Birthplace of ancient Greece’s most important gods, the rural and remote Peloponnese is steeped in history and culture. The region bears traces of the many civilisations that have passed through over the years – from classical temples and Mycenaean palaces to Ottoman fortresses, Venetian harbours and Byzantine cities.
Mythological and historical charm aside, the Peloponnese boasts rugged mountains framed by dense forests and azure waters that make it one of the country’s most beautiful and diverse spots. During this 11-day self-drive journey, visit the region’s most important ancient sites including Mycenae, Epidaurus and Olympia as well as the Acropolis during your stay in Athens. You will also spend time in Nafplion, Monemvasia, Limeni and Pylos, some of the Peloponnese’s most picturesque villages all which retain their own charm and character.
Athens – Nafplion – Monemvasia – Limeni – Pylos – Olympia – Athens
Trip Highlights
- In the coastal town of Nafplion opt for a food walking tour, ouzo tasting or kayaking
- Discover the medieval citadel of Monemvasia, majestically carved into the rock
- Olympia is one of Greece’s most awe-inspiring sites. Visit the gymnasium and stadium
- Spend two nights in beautiful Limeni which overlooks the turquoise Mediterranean
- Visit two of Greece’s most spectacular ancient sites – Mycenae and Epidaurus
- Messini is little visited. The theatre and agora form part of the vast ancient remains
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Athens
Board your international flight to Athens and on arrival you will be met and privately transferred from the airport to your hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure where you may wish to relax at the hotel or take a walk through the capital which effortlessly combines contemporary culture with ancient history.
Herodion Hotel
Day 2
Athens
From ancient architecture and traditional tavernas to modern art galleries and elegant bars, Athens certainly combines the old with the new. Today embark on a private walking tour of the city beginning at the iconic Acropolis. This UNESCO protected site which has overlooked the city for over 2,500 years, was the religious centre of classical Athens. During your visit see the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Temple of Athena before stopping at the Acropolis Museum which houses hundreds of artefacts from the Greek Bronze Age to the Byzantine era. Later that afternoon enjoy a leisurely walk through the charming Plaka area where you may wish to stop for a drink or bite to eat.
- Breakfast
Herodion Hotel
Day 3
Athens to Nafplion – 137 km
After breakfast pick up your hire car and set off from Athens. Drive to the Corinth Canal to see this incredible feat of engineering which divides mainland Greece from the Peloponnese peninsula. Today you will enjoy a private guided tour of Mycenae and Epidaurus, two of Greece’s most spectacular ancient sites. On arrival at Mycenae walk under the famous Lion Gate towards the Mycenaean Acropolis and Palace, the most impressive sites constructed during the Bronze Age. Continue to the tomb of Agamemnon and the ruins of the Cyclopean Walls that protected this mighty city. Next visit the ancient site of Epidaurus, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With ruins of temples and buildings devoted to the healing gods; it is considered to be the birthplace of Asklepios, the god of medicine. Dating back to the 4th century, Epidaurus’s monuments, particularly the Temple of Asklepios and the Ancient Theatre, are considered some of the best masterpieces of Greek architecture. Continue your drive to the beautiful city of Nafplion where you can enjoy great views of the city’s waterfront and explore the lovely neoclassical buildings which maintain the grand feel of this city.
- Breakfast
Hotel Ippoliti
Day 4
Nafplion
Today spend time in the coastal city of Nafplion, a Peloponnese port town that still retains its charming character with a lovely square, narrow alley ways and beautiful neoclassical buildings. There are several optional activities available to experience in Nafplion including a food walking tour, bee keeping and ouzo tasting. For something more active we would recommend sea kayaking – Argolis Gulf is the ideal destination for this activity. Starting in the pretty harbour of Nafplion, follow the coastal Acronafplia and be enchanted by the magnificent view of the city’s three castles, remote beaches and picturesque landscapes. In the evening enjoy the authentic atmosphere of Nafplion and enjoy a traditional meal at a local taverna.
