Prepare yourself to walk the footsteps of mythology. The charming and peaceful land of Argolida holds, within the bowels of its earth, one of the most important civilisations ever to see the light of day: the Mycenaean civilisation.
Mycenae – the city of the legendary Agamemnon
Homer and other writers of ancient Greek tragedy committed their names to memories which have passed into the collective unconscious of humanity. Agamemnon and Menelaus, Danaë and Perseus, Pelops and Atreus are the apparent forefathers of all of Europe, and the birthplace of all of these historical figures, is golden Mycenae.The earliest archaeological fragments indicate that the site of Mycenae was inhabited since the 7th millennium BC, from prehistoric times. In a dominant, naturally fortified position between the tranquil sloping hills of Profitis Ilias, and Sara, with a plentiful water supply, it was an ideal place for man to settle and live a protected life.The apogee of the Mycenaeans, with their majestic architecture, inscribed monuments and sophisticated civilisation, occurred in the Late Bronze Age, between 1350 and 1200 BC. The first hegemonic factions appeared as early as 1700 BC, that is, in an historical period for which is difficult to determine exact details. But around this same period construction began on the first monumental tombs. After this, expansion developed at a dizzying speed. Palatial complexes, Cyclopean masonry which is awe-inspiring even today, the famous "Tomb of Agamemnon” (also known as the "Treasury of Atreus”), huge arches, fountains and ramparts comprise one of the greatest architectural complexes known to the ancient world. The decline of Mycenae occurred around 1100 BC, possibly due to repeated damage from earthquakes and fires. They had managed, however, to have once been a truly great empire, which has indelibly stamped its reputation on the history not only of Greece, but the entire world.
Mycenae
In the second millennium BC, Mycenae was one of the major centres of Greek civilization, a military stronghold which dominated much of southern Greece, Crete, the Cyclades and parts of southwest Anatolia. The period of Greek history from about 1600 BC to about 1100 BC is called Mycenaean in reference to Mycenae. At its peak in 1350 BC, the citadel and lower town had a population of 30,000 and an area of 32 hectares.
Accompanied by a licensed guide explore the remains of the ancient city of Mycenae, visit the famous Lion Gate, the arched tombs and walk on the footsteps of King Agamemnon.
There is no better way to finish a day full of history than with a wine tasting in one of the most famous wine regions of Greece: Nemea. The huge viticultural zone of Nemea covers an area of 26,000,000 m2. The grape variety that has been cultivated for over 3,000 years in the area is the red Agiorgitiko varietal, which has turned Nemea into a fascinating wine tourism destination. These age-old vineyards are the terroir where the PDO Nemea wines are produced, offering top quality red and rosé wines that are famous the world over. The white clay soil, the particular microclimate of the area and the different ground elevations yield grapes that produce a varied range of wine types: some are easy-to-drink, fresh and fruity, some are full-bodied, with complicated aromas and some mature to become vintage wines.
The area’s vineyards are dotted with dozens of wineries that are open to visitors and offer wine tours, wine-tasting and food pairing sessions and seminars on the cycle of wine-making. The annual event Great Days of Nemea takes place every September where all wineries of the region are open to visitors. It is a first class opportunity for every traveller to embark on an intoxicating and flavorful trip in a place blessed by nature and well-loved by its people! Meet the winemakers and learn everything you need to know about one of the most promiment Greek wine varietal.
Nemea Wineries
This is where you will find the largest single vineyard in Greece producing wines that are renowned the world over, producing the famous worldwide Agiorgitiko wine.
Visit the endless vineyards, taste unique varieties of wine at a local winery and optionally enjoy a delicious lunch inside the premises.
INCLUSIONS
Entrance fees in Mycenae
Wine tour at a winery
All tastings
Roundtrip transfers from Amanzoe
Local licensed guide on spot
All road transports by English-speaking driver
Liability insurance and All taxes
6-7 hours
