Excursions and Activities
Archeological Sites
There is a wealth of ancient archaeological sites to explore in the area. A few of the most important ones such as the Medical Sanctuary of Asclepius and the renowned Amphitheatre in Epidaurus, still host to internationally-acclaimed performances every summer (45 minutes from Amanzoe).
Mycenae and the Mycenaean cemetery of Dendra (1 hour from Amanzoe)
Town of Nafplion The historic city of Nafplion is situated just 65 kilometers away from Amanzoe. The first capital of modern Greece, it is well-known for its neoclassical architecture, the imposing Palamidi Castle overlooking the city, and the Bourtzi Castle set on an island in the middle of the harbor. Take a stroll in the old part of town, visit the archaeological museum, sample local cuisine at any of the sea-view tavernas and spend an evening enjoying the town’s live jazz bars.
Island Hopping
The peninsula is surrounded by numerous uninhabited islets, ideal for day trips, sailing excursions
and swimming in secluded coves. Ten minutes across the water from Porto Heli by water taxi is the cosmopolitan island of Spetses, known for its sea-faring traditions, its heroic contribution to Greek Independence from the Ottoman Empire, its Venetian and neoclassical mansions with pebble mosaic courtyards, and its horse-drawn carriages. A bit farther away, but still within easy reach by water taxi is the island of Hydra. A car-free island populated by historic sea captain mansions which evoke an ambiance of centuries past, it is renowned for its vibrant dining scene and nightlife.
Historical and Nature
Treks Trekking in the beautiful scenery of the Peloponnese is an invigorating and memorable experience. Trek to the Frachti caves from Kilada, or past Byzantine chapels, Mycenaean tombs and watermills on your way from Mycenae to the Temple of Hera (2 hours) or the village of Prosymni (3 hours). Other options include a light trek to the sunken hollows of Vythismata or the Bisti Forest at Ermioni.
Monasteries
The Byzantine Monastery of St. Dimitrios of Avgo in Pelaioi is built into the rocks of the surrounding
countryside. Another monastery worth visiting is St. George at Didyma. Two holes formed by meteorites signpost the road which leads uphill to a small but imposing church with lovely views. Cruising If you are in the mood for an adventure on the water with AMANZOE ONE, a Wally One power boat, or AQUAZOE, a Pershing 62, you may choose from a number of customized charters offered through a specially selected yacht charter company. These enable you to explore the close by islands of Spetses and Hydra, inlets and coastal towns along this famous stretch of coastline, and are designed to provide the shortest possible transfer times from destination to destination.
EXCURSIONS
Local Produce
The region has a reputation for its agricultural products including its citrus fruits, low-acidity olives, diverse fish and crustaceans, and wine. Amanzoe offers guests the opportunity to pick olives and make their own olive oil (seasonal); join in the pomegranate harvest (seasonal); visit local sheep and goat farmers who make their own cheese; and collect honey (seasonal) on a trip to the local hives and honey museum.
Wine Tasting
Within 90 minutes of Amanzoe there are numerous vineyards open for wine tasting. All boast indigenous Greek grape varieties, offer tours of the surrounding vineyards and are known for their complex and diverse wines.
The vineyards of Nemea are particularly famous. Nemea is an ancient site in the northeast of the Peloponnese, not far from the town of Nafplion. Here in Greek mythology Heracles overcame the Nemean Lion of the Goddess Hera, and the Nemean Games took place.
The region was first put on the map for its winemaking by Homer, who called it Ampeloessa, which means “full of vines”. Today the appellation of Nemea is the most important red wine AOC of southern Greece, and arguably all of Greece. The indigenous Greek Agiorgitiko grape is grown, producing wines famous for their deep red color with violet and blue hues, their complex aromas and their long, velvety finishes.
Discover Ancient Greece
The Ancient Greece tour combines the two following UNESCO World Heritage Archaeological Sites, the Sanctuary and the Theatre of Asklepios in Epidavros and the city of Mycenae. If you wish to visit both sites, then we suggest that you start at the site of Mycenae, approx. an hour and a half drive from Amanzoe. After the visit to Mycenae, a lunch stop can be arranged in the historical town of Nafplio. On the way back to Amanzoe we suggest a visit at the Sanctuary of Asklepios and a walk under the shaded trees of the site.
Archaeological site of Epidaurus
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Epidavros is an ancient sanctuary which reflects not only the great history of Hellenistic and Roman periods, but also how powerful the Ancient Greek spiritual beliefs were. Apart from the famous Theater, Epidavros also includes the archaeological site and ruins of the sanctuary of Asklepios, and a museum that exhibits findings from the site. Within these ruins are the remains of the Enkimitirion, where people would travel thousands of miles to slumber in the hopes of having Asklepios appear to them in their dreams with a cure for what ailed them.
Archaeological site of Mycenae
Mycenae, the “golden city” of ancient Greece is an UNESCO World Heritage Site that must not be missed. Mycenae was the epicenter of the Mycenaean world and gave its name to a period and a civilization that evolved throughout the entire Hellenic civilization and spread even further to the Mediterranean basin between the 16th and 12th c. BC.
Nafplio Town
Nafplio is one of the most historic cities of the region, full of spectacular monuments and sights that have stories that span from the ancient times to the medieval. It played a major part in the history and creation of today’s Greece, as it hosted the first Greek parliament after the Greek War of Independence.
Trekking in Ermionida
The area of Ermionida is full of beautiful hiking trails suitable for all ages.In general, there is no signing in the area so a local trekker would be essential in order to guide you through the paths. Most of the trails available are of average difficulty level but our outsourced trekking cooperator is able to customize your selected trekking route and difficulty level according to your needs. In many routes the starting and finishing point may not be Amanzoe so in this occasion a chauffeured car will be driving you to and from these points.
Generations of Beekeeping
Since 1914 the Bairaktaris family has handed down the traditions of beekeeping, keeping the art alive from generation to generation. Located in the valley below Amanzoe, only a short 10 minute drive away, you will find fields of beehives, surrounded by trees and mountains. The family has created a ‘Bee Museum’ housed in a traditional stone building and with many of the original bee-keeping tools used by their ancestors. They have installed plexi glass ‘bee boxes’ so that you may have a rare opportunity to observe the hive activity. Except the Bee Museum, here you will have the chance to visit also the modern production facility, stroll around the property and enjoy an Amanzoe “Honey Bee Picnic” under the shade of a beautiful, old carob tree.
