mycenae & Epidaurus
- Audio guide in 10 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Polish, Chinese, Japanese
- Pickup & drop-off at 7 central Athens locations
- 20-minute stop at Corinth Canal
- 2.5 hours at Mycenae Archaeological Site
- 2 hours at Epidaurus (theater & sanctuary)
- 1.5 hours free time in Nafplio
- Entry fees to Mycenae & Epidaurus (if option selected)
- Onboard Wi-Fi and USB charging
- Digital map and live bus tracking
Itinerary
- Pickup from 7 central locations (07:45–08:05 AM)
- Bus/coach to Corinth Canal (1 hour)
- Corinth Canal: photo stop & visit (20 minutes)
- Continue to Mycenae (45 minutes)
- Mycenae: guided + VR/audio tour, Lion Gate, tomb, museum (2.5 hours)
- Transfer to Nafplio (30 minutes)
- Nafplio: free time, lunch, fortresses, beach (1.5 hours)
- Transfer to Epidaurus (30 minutes)
- Epidaurus: theater acoustics, sanctuary, audio tour (2 hours)
- Return to Athens (2 hours)
- Drop-off at original pickup points
Pricing
From $31 per person
Meeting Point
7 Pickup/Drop-off Options:
- Melina Mercouri Monument (Plaka) – 07:45 AM
- Hellenic Parliament / Unknown Soldier – 07:50 AM
- Omonoia Square (Pl. Omonias 2) – 08:00 AM
- Karaiskaki Square – 08:05 AM
- Fallen Aviators Monument
- 5 Star Taxi Services Look for blue hop-on hop-off bus signs.
How to get there
- Metro: Line 2/3 to Syntagma → walk to Parliament
- Line 1 to Omonoia
- Line 1 to Piraeus → Karaiskaki
- Taxi: Request specific monument/square
- Walking: All within 10–15 min of central hotels
Good to Know
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes (uneven ancient paths)
- Sun hat, sunscreen, water
- Passport/ID copy (for entry)
- Swimsuit & towel (summer beach in Nafplio)
- Light jacket (cooler in theaters)
Know before you go
- With Entry: Mycenae & Epidaurus tickets included
- Without: Buy on-site (€12 each, cash/card)
- Bring snacks/food—lunch in Nafplio at own expense
- Moderate walking: stairs at Mycenae, theater steps at Epidaurus
- VR & audio require charged phone & earphones
Reviews
- Knowledgeable guide + VR/audio made history leap off the stones. Perfect timing at each site!
- Rain didn’t dampen spirits—Epidaurus acoustics still stunned. Driver and audio guide were top-notch.
- Vasillis was a ray of sunshine. Warm, funny, and made 50 people feel like family. Best guide ever!
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Are entry fees to Mycenae and Epidaurus included?
It depends on your selected option. If you choose “with entry fees,” tickets to both Mycenae (€12) and Epidaurus (€12) are fully included—no action needed. If you select the base price, you pay on-site (cash or card). Free entry for EU under 25 / non-EU under 18 with ID (show at gate). The tour leader coordinates group entry. This flexibility lets you control costs.
How much free time do I have in Nafplio?
You’ll enjoy 1.5 hours of free time in charming Nafplio—perfect for lunch at a waterfront taverna, climbing to Palamidi Fortress (300 steps, €8), or swimming at Arvanitia beach (summer). Your leader suggests top spots for food (avg €12–18) and views. Shop for local honey, ceramics, or komboloi. This relaxed stop is a highlight for many.
What is the VR and audio guide experience?
The VR device (provided on bus) lets you “walk” ancient Mycenae and Epidaurus in 3D—see the palace as it was 3,500 years ago. The multilingual audio guide (10 languages) plays via your phone (bring earphones) with GPS-triggered narration at key points. Works offline after download. Together, they make history immersive and unforgettable.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes—children love the myths, theater games (clap from the top!), and Nafplio’s ice cream. Free entry for under 18 (non-EU) or under 25 (EU). The pace is family-friendly with breaks. Strollers are challenging on ancient sites. VR and audio keep kids engaged. A fun, educational day for all ages.
When do we return to Athens?
You’ll be dropped at your original pickup point between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM, depending on traffic. The 2-hour return is comfortable with Wi-Fi and final commentary. This timing allows evening plans in Athens. Most guests arrive relaxed and full of stories. A perfectly balanced full-day adventure.