- Breakfast
Hotel Ippoliti
Day 5
Nafplion to Monemvasia – 194 km
After breakfast enjoy a spectacular drive south towards the medieval citadel of Monemvasia, a tiny island that juts out from Peloponnese peninsula. En route you may wish to stop at Mystras, the wonder of the Morea', a hillside town that was built in 1249. Home to an amphitheatre and fortress, Mystras was an important living settlement between the 13th and 19th centuries before it became deserted due to the foundation of the new town of Sparta. In its heyday, Mystras was an intellectual, cultural and artistic centre which influenced the rest of the Mediterranean world. Continue to Monemvasia where you can enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
- Breakfast
Malvasia Hotel
Day 6
Monemvasia
Monemvasia is a uniquely preserved medieval town that is carved into the majestic grey rock like a sculpture, often referred to as the ‘Gibraltar of East’. Occupied by the Byzantines, the Crusaders, the Venetians and the Turks in the past, the town features a mosque, a preserved 16th century building which houses the Archaeological Museum, and magnificent Byzantine churches. If you are feeling active you may wish to take a hike to enjoy the spectacular nature of the Peloponnese. Alternatively, you can opt to go on a wine tasting excursion which will take you through the exquisite castle alleyways where you can enjoy locally produced wine with accompanying snacks.
- Breakfast
Malvasia Hotel
Day 7
Monemvasia to Limeni – 92 km
Depart Monemvasia and enjoy a spectacular drive through the Peloponnese to Limeni. Perched on the waterfront, Limeni is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages of the Peloponnese. It is home to unique stone houses that overlook the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and a large, picturesque port. Check into your hotel and enjoy an afternoon of leisure.
- Breakfast
Limeni Village Hotel
Day 8
Limeni
Today you are at leisure to enjoy the seaside village of Limeni. There is an excellent hike outside of Limeni which leads to the second southernmost point in mainland Europe, Cape Tenaro. Awaken your senses on this coastal walk of approximately 2km, pass through small traditional villages, enjoy the smell of herbs and flowers and marvel at the spectacular views of the sea. You may also wish to take a dip in the beautifully clear sea. Spend the evening at a local taverna overlooking the lovely waterfront.
- Breakfast
Limeni Village Hotel
Day 9
Limeni to Pylos – 131 km
After breakfast set off from Limeni and make your way to Pylos. En route you may wish to visit the spectacular site of Messini. The remains of this vast ancient city are as extensive as those of Olympia and Epidaurus, yet Messini receives only a fraction of their visitors. The site is situated on a hillside below the village of Mavromati and comprises of a large theatre, an agora (marketplace), the Sanctuary of Asclepius and one of the most stunning ancient Greek stadiums. Continue to Pylos for your overnight stay. Coastal Pylos presides over the southern end of an immense bay. With its huge natural harbour, impressive castle and surrounding pine-covered hills, Pylos is not just picturesque, but is also one of the region's most historically significant towns.
- Breakfast
Karalis City Hotel
Day 10
Pylos to Olympia – 133 km
Depart Pylos this morning and travel to ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. The site of Olympia is one of the most important in Greece and one of the most awe-inspiring due to its beauty and unique setting. Meet your guide for an included private tour where you will visit the main site as well as the interesting museum. Start off at the Temple of Zeus which once housed one of the Seven Wonders of the World – a statue of Zeus made from ivory and gold. Your expert guide will show you the gymnasium where the athletes trained, the nymphaeum and of course the main stadium in which the games were held. The museum is a short walk from the site and contains the 4th century BC statue of Hermes by Praxiteles, plus several other finds from the excavations including the Nike of Victory by Paeonios. In the evening there is an option to enjoy a traditional meal cooked by locals at their house – a truly authentic experience.
- Breakfast
Europa Hotel
Day 11
Olympia to Athens / Athens to the UK
After breakfast drive back to Athens airport to drop your hire car off and board your international flight back to the UK.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Delphi is renowned as the home of arguably the most celebrated oracle of the ancient world. Serving as a major religious and political centre, there are a host of sites to explore including the Treasury of the Athenians, Castalian Spring, Temple of Apollo and 5000 seat theatre.
Discover Thermopylae, famous for being the location where in 480 BC Leonidas and his three hundred Spartans made their heroic last stand against the Persians. Explore the battlefield and spend time in the nearby museum which houses a collection of ancient artefacts.
Dizzyingly perched atop a series of natural rock outcrops, the Eastern Orthodox Monasteries of Meteora are internationally important and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Six monasteries remain active, are important pilgrimage sites and house priceless frescoes and artefacts.
