Tracing the steps of Hercules in the Peloponnese and Delphi
Tracing the steps of Hercules in the Peloponnese and Delphi
Tracing the steps of Hercules in the Peloponnese and Delphi
10 Days Starting and ending in Athens
Visiting: Epidaurus, Nafplion, Kalavryta, Ancient Olympia, Karytaina, Tripoli, Gytheio, Areopoli, Gialova, Delphi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TTSOH10
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
3 - 10
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Have you ever thought of going on an adventure like the one of Hercules? If you are a history and nature explorer, join us on this 10-day / 9-night mythical tour and discover ancient treasures and generations of stories just waiting to be told. Significant monuments, unique settlements, scenic cities and charming castles, as well as natural beauties such as mountains and forests, rivers and caves, beautiful beaches with rocky and lacy coasts make the Peloponnese a region that is an ideal destination all the time.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Paying Homage To Hera
Location: Epidaurus
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Departure from Athens for the famous Canal of Isthmus and Ancient Corinth, where we will visit the Museum of Ancient Corinth and the Archaeological site. – Then we will find ourselves in the town of Loutraki and the IRAION (an Ancient sanctuary) where we will dive into the blue waters of the fantastic Lake Vouliagmeni.
Then we will drive south to the Ancient Epidaurus, the organized archaeological site of Asklepieion and the main points of interest: the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Theater and the surrounding archaeological site (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument).
Day 2 : The Lernaean Hydra
Location: Nafplion
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning departure for the prehistoric settlement of Lerna in the prefecture of Argolis, which was famous in the antiquity for its abundant waters, which fed the Argolic plain. Opposite the Argolic Gulf we will find one of the oldest cities of Argolis, Mycenae (one of the World Cultural Heritage Monuments), which is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece. We will learn much about its history, as it was the realm of the mythical Agamemnon, and is considered to be the most important and richest palace of the Late Bronze Age.
Just a few kilometers before Nafplio, we will stop to visit the archaeological site of Ancient Tiryns, the Mycenaean citadel with Cyclopean walls, which since 1999 has been designated by UNESCO as one of the World Cultural Heritage Monuments of Greece.
Then we will take a bath at the beach of Karathonas, a beach hidden in the middle of two coves and behind the rock of Palamid. Then we will visit Nafplion, one of the most beautiful and romantic cities, the first capital of Greece.
Here we will be in a host of attractions and beauties: Palamidi, Bourtzi, Syntagma Square, we will walk to Akronafplia and we will be lost in narrow alleys. The day will end with a dinner at Nafplion.
Overnight stay at Nafplion or Tolo.
Day 3 : The Nemean Lion – The Stymphalean Birds
Location: Kalavryta
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departure for the temple of Hercules in Kleones, the spring of Adrastos and Ancient Nemea where we will walk in the shadow of the Temple of Zeus, we will run at the Ancient Stadium and discover the secrets of the Archaeological Site. A city well known for its countless vineyards, will offer us a first acquaintance with wine growing and wine production through a visit to a local winery where we will enjoy homemade cooked food and wine tasting from the local vineyard.
Then we will head up for Stymphalia, where the scenery at the foot of the mountain is magical, with the Corinthian vineyards taking all the colors of the season. We will visit the Environmental Education Museum overlooking Lake Stymphalia and the surrounding mountains. The series has the plateau of Feneos in Corinthia in the “shadow” of Helmos and Zireia mountains where we will find ourselves in sub-alpine landscapes.
It is here where Apollo captured his brother Hercules, who had gone from Delphi angrily and having grasped the Pythian tripod since Pythia had not given him an oracle. The uncertain outcome of the battle stopped Zeus by throwing a thunder among the brothers, thus making Hercules return the tripod to Pythia.
Only one kilometer away from the ancient city of Feneos we will face the small and beautiful Lake Doxa. A lake with unparalleled natural beauty. Next to and at an altitude of 1500 m. we will find ourselves at the Monastery of Agios Georgios of Feneos where we will enjoy a local sweet drink and a marvelous view to the lake.
Departure to Kalavryta, a historic city full of beauties and traditions. During our journey we will cross the sources of Ladon River, one of the most beautiful rivers in Greece. His immense natural beauty meets mythology where he stars as well, in several ancient Greek myths.
Kalavryta, a region from which the Greek Revolution of 1821 began, with significant historical, natural and tourist attractions: the historic train station, the Municipal Museum of the Kalavryta Holocaust, with a beautiful and picturesque center, the square and the city market. Dinner at a local tavern – Overnight.
