Epidaurus or Mycenae
 

Based in Nafplio and hope to do both
But if there was a choice which is the better

You can easily see them both in a day, but if only one, my vote is for Epidaurus. The amphitheater is absolutely stunning. I was there at the end of the day and had it all to myself for 5 whole minutes - sublime.

If you are a devoted student of Mycenaean history, Mycenae has a lot to offer ... especially if you bring along a really good guidebook & map. However, if you've not read much at all about Ancient Greece before your trip, Epidaurus (the ancient theatre) can be appreciated with no background at all. I've been there a number of times, accompanied by "newbies" and they all loved it.

It's great to be there when the theatre is nearly deserted, but also enjoyable when there are diverse tourists. The world-famous acoustics motivates so many people to vocalize or orate ... operatic arias, national anthems, famous speeches from Shakespeare or Greek drama. In May, there are many Greek upper-school field trips. One of the most hilarious moments I remember came when a group of Greek 13-year-olds -- coached by their teacher -- attempted a famous scene from the comedy "Lysistrata" (the one where the women refuse to make love until the men stop making war) -- the kids were typical of teens everywhere... showing off, giggling, getting embarassed, while reciting lines that wowed the Epidaurus crowds back in 420 BC or so.

Mycenae first, Epidauros second. But you have traveled a long distance to get there. These are two major ancient Greek sites and both deserve your time.

Yes they are both very doable as Google map shows with car
I have for the day

Not that clued up on Mycenae so found some books on that period in Greece to get a background of some sort

For me over the years at these places its the feeling they give me

Thanks all

Reading about "theatron" the origin of English word theatre

Says those remaining in Athens are Roman

But Epidaurus is a magnificent fourth century example and
acoustics perfect ,the sound reaching even the highest of
its 14,000 seats

Travelerjan is that accurate ?????

Waiting on Jan's reply. But I can say that to truly appreciate this site I sat on one of the higher seats and could hear clearly when someone clapped on the "stage" below. Someone even broke into song and I could hear them clearly. The building is a masterpiece!

Choosing between the 2 sites is a tough call. There's not much left at Mycenae so you do have to use your imagination. However it's steeped in history. I strongly urge you to splash out and hire a knowledgeable tour guide for the site. They can put things in far better perspective for you.

Found a good deal for car so will have it from 9am Sat to 9am Sun

So definately the both

Regarding Epidaurus theatre, indeed, there are 14,000 seats ... the original has about 10,000, about 430 BC, then a few rows up top added I think about 300 BC, no affect on acoustics ... Sure you can sit in top row & hear a clap clearly. But furthermore, someone can drop a coin & you hear it clearly. And if the theatre is almost empty & people are quiet, I have seen someone in the center strike a MATCH, and you hear the strike up on top. Amazing.

Do both -- I suggest going to Mycenae first, get there before 10 if poss... then to Epidaurus... Coolmover, you don't repeat your dates on your Numerous posts, so I forget if it's before May. If May or later, it will be open late. If it's closing at 3, just go to Theatre... if you have longer, wander the ruins site .. y ou'll need a good map & printout to make sense of it. Dont bother really iwth museum because all the best stuff is in the Nat. Arch. Museum in Athens -- which i DO hope you'll make time to see ... it also has the greatest treasures from Mycenae ... Gold Galore!

Be in Nafplio 6th May and just checked

Summer time opening 1st of the 4th till 31st of the 10th

Epidaurus 7.45 till 18.45

Mycenae 8.00 till 19.30

Good News!! However, I must warn you, if you can, re-check thru a hotel desk, or via phone if you can (internet will not give u the latest) -- sometimes an unforeseen event ... wildcat strike, sudden policy change ... will result in early closing. I ran into that on my very first day in Greece, 17 years ago! In late may We 2 newbies, groggy from lack of sleep, walked all the way to Athens Nat. Archeological Museum which was supposed to be open until 7 pm, arrived 2:45, a guard barred door, closing at 3 (sudden staff shortage). Don't want to rain on your parade -- just saying, don't be overconfident.

<i>So definately the both</i>

Smart call. You'll enjoy both; I know I did.

Some pictures of Nafplio, Epidaurus, Mycenae and more, to whet your appetite in the meantime:

http://onelittleworld.zenfolio.com/p514870849

Can relate to the unusual or not planned for

2000 after Anzac in Turkey we ventured to Samos arriving prior to midday Good Friday
As my 90yr old mum used traveller cheques no place open and I had visited ATM for drachma.
So said to mum I,ll draw some out for you and you can fix me up later

Upon returning to ATM my card got gobbled so with a backup card went to another ATM and decided to stay xtra day and wait for Monday to get card back

But Monday was May 1st so marooned an extra day

No damage as we rented car and drove to Pythagoria for lunch
Easter Sunday

If you have the time go to both. When we were there we did two separate day trips by bus. I'm not sure if the buses still do that though. Even if you are not a archeology or history fan you'll be impressed by both sites. The Myceneans go back more than 1,000 years before Greece's Golden Age and they were a powerhouse back then. The Lion's Gate is one of the most impressive sites in the Ancient World and the "Beehive" Tombs are incredible.

The theater in Epidavrous is spectacular and in a lovely setting. The "village" is mostly walls, foundations and a few columns and has an outstanding museum.