Two Labours of Hercules: Stymphalian Birds and the Nemean Lion
The vibrant natural scenery, the myths, the legends, the historical sites and the aroma and flavors of the wine and the traditional greek cuisine of the blessed land of Corinthia...
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Be impressed by the natural beauty of Lake Stymphalia and be inspired by Ancient Nemea
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Revel at your guide’s presentation of legends of Hercules‘ Labours (Stymphalian Birds and Nemean Lion) and sample the splendid regional wine and food.
This well-researched and meticulously organised tour combines several attractive themes into a single irresistible fusion, so typical of the real, yet not well known, Greece: mythology, natural scenery, archaeology and traditional cuisine. The tour sets off early in the morning from Athens, so as to encompass the chosen evocative sights and sites in the Corinthia region of northern Peloponnese.
Following a short stop at the picturesque coastal town of Loutraki, we drive past the impressive Corinth Canal and through the forested mountains of Corinthia to our first destination, lake Stymphalia. This is the location where legend has it that the ancient hero and demigod Hercules cunningly managed to destroy the predator Stymphalian Birds which plagued the region by performing his Sixth Labour.
Lake Stymphalia and its complex wetland ecosystem is a Natura 2000 natural protection area and is also home to the delightful and rich Environment Museum of Stymphalia, which is one of the tour’s destinations. Following the description of the Labor by the guide and the visit to the museum, the tour continues through fabulous scenery to Ancient Nemea with its magnificent Temple of Zeus and its ancient stadium which is now used again every four years by hosting the revived Nemean Games, as they were performed 2,500 years ago. The guide will reveal the importance of Ancient Nemea through the visit to the extensive site as well as the museum, whilst also unraveling the legend of the First Labour of Hercules, where he overcame the fearsome Nemean Lion bare-handed.
Rich is the Nemean land in history, in magnificent relics of ages past and in legends and rich it also is with the treasures of its land – its wine and its food. How fitting therefore that the explorers of fabled Corinthia would rest and relax at a local Greek gourmet taverna, to sample the acclaimed red Nemean wine, painstakingly created from the Aghiorghitiko grape variety, accompanied by local delicacies.
All good things come to an end and the tour finishes in Athens at the designated drop-off point, however what will remain alive are happy memories of the vibrant nature, the myths, the legends, the historical sites and the aroma and flavors of the wine and the food of this blessed land. Indeed, what more is there to ask for?
Are you more independent-minded?
This programme is also available in a self-drive version!
Find out more on Self-Drive Tours
Included
- Αir-conditioned, luxury minibus or coach
- Licensed archaeologist-guide
- Lunch
- Two glasses of wine
- One bottle of mineral water during the drive
- Tickets to museums and archaeological sites
Not Included
- Gratuities at the taverna and for the driver (optional)
- Extra wine / beverages
