Michael S. LibermanItaly and Greece Day 11: Tolo to Athens
July 12, 2024
From the Hermes Hotel in Athens …
Tolo is a gorgeous small seaside town. Last night, after a late dinner, we walk down to the beach for swimming and the sunset. Then to the Hotel Solon bar to celebrate our arrival in Greece. Then more wine in the hotel lobby until late!
After breakfast we check out of the Hotel Zakros and board the bus for a quick ride to the Epidaurus Archaeological Site.
Epidaurus was a major center for the worship of Asclepius, the god of medicine, and housed a healing sanctuary that attracted pilgrims seeking cures. The archaeological site is renowned for its theater, with its exceptional acoustics and classical Greek architecture. We walk to the top of the theatre to take in this ancient engineering feat and the view of the surrounding landscape.
Next we’re back on the bus to Mycenae, about an hour away. Our first stop is the Mycenaen School of Ceramic Art to learn about the production of authentic ceramics.
Mycenae is an ancient archaeological site, known as a major center of Greek civilization during the late Bronze Age and the home of King Agamemnon. Mycenae features include the Lion Gate, the Cyclopean walls, and the Treasury of Atreus.
A 30-minute drive down the road and we arrive at the Corinth Canal. Completed in 1893, the Corinth Canal connects the Ionian Sea with the Aegean Sea cutting through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth. An engineering marvel, the canal is about 4 miles long (6.4 kilometers) and 70 feet wide (21 meters), the canal significantly reduced the journey around the Peloponnese peninsula.
We end the afternoon with a one-hour drive to Athens. Tomorrow we see tour the Athens area.
We stayed just up the coast in Naflio, which was built by the Venetians and served as their capital in was is now Greece. There’s a cruise that runs through the Canal (but we did not take it). I’m interested in coming back to explore the Peloponnese – they have the best feta in Greece and the local red wines are nice and very wallet friendly.
I just missed a couple of sailing yachts passing through the Canal. Feta and local reds both rated well by our group.
When we stopped in at Mycenae, there was a heat wave. All outdoor sites in Greece were being closed between 1pm and 4pm for the protection of the workers and guests. So we humped up the path to the gate (with me in a walking boot with a broken foot) for a photo and zipped through the tiny museum in 15 minutes. But didn’t get to explore the ruins. Do make the time to see the National Archeological Museum in Athens to see all the things they found at Mycenae – it’s impressive and worth an hour or two in the museum.
Went most of the way but not all the way to the top of Mycenae. Kudos to you for getting to the gate with a walking boot! Unfortunately not time to get to the National Archeological Museum.
It looks hot there! As always, I’m really enjoying your journey from afar. Thanks Michael!
Thanks, Erin! It’s scorching here!!