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Rick Steves' Best of Athens & Nafplio in 8 Days Tour
With an expert Rick Steves' Europe guide leading the way, on this tour you'll travel back to ancient Athens' Golden Age at the majestic Acropolis and Agora, take the stage at the perfectly preserved theater of Epidavros, meander mythic Mycenae, commune with friendly farmers, and learn to cook — and dance — as the Greeks do. Let's go…
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Day 1: Welcome to Athens
We'll gather at our hotel for a "Welcome to Athens" group meeting. Then we'll take a neighborhood orientation walk and get to know one another over dinner together.
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Day 2: The Acropolis and Agora
This morning we'll explore ancient Athens, starting with a hike to the top of the legendary Acropolis to tour its 2,500-year-old Golden Age temples, dominated by the dramatic Parthenon. Then we'll wind our way down through the Plaka neighborhood's labyrinth of colorful streets and lively squares before enjoying a guided tour of the ancient Agora — once the hub of everyday life in classical Athens. Your afternoon and evening are free to continue exploring the Greek capital.
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Day 3: Sights and Tastes of Athens
Our day begins with a bus tour linking several of Athens' highlights, including Hadrian's Arch, Temple of Zeus, National Garden, Syntagma Square, Panathenaic Stadium, and more. We'll end at the colorful Central Market to browse stalls of spices before enjoying a cooking class and lunch at a traditional taverna. The rest of the day is yours to wander the rickety-chic Psyrri neighborhood, return to that souvlaki stand that caught your eye, and keep discovering Athens at your own pace.
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Day 4: Across the Corinth Canal to the Peloponnese
Today we'll leave the big city behind and head southeast to the coast. Along the way, we'll stop in Corinth to tour its crumbling ancient ruins and walk along its famous canal, which connects mainland Greece with the idyllic peninsula called the Peloponnese and the delightful, fortress-topped harbor town of Nafplio. After settling into our hotel, your guide will lead an orientation walk before setting you free for dinner on your own.
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Day 5: Mycenae and Nemea
This morning we'll start with a short drive to mythic Mycenae — the fortified city founded by Perseus a thousand years before the Parthenon was built — to walk through its grand Lion Gate, tour the impressive domed tholos tomb, and wander the massive "Cyclopean" walls. Then we'll drive through Greek wine country to the sacred athletic sanctuary of Nemea, where ancient athletes competed in honor of Zeus. After a guided tour of Nemea's museum and stadium, we'll head back to Nafplio for some downtime.
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Day 6: From Fortress to Farm
We'll begin today by venturing up, up, up to tour the Venetian-built fortress of Palamidi, dramatically perched over Nafplio. Then we'll drive to a nearby family farm specializing in oranges and olives to learn about local farming traditions and taste this year's harvest with a farm-fresh lunch. After our meal, we'll learn the traditional art of Greek dancing. Upon returning to Nafplio, the rest of your afternoon is free to explore the Old Town's colorful alleyways, ride a boat to the fortified island in the harbor, or find a whitewashed taverna with a perfect view of the sun setting across the Peloponnese.
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Day 7: Epidavros and Athens
After breakfast, we'll say antío to Nafplio and drive to Epidavros — once the most famous healing center in the Mediterranean, and home to Greece's best-preserved ancient theater. After taking the stage and learning about the roots of both medicine and drama, we'll hop back on our bus and return to Athens. Tonight, we'll enjoy a final dinner together, sharing travel memories and toasting new friends. Opa!
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Day 8: Tour Over After Breakfast
You can easily catch a cab to the airport or to the nearby port of Piraeus, where a fleet of ferries will transport those eager to explore Greece's irresistible islands. Antío!
Ready for your Greek adventure? Learn more and book a seat on our Best of Athens & Nafplio in 8 Days tour.
Itinerary specifics subject to change.