Private Castle Tour from Athens

Experience a journey through history with a visit to the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Next, explore the Acrocorinth, an ancient fortress offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into Greece’s past. Continue to Palamidi Castle, a stunning Venetian stronghold towering over Nafplio, known for its 999 steps and panoramic vistas. Enjoy free time in Nafplio, Greece’s first capital, where you can stroll charming alleys, relax by the waterfront, or savor local cuisine. Conclude with a visit to Bourtzi Fortress, a picturesque island castle before returning to Athens with unforgettable memories.

1. 1

   Corinth Canal

   20 min

   We first go to the Isthmus of Corinth, a narrow piece of land connecting mainland Greece and the Peloponnese. There we see the manmade canal which connects the Corinthian and the Saronic Gulfs. The canal was finished in 1893, but its history dates to as early as 602 BC. It has a length of over 6km, and its sides are 78m tall at the highest point. There are bridges across the canal for cars and people to pass, and which sink up to 12m underwater to let boats through.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   1 hour

   Acrocorinth - "Upper Corinth" - is a must-see for lovers of history! It is the acropolis of ancient Corinth, a monumental rock overlooking Corinth, and is considered one of the most impressive Greek medieval castle sites. It is steeped in history having been continuously occupied by the Byzantines, Franks, Ottomans, and Venetians until the early 19th century, when the American School of Classical Studies in Athens started first excavating the site. Three defensive towers lead to the interior, showcasing ruins from all eras of its history. Acrocorinth was fortified by connecting the extraordinary defensive wall system to the surrounding mountains. Built on three defensive lines, with its interior enclosures separated by the walls, it is reinforced by towers and bastions. One tower even features a moat with a wooden bridge!

3. 3

   Palamidi Castle

   1 hour

   Stepping forward in history, we see the Palamidi Castle in Nafplio, built by the Venetians and famous for having 999 steps. According to legend, there were once 1000 steps leading to the castle, but one of them was crushed by Theodoros Kolokotronis, a leader of the Greek war of independence, during celebrations for a victory against the Ottomans. A town with a deep history, Nafplio is a remarkable reminder that this part of Greece was, for centuries, an outpost of Venice. Palamidi is one of the best examples of Venetian military architecture in Greece built by the Venetians in 1687 when they captured it from the Ottomans and occupied it, and the last major construction of the Venetian empire overseas. In 1715, during the last Venetian–Turkish war, the Ottomans re-conquered it and it was later passed on to Greek control after a battle with the Turks in 1822. Climb the 999 steps above Nafplio and you are rewarded with the captivating view

4. 4

   Nafplio

   1.5 hours

   A town with a deep history, Nafplio is a remarkable reminder that this part of Greece was, for centuries, an outpost of Venice. Have a pleasant walk, coffee or a meal at the first capital of modern Greece before we return to Athens.

5. 5

   Bourtzi

   1.5 hours

   Bourtzi Fortress, a small Venetian castle located on an islet in Nafplio’s harbor. Originally built in the 15th century to defend the city from pirate attacks, this picturesque fortress later served as a residence for executioners and even as a luxury hotel! Though access to the interior may be limited, the sight of this fairytale-like fortress floating in the sea is truly magical. Today it is a Cafe and Museum.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
• You must be able to walk on unpaved or uneven terrain; otherwise the driver will do their best for you to see most of the sites

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.