Athens to Nafplio and Mycenae With a Guide

Exploring the ancient wonders of Mycenae and the picturesque town of Nafplio can be an unforgettable experience. This comprehensive tour, led by a professional guide, offers visitors a unique opportunity to uncover the rich history and stunning scenery of these iconic Greek destinations. From the iconic Lion Gate to the Venetian architecture, this journey promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression. With the chance to capture breathtaking aerial footage using high-quality drones, this tour provides a rare perspective that truly showcases the grandeur of these remarkable sites.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Guided Tours In Nafplio.

Contents hide

5 Palamidi Fortress Exploration

6 Bourtzi Castle Discovery

7 Palamidi District Tour

8 Practical Information

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

A comprehensive tour that takes visitors from Athens to explore the ancient sites of Mycenae and the picturesque town of Nafplio, led by a professional guide.
Opportunity to capture stunning aerial photography of the Mycenaean ruins using high-quality drones, providing a unique perspective of the ancient citadel.
Tour of the Palamidi Fortress in Nafplio, including the chance to climb the 999 steps to the summit for breathtaking views of the Argolic Gulf.
Exploration of the Bourtzi Castle, a 15th-century fortress on a small islet in Nafplio’s harbor, and the charming Palamidi District with its neo-classical architecture.
The tour accommodates up to 10 people with pickup and drop-off included, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This comprehensive tour allows participants to explore the ancient kingdom of Mycenae, the picturesque town of Nafplio, and the impressive Palamidi Fortress, all led by a professional guide.

The 9-hour journey accommodates up to 10 people, with pickup and drop-off included.

Travelers will marvel at the archaeological wonders of Mycenae and have the option to capture aerial footage with a drone.

The tour also includes visits to Bourtzi Castle and the charming Palamidi District.

Comfortable shoes, a camera, and appropriate attire are recommended. Participants can enjoy free Wi-Fi on the air-conditioned minivan and take advantage of discounted admission for youths, seniors, and students.

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Exploring Mycenae

Visitors to the ancient kingdom of Mycenae will be captivated by the site’s impressive ruins, which offer a glimpse into the powerful civilization that once thrived in this region.

Highlights of the Mycenaean exploration include:

The iconic Lion Gate, the monumental entrance to the citadel, which showcases the impressive architectural skills of the Mycenaean people.
The Tomb of Agamemnon, also known as the Treasury of Atreus, a magnificent beehive-shaped tomb that once contained rich treasures.

The archaeological museum houses an exceptional collection of artifacts, including intricate gold jewelry and metalwork that exemplify the Mycenaeans’ artistic prowess.

The chance to wander through the ancient city walls and imagine the bustling activity that once filled these historic streets.

Aerial Photography

Equipped with high-quality drones, the tour guides offer guests the opportunity to capture breathtaking aerial photography during the excursion. The aerial coverage provides a unique perspective of the ancient ruins of Mycenae, allowing visitors to marvel at the grandeur and scale of this legendary site from above.

Guests can opt to incorporate this optional drone footage into their personal travel memories, enhancing the overall experience. The aerial photographs showcase the strategic hilltop location of Mycenae, as well as the impressive defensive walls and towering citadel.

This aerial photography component adds an extra layer of visual storytelling to the tour, complementing the guide’s insights and the on-the-ground exploration of the archaeological site.

Visiting Nafplio

The charming town of Nafplio, with its Venetian architecture and picturesque harbor, beckons visitors to explore its rich history and vibrant culture. Strolling through the narrow streets, one can’t help but admire the neoclassical buildings and charming squares.

Visitors can climb up the Palamidi Fortress, a stunning 18th-century citadel that offers breathtaking views of the town and the Argolic Gulf.

The Bourtzi Castle, a small fortress on an islet in the harbor, is a popular spot for photos and offers a glimpse into Nafplio’s maritime past.

The Palamidi District, with its winding alleys and unique architecture, provides a delightful respite from the busier parts of town.

Cafes and restaurants along the waterfront offer the perfect setting to savor local cuisine and soak in the relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

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Palamidi Fortress Exploration

Perched atop a towering limestone outcrop, Palamidi Fortress commands breathtaking views over the vibrant town of Nafplio and the sparkling Argolic Gulf below.

Constructed in the 18th century by the Venetians, this impressive fortification boasts eight interconnected bastions that were built to defend the region from invaders.

Visitors can explore the fortress’ winding stairways, cavernous chambers, and strategic lookout points, gaining insights into its rich history and military engineering.

The climb up 999 steps to reach the top is undoubtedly challenging, but the panoramic vistas from the summit make the effort more than worthwhile.

Palamidi Fortress stands as a testament to the region’s storied past and offers travelers a truly captivating glimpse into Greece’s architectural and military heritage.

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Bourtzi Castle Discovery

Situated on a small islet just offshore from the picturesque town of Nafplio, the captivating Bourtzi Castle has long guarded the entrance to the Argolic Gulf. This medieval fortress, with its distinctive octagonal design, was originally constructed in the 15th century to protect the region from invaders approaching by sea.

Today, visitors can explore the castle’s well-preserved walls, towers, and dungeons, which offer stunning views of the surrounding harbor and Palamidi Fortress on the hillside above.

Key highlights of the Bourtzi Castle experience include:

Admiring the castle’s unique architectural features
Imagining the fortress’ strategic importance in defending the region
Exploring the castle’s hidden nooks and crannies
Taking in panoramic vistas of Nafplio and the Argolic Gulf

Palamidi District Tour

Ascending the winding roads high above the seaside town of Nafplio, visitors reach the Palamidi District, a captivating historical enclave dominated by the imposing Palamidi Fortress.

This impressive 18th-century citadel, with its 999 steps leading to the top, offers breathtaking views over the Argolic Gulf. Exploring the fortress’ bastions, barracks, and churches provides a glimpse into the region’s rich military history.

Beyond the fortress, the Palamidi District enchants with its picturesque narrow streets, charming neo-classical mansions, and lively plazas. Visitors can wander through this atmospheric neighborhood, discovering local shops, cafes, and restaurants that add to the district’s vibrant character.

The Palamidi District stands as a captivating fusion of history, architecture, and modern-day Greek hospitality.

Practical Information

This tour provides several practical considerations for participants. Comfortable shoes and a hat are recommended, as the tour involves walking and exploring outdoor historical sites. Participants should also bring a camera to capture the scenic views and architectural details encountered throughout the day.

No food or drinks are allowed on the air-conditioned minivan used for transportation. While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, it’s open to a range of ages, with free or reduced entrance fees for youths, seniors, and students.

Other notable features include:

Convenient pickup and drop-off service
Free Wi-Fi on the bus
Basic travel insurance coverage
Option to book now and pay later

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is up to 10 participants. The tour details state that the group size is limited to a maximum of 10 people.

Are There Any Discounts for Children or Students?

The tour offers free or reduced entrance fees for youths, seniors, and students. This provides discounts for children and students that participate in the tour.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?

As per the provided information, participants are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks on the bus. The tour operator prohibits this to maintain cleanliness and comfort for all passengers during the journey.

Is the Tour Suitable for Those With Limited Mobility?

The tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility as it mentions it’s not suitable for wheelchair users. Participants will need to navigate archaeological sites and climb up to the Palamidi Fortress.

Can the Order of the Itinerary Be Customized?

The tour’s itinerary can be customized to an extent, though the core stops at Mycenae, Nafplio, and Palamidi Fortress are fixed. The guide can adjust the order and time spent at each location to accommodate the group’s interests and needs.