Mycenae & Palamidi Castle
Duration: 3 3/4 hours
Tour Code: nau-001
A scenic drive through Nauplion and past the ancient sites of Tiryns and Argos will bring you to the ruins of Mycenae. Schlieman, a German archaeologist who was obsessed with finding the grave of King Agamemnon, carried out the first in-depth excavations here in 1876. His diligent work exposed the famous Lions Gate, the entrance to the city, which contains the shaft burial graves of some ancient nobles. A short distance away is the Beehive Tomb, so named due to its unusual shape.
On the second part of your journey you will return to Nauplion where the Castle of Palamidi stands. The fortress is very well preserved and this great mass of masonry, with walls and fortifications that made it impregnable, broods menacingly over the town. From this vantage point there is a fine panoramic view of the entire Nauplion Basin including the town of Nauplion and the Bourtzi offshore. This castle was built by the Venetians and the Turks as a fortress, but has more recently served as a prison.
Please note: This tour includes extensive walking and includes several steps to negotiate at Palamidi Castle. The tour is not recommended for wheelchair guests or those with mobility concerns. Light-weight clothing; sun caps; sunglasses; sunscreen and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested.