We leave Athens the next morning heading out to Mycenae the legendary home of Agammemnon. We go by Salamais where a legendary naval battle was fought between the Greeks and the Persians. We also pass by the Corinithian Canal before arriving at Mycenae.

Mycenae was the most powerful kingdom in Greece for over 400 years. It's most famous ruler was the legendary Agammemnon who led the Greeks during the Trojan War. Mycenae remained a city, but lost the power and prestige it once had. It was thought that the the kingdom of Agammemnon was a myth like that of Troy. The other thing they have in common was that they were found and proved real by the same man Heinrich Schliemann in 1876. Schliemann found an enormous quanity of gold objects, including a golden mask presumed to portray the face of Agammemnon. The major highlights of the ruins include the beehive tomb also known as the Treasury of Atreus an circular funeral chamber hewn into the side of the hill. You then head up to the top of the acropolis. Heading through the Lions gate to the grave circles. In the grave circles is where Schliemann dug and found his gold. You can then walk up the ruins of a ramp to where the fabled city once stood. Not much remains of the ruins articularly on the top of the hill where the palace once stood. After leaving Mycenae we drive to the city of Olympia home of the original Olympic Games. That night we take in an exhibition of Greek dancing which is very good with lots of different costmes and styles.

Temple of the Olympian Zeus Olympia

Early the next morning we drive a short distance to the ancient city of Olympia. This city has extensive ruins and a museum on sight to explore. Olympia was one of the most powerful of the Greek city states. it was home to the Statue of Zeus one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It also held a athletic competition which was the predeccessor to the modern Olympic Games. The first games were held in 776 B.C. and dedicated to Zeus. Wars were halted so both sides could compete in the games. The games continued even through the Roman occupation untill banned by the Emperor Theodosius I in 393. Today you can walk through the anceint city. You can see the ruins of the original Olympic Stadium. Walk around the Temple of Zeus which was devastated by a series of earhquakes. The statue of Zeus designed by legendary sculptor Pheidias who also designed many aspects of the Parthenon. There is also a Roman chariot track. They have a museum which displays many of the archaeological finds including the Statue of Hermes with the baby Dionysos its most famous. The city is a fabulous place to explore with lots of ruins and you can see some of the changes made to Greek cities by the Romans. After leaving Olympia we have a long drive, with a beach stop, up into the mountains to Delphi our next stop. That night we have a great time at a local discoteque/bar.

Oracle at Delphi

The next morning we were up early and headed to the most famous oracle in the ancient world. The oracle of Apollo was sought by kings and rulers all over the world for advice. Wars were started and ended on the advice of the priestesses who prophesized here. Wars were fought to control access to the Oracle eventually ending in the establishment of the Delphic League. As Greek society faded under Roman rule, the importance of the oracle faded. Not much remains of the oracle today, the Temple of Athena a short walk away is better preserved. They have a Roman theatre on the hill overlooking the oracle. They also have a museum with items found during excavations including a bronze charioteer. The Oracle is a fantastic site to visit. The surrounding mountains and scenery are fantastic. Leaving Delphi we drive to Kalambaka a nice mountain town near the fabulous Monastaries of Meteora.