2-day Tour Of Ancient Messene And Olympia In Greece

Day 1

1. 1

   Corinth Canal

   About an hour from Athens is our first Peloponnese stop, Corinth Canal. Corinth Canal, an impressive sea passage, was drilled and has been operating since 1893. It is a narrow sea strip, lengthed about 6 kilometres that connects mainland Greece to Peloponnese.

   20 min
2. 2

   Kapsia Cave

   Next, your driver will take you to the Stalactites of Kapsia Caves. The amazing Caves constitute a complex system of swallow-holes on the lush Mantineia mountain range. Multicoloured stalagmites and stalactites compose a unique and impressive canvas that is reflected on the surface of the small ponds inside the cave. Dress warmly for your visit to the Kapsia caves.

   60 minAdmission not included
3. 3

   Ancient Messini

   Ancient Messene (or Messini, Greek Μεσσήνη) is a significant ancient city in terms of its size, form, and astonishing state of preservation. The area of Ancient Messene contains the ruins of the large classical city-state founded in 369 BC by Thbian General Epaminondas who died in the neighbouring Mantineia area. After the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC, which resulted in Spartan defeat, it became the capital of the free Messenian state. Today the visitor of this extraordinarily well-preserved ancient city will admire up close sanctuaries, public buildings, imposing fortifications, houses and tombs: The Agora (market) – Temples of Zeus Soter and Poseidon The Asklepieion Arsinoe Fountain The sanctuary of Demeter and the Dioskouroi The great Doric temple The Ekklesiasterion (assembly hall) The Fortification Walls The Laconian & Arcadian Gates Dinner and overnight in Ancient Olympia at 4-star or Boutique Hotels like Arty Grand or Europa Hotel.

   120 minAdmission not included

Day 2

1. 4

   Archaeological Site of Olympia

   After your rich breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the UNESCO site of Ancient Olympia. Ancient Olympia lies in the fertile valley of Alpheios river and it was the most celebrated site of Ancient Greece. You will visit both the museum and the famous archaeological site of the ancient Olympic Games. As you stroll by the ancient paths you will see the Doric Temples of Zeus and Hera, the Bouleuterion, the Prytaneion, the Stadium, the Gymnasium, the Palestra, the Workshop of Pheidias and so many others. At the museum, you will admire, among other masterpieces, the Nike of Paionios and the breathtaking Hermes and the Infant Dionysus statue.

   120 minAdmission not included
2. 5

   Charilaos Trikoupis Rio-Antirrio Bridge

   The Rio - Antirrio bridge is one of the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and longest of the fully suspended type. It opened one day before the Athens 2004 Summer Olympics, on 12 August 2004 and was used to transport the OLYMPIC FLAME.

   20 min
3. 6

   Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)

   Last stop will be by Ancient Corinth with the stunning Doric Temple of Apollo and the Bema, where Apostle Paul preached and wrote the First Epistle to the Corinthians. Finally, we arrive back to Athens and we drop you at the airport or your residence.

   90 minAdmission not included