Day 4 : The Ceryneian Deer- The Erymanthian Boar
Location: Ancient Olympia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Our tour continues in the area of Kalavryta with a visit to the Monastery of Mega Spileon and the village of Zachlorou. We will enjoy the natural beauties of the village. Then we are waiting for a delightful hike starting the descent from the village of Zachlorou to the village Niamata, following the lines of the Cog railway.
Return by train to the village of Zachlorou.
Then another trip waits for us in the time, in the “palace of the waves of Helmos”, the Cave of the Lakes. A rare nature creation where, besides the labyrinthine corridors, mysterious galleries & strange formations, it has something that makes it unique in its kind in the world, the successive ladders. Following our adventure, we will live near the magical oak forest of Foloi, with the immense “sea” of oaks embellishing a whole area and creating a fairytale landscape. It took its name from the king of Centaurs Folos, a friend of Hercules.
Ancient Olympia has its series. A trip back in time, to the greatness of ancient Greece and to the place that gave birth to the Olympic Games, to the Temple of Zeus. On the front of Olympian Zeus were depicted the twelve labours of Hercules. An evening walk will follow in a picturesque neighborhood to Olympia Railway Station, next to Kladeo, tributary of the Alpheus. Dinner at a local tavern – Overnight
Day 5 : The Augean Stables –The Olympic Games
Location: Karytaina
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit to the Museum of the History of the Olympic Games of Antiquity, the Archaeological Museum and the Archaeological site of Ancient Olympia. Here we will have the opportunity to see the Temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium and the spot where the Olympic flame lights up before traveling to the place where the Summer and Winter Olympics take place.
Departure for the majestic forest and Lake Kaiafa with the thermal qualities of its waters, which have been known since antiquity and according to the ancients, this was due to the nymphs inhabiting the forests of the area. Attitude for a quick bath at the shore of Kaiafas before our departure for Ancient Figalleia, a pivotal and important city of ancient Arcadia.
There is the mythical gorge of Neda where we will see and dive in an unparalleled natural landscape with waterfalls forming pools with crystal clear waters and caves that cross the beautiful Neda river. Driving up the Minthi and Lycaeon mountains we will meet the “Parthenon of the Peloponnese“, as it is called the Temple of Apollo Epicurius. Coffee break in the shadow of the Lycaeon mount, in Andritsaina, one of the most picturesque parts of the Peloponnese, lying at an altitude of 750 meters. Here you will be impressed by its characteristic architecture with dozens of mansions and cobblestone streets. In the evening we will spend the night in the gem of Arcadia, the rock of Karytaina, which is surrounded by stone walls and traditional buildings that look hooked on the steep slope.
Dinner at a local Tavern. Overnight.
Day 6 : Et In Arcadia Ego
Location: Tripoli
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departure for Ancient Gortys. Today’s excursion will be done by rafting downhill starting from the Asticholos bridge on the river Lousios. Following the driver’s orders, we will roam in the clear crystal waters of the river in a tunnel of plants and trees. By the end of this lovely adventure we’ll stop for a meal and then visit the archaeological site of the ancient Gortys.
To get to the Monastery of Prodromos, a special attraction of the area of Dimitsana we will follow a route from a slightly uphill, but relatively easy path through the incredibly beautiful gorge of Lousios.
Departure for Dimitsana, a historic amphitheatrical village whose setting dominates the unspoiled eternity of the stone. We visit the Water Power Museum, a thematic museum centred on the importance of hydraulic power in traditional societies.
We leave for the city of Tripolis the capital of the region- via the stone villages of Stemnitsa, Elati, Vytina and Levidi between the thick pine forest, next to the Mainalon hiking trail.
In the evening we arrive at Tripolis a noble city, the heart of Arcadia. We will wander around the center of this significant and historical town, the capital of the Peloponnese region.
Dinner at a local tavern. Overnight.
Day 7 : Heracles Versus Hippocoon
Location: Gytheio
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departure for Sparta, the glorious ancient city of Peloponnese, the city of Tindareos, the Dioscuri, Menelaos and the beautiful Helen, of Leonidas. Unfortunately, today there is not much left of the famous and glorious city of the heroes.
Fanatic European Catholic priests destroyed what was left of the earthquakes and the waste of time.
The first stop is the enchanting castle of Mystras, where from the top of the hill we will step down the narrow corridors and the narrow streets of this stunning castle-city and visit the Byzantine churches, the palace of Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperors’ dynasty.
Then we will visit the city of Sparta, the river Evrotas, the statue of Leonidas and the archaeological museum. Lunch in Sparta or in a village at the foot of Taygetos mountain.
Departure for Gytheion which is the largest and one of the most beautiful cities of Mani. We will visit the nearby and huge beach of Mavrovouni to swim. There will be an evening walk in the city, on the dock of Gytheion, at the isle of Kranai, where Paris and the beautiful Eleni spent their first night. Dinner and overnight.
