Tracing the Steps of Hercules in the
Peloponnese and Delphi
Peloponnese and Delphi
10 days Historical/ Cultural, Guided Tour
Request Additional Info
HIGHLIGHTS:
Group Size
Small – Private
From
1.896€
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 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.
Why you’ll love this tour
Visit Ancient Epidaurus, where tragedy and comedy flourished in a theatre of exemplary acoustics
#history #theatre #culture
Raft down the river of Lousios, where Zeus used to bath
#rafting #nature #adventure
Walk into the narrow streets of the romantic Nauplion, the first capital of Greece
#history #swimming #architecture
Explore the entrance of the Underworld! Get on the boat and discover a cave of unique beauty, formed by stalactites and stalagmites
#caves #explore #nature
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
The Nemean lion, the Lernaean Hydra, the Stymphalean birds. Follow the steps of Hercules and see where seven out of his twelve labours took place
#mythology #hercules #culture
Visit Delphi, the "navel" of the world!
#history #mythology #culture
Swim in the natural swimming pools and under the waterfalls of Neda
#nature #swimming #waterfalls
Taste the exquisite Nemean wines in high quality boutique wineries.
#local products #wine tasting
Inclusions
Accommodation9 overnight stays in double / twin rooms 3* and 4*star hotels |
Meals• 9 breakfasts |
Transportation• Pick up & drop off from your hotel in Athens |
Entrance fees Included• Tickets in caves |
Activities Included• Rafting experience in Lousios Gorge |
Exclusions
Museum Tickets and Archaeological Sites Check here the entrance fees
Licensed tour guides in the archaeological sites and musuems
Transfer to and from the Airport
Meals & personal expenses (except the above)
Gratuites (optional)
Itinerary
1st Day: Paying homage to Hera
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).
During our visit we will be able to watch an Ancient Theater performance in the afternoon (Only in the summer July-Aug.)
Our evening will be completed with dinner at a historic tavern in Lygourio.
Overnight at Epidaurus or Nafplio or Tolo.
Lunch, Dinner
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 (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 swim 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.
Breakfast, Lunch
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 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.
Breakfast, Lunch
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
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
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance 117 Km: about 2 hours and 30minutes by bus
5th Day: The Augean Stables –the Olympic Games
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 swim 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.
Breakfast, Lunch
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 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
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.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 75 Km: about 1 hour and 45 minutes by bus
7th Day: Heracles versus Hippocoon
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.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 110 Km: about 1 hours and 45 minutes by bus
8th Day: The capture of Cerberus
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.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 110 Km: about 2 hours and 30 minutes by bus
9th Day: Heracles Versus Neleus
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.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 135 Km: about 2 hours and 45 minutes by bus
10th Day: Heracles in Delphi
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
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
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.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 534 Km: about 6 hours and 45 minutes by bus
Available departure dates
Month | Departure Date |
---|---|
March 24' | 15, 22, 29 |
April 24' | 05, 12, 19, 26 |
May 24' | 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
June 24' | 05, 12, 19, 26 |
July 24' | 03, 10, 17, 24 |
August 24' | 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 |
September 24' | 04, 11, 18, 25 |
October 24' | 02, 09, 16, 23 |
November 24' | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
Select date
Gallery
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’ 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.
Dinner 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