Tracing the Steps of Hercules in
the Peloponnese
7 days Historical/ Cultural, Guided Tour
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Group Size
Small – Private
From
1.515€
Ages
7-80
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 7-day / 6-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.
Why you’ll love this tour
Raft down the river of Lousios, where Zeus used to bath
#rafting #nature #adventure
Take the cog railway and enjoy the most Scenic Rack in Greece through Voraikos Canyon
#cog railway #nature #explore
Visit Ancient Epidaurus, where tragedy and comedy flourished in a theatre of exemplary acoustics
#history #theatre #culture
Walk into the narrow streets of the romantic Nauplion, the first capital of Greece
#history #swimming #architecture
Swim in the natural swimming pools and under the waterfalls of Neda
#nature #swimming #waterfalls
Visit Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games!
#history #olympic games #culture
Swim every day in waters of 7 different shades of turquoise and blue around the Peloponnese
#sea #sun #relaxation
Step down the narrow corridors of the stunning Byzantine castle-city of Mystras
#history #architecture #culture
Explore Mycenae, the legendary kingdom of the Atreides, surrounded by massive “cyclopean walls
#history #architecture #culture
Explore the cave of the Lakes!
#explore #caves #nature
Visit the impressive monasteries of Prodromos and Mega Spilaion
#monasteries #religion #Culture
Taste the exquisite Nemean wines in high quality boutique wineries.
#local products #wine tasting
Inclusions
Accommodation 6 overnight stays in double / twin rooms (single + 230 €) |
Meals • 6 breakfasts • 6 lunches with a soft drink or beer or local wine (250 g) • 2 dinners in traditional taverns with a soft drink or beer or local wine (500 g) |
Transportation • Transportation with private car or Mini Van • Cog Railway |
Entrance fees included • Tickets in caves |
Activities Included • Rafting experience in Lousios Gorge • Wine Tasting in Nemea • The Cog Railway ( Odontotos ) • The thernal Spa in Loutraki |
Exclusions
Museum Tickets and Archaeological Sites
Transfer to and from the Airport
Drinks and soft drinks (except the above)
Gratuites (optional)
Itinerary
1st Day: Paying homage to Hera
Departure from Athens to 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 Heraion (Ancient Sanctuary of HERA ), dive into the blue waters of Lake Vouliagmenis. Stop to eat.
Then we will descend to the Palaia Epidaurus for the organized archaeological site of Asklepieion and the main points of interest: the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Theater and the surrounding archaeological site. During our visit we will be able to watch an Ancient Theater performance in the evening. The first day will be completed with a delicious dinner at a historic tavern in Lygourio.
We will have an overnight stay at Epidaurus or Nafplio or Tolo.
Distance 210 Km: about 3 hours by bus
2nd Day: The Lernaean Hydra
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, which are one of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece. We will know 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 find ourselves at 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 Karathona, a beach hidden in the middle of two coves and behind the rock of Palamidi, and a stop for food beside the area. Then we will visit Nafplion, one of the most beautiful cities and the first capital of Greece.
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 dinner at Nafplion and overnight stay at Nafplion or Tolo.
Distance 110 Km: about 1 hour and 45 minutes by bus
3rd Day: The Nemean Lion – The Stymphalean Birds
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 for Stymphalia, where the scenery at the foot of the mountain is magical, with the Corinthian vineyards taking all the colors of orange and coffee. 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. we will find ourselves in landscapes that refer to images of Switzerland.
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. An artificial 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. Departure to Kalavryta, a historic city full of beauties. During our journey we will cross the sources of the 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.
Distance 170 Km: about 3 hours and 45 minutes by bus
4th Day: The Ceryneian Deer- The Erymanthian Boar
Our tour continues in the area of
Return by train to the village of Zachlorou for food. 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 (the name of the modern settlement) 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
Distance 117 Km: about 2 hours and 30minutes by bus
5th Day: The Augean Stables
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, were due to the nymphs inhabiting the forests of the area. Attitude for a quick bath and a light meal at a local tavern. 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 mountain we will meet the “Parthenon of Peloponnese“, as it is called the Temple of Apollo Epicurius. Coffee break in the shadow of the Lykaio Oros, near the boundaries of Ilia and Arcadia and at an altitude of 750 meters, in Andritsaina, one of the most picturesque parts of the Peloponnese, where 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 opens surrounded by stone walls and traditional buildings that look hooked on the steep slope. Dinner at a local Tavern.