Day 8 : The Capture Of Cerberus
Location: Areopoli
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departure for the Cape Tainaron located in the middle leg of the Peloponnese peninsula – Visit to the small temple of Poseidon, which also functioned as a necromancy. The cave inside the temple is said to link down with the Upper World. Following a good path we will reach the lighthouse, built in 1882 by the French, and dominates the Cape Tainaron, which is the southernmost tip of Continental Europe. Stop to swim in the unique embrace of nature near the edge of the Laconian peninsula, Porto Cayo.
Then we will visit the magnificent Caves of Diros with its extremely beautiful and exquisite caves. We get in the boats to do a tour of 5000 meters. The subterranean caves boat trip is lasting 30 minutes and 10 minute walk. One of the most beautiful lake caves in the world. The crystal-studded stalactites (the ones hanging from the ceilings like icicles) and stalagmites (the ones rising from the cave’s floor) are spectacular, in shades of rose, green, amber, black, blood red, and purple.
Then we will depart for the nearby small town of Areopolis. We will stroll around the traditional part of the settlement and admire the towers, followed by a delicious dinner at a local tavern at Aeropolis or in the beautiful Limeni, a seaside fishing village of Mani.
Overnight at Aeropolis area.
Day 9 : Heracles Versus Neleus
Location: Gialova
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departure for the Messinian Mani and Kalamata, a really gorgeous city, the capital of the district of Messenia. We Stop at Stoupa for a swim in the sandy famous beach of Kalogria and a dive in the fabulous bay of Phoneas gorge. We are close to Kardamili, a beautiful seaside village of Messinian Mani, famous for its rich traditional cuisine. Then we will visit the fascinating city of Kalamata and some of its worth visiting sites: the castle, the Old Town, Ypapanti Square, the 23rd March Square, the port of Kalamata as well as the Railway Municipal Park.
Before we leave for Pylos, we will be left to the charm of Kalamata through the beach of Kalamata.
In our visit to the beautiful Pylos, a small town – built in the bay of Navarino, we will stop at Heroes Square for a coffee.
It is worth visiting the Palace of Nestor, the legendary wise king of Pylos, who took part in the Troy campaign. Afternoon dip at the Voidokilia beach. Its hollow-shaped shape, the golden sand and its blue-green waters make it without doubt one of the most beautiful and impressive beaches in the Mediterranean sea.
There will be dinner and overnight in the settlement of Gialova, next to the homonymous Lagoon, which is one of the most important wetlands in Europe.
Day 10 : Heracles In Delphi
Location: Delphi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departure for the popular Delphi, also known as “the navel of the earth”, it constitutes the point where the most important religious center of antiquity was founded and flourished. Their archaeological site was declared a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site in 1987. On our way to Delphi, we will stop in the huge forest and the wetland of Strofylia, where together with the area of the Kotychi lagoon is a magnificent coastal mosaic of biotopes. We swim in the famous paradise beach of Kalogria.
Then we will cross the city of Patras to arrive at the picturesque Nafpaktos which is a romantic inland destination. Without overlooking its historical tradition, we will stop for about one hour. During our short tour of the city of Nafpaktos we will “taste” its traditional color in the residential core, the Venetian castle with nice views, the medieval harbor and the romantic atmosphere. Following our journey to Delphi, we will meet Galaxidi, the seaside town with the rich naval history.
The route ends with the arrival in the particularly important historical area of Delphi where we will see one of the most shocking landscapes in the world. We will spend some time exploring the archaeological site of Delphi, the Kastalia Fountain, the Temple of Athena Pronaia and the Treasure of Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, the Sacred Way, the Ancient Stadium of Delphi and the Ancient Theater, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Delphi.
Upon returning to Athens through the village of Arachova, we will take a walk through the lush green valleys, as the nature, at its best, embraces the curves of the road and creates a landscape of absolute tranquility and relaxation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Entrance Fees
Only tickets in caves
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Fully Guided
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Meals – Half Board
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30mins of undercave boat trip
What's Not Included
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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International Travel
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Meals – Full Board
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Entrance Fees
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Sometimes, depending on your country of origin, a visa is required. Visas for Greece are not required for passport holders of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.Visas can take several weeks to process, so be aware of any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. Note: During your stay in Greece, if you require a Visa, you are advised to
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Sometimes, depending on your country of origin, a visa is required. Visas for Greece are not required for passport holders of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.Visas can take several weeks to process, so be aware of any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We use a minimum three-star rating,conveniently located hotels and apartments with all the essential modern conveniences. Lodges that practice good eco-tourism, use products and hire staff from the local villages, walk lightly on the surrounding environment and are true to the area they represent. Accommodation on all our trips is on a twin or double bed basis. Single upgrades are available upon r
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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