Day 04: 23 May NAUPLIA Drive Nauplia via Corinth, Mycenae and Epidaurus Theatre
This morning after breakfast we depart and dive to Nauplia via visits to Corinth, Mycenae and the Epidaurus Theatre. We first drive to ancient Corinth for a brief visit. During the 6th century BCE, Corinth was one of the three major powers in Greece and took part in all the battles against the Persians. That Corinth was one of the richest Greek cities is made evident by the extensive remains, including the huge Agora (market place) and the Apollo Temple, which we visit. We then continue to Mycenae. The Citadel of Mycenae occupies the triangular summit of a low hill between two gorges. The Mycenaeans excelled in a style of building using large, unworked stones. These massive fortifications were begun in the 14th century BCE, followed by Tiryns and Dendra, Argos and Athens, as well as a host of subsidiary forts and, eventually, a huge wall across the Corinthian Isthmus. The famous Lion Gate, and similar constructions at Gla and Tiryns, were all built in the 13th century BCE. At Mycenae we see vestiges of a kingdom that, for 400 years (1600-1200 BCE), was the most powerful in Greece. We enter through the Lion Gate and see the Great Court where Agamemnon is believed to have been murdered in one of the chambers. Next, we visit Epidaurus, a sanctuary of Asklepios, the God of Medicine. The sanctuaries of Asklepios, the healer god, were as much sanatoria, health farms or spas, as they were places of worship. This was the most prestigious center of the cult in the Classical Period and received a galaxy of splendid buildings spanning the whole of the 4th century BCE. Epidauros came into prominence only in the later 5th century, when the cult was received in Athens (420 BCE) and the tragedian Sophocles became its priest. There was a revival at the sanctuary in the 2nd century CE, and worship on the site continued in the form of a Christian basilica. Probably the most impressive of the sites at Epidaurus is the fourth century BCE Theatre, which was built to accommodate approximately 15,000 people and is still extremely well preserved, including its acoustics. We visit the Theatre and the Museum, then continue to Nauplia and check into our hotel. Dinner is served at the hotel. Overnight (3 star) Hotel Tolon (or similar) Meal plan: breakfast, restaurant lunch, hotel dinner
Day 05: 24 May SPARTA Drive Sparta. Half day Sparta tour: Olive Mus., Mystra Fortress
This morning we depart on a dramatic winding mountain drive to Sparta, arriving mid-morning. On arrival, we chack into our hotel. We then take lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, we depart on a half day Sparta tour to visit the Olive Museum, and Mystra Fortress. We first visit the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil in Sparta, which aims to highlight the culture and technology of the olive and olive production, which is inextricably linked with the Greek and Mediterranean identity. Unique in Greece, the museum is located in the heart of Laconia, one of the main olive producing locations in Greece. We continue to our tour, driving out of Sparta to visit Mystra, an impregnable fortress built by Guillame de Villehardouin in 1249 CE. When the Byzantines won back Morea from the Franks, Emperor Michael VIII Palaeologus made Mystra its capital and seat of government. It soon became populated by people from the surrounding plains seeking refuge from invading Slavs. During the rule of the despots, while the empire plummeted into decline elsewhere, Mystra experienced a renaissance, but then declined under Turkish rule. It was captured by the Venetians in 1687 CE and it thrived once again with a flourishing silk industry and a population of 40,000. It was recaptured by the Turks in 1715 CE, and from then on it was downhill all the way. It was burned by the Russians in 1770 CE, the Albanians in 1780 CE and Ibrahim Pasha in 1825 CE. Not surprisingly, at the time of Independence it was in a very sorry state, virtually abandoned and in ruins, though since the 1950s CE much restoration work has taken place. We then drive back to Sparta to visit the archaeological remains of Ancient Sparta, including the 2nd century BCE Greek Theatre, the site's most discernible ruin. There is not much remaining of this once mighty civilization, but those interested in Spartan history may find the visit rewarding. Overnight (3 star) Maniatis Hotel (or similar) Meal plan: breakfast, hotel lunch, hotel dinner
Day 06: 25 May PYLOS Drive Pylos via Chora Museum, Nestor’s Palace. HD Pylos tour:
This morning, we drive to the coast, to Pylos, today a small, cozy Greek town often called "little Switzerland” due to the town’s small houses with white facades surrounded by lush greenery and flower beds, look very like Switzerland. Pylos and Methoni are two of the most picturesque villages along the Peloponnese coast. We first visit the Chora Museum in Pylos, before driving out of town to visit Nestor’s Palace, located 20k (12mi.) north and inland from Pylos, perched on the hill and named after King Nestor, the hero of Troy. We spend an hour here exploring the town, then return to Pylos stopping along the way to admire the views over Navarino Bay and the Island of Sfaktiria. On arrival in Pylos, we check into our hotel and take lunch. In the afternoon we depart on a half day tour of Pylos and Methoni, to learn of the region’s fascinating history. We first stroll along the scenic Pylos Waterfront and visit the hilltop Niokastro Castle. We then re-board our vehicle and depart Pylos, driving south along the coast to the town of Methoni, where the highlight is the Water Castle of Bourtzi. After our visits we return to our hotel. Dinner is served at the hotel. Overnight (3 star) Hotel Miramare (or similar) Meal plan: breakfast, hotel dinner
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