A Peloponnesian Adventure

Duration: 13 days / 12 nights

Destinations:

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An exciting adventure awaits for you this summer! Hit the road and explore every corner of Peloponnese with a carefully crafted itinerary meant to take you away from swarming crowds and expose you to a different aspects of one of the most charming regions of Greece. After spending a day in Athens and doing some rudimentary sightseeing with the half day city tour, you will pick up your rental car, cross the Corinth Canal and begin an unforgettable road trip!

In the historical town of Nafplion you will discover the unique amalgamation of Greek and Venetian cultures in charming alleys full of taverns and wide squares populated by gelaterias. Monemvasia will couple Medieval architecture with a Byzantine element to your journey, while the town of Pylos and Gythion will show you the more relaxed modern Greek way of life that is characteristic of the regions of Mani and Messenia. Finally, in Olympia you will travel to ancient Greece and the birthplace of the Olympic Games!

With your own car at your side you can launch expeditions to various points of interest in Peloponnese such as the Theatre of Epidaurus, the site of Mycenae, the Castle of Mystras and the Caves of Diros among many others. Carve your very own path and create memories that will last you a lifetime!

3 night accommodation in Athens
2 night accommodation in Nafplion
2 night accommodation in Monemvasia
2 night accommodation in Gythio
2 night accommodation in Pylos
1 night accommodation in Olympia
Half-day Athens City Tour
Car Rental (automatic transmission)
Entrance fees during guided sightseeing
Meals: 12 breakfasts
VAT for all services

Not included:

International airfare
Personal expenses
Customary tips & gratuities to drivers and guides
Stayover hotel tax (to be paid directly to the hotel)

Day 1 – Arrival in Athens
Our assistant will be waiting for your arrival at the airport in order to transport you to your centrally located hotel in the city. Once you’ve taken a load off, take advantage of your first night in Athens to explore the nearby neighborhoods of Plaka, Thissio and Psiri before finding a cozy tavern with a view of the ever-present Acropolis and begin you culinary journey into Greek cuisine.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: -
Day 2 – Athens Half Day City Tour
In the morning you will get better acquainted with Athens via a time-honored tradition; the half day city tour. For the next few hours you will follow a meticulously designed adventure throughout millennia of culture and civilization. Whether your interests lie in Ancient Greece with its imposing Acropolis or the modern state with the Panathenaic Stadium and the numerous neoclassical buildings such as the Academy of Athens and the National Library, this tour is sure to satisfy the history buff within you! The remainder of the day is at your disposal to spend as you wish. If you feel like exploring further outside Athens, an afternoon tour of Cape Sounion will take you to the Temple of Poseidon and provide magnificent views of the Saronic Gulf.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Arrival at Nafplion
Your automatic transmission car will be delivered to you at your hotel and you can now hit the road and begin your adventure away from Athens. Once you exit the city, you will take the coastal route to Nafplion, crossing the Corinth Canal, an impressive technical feat and a great opportunity for a short stop to take pictures. Now firmly in Peloponnese, you will reach the Argolis peninsula and settle in Nafplion, your hub for the next two days. One of the most charming cities in all of Greece, Nafplion has a unique history as it combines Greco-Italian influences. A stroll down its cobblestoned alleys full of charming shops of local artists will serve as a perfect introduction to the city of Nafplion.
Overnight: Nafplion
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – Explore Nafplion
Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, features a vast number of sites to visit, the most prominent of which are the Fortress of Palamidi lording over the entire town and Bourtzi, the small castle located on an islet in front of the town’s waterfront. Both monuments where build by the Venetians in an effort to augment the city’s defenses and were later used for similar purposes by the Ottomans and the Greeks. If you wish to leave Nafplion, the famous Theater of Epidaurus, known for its marvelous acoustics, is just a half hour drive away. In a similar distance to the north you will find the Archaeological site of Mycenae, home of an ancient civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the Tomb of King Agamemnon, the Lion’s Gate and the Treasury of Atreus.
Overnight: Nafplion
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – Arrival in Monemvasia
When you are ready to bid adieu to Nafplion, hop on your car and drive south, to the first of the three ‘legs’ of Peloponnese. What is more properly known as the Cape Malea Peninsula, is where the town of Monemvasia lays. A truly majestic town, Monemvasia is located on a tied island off the coast, surrounded by the Myrtoan Sea. As its name suggests (‘Single Exit’) the only way to approach the town is via a bridge. The area is mostly comprised of a large plateau around 100 meters (330 feet) above sea level, with a medieval fortress residing there.
Overnight: Monemvasia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – Explore Monemvasia
Known as ‘Gibraltar of the East’, Monemvasia was once a very important commercial center in the Mediterranean. Its influences are distinctly Byzantine with various churches still remaining standing today. Get lost in the town’s narrow passageways, marvel at the juxtaposition of Venetian houses next to Byzantine buildings and explore every nook and cranny for its historical significance and natural beauty. An alternative way to spend your afternoon would be to take a 45 minute drive to the edge of the peninsula, to Cape Maleas, take a short hike up the Agia Eirini trail and watch the sun set in the Myrtoan Sea surrounded by stunning scenery.
Overnight: Monemvasia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – Arrival in Gythio
On the road once more but this time for a much shorter drive across Southern Peloponnese. Your next stop will be Gythio, a small town at the start of the Mani Peninsula that served as the seaport of ancient Sparta. The quaint town is home to numerous taverns specializing in local delicacies so culinary exploration should take priority. On the north edge of the town lies the Ancient Theater of Gythio, while of the south, you can find the islet of Crane, where you can visit the local lighthouse and the Tzannetakis Tower.
Overnight: Gythio
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – Explore Gythio
Although you can opt to delve deeper into Gythio’s culture and history, this day can also serve as an opportunity to explore Mani and its delightful sceneries. The Diros Caves are just 40 minutes away heading south and can help you discover your inner spelunker, while the Byzantine Castle of Mystras is an hour away on the northern route resting on the slopes of Mount Tayetos. Alternatively, you can go village hopping around Mani and visiting charming places like Gerolimenas, Kotronas, Areopoli and Oitilo among others. The Dimitrios shipwreck at Valtaki beach is also quite a sight to see and just 10 minutes away from Gythio itself.
Overnight: Gythio
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – Arrival in Pylos
In the morning, leave Gythio and drive towards Pylos, on the Westernmost Peloponnesian peninsula. Even though the drive is around a couple of hours, it might be a good idea to stop half-way through in Sparta, a prominent city-state of ancient Greece. Once you settle at your hotel in Pylos, take the rest of the day to explore the picturesque town and visit the 16th Ottoman fortress of Niokastro on the edge of Pylos.
Overnight: Pylos
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – Explore Messenia
Hop on your car and explore Messenia, arguably the most beautiful region of Peloponnese. Countless vineyards, olive groves and fig orchards are spread all over Messenia, between charming villages and along scenic routes. Take advantage of your freedom of movement and taste as many local products as you heart desires. If you opt to follow the coastal road, you can add a beach-hopping chapter to your journey, with beaches like Voidokilia, Romanos and Divari being among the most popular. Finally, for those interested in the history of the region, the Palace of Nestor, Castle of Methoni and the Site of Ancient Messini are the places you want to be at!
Overnight: Pylos
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – Arrival in Olympia
Hit the road once more and drive north to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. A visit to the ancient city is imperative, as the archaeological site present there will not disappoint. The remains of the Temples of Hera and Zeus, the Nymphaeum and of course the Stadium where various sports were held in antiquity, are only some of the reasons Olympia has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a visit to the Site, make sure to tour the nearby Archaeological Museum, which features numerous exhibits connected to the Games.
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – Return to Athens
After a fulfilling breakfast, drive back to Athens for one last night in the city of Acropolis. On the way you can stop for some rest in towns of central Peloponnese which you didn’t have a chance to visit yet, like Megalopolis or Tripoli. Our assistant will be waiting for you at your hotel in Athens to receive the car that served as a conduit for your unique adventure during the past few days. Although you deserve some well-earned rest during your last night in Greece, don’t forget to hit Ermou Street for some last minute shopping for your friends back home!
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 – Departure from Athens
Our assistant will meet you at your hotel and escort you to the Athens International Airport for your return trip. We hope to see you back again soon!
Overnight: -
Meals: Breakfast

