Overview
4 days / 3 nights, Corinth canal, ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia, and Zakinthos island. Visit Zante (Zakynthos island) the Fioro di Levante (the flower of the East) as it was called by the Venetians!
With over 7,000 species of flowers, some of the world’s most stunning sea caves, and the location of some incredible daredevil antics over the years, it’s not hard to understand why many consider Zakynthos one of the top natural wonders of the world. Reach in history and an amazing landscape, great care is taken on the island to protect two endangered animal species, namely the Caretta caretta sea turtle and the monachus-monachus seal.
The amazing classical Greece private tour, on the other hand, will give you the chance to explore the greatness of Corinth and its famous canal, Agamemnon’s Mycenae, the first capital of Greece Nafplion and Olympia the birthplace of the Olympic games!
Itinerary of the 4 days Zakynthos island, Argolis and ancient Olympia in Greece
Athens – Corinth canal – ancient Corinth – Mycenae – Nafplion – Olympia – Zakynthos island – Athens
Highlights of the 4 days private tour
- The four days tour includes the major archaeological sites of Peloponnese Peninsula and Zakynthos, the third-largest island of the Ionian Sea
- You will be driving along the picturesque and beautiful countryside in Greece
- Visit Zakynthos island with its blue skies, beach tavernas, turquoise sea, the buzz of cicadas, and the scent of pine and herbs
- Visit the famous beach of Shipwreck (Navagio) and the unique blue caves in Zakynthos
- You will get to visit the important sites of ancient Corinth, Mycenae, and ancient Olympia, the original birthplace of the Olympic Games
- You will see the breathtaking Corinth canal
- An experienced English-speaking tour driver who will drive you safely during your private 4-day tour
Description
Description of the 4 days private Classical tour in Greece with Zakynthos island
Day 1: Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Nafplion, Mycenae, Olympia
The private tour starts early in the morning from Athens. The private driver will follow the scenic coastal road towards Corinth so that you can admire the lovely views of the sea where the Aegean and Ionian Oceans meet.
After approx an hour and a half, you will reach the Corinth Canal that connects the two Oceans and offers breathtaking views.
Soon afterward the private tour will continue towards ancient Corinth, where you will visit the ancient agora, and the museum, famous for the biggest port of ancient Greece, apostle Paul, and sculpture.
Next, we will travel you on towards the picturesque town of Nafplion that used to be the first capital of Greece. There, you will enjoy your lunch and have time to wander around its cobblestone paths that will bring you to small shops or to the spectacular promenade by the sea that offers you a view of the fortress of Mpourtzi and the nearby towns of Argolis.
Here you will visit the fortress of Acronafplia that over crowns the town and take amazing pictures of Nafplion, the Palamidi fortress, the fortress of Mpourtzi, and the entire Argolic Gulf.
After Nafplion, you will head towards Mycenae that used to be one of the major state cities in the ancient years. At Mycenae, you will see the Royal Tombs of King Agamemnon and his family, the immense Cyclopean Walls and Lion’s Gate, as well as the Museum of Mycenae, located in the archaeological site, with important artifacts from the Mycenaean Civilization.
In the afternoon, you will head towards Olympia where you have a free evening and overnight.
Day 2: Ancient Olympia, Zakynthos Island
Start early in the morning, visiting the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the place the first Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C. Olympia lies in the lush valley formed by the Alfios River. Here you will have the chance to experience the temple of Zeus which is the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece dedicated to the father of Gods Zeus which housed one of the 7 wonders of the Ancient world and the gold and ivory statue of Zeus, which was sculpted by the most famous sculptor in the world, Phidias. Continue to visit the temple of Hera, the shrine of Pelops (one of the oldest in the sanctuary), the Council house where the athletes took the Olympic oath, the Treasury houses, the Gymnasium, and the Palestra where they used to exercise for a month prior to the Games. It’s time to visit the first ancient Olympic stadium. Here you will experience the first Olympic game, the 200 meters run where the marble starting blocks are still in position. So get ready and run! Although secluded near the west coast of the Peloponnese, Olympia became the most important religious and athletic center in Greece. After our visit to Olympia, we’ll go ahead to Kyllini Port in order to embark on the ferry that departs approx 03.15 PM to reach Zakynthos island. We’ll arrive at the port of Zakynthos approx 04.15 PM (almost after 1 hour). Drive and check-in at your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Explore the center of Zakynthos and to enjoy dinner at a traditional tavern. Overnight in Zakynthos.
Day 3: ZAKYNTHOS ISLAND – DAY CRUISE
In the morning drive to Zakynthos Marina in order to embark on the local traditional cruise ship (boat) as it’s one of the best ways to explore the island. The cruise departs at 09:00 AM and returns approx 05:00 PM. Enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Ionian ocean with the exceptional blue sky till we have the first stop at the Blue Caves. These caves have a magical turquoise shade that changes into the emerald green where the rays of the sun hit the water and it changes color. The next stop of our cruise is famous around the world Shipwreck (Navagio). When entering the cove the beauty it beholds is breathtaking with deep clear blue waters. Here we’ll spend 1 1/2 hours in order to enjoy a refreshing swim. Our program continues with a 10 min photo stop at Porto Vromi, then our boat pulls up next to the Agalas Caves and the Keri Caves for a reasonable amount of time to admire the beauty of nature. Our next stop will be at Turtle Island. Here you will have the chance to take beautiful photos as you will have enough time to experience the whole gulf of Laganas and Kalamaki that are full of turtles swimming in the seawater. The Turtles are huge but so friendly that you can swim along with them safely. Our next major swim stop is in the area of St Nickolas, Basilikos where the boat anchors for approx an hour. Swimming is only possible by diving off. Besides the 8 to 9 stops the program has, the actual tour all around the island beholds many views that are only possible to see by boat. Some of the stops may not be done depending on the weather conditions on that day. In the afternoon at about 05.00 PM, we’ll return to the Marina. Drive back to your hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Zakynthos.
Day 4: Zakynthos, Athens
Morning time at leisure or after breakfast, we’ll drive around the island to see the rest of the beautiful sites. Time for lunch and later we’ll drive to the port to embark on the ferry in order to reach Kyllini port after approx 1 hour. We’ll drive towards Patras, Corinth and finally, we’ll reach Athens late in the afternoon. Drop off at your hotel in Athens.
Details
Important notes
Tour Type
- Shore Excursion - Private tour
- Activity level: Moderate
Included in the tour
- Car and Driver
- A professional English-speaking driver or escort with good knowledge of the history and culture of Greece, to guide you till you enter archaeological sites and museums. Tour drivers are not licensed to companion you inside the archaeological sites and museums. If you'd like to have a licensed state tour guide to escort you inside the sites and museums, we can arrange it for you at an additional cost. Licensed by the state tour guides are freelance and it is subject to availability on bookings day!
- Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicle or similar appropriate for the size of your group
- Accommodation is based according to availability (for multiple-day tours only)
- Pick-up from and return to your hotel
- Pick-up from the Port of Piraeus
- Private tour, Road tolls and local taxes
- Our terminal: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 37, 117 43 Athina, Greece.
Excluded from the tour
- Entrance fees to the archaeological sites and museum
- Wine tasting fee (wine tours)
- Olive oil tasting fee (olive oil tasting tours)
- Gratuities (optional)
- Food and beverage
- Your private chauffeur/guide will discuss a program best suited to your interest and mobile abilities. Option for a professional tour guide with a state license at an extra cost. Read more for the difference between a STATE LICENSED TOUR GUIDE and a TOUR DRIVER GUIDE in Greece!
Additional info
- Dress: religious and marmoreal sites: shoulders and knee must be covered
- Terms & Conditions and Frequent Questions
- Confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- A voucher will be emailed to you with our contact numbers and all necessary information for your tour.
- This is your ticket and proof of purchase. On the day of the tour please present a paper voucher in order to redeem your tour/activity.
Persons with Disabilities
- Due to uneven surfaces, certain sites are not recommended for persons with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair. Such sites are the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, Mycenae, Delphi and Meteora
- In all cases, we recommend comfortable flat-solid walking shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Restrictions:
- Please note that on this tour, your tour driver is not licensed to accompany you on your climb. If you want this service you may book a licensed by-state tour guide for an extra cost.
- In case a group is followed by a licensed tour guide or an English speaking tour-escort the professional driver is not obliged to speak English!
Opening hours & Admission fees
- Opening Hours:Summer April 1st to October 31st from 08:00 AM to 07:30 PM
- Winter: November 1st to March 31st from 08:30 AM to 03:00 PM
- Free admission fees: Children under 18 & Students from E.U.
- Reduced admission fees: Citizens of the E.U. aged over 65 & Students from countries outside the E.U.
Free admission days
- March 6: In memory of deceased Minister of Tourism & visionary Melina Mercouri
- June 5: Environment international day
- April 18 : International monuments day
- May 18: International museums day
- September 27: International tourism day
- The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
- National Holidays
- Sundays in the period between 1 November and 31 March
- The first Sunday of every month, except for July, August, and September
- NOTE: If the first Sunday is a holiday then the second is the free admission day
Holidays in Greece
- January 1: closed
- January 6: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Shrove Monday: 08:30AM - 03:00 PM
- March 25: closed
- Good Friday: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
- Holy Saturday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- Easter Sunday: closed
- Easter Monday: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- May 1: closed
- Holy Spirit Day: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- 15 August 15: 08:30 AM - 03:00 PM
- October 28: 08:30 AM- 03:00 PM
- December 25 & 26: closed
