Have you already explored the city center and wish for a nearby, quieter yet impressive option? Here are the most significant and special historic sites, from half to 2,5 hours away from Athens!
• The ‘Athenian Riviera’.
That tour will take you to the southernmost spot of Attica: the Temple of Poseidon, at cape Sounion; through the 1,5 hour drive you will enjoy elegant architecture, lush seaside resorts and picturesque bays. On your way there, there will be 2 stops in sites of great interest: the Vouliagmeni lake –a unique natural phenomenon- and a hidden ancient temple. Upon request, this tour may include a stop at the new S. Niarhos Foundation-Cultural Center (SNFCC), a stunning edifice near the water and a new gem in south Athens and a dinner in a nearby seaside. (4,5 or 6 hours)
• Delphi, Boeotia prefecture.
Visit the archeological site and museum of Delphi, a breathtaking location that was once one of the main Pan-Hellenic sanctuaries, well known for the Oracle-Temple of Apollo. Before returning, enjoy lunch overlooking the valley and water. (9 hours)
• Argolis prefecture, Peloponnese.
This is a land of abundant mythology, comprising Mycenae and its Acropolis-Palace of King Agamemnon, the majestic and perfectly preserved ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, -still in use- and the gorgeous town of Nafplion, the 1st capital of modern Greece. (10 hours)
• Corinth canal, Corinth (and Nemea), Peloponnese.
After the technical marvel of the Canal, visit one of the most important and wealthy city-states of ancient Greece, and then powerful roman colony; after visiting the site’s lovely museum, a lunch facing the ruins can ‘frame’ perfectly the experience; upon request, the tour may continue to Nemea, where Zeus was worshipped, the Nemean Games took place and where some of the best known Greek wines are produced. (6 or 8 hours)
• Corinth canal, Corinth, Diolcos and Hera's sanctuary at Perahora, Peloponnese.
After the technical marvel of the Canal, visit Corinth -one of the most important and wealthy city-states of ancient Greece, and then powerful roman colony; after the site’s lovely museum, a lunch facing the ruins can ‘frame’ perfectly the experience; then, a short drive will take you to the ruins of the ‘Diolcos’: the incredible forerunner of the Canal. Last but not least, visit the ruins of the sanctuary of Hera at Perahora, on a spectacular location by the water. (7 hours)
• Eleusis
Only 21 km away from the city center of Athens lays the archeological site of Eleusis, a very significant spiritual site of the ancient Greeks, where the faithful would be initiated to mystical rites that involved the cult of Demeter, goddess of crops and the Afterlife. (3-or 4 hours, with lunch)