Day 1 – Arrival in Athens
Our assistant will be waiting for your arrival at the airport in order to transport you to your centrally located hotel in the city. Once you’ve taken a load off, take advantage of your first night in Athens to explore the nearby neighborhoods of Plaka, Thissio and Psiri before finding a cozy tavern with a view of the ever-present Acropolis and begin you culinary journey into Greek cuisine.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: -
Day 2 – Athens Half Day City Tour
In the morning you will get better acquainted with Athens via a time-honored tradition; the half day city tour. For the next few hours you will follow a meticulously designed adventure throughout millennia of culture and civilization. Whether your interests lie in Ancient Greece with its imposing Acropolis or the modern state with the Panathenaic Stadium and the numerous neoclassical buildings such as the Academy of Athens and the National Library, this tour is sure to satisfy the history buff within you! The remainder of the day is at your disposal to spend as you wish. If you feel like exploring further outside Athens, an afternoon tour of Cape Sounion will take you to the Temple of Poseidon and provide magnificent views of the Saronic Gulf.
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Arrival at Nafplion
Your automatic transmission car will be delivered to you at your hotel and you can now hit the road and begin your adventure away from Athens. Once you exit the city, you will take the coastal route to Nafplion, crossing the Corinth Canal, an impressive technical feat and a great opportunity for a short stop to take pictures. Now firmly in Peloponnese, you will reach the Argolis peninsula and settle in Nafplion, your hub for the next two days. One of the most charming cities in all of Greece, Nafplion has a unique history as it combines Greco-Italian influences. A stroll down its cobblestoned alleys full of charming shops of local artists will serve as a perfect introduction to the city of Nafplion.
Overnight: Nafplion
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – Explore Nafplion
Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, features a vast number of sites to visit, the most prominent of which are the Fortress of Palamidi lording over the entire town and Bourtzi, the small castle located on an islet in front of the town’s waterfront. Both monuments where build by the Venetians in an effort to augment the city’s defenses and were later used for similar purposes by the Ottomans and the Greeks. If you wish to leave Nafplion, the famous Theater of Epidaurus, known for its marvelous acoustics, is just a half hour drive away. In a similar distance to the north you will find the Archaeological site of Mycenae, home of an ancient civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site which houses the Tomb of King Agamemnon, the Lion’s Gate and the Treasury of Atreus.
Overnight: Nafplion
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – Arrival in Monemvasia
When you are ready to bid adieu to Nafplion, hop on your car and drive south, to the first of the three ‘legs’ of Peloponnese. What is more properly known as the Cape Malea Peninsula, is where the town of Monemvasia lays. A truly majestic town, Monemvasia is located on a tied island off the coast, surrounded by the Myrtoan Sea. As its name suggests (‘Single Exit’) the only way to approach the town is via a bridge. The area is mostly comprised of a large plateau around 100 meters (330 feet) above sea level, with a medieval fortress residing there.
Overnight: Monemvasia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – Explore Monemvasia
Known as ‘Gibraltar of the East’, Monemvasia was once a very important commercial center in the Mediterranean. Its influences are distinctly Byzantine with various churches still remaining standing today. Get lost in the town’s narrow passageways, marvel at the juxtaposition of Venetian houses next to Byzantine buildings and explore every nook and cranny for its historical significance and natural beauty. An alternative way to spend your afternoon would be to take a 45 minute drive to the edge of the peninsula, to Cape Maleas, take a short hike up the Agia Eirini trail and watch the sun set in the Myrtoan Sea surrounded by stunning scenery.
Overnight: Monemvasia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 – Arrival in Gythio
