Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip From Athens With Entrance Tickets

Discover the captivating ancient sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus on this comprehensive day trip from Athens. Explore the iconic Lion’s Gate and the impressive Tomb of Agamemnon in Mycenae, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Mycenaean civilization. Then, venture to the renowned Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus, home to a well-preserved ancient theater renowned for its superb acoustics. With round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, and professional commentary, this tour offers an immersive journey into the heart of ancient Greek history. Prepare to be awestruck as you uncover the secrets of these remarkable archaeological wonders.

Key Points

• This day trip from Athens includes roundtrip transportation, entrance tickets to Mycenae and Epidaurus, and guided tours of the key historical sites.
• Visitors can explore the iconic Lion’s Gate, Tomb of Agamemnon, and ancient palace ruins at the Mycenaean archaeological site.
• The tour also includes a visit to the renowned Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus, known for its well-preserved ancient theater with exceptional acoustics.
• The itinerary includes a stopover in the charming seaside town of Nauplia, allowing travelers to experience the local culture and cuisine.
• The tour operates year-round, except on select holidays, and is not wheelchair accessible, with infants required to sit on laps.

Tour Overview and Inclusions

This full-day trip from Athens takes travelers along the Saronic Gulf coast to the ancient hilltop city of Mycenae and the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as entrance tickets to the Mycenae and Epidaurus sites.

Guests will have the opportunity to explore the Lion’s Gate, Tomb of Agamemnon, and Palace in Mycenae, and tour the ancient theater in Epidaurus. The guide will provide professional commentary in English throughout the day.

The tour also includes a stop in the town of Nauplia.

Gratuities are included, but food, drinks, and a guided tour of the Asklipeion are not.

Pickup and Meeting Details

The tour pickup takes place between 07:30-08:15, with the coach departing at 08:30 from either a selected hotel or the meeting point at Amalia Hotel Athens or Syntagma Square.

Pickup service is provided from selected hotels only. The tour doesn’t offer pickup from Piraeus port, the airport, Airbnb, or apartments.

Once you’ve boarded the coach, you’ll set off on the full-day trip to Mycenae and Epidaurus.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

The tour operates year-round, except on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Orthodox Easter.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 45 travelers per tour.

Ancient Hilltop City of Mycenae

Travelers will explore the ancient hilltop city of Mycenae, one of the major centers of Greek civilization during the 2nd millennium BC. The site features the iconic Lion’s Gate, the Tomb of Agamemnon, and the remnants of the ancient palace. These archaeological wonders offer a glimpse into the powerful Mycenaean culture, known for its advanced architecture and warrior-king traditions.

Key Mycenaean Ruins	Significance
Lion’s Gate	Towering entrance to the ancient citadel
Tomb of Agamemnon	Also known as the Treasury of Atreus, an impressive beehive-shaped royal tomb
Mycenaean Palace	The center of political and economic power, with remnants of throne rooms and living quarters

Exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site allows visitors to step back in time and enjoy the grandeur of Mycenaean Greece.

Lion’s Gate and Tomb of Agamemnon

Among the most iconic structures within the ancient citadel of Mycenae are the towering Lion’s Gate and the impressive Tomb of Agamemnon, both offering a glimpse into the architectural prowess and regal traditions of the Mycenaean civilization.

The Lion’s Gate, adorned with a pair of sculpted lions, serves as the monumental entrance to the fortified city, showcasing the engineering mastery of its builders.

Just steps away lies the Tomb of Agamemnon, also known as the Treasury of Atreus, a beehive-shaped structure that once housed the remains of the legendary king. Visitors can marvel at the precision of its construction and imagine the grandeur that once filled this ancient burial chamber.

Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus

Situated in the verdant Peloponnese region, the Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus stands as a testament to the ancient Greeks’ profound reverence for the god of medicine and healing.

Pilgrims from across the Hellenic world once flocked to this hallowed site, seeking divine intervention for ailments of the body and mind.

Today, visitors can explore the remarkably well-preserved theaters and temples that once housed the rituals and treatments of this renowned healing complex.

The striking ancient theater, renowned for its superb acoustics, is a highlight of any visit.

Guests can also discover the remains of the abaton, where patients would sleep and receive guidance from the god Asklepios in their dreams.

This excursion offers a unique glimpse into the ancient Greek world of medicine and spirituality.

Ancient Theater in Epidaurus

The ancient theater in Epidaurus stands as a captivating centerpiece of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, renowned for its remarkable acoustics that have echoed the performances of renowned playwrights and orators for centuries.

Visitors can marvel at its impressive seating capacity, which could accommodate up to 14,000 spectators. The theater’s incredible acoustics allowed every word spoken on stage to be heard clearly throughout the auditorium, making it an exceptional venue for ancient Greek dramas and musical performances.

Today, the theater continues to draw visitors from around the world, who come to experience the magic of its timeless architecture and acoustics. A visit to the ancient theater is a highlight of any trip to Epidaurus.

Stopover at the Town of Nauplia

On the way to Epidaurus, the tour makes a stopover at the charming seaside town of Nauplia, offering travelers a chance to explore its historical landmarks and picturesque streets.

Situated on the Argolic Gulf, Nauplia boasts a well-preserved Old Town with neoclassical buildings and the Palamidi Fortress, which can be reached by climbing 999 steps.

Visitors can also stroll along the seaside promenade, browse local shops, and sample traditional Greek cuisine in the quaint cafes and tavernas.

The stop in Nauplia provides a delightful respite before continuing the journey to the ancient site of Epidaurus, known for its remarkably well-preserved theater and sanctuary of Asklepios.

Additional Tour Information

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the journey.

Travelers can expect to be a part of a group no larger than 45 individuals, and the tour may be led by a bilingual guide fluent in both English and French.

Pickup locations are limited to selected hotels or meeting points at Amalia Hotel Athens or Syntagma Square, with a departure time between 07:30-08:15.

No tours are scheduled on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, or Orthodox Easter.

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase.

Please note that pickup from Piraeus port, the airport, Airbnb, and apartments isn’t included. The tour provides roundtrip transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off for selected hotels only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, participants can bring their own food and drinks on the day trip, as the inclusions do not specify that meals or beverages are provided. However, the tour does not include a guided tour of the Asklipeion site.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. According to the information, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Visitors with limited mobility should consider the accessibility requirements before booking.

Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

The tour does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. The standard rates apply to all travelers regardless of age. However, infants under 2 years old can sit on laps during the tour at no additional cost.

How Long Is the Drive Between Athens and the Sites?

The drive from Athens to the sites in Mycenae and Epidaurus takes approximately 1.5-2 hours each way, covering a distance of around 90-100 km along the Saronic Gulf coast. The duration may vary depending on traffic conditions.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

While the tour’s itinerary is fixed, travelers can inquire about adding extra stops or extending the duration. However, this may incur additional costs and require prior arrangement with the tour operator.

Recap

This day trip from Athens offers an immersive exploration of the rich historical sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive Mycenaean architecture, including the iconic Lion’s Gate and Tomb of Agamemnon, and experience the renowned Sanctuary of Asklepios in Epidaurus, known for its well-preserved ancient theater.

With round-trip transportation, entrance tickets, and professional commentary, this tour provides an engaging journey into the ancient Greek world.