Athens Trip Overview
A unique ‘off the beaten path’ tour exploring the three main south-facing peninsulas of the Peloponnese with stunning locations from the island fortress of Monemvasia, the ‘Gibraltar’ of the south, to the rugged Mani Peninsula. In the company of your Professional, Experienced & informative Tour Driver, enjoy the comfort of luxury vehicles and convenient, centrally located 4-Star & Boutique Hotels. Additional Booking options allow addition of lunch (Gold package); or Lunch plus Tickets plus Expert
• Private 5-Day tour exploring the hidden gems of the Peloponnese coast
• Additional Visits include the Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus & many more.
• Minimum high standard Hotels & Luxury Vehicles
• Additional booking options allow addition of Lunch, Expert Guides & Tickets
Additional Info
Duration: 5 days
Starts: Athens, Greece
Trip Category: Private & Custom Tours >> Private Sightseeing Tours
Explore Athens Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Athens, Attica, Greece
A unique ‘off the beaten path’ tour exploring the three main south-facing peninsulas of the Peloponnese with stunning locations from the island fortress of Monemvasia, the ‘Gibraltar’ of the south, to the rugged Mani Peninsula. In the company of your Professional, Experienced & informative Tour Driver, enjoy the comfort of luxury vehicles and convenient, centrally located 4-Star & Boutique Hotels. Additional Booking options allow addition of lunch (Gold package); or Lunch plus Tickets plus Expert
• Private 5-Day tour exploring the hidden gems of the Peloponnese coast
• Additional Visits include the Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus & many more.
• Minimum high standard Hotels & Luxury Vehicles
• Additional booking options allow addition of Lunch, Expert Guides & Tickets
Itinerary
Day 1: ARGOLIS
Stop At: Corinth Canal, Isthmia, Loutraki 201 00 Greece
Our first stop at the narrowing between mainland Greece and the Peloponnese is at the impressive Corinth canal. Finished in 1893 and one of the wonders of its time, stop to view this narrow passage with flotillas traversing beneath the narrow passage and learn all about its many interesting ill-fated and varied Histories, from ancient times to the present.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos), Argous 105 Ancient Korinthos village, Corinth 200 07 Greece
After a short drive further into the Peloponnese we stop to explore the beautifully preserved remains of Ancient Corinth, one of Greece’s most powerful and influential city-states of Antiquity. Stroll through the streets, temples, markets, and fountains in the footsteps of the Classical Greeks, Ancient Romans & St. Paul before you. Refreshments & rest stops are also on hand at the local Cafes at its entrance if needed.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Mycenae, Mycenae, Argolis Region, Peloponnese
Next we come to the imposing remains of Ancient Mycenae, one of the most important sites in the development of Ancient Greece and central to the ‘Mycenaean period,’ from 1600 to 1100 BC which formed the first major widespread civilisation in Europe at the time. Of further significance is that the citadel was home to the palace of the legendary Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War and its status was confirmed with the excavation of many tombs which yielded over 15Kg of gold and other priceless treasures, many of which you will see in its modern on-site museum after passing through the 20-foot-wide (6-meter) city walls, and entering through the gigantic lion’s gate before reaching Agamemnon’s throne room.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: The Great Theatre of Epidaurus, Ethniki Odos Isthmou Archaias Epidavrou, Epidavros 210 52 Greece
After a short drive through olive fields & small countryside roads our next stop is at the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Asklepios, first healing centre of the Ancient World. You will also see the impressive Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the most visited ancient sites in Greece. The temple and theatre date from the 4th century and feature masterpieces of classical Greek architecture. Join the other visitors who test its world-famous acoustics with a poem or a song.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Nafplio, Nafplio, Argolis Region, Peloponnese
After the many sites of the morning, we arrive at one of the most beautiful towns in Greece, the historic port city of Nafplio by the sea. Nafplion has a definite artistic feel with enchanting narrow streets of Neoclassic & Venetian architecture, upmarket local craft & clothes shops, and is packed with cafes and restaurants to suit all tastes & which line the marina with views to the Venetian castle of Bourtzi in the bay. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure in this charming old town.