On the road once more but this time for a much shorter drive across Southern Peloponnese. Your next stop will be Gythio, a small town at the start of the Mani Peninsula that served as the seaport of ancient Sparta. The quaint town is home to numerous taverns specializing in local delicacies so culinary exploration should take priority. On the north edge of the town lies the Ancient Theater of Gythio, while of the south, you can find the islet of Crane, where you can visit the local lighthouse and the Tzannetakis Tower.
Overnight: Gythio
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – Explore Gythio
Although you can opt to delve deeper into Gythio’s culture and history, this day can also serve as an opportunity to explore Mani and its delightful sceneries. The Diros Caves are just 40 minutes away heading south and can help you discover your inner spelunker, while the Byzantine Castle of Mystras is an hour away on the northern route resting on the slopes of Mount Tayetos. Alternatively, you can go village hopping around Mani and visiting charming places like Gerolimenas, Kotronas, Areopoli and Oitilo among others. The Dimitrios shipwreck at Valtaki beach is also quite a sight to see and just 10 minutes away from Gythio itself.
Overnight: Gythio
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – Arrival in Pylos
In the morning, leave Gythio and drive towards Pylos, on the Westernmost Peloponnesian peninsula. Even though the drive is around a couple of hours, it might be a good idea to stop half-way through in Sparta, a prominent city-state of ancient Greece. Once you settle at your hotel in Pylos, take the rest of the day to explore the picturesque town and visit the 16th Ottoman fortress of Niokastro on the edge of Pylos.
Overnight: Pylos
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – Explore Messenia
Hop on your car and explore Messenia, arguably the most beautiful region of Peloponnese. Countless vineyards, olive groves and fig orchards are spread all over Messenia, between charming villages and along scenic routes. Take advantage of your freedom of movement and taste as many local products as you heart desires. If you opt to follow the coastal road, you can add a beach-hopping chapter to your journey, with beaches like Voidokilia, Romanos and Divari being among the most popular. Finally, for those interested in the history of the region, the Palace of Nestor, Castle of Methoni and the Site of Ancient Messini are the places you want to be at!
Overnight: Pylos
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – Arrival in Olympia
Hit the road once more and drive north to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. A visit to the ancient city is imperative, as the archaeological site present there will not disappoint. The remains of the Temples of Hera and Zeus, the Nymphaeum and of course the Stadium where various sports were held in antiquity, are only some of the reasons Olympia has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a visit to the Site, make sure to tour the nearby Archaeological Museum, which features numerous exhibits connected to the Games.
Overnight: Olympia
Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 – Return to Athens
After a fulfilling breakfast, drive back to Athens for one last night in the city of Acropolis. On the way you can stop for some rest in towns of central Peloponnese which you didn’t have a chance to visit yet, like Megalopolis or Tripoli. Our assistant will be waiting for you at your hotel in Athens to receive the car that served as a conduit for your unique adventure during the past few days. Although you deserve some well-earned rest during your last night in Greece, don’t forget to hit Ermou Street for some last minute shopping for your friends back home!
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Day 13 – Departure from Athens
Our assistant will meet you at your hotel and escort you to the Athens International Airport for your return trip. We hope to see you back again soon!
Overnight: -
Meals: Breakfast

Below you can find an approximation of the driving distance between your various destinations and the expected duration of each trip:
- Athens – Nafplion: 138km (86 miles), 2 hours
- Nafplion – Monemvasia: 207km (129 miles), 3 hours
- Monemvasia – Gythio: 67km (42 miles), 1.5 hours
- Gythio – Pylos: 177km (110 miles), 2.5 hours
- Pylos – Olympia: 108km (67 miles), 2 hours
- Olympia – Athens: 290 km (180 miles), 3.5 hours

A Peloponnesian Adventure

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A Peloponnesian Adventure