Crete, largest of the Greek islands with a proud history and diverse natural beauty, can easily be combined with mainland Greece. Relax at one of the many excellent coastal resorts, visit extraordinary ancient sites including Knossos or discover delightful Chania and Rethymnon.
Guide to Price
11 days from £2800 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Car hire as specified
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £2800
Travel Information
Getting There
British Airways fly direct from London to several Greek cities including Athens, Thessaloniki and Kalamata. They also offer services to several Greek islands including Corfu, Crete, Kefalonia, Kos, Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Skiathos and Zakynthos. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet also have a wide range of flights available between the UK and mainland Greece and the islands.
Flying Times From UK
Depending on where in Greece you are flying to, flights average between 3 to 5 hours. London to Athens takes around 3.5 hours.
Time Zone
Greece is +2 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
British citizens do not require a visa for travel to Greece for up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
Do’s & Don’ts
Try to avoid cheap souvenir shops that sell imported goods at a low price. Instead try to ‘buy local’ and support Greek craftspeople and small businesses.
When taking photographs, permission should always be asked before taking someone’s picture.
Make sure you pack suitable clothing so that you can dress respectfully for visits to religious venues. Knees and shoulders should be covered when entering churches and places of worship.
If you manage to learn a few words in Greek it will be greatly appreciated.
Money
The local currency in Greece is the Euro. Both cash and card payments are commonly accepted throughout the country, however you may find on the smaller islands or villages that only cash will be accepted. ATMs are reliable and commonplace in most towns, cities and larger islands.
Tipping
Tipping in Greece is left to your discretion and should, of course, be based on the satisfaction of the services you receive. There is no set rule for tipping in Greece, but 5-10% for good service is appreciated. In some restaurants service charge is added to your bill automatically so ensure you check this. Tips in cash are preferred. If your trip includes guides and you believe they have offered an outstanding service, they will welcome any monetary gift at the end of a trip.
Food & Drink
Greece offers an incredibly rich and diverse array of ingredients and dishes making it one of the world’s most loved cuisines. Much like the rest of the Mediterranean, Greek food and wine is focused on simplicity, flavours and local produce. Greece’s climate is perfect for growing olives, lemons, vegetables, fruit and wild herbs. It is also a nation of farmers who produce organic cheese and rear cattle. With hundreds of islands and no part of the Greek mainland more than 90 miles from the sea, fish is also a huge part of the cuisine. Sardines and octopus are common seafood used in Greek cooking, often simply grilled and served with lemon and a salad or vegetables.
Moussaka is the national dish of Greece and other classic dishes include souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), spanakopita (feta and spinach filo pie), gyros (meat and pita kebab), stifado (beef stew) and choriatiki (the traditional Greek salad). Some of Greece’s hilly terrain is also home to rolling vineyards and the country is becoming more well-known for its wine and spirits, most notably ouzo, which is an anise-flavoured liqueur.
Shopping
Greece offers a great selection of shopping ranging from small boutiques and international designers to traditional shops and markets selling local produce and craft goods. Throughout the mainland and islands there are many independent stores and stalls that sell artisanal souvenirs including ceramics and pottery, handmade textiles and natural coral sponges. For produce, local markets are the best option where you can pick up typical products such as honey, olive oil, wine, ouzo and herbs, or you may wish to try a ‘spoon sweet’ which is preserved fruit in jars of syrup.
Suggested Reading
Rough Guides, Lonely Planet and DK Eyewitness have excellent guidebooks on Greece and also offer city, island or regional variations. If you are looking for a Greek classic, try ‘The Iliad’ by Homer, ‘The Histories’ by Herodotus, ‘Antigone’ by Sophocles or ‘Medea’ by Euripides. There are numerous books on the history of Greece; ‘A Concise History of Greece’ by Richard Clogg or ‘Greece: Biography of a Modern Nation’ by Roderick Beaton are both great options on general Greek history. ‘Tales of Greek Heroes’ by Roger Lancelyn Green offers an excellent exploration of Greek mythology and legend. There are also a number of excellent fictional reads set in Greece including:
‘The Flight of Ikaros’ by Kevin Andrews
‘The Magus’ by John Fowles
A Thousand Ships’ by Natalie Haynes
‘The Last of the Wine’ by Mary Renault
‘Zorba the Greek’ by Nikos Kazantzakis
‘Captain Corelli’s Mandolin’ by Louis de Bernieres
‘Little Infamies’ by Panos Karnