Medieval Greece: Nafplio and Monemvasia Private Tour from Athens
DAY1:
After meeting you at your hotel in Athens or cruise ship we spend a short time briefing you on our trip, and assessing any needs you may have to help us adjust our journey to maximize your enjoyment. We then head out of Athens and over the Corinth Canal into the green Peloponnese countryside passing through one of the most beautiful coastal routes with the blue Aegean beside us for most of the way. After several hours we reach the historic Nafplio & first capital of modern Greece with its dominating Palamidi castle overlooking the Venetian quarter now housing many local crafts shops which you can explore before relaxing for lunch at any of the seafront taverns in view of the impressive Bourtzi fortress lying in the bay. Depending on your needs & wishes your guide will take you to the castle to enjoy its extensive fortifications overlooking the city below, stroll around the old town pointing out many interesting sights and their stories such as bullet holes in the wall where the first head of the Greek state was assassinated in 1831, the mosque from the Ottoman period, along with modern wonders such as one of the best ice cream shops in Greece with all the time you need to enjoy this city before continuing at your leisure deeper into the Peloponnese peninsula towards your evening retreat in Monemvasia.
DAY2:
Originally separated from the mainland by an earthquake, this Gibraltar like rock was an ideal inaccessible natural fortress for settlement in the 6th century by the local inhabitants seeking protection from Slavic invaders in the 6th century. Sitting on a plateau 100 meters above sea level you will find a remarkable walled city, constructed and added to by the Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans until its liberation in the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century. Originally only reachable by ship, we can now traverse the long narrow causeway onto the rock & up to the imposing walled entrance where we must continue on foot into the old and well preserved city, a delight and a living history in which to wander with its twisting labyrinthine streets, heritage buildings, multi coloured bougainvillea covered guesthouses and sea views. We take the time to enjoy this unforgettable highlight before your return to Athens.
DAY3 OPTION:
Especially romantic at night time with its hilltop castle alive with illumination, choose to extend your trip by adding one nights stay in Nafplio.
