Private Excursion to Mycynae and Nafplio, Athens

Embark on a journey back in time on this day trip out of Athens. Visit the ancient citadel of Mycenae, once a major center of Greek civilization, and the picturesque port of Nafplio. With a knowledgeable guide, you'll get to experience the culture, history, and gastronomy of the two sites. Take in the fascinating history, culture, and landscapes of this part of the world and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Get ready to be transported back in time during this full-day private tour of the historic Mycenae and nearby Nafplio. Await your driver at your Athens hotel, and be driven south for 1.5 hours through the Greek countryside before you reach your first stop at Mycenae. 

During the second millennium BC, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mycenae, was one of the major centers of Greek civilization. Once you arrive at Mycenae, you will first visit the famed Lion Gate—made up of four megalithic rocks that together form the entrance to the city. Listen to your guide teach you about the myths and history contained within the walls of this site.

You will next be taken to the Tomb of Agamemnon, a structure more than three thousand years old. Although King Agamemnon—the hero of the Trojan War—was supposedly never buried there, this great tomb would indeed have been fit for a king, made up of huge megalithic stones in a "beehive" structure. The Mask of Agamemnon—a funeral mask made of pure gold—was also discovered here. Listen to the story of Agamemnon's dramatic life and death. You can also enter the Mycenae museum, where you will see exhibits from the area. 

Next, you will be driven to the port town of Nafplio, a short, half-hour drive south of Mycenae. This small seaside town, with its towering walls, forts, and narrow paths, was the first capital of Greece. Its ideal position on a wide bay made it an important port for much of history. You will visit the town's defenses, after which your guide will stop at a variety of traditional artisan workshops, introducing you to crafts made with ancient techniques by the town's potters and weavers. 

Stop by a confectionary store, where you will taste traditional almond pastries that are made in much the same way they were generations ago. Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a selected Nafplio tavern—not included in the price of the tour—before heading back to Athens. Your guide will make a quick stop at the Corinth Canal so that you can admire the narrow canal that separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland. Be dropped off at your desired Athens location and emerge from your day spent in an ancient time capsule.