Mycenae & Palamidi Castle
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Port
Nafplion, Greece
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$99.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Drive inland across the Argive Plain through orange and lemon groves, past the ancient cities of Tiryns and Argos, to reach Mycenae -- "well-built [and] rich of gold," according to Homer in The Odyssey. Tucked into a fold in the hills and lost to time for centuries, this is Agamemnon's citadel. Although excavations began here in 1841, it wasn't until 33 years later that Heinrich Schliemann, an entrepreneur-turned-self-styled-archaeologist, unearthed Mycenae's treasures. A controversial figure, Schliemann believed in the accuracy of Homer's epic poems, and to the amazement and dismay of scholars, governments, and the world, he was right.
Enter the site via a walkway lined with impenetrable cyclopean walls, and pass through the Lions Gate -- Europe's oldest existing example of monumental statuary. It was here that Clytemnestra received her husband, Agamemnon, on his return from Troy.
Walk to the first shaft tomb. In 1874, Schliemann excavated the famous golden death masks now on display at the Archaeological Museum in Athens. This site affords magnificent views over the Argive.
Visit the eerie Beehive Tomb a short distance from the citadel -- also known as the Treasury of Atreus. Historians believe this could actually be the Tomb of Agamemnon. Enter the impressive grave through a 10-foot corridor and stand in its cool, dark interior, marveling at this monument to Mycenaean building skills.
Returning to Náfplion, drive to the top of the massive, fortified area known as Palamidi. Perched on a crag over 700 feet high, Palamidi has commanding views of the town, the harbor and the Argive Plain. It consists of three self-contained castles linked by vaults, corridors and secret passages. The city's symbol, the Lion of St Mark, appears over the entrances -- a reminder of the fortress' Venetian origin.
Return to the ship via coach or descend on foot the 850-step staircase that leads back down to the harbor and your ship.
Notes:
This tour involves considerable walking over inclines and uneven and slippery paths. Not advisable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with mobility limitations. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.