Archaeology of the Peloponnese30th Sep 2024
From:£1,895
Summary
The Peloponnese is a place of timeless beauty. From the 3000-year-old relics at Mycenae to the classical ruins of Epidavros and the Byzantine churches of Monemvassia - the whole region is rich with history. In the hills above Argos, for example, it takes just the tiniest leap of imagination to look out over the sparkling waters and see the Mycenaen fleet sailing for Troy. The Greeks and the Spartans fought out the Peloponnesian war here, to be followed in turn by Romans, Goths and Slavs, Franks, Turks and Venetians. Nowadays the atmosphere is one of peace and tranquillity, but the connection with the past, with battles won and civilisations lost, is inescapable.
Archaeological highlights of our tour include the Lion’s Gate at Mycenae, the most ancient piece of monumental sculpture in Europe; the 4th century BC Temple of Apollo Maleatis and the Theatre with its awe-inspiring acoustics at Epidavros; the church of Agia Sophia in the Fort City of Monemvassia; the amazingly well-preserved site at Messene and the eerie, dead city of Mystras, casting its silent gaze over the plain around Sparta.
What to Expect
- Venetian and neoclassical architecture in Nafplion
- The Lion Gate at Mycenae
- The dead city of Mistras
- A time capsule at Monemvasia
- The impressively well-preserved and unspoilt site of Messene
Departure Routes
| Location | Pickup Time | Dropoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow Airport | 00:00 | |
| Athens Airport | 00:00 |
** Please note that all timings are approximate and subject to change. Final timings and pick-up points will be confirmed with your joining instructions approximately 10 days prior to departure. **
Day by Day Itinerary
We fly from London to Athens, and transfer to our hotel in Nafplion, a charming little town and port, modern Greece’s first capital. Neoclassical buildings, historic squares, old churches, Venetian balconies and Turkish mosques reflect a colourful past.
Meals includedDinner