Distance 135 Km: about 3 hours and 5 minutes by bus
6th Day: Et in Arcadia ego
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 crystal clear waters of the river in a tunnel of plants and trees. Walking to the Monastery of Prodromos, a special attraction of the area of
We will follow a route from a slightly uphill, but relatively easy path through the gorge of Lousios. Stop for a light meal and then visit the archaeological site of the city of Gortys. Departure for Dimitsana, a historic amphitheater whose setting dominates the unspoiled eternity of the stone and a stop in the coffee region. Tripoli, a noble city that is the heart of Arcadia, continues. Walk to the historical and cultural part of the city. Dinner at a local tavern. Overnight.
Distance 75 Km: about 1 hour and 45 minutes by bus
7th Day: Heracles versus Hippocoon
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 will descend the narrow corridors and the narrow streets of the castle-city, we will visit the Byzantine churches, the palace of Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperors.
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.
Then we head to Loutraki where in a super modern space, they offer a unique experience to rejuvenate body and mind as well as relaxation and welfare with body and face treatments, with Loutraki’s world famous thermal water.
Later we leave for Athens ending this wonderfull multi-day epic tour.
Distance 250 Km: about 3 hours and 10 minutes by bus
Total Distance 1070 Km: about 18 hours by bus
Available departure dates
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Additional Information
All our Epic Tours offered are accompanied by one of our local English speaker group guides. The aim of the group guide is to take the hassle out of your trip and to help you have the best experience possible.
The guide has excellent knowledge of the places visited and will provide you information throughout the whole trip, including historical, cultural and social aspects. Your guide takes care of all the essential things of the tour, offers suggestions for things to do and see and introduces you to the local communities.
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 request and depend on availability.
Concerning the transportation, our company cooperates with leading transfer companies which use vehicles of the latest technology with the most stringent standards. All minivans are equipped with comfortable seats, air condition and large windows.
Our experienced drivers will do everything they can so that your transfer be safe and pleasant.
In all our Epic tours offered, we have made an effort to include as many attractions as possible, therefore reducing our stay in the bus to the minimum, by making many stops.
When it comes to meals, Epos Travel & Tours strikes a perfect balance, since gastronomy is one of the main aspects of the total tour experience offered.
We include most meals (at selected seaside or traditional taverns) to save you time and money, yet we also leave enough free time so you can sample Greece’s gastronomic delights on your own.
Epos travel packages vary as to the number of meals included.All provided meals are clearly stated on the tours’s inclusions section.
As most of our hotels offer anything from coffee to a full breakfast, you can start the day the way you like best with high quality local products.
Lunch is your chance to make culinary discoveries of your own – Your tour guide can give you tips about recommended places if asked.
When your itinerary includes a special experience, such as fishing on a hired boat,rafting or wine tasting, lunch will be included.
Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform us prior to the trip. We can provide vegetarian and vegan meals. Please feel free to contact us, regarding any questions you may have about food, so we can provide you the best options possible.
Meeting and finishing point: Most of our tours -unless otherwise stated in the trip’s information section- start and end at Syntagma square in Athens. Tours commence at 08:00 on the starting date and finish between 21:00 and 22:00 on the finishing point. Please note: In case you leave Greece on the day the tour ends,it is advisable to book your return flight at least 3 hours after our scheduled return time. That will give you the tranquillity and ease of mind, avoiding any unfortunate events that could blemish you vacation.
When you book with us, please have in mind that our tours don’t include any accommodation before or after the tour. So we advise you to make any stay arrangements for the date the tour ends. In relation to your arrival date and your stay in a hotel in Athens or in another city for one or more days before or after the trips, please feel free to contact us and we shall arrange it at no cost.
With regard to your transfer to and from the airport, we are able to help, if you ask us about it. We can arrange a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Athens and vice versa 24/7. Your private driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport, holding a placard with your name on it.
Regarding the issue of your air ticket you know that the sooner you buy it the more cheap it comes. You are most likely to find lower prices in your home country. But it is worth trying together.
Please check if you belong in one of the Free or Reduced admission categories below.
Free admission for:
• Members of the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece and equivalent Chambers of member-states of the EU, upon presentation of their membership card
• Members of the ICOM-ICOMOS, upon presentation of their membership card
• Students of University – Higher Education Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes, Military Schools or equivalent Schools of EU member states, as well as Schools of Guides, upon presentation of their student identity card
• Young people, up to the age of 18, upon presentation of their Identity Card or passport for age confirmation.
Reduced admission for:
• Greek citizens and citizens of other Member – States of the European Union who are over 65 years old, upon presentation of their ID card or passport for verification of their age and country of origin
• Students of University – Higher Education Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes or equivalent Schools of countries from outside the European Union, upon presentation of their student ID cards