Driving west from Athens,  across the Corinth Canal,  then south along the Saronic Gulf, we headed towards the theatre at Epidaurus, famous for its amazing acoustics.  It is considered the best preserved ancient theatre seating 13 000 people. No microphones are needed if the artist performing stands right in the centre of the stage. Our tour group did just that - stood right in the centre and clapped in harmony.  The sound was really remarkable.Even Maria Callas, the opera singer, sang here. From there we drove to Nafplio, a lovely town on the coast and considered to be one of the most beautiful towns in Greece.  It certainly has a wicked gelataria!  Raspberry and dark chocolate today.  We sat on a seat facing Bourtzi, the small Venetian fortress sitting on a rocky outcrop.  The Venetians were just one of the many conquerors of this city over the centuries. The  ancient town of Mycenae was the final stop of the day.  Mycenae is one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.  It is an ancient fortified citadel built on a hill 3000 years ago, when Mycenaen civilisation was at its peak. The city was completely enclosed by a wall and the Lion's Gate which is still standing was the entrance to this ancient city.  It's a fairly steep climb up to the top but the view is spectacular.  All potential invaders can be spotted days away!!!  Just nearby is the Treasury of Atreus, a tomb built around 1250 BC with an amazing masonry ceiling.