Athens to Nafphlion excursion
 

If anyone has suggestions about a few days outside Athens to Nafplion, with side trips to Mycenae and to Epidaurus, including a nice property to stay, that would be great. We are 2 couples, active in our 60s, would rent a car once there; not so keen on renting and driving in/out of Athens. For early october, thanks!!!

Hi

Yes Mycenae and Epidaurus are worth a visit and I think Mystras is possible too from memory. Nearby is the coastal resort of Tolon which is very pleasant.

The Byron Hotel gets good reviews in the forum - http://www.byronhotel.gr. You may also like Pension Eleni - http://www.pensioneleni.gr.

Does anyone know how long it takes to get from Athens to Nafplion and the best way to get there??

It takes 2 and half to 3 hours to get from Athens to Nafplio. I have stayed in Tolo a few times - beach resort about 4 miles from Nafplio. We used Tolo as a base and had car hire to visit nearby places, including in and out to Nafplio. Tolo is cheaper than Nafplio by far for accomodation and has some good hotels and apartments. Nafplio has a lovely old town that is a pleasure to walk round. If you choose a hotel in Nafplio, the old town is your best bet, otherwise, I would choose Tolo and use carhire or taxis back and forth to Nafplio.
The Paradise Lost Apartments in Tolo are lovely, the Tolo Hotel is also very pleasant.
I would go by bus from Athens to Nafplio / Tolo and rent a car when you get there. I think there is also a train to Argos which is also nearby (but not a good place to stay).
Places to visit: Mycenae, Tyrins (excuse spelling), Nemea, Epidauvros, island of Poros, Corinth

Athens to Nafplion is about 2.5 hours. You could also go to Poros Island as a day trip from Nafplion. It might even be warm enough for a quick swim in October. Have a great trip!

The Bus takes 2.5 hours from Bus Terminal A -- it goes hourly on the half-hour. In May 07 tickets cost 11.5E one way; they are seat-specific. Buy them at "Argolid" ticket window ..if u can convey it to agent, ask for tickets on LH side of bus outbound -- for the view of Saronic Bay.

Car rental is easy in Nafplio; ask your hotelier. Re Bronze Age fortress, I like Tiryns (just 6 Km outside of Nafplio) better than Mycenae but that's just me! And think about Nemea (just off main highway- look at map)... it's a Sacred Games site 2nd only to Olympia. With a car you can easily see 3 ruins sites in 1 day (Mycenae or Nemea, Tiryns, and Epidaurus). Take a picnic!

Consider Hotel Leto in Nafplio right next door to Eleni, tell them Jan from Philadelphia recommended them.
http://www.leto-hotel.com/hotel_e.html

Thanks, to everyone; this is great information. my travel buddy is coming shortly and we'll use all your tips!!!

travelerjan has mentioned Tyrins, as I have done a good few times on this board.

This Myceanean fortress, so close to Nafplio is a must see and in my mind, better that Mycenae. You will be amazed at its cyclopean walls and tunnels. In Greek mythology it is supposed to be the birthplace of Hercules (Heracles).

Bill

One of the less well known archaeological sites near Naufplio is the "Heraion of Argos", which I stumbled across while driving to Tiryns & Mycenae.

We were the only two people at the Heraion site. It was quiet (only some buzzing bees), serene, and pastoral, with nice views over the Argolid plain -- a lovely way to spend 30-40 minutes.

I'll have to post some pics one day ! :o

In the meantime, Dartmouth College has some nice pics here:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~classics/g...4/april10.html

I just noticed the long Dartmouth URL I gave previously , is NOT clickable -- be sure to copy & paste the ENTIRE url in your web browser.

Tom,
tinyurl.com may help.

Dartmouth's "Heraion of Argos"
http://tinyurl.com/yvlvfw

;)

thanks, Tom; great photos and journaling on this site!!!