Duration: 5 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Nafplion
Day 2: MONEMVASIA
Stop At: Mystras, Mystras, Sparta Municipality, Laconia Region, Peloponnese
After breakfast, we visit the 800 year old ruins of the Medieval city & UNESCO site of Mystras, once seat of Byzantine power in the region & replete with palaces, residences, mansions, churches and monasteries, water & drainage works, commercial workshops, extensive streets & fortifications. This city was abandoned quicky and so is still well preserved. Wandering though its ruins & streets its easy to travel back to a time when its warriors rode out to fight, its artizans filled its markets, and imagine how its population went about their daily affairs in this beautiful hillside setting. After Mystras we visit the Museum of the olive for an immersive look into the history & culture of olive oil production.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Monemvasia, Monemvasia, Monemvasia Municipality, Laconia Region, Peloponnese
In the afternoon we finally come to Monemvasia, or ‘The Gibraltar of the East’. Sitting on a plateau 100 meters above sea level you will find a remarkable walled city, constructed, and added to by the Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans until its liberation in the Greek War of Independence in the early 19th century. Originally only reachable by ship, we can now traverse the long narrow causeway onto the rock & up to the imposing walled entrance where we must continue on foot into the old and well-preserved city. A delight and a living history in which to wander you can enjoy its twisting labyrinthine streets, heritage buildings, multi-coloured bougainvillea-covered guesthouses and sea views. For our accommodation, we choose one of the best-preserved and renovated examples of the many old stone ‘Captains mansions’. This is a perfect place to get lost, regenerate & unwind.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Monemvasia
Day 3: THE MANI PENINSULA
Stop At: Vathia, Vathia, Laconia Region, Peloponnese
Reflecting the dangerous times of medieval life up to the nineteenth century including the constant threat of piracy from the sea, the houses of Mani were built as fortified towers still inhabited today. Its inhabitants are also the descendants of the Ancient Spartans & this combination of geography & hardy people kept the region independent to develop its own character which extends through the 500 year Ottoman Empires rule of Greece. With a sometimes barren rocky moonscape & cliff lines set into blue-green sea, our tour chooses several of the most beautiful routes of the peninsula stopping as appropriate at its most iconic villages & beauty spots along the way including its Haunting tower house village of Vathia.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Caves of Diros, Diros 230 62 Greece
A 1500 meter long cave system, of which the first 1,200 meters is done by small boat along with a guide. The tour takes approximately 25 minutes through its underground lakes and caverns where you can view its many stalactites, stalagmites & other formations before exiting along the nearby cliffs to a short return path along sea views to the visitor’s centre & some refreshments if needed.
Along our coastal route, we take the opportunity for a stop in one of the local villages before moving on to the regional capital town of Kardamyli by the sea.
Duration: 1 hour
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Kardamyli
Day 4: METHONI
Stop At: Methoni Castle, Methoni, Pylos-Nestor 240 06 Greece
Methoni Castle, an extensive & well-preserved ruin that is Game of Thrones worthy along with stunning sea views from its battlements & promontories.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Voidokilia Beach, Petrochori, Pylos-Nestor Greece
The Gialova Lagoon, at around 6km from Pylos, is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and a treat for nature & bird lovers with species such as herons, cormorants, kestrels, seagulls, flamingos, ospreys, imperial eagles, wading birds and many others such as the Kingfisher. A short distance lies the stunning Voidokilia Beach, formed with golden sands in the shape of the Greek letter omega. Stop for a stroll or take the opportunity for swimming if visiting during the Summer months.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Palace of Nestor, Ethnki Odos Kiparissias Pylou, Chora, Pylos-Nestor 246 00 Greece
Next we visit the Palace of Nestor set in a beautifully excavated building with displays providing a good reconstruction of the original two-story Mycenaean palace constructed over 3000 years ago & mentioned in Homers Iliad. There are also some amazing items from the site in the nearby museum which is a next stop.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Pylos-Nestor, Pylos-Nestor, Messenia Region, Peloponnese
One of the hidden gems of Greece & your home for the evening. Almost every part of the town has a view of the bay of Navarino and the small island of Sfaktiria. Settled for thousands of years this city is a great place to explore with its pretty & colorful Venetian-era streets & you will have time to wonder & enjoy many of its local sites & Architecture.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight Pylos
Day 5: ANCIENT MESSENE & KALAMATA
Stop At: Ancient Messini, Messini 240 02 Greece
A unique site often overlooked by the tourist coaches, the site of Ancient Messene contains the ruins of a classical Greek city-state founded in 369 BC
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Kalamata, Kalamata, Messenia Region, Peloponnese
Our final stop to enjoy the flavor of this city before returning.
Duration: 2 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.
