Nafplio is a coastal city located in the Peloponnese in Greece that is the capital of the regional unit of Argolis and an important touristic destination. Founded in antiquity, the city became an important seaport in the Middle Ages during the Frankokratia as part of the lordship of Argos and Nauplia, held initially by the de la Roche following the Fourth Crusade before coming under the Republic of Venice and, lastly, the Ottoman Empire. The city was the second capital of the First Hellenic Republic and of the Kingdom of Greece, from 1827 until 1834.
Palamidi fortress is nestled on the crest of a 216-meter high hill and it was built by the Venetians during their second occupation of the area (1686–1715). The fortress commands an impressive view over the Argolic Gulf, the city of Náfplio, and the surrounding country. The fortress was a very large and ambitious project but was finished within a relatively short period from 1711 until 1714. It is a typical baroque fortress based on the plans of Venetian engineer Antonio Giancix (Antun Jančić) and built by French military engineer Pierre de la Salle. In 1715 it was captured by the Ottomans and remained under their control until 1822, when it was captured back by the Greeks.
With this Tour you will discover Náfplio’s precious gems starting from the medieval Old Town, the narrow cobblestone alleys, the neoclassical well preserved mansions with the Bougainvillea trees adorning their yards and balconies and the Turkish fountains.
In the very heart of the city stands the Italianate Syntagma Square where you can admire important historic buildings and monuments. Two Turkish mosques (the first used to house the first “Mutual Learning” School and now operates as a cinema/theatre whereas the second was home to the first Greek Parliament), the Archaeological Museum with important artifacts from the Prehistoric and Mycenaean Era and the Municipal Gallery are among the buildings that stand out. Very close to the modern city stand the church of Agios Spyridonas, in front of which Governor Ioannis Kapodistrias was assassinated, and the church of Agios Georgios boasting important murals such as a copy of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci work “The secret Dinner”. Nafplio city exploration plus the visit to the important castle of Palamidi, all highlights of the Corinth canal, museum of Epidaurus, Ancient theater, and archeological site! It can also be combined with swimming at a sandy beach which is very popular in the summertime.
In the peaceful hinterland of Epidaurus, with its mild climate and abundant mineral springs, is the sanctuary of the god-physician Asklepios, the most famous healing center of the Greek and Roman world. The sanctuary belonged to the small coastal town of Epidaurus, but its fame and recognition quickly spread beyond the limits of the Argolid. It is considered the birthplace of medicine and is thought to have had more than two hundred dependent spas in the eastern Mediterranean. Its monuments, true masterpieces of ancient Greek art, are a precious testimony to the practice of medicine in antiquity. Indeed they illustrate the development of medicine from the time when healing depended solely on the god until the systematic description of cases and the gradual accumulation of knowledge and experience turned it into a science. The area was devoted to the cult of healing deities since Prehistory.
The ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is situated near the ancient sanctuary of Asklepios, a celebrated healing center of the classical world. It was used as a therapeutic and religious center dedicated to Asklepios, the god of healing. Built in 340 BC, is one of the best-preserved theatres in Greece. The main materials used for its construction were limestone and porous stone. It was built in two phases – one during the 4th century BC seating about 8,000 people and the second in the mid-2nd century when capacity increased to 14,000 spectators– and divided into two parts: one for citizens and one for priests and authorities. Is also famous for its perfect acoustics and is being used nowadays for theatrical tragedy plays (Tragedy is a form of drama based on human suffering, that invokes an accompanying catharsis or pleasure in audiences).
Our Driver will guide you and will make sure that this will be an unforgettable tour. Since this is a private tour, you will enjoy it at your own pace. Upon your choice, even an amazing lunch with authentic greek tastes can be enjoyed!
The private tour will take you to essential sites in the comfort of our vehicles which are all new and licensed by the Greek National Tourism Organisation fully insured and maintained.
Our Drivers are professional, English-speaking, and will give any additional info needed.
If your group size is more than 4 persons, please select from “EXTRAS” your correct vehicle type.
