PIRAEUS, GREECE

From the port of Piraeus we follow the western coastline of Attica, along the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal, where a short stop is made to view the construction of this unique four-mile (six kilometre) long canal.

From the port of Piraeus we follow the western coastline of Attica, along the Saronic Gulf to the Corinth Canal, where a short stop is made to view the construction of this unique four-mile (six kilometre) long canal. We continue to the site of Corinth, to walk through the ruins of this ancient town and those of the Roman agora (market place). The Temple of Apollo, one of the oldest Doric temples surviving, and the Bema of Saint Paul, the symbol of early Christianity in Greece, are the highlights of the site. ‘Golden Mycenae’ is our next stop, after driving us through the beautiful orange and lemon groves of Argolis. As we arrive at the village it is possible to spot the citadel of ancient Mycenae on the spur of Mount Zara. Our guide will lead the way up to the ramp, through the Lion Gate and into Mycenae’s magic castle. Everything is here to remind us of Homer’s lliad: the grave circle in which the golden mask of Agamemnon was found; the Cyclopean walls; the foundations of the palace where Agamemnon once lived; the postern gate; and the entrance to the underground reservoir. We continue to the ‘Beehive Tomb’, the so-called ‘Treasury of Agememnon’. A Greek lunch is served in a restaurant near Mycenae, before we return to our ship. This tour involves approximately 2 ½ hours of walking, partially uphill. To avoid part of the walking in Mycenae, it is possible for participants to omit the visit to the ancient Mycenae and stay onboard the coach; this is optional and will not reflect upon the price. Flash photography is prohibited in the museum.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CANARIES & MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES