Epidaurus & Palamidi Castle
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Port
Nafplion, Greece
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$89.95
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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
Journey along a picturesque winding road, passing typical Greek villages on your way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Epidaurus. Known throughout the Hellenistic world for its unique medical facilities and healing treatments, Epidaurus was dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing who restored health to the sick and, reputedly, sometimes even life to the dead. The city was filled with curative spas and baths, but only priests had access to some of the healing rites.
Today most of the ruins have been reduced to their foundations with one exception -- the remarkable theater. Built into rather than above the ground and set overlooking a valley, the theater is known for its astonishing acoustics. Restored in 1954, it now hosts modern productions of the ancient classics and musical recitals of performers such as the late Maria Callas.
Returning to Náfplion, you'll drive to the top of the massive, fortified area known as the Palamidi. Perched on a crag over 700 feet high, Palamidi has commanding views of the town, the harbor and the Argive Plain. Started by the Francs and later enlarged by the Venetians, three self-contained castles linked by vaults, corridors and secret passages now reside within the complex's outer walls. The city's symbol, the Lion of St Mark, appears over the entrances -- a reminder of the fortress' Venetian occupation.
Return to the ship via coach or descend on foot the 850-step staircase that leads back down to the harbor.
Notes:
Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.