Peloponnese is a unique scenery of picturesque landscapes, featuring glorious history and interesting present, conjures up images of ancient glories, epic struggles, valiant heroes and majestic vistas.
A tour in one of the most beautiful places in Greece is the perfect choice for an authentic experience that awakens our imagination, reminding us of fascinating legends and dramatic historical scenes reaching far across the ages. Experience the beauty of Mythical Peloponnese by exploring its Unesco sites of Corinth, Myceanae, Epidaurus, Mystras, Messene, Monemvasia, and also the amazing, non-touristy mountain villages of Arcadia, Mani peninsula and Diros caves.
Join our Mythical Peloponnese tour, get enchanted by beautiful landscapes and feel like you live in another age!
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Athens
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. During the evening enjoy a guided walking tour at the picturesque old district of Plaka with its narrow streets, neo-classical mansions and homely tavernas with tables spread across the street. Finally enjoy a welcome dinner with live folkloric dance show at one of the traditional taverns of Plaka.
Day 2: Corinth- Ancient Nemea- Nafplio
We set out passing the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow strip of land that connects the Peloponnese to the mainland and separates the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs. After a glance at the mighty Corinth Canal, we visit Nemea, a famed sanctuary of Zeus. Its informative museum, impressive temple and splendid stadium are set in the fertile hills of Greece’s best-known wine regions. Next stop at a winery of the area, where we have lunch and we sample the region’s signature Agiorgitiko wine. Finally we arrive in Nafplio and we spend our first Peloponnesian night in the city that was announced first capital of Greece in 1829.
Day 3: Mycenae – Epidaurus – Nafplio
After breakfast we visit Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon, first sung by Homer in his epics, which is the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Our next stop is the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus which is considered one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture – date from the 4th century. In the afternoon we reach again Nafplio and we enjoy a guided walk around the little alleys and the picturesque images of the neoclassical buildings.
Day 4: Monemvasia
Today we travel southwards along the coast and we visit the extraordinarily beautiful medieval walled town of Monemvasia, set on a rocky island that juts into the Aegean Sea. We explore the history and architecture of Monemvasia in detail, starting with the picturesque Venetian Lower Town before ascending the heavily fortified plateau above. Finally we stroll in the narrow streets of the old town where we find many shops and traditional restaurants. Overnight stay at Monemvasia Castle.
Day 5: Mystras – Kalamata
In the morning we explore Mystras, the capital of the medieval Despotate of the Morea, among the most important of all Byzantine sites, comprising a castle, city walls, churches and monasteries. Then we travel along Mani’s western shore into Messenia, the Peloponnese’s lushly fertile southwestern region. At Kardamyli, we visit the picturesque Old Town and the Moutzinos Tower, offering insights into the area’s history. Finally we arrive at Kalamata and our evening is free to enjoy some shopping or strolling through the lovely old town.
Day 6: Ancient Messene – Olympia
We leave Kalamata for ancient Messene, the stunning capital built for the Messenians in the 4th century BC, after centuries of submission to Sparta. We explore the unusually well-preserved remains of the city, set on a plateau overlooking the sea far below, surrounded by an astonishing system of walls, towers and gates, and containing a theatre, agora, public fountains, sanctuaries and one of the finest ancient stadiums in Greece. Later, we traverse the lush countryside of Northern Messenia to enter the territory of ancient Elis, spending the night at Ancient Olympia.
Day 7: Olympia – Athens
After breakfast we visit the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. In the 10th century B.C., Olympia became a centre for the worship of Zeus. The Altis – the sanctuary to the gods – has one of the highest concentrations of masterpieces from the ancient Greek world. In addition to temples, there are the remains of all the sports structures erected for the Olympic Games, which were held in Olympia every four years beginning in 776 B.C. In the afternoon we travel north to Athens, where we overnight stay.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast and according to the departure flight you will be transferred to the airport.
Highlights
The romantic first capital of Greece, Nafplio
Explore the famous Archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games
Mystras, the capital of the medieval Despotate of the Morea
Discover fascinating Mani region
Welcome Dinner at the old city of Athens
Travel back to the medieval and pre-revolutionary times
Overnight inside the castle of Monemvasia
Learn about the famous winemaking region, Nemea
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