Two Labours of Hercules: the Stymphalian Birds and the Nemean Lion (from Athens)

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Corinth Canal, Isthmia, Corinth 201 00 Greece

The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth in the west with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea in the east. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, thus effectively making the former peninsula an island. The builders dug the canal through the Isthmus at sea level; no locks are employed. It is 6.4 kilometres (4 mi) in length and only 21.4 metres (70 ft) wide at its base, making it impassable for most modern ships. It now has little economic importance.

Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: The Environment Museum of Stymphalia, Stymphalia Korinthias, Corinth 20016 Greece

This delightful and meticulously researched tour fuses several attractive themes into an irresistible proposition for a same-day program that gives insight to the real, yet not well-known, Greece by combining mythology, natural scenery, archaeology, local wines and traditional cuisine. The tour sets off early in the morning from Athens, so as to embrace the evocative sights, locations, aromas, sounds and flavors of the Corinthia region of northern Peloponnese via a short stop at the lovely coastal town of Loutraki. Corinthia is rich in history, magnificent relics of ages past and in legends. It is also rich in its treasures of the land through its wine and its food.

Driving past the impressive Corinth Canal (short stop for photos) and through the forested mountains of Corinthia, our next stop is at an old yet modern winery specializing in the production of organic fine wines created from varieties grown at local vineyards at an altitude between 650 and 750 meters in a small region of Corinthia noted for its own and particular microclimate. The wine tasting is harmoniously accompanied by local Corinthian appetizers.

This is followed by an illuminating visit to the fabulous museum of Stymphalia, focussing on the environment, ecosystem, society and traditions of the lake's region.

Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Lake Stymphalia, Stimfalia, Corinth 200 16 Greece

A delightful walk by the lake to the ruins of Ancient Stymphalos. The tour leader will describe the Stymphalian Birds labour of Hercules in its natural settings!

Lunch with traditional Greek food at a typical local taverna.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Ancient Nemea, Nemea 205 00 Greece

the tour continues through fabulous scenery to Ancient Nemea with its magnificent Temple of Zeus and its ancient stadium which is now used again every four years by hosting the revived Nemean Games, as they were performed 2,500 years ago. The guide will reveal the importance of Ancient Nemea through the visit to the extensive site as well as the museum, whilst also unraveling the legend of the First Labor of Hercules, where he overcame the fearsome Nemean Lion bare-handed.

Rich is the Nemean land in history, in magnificent relics of ages past and in legends and rich it also is with the treasures of its land – its wine and its food. How fitting therefore that the explorers of fabled Corinthia would rest and relax at a local Greek gourmet taverna, to sample the acclaimed red Nemean wine, painstakingly created from the Aghiorghitiko grape variety, accompanied by local delicacies.

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes