Excursion in Nafplio
easyCruise offers tours and exciting events to various interesting sites at all the destinations. We have selected these special tours for you to enjoy, which represent particular highlights of the destination.
Excursions (purchased on board)
Day: Monday
Port: Nafplio
Excursion: Epidavros & Mycenae
Duration: 5 hours 30 mins
On board price: € 69 per person
Looking out across the translucent water of the bay towards the Arcadian Mountains, Nafplion’s sheltered location below a rocky headland and large natural fortress crowned by a Venetian castle is perhaps unrivaled in Greece. Just 30km east of Nafplion is Epidaurus, one of the most renowned of Greece’s ancient sites, as reflected by its listing as a World Heritage Site.
Situated on the cool slopes of a beautiful and wooded valley, Epidaurus was known throughout the Hellenic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments. Dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing, who restored health to the sick and sometimes (it was said) life to the dead, the city was filled with curative spas and baths and only priests had access to certain secret rites. Most of the ruins of Epidaurus have been reduced to their foundations, with the exception of the astonishing theatre. Still used for special performances, the theatre is in an admirable state of preservation. Built into the ground, rather than above it, the theatre is known for its fantastic acoustics, which we will observe during our visit.
From here, we will enjoy a scenic drive through the Argos Plain, once ruled by Agamemnon, conqueror of Troy, to the famous citadel of Mycenae. High above the confluence of two boulder-strewn ravines, Mycenae is entered by way of the Lion gate, Europe’s oldest piece of monumental statuary. It is from here that Clytemnestra received her husband Agamemnon, on his triumphant return from Troy. Once inside the gate, we will explore the Royal Palace, the shaft graves and the remains of the city walls. An archaeological briefing within the Treasury of Artreus (also known as the Tomb of Agamemnon) will add to our understanding and appreciation of the sights.
A stop will be made at the Agamemnon Palace, a famous tavern overlooking an orange grove, where an abundance of Greek meze, wine and ouzo will be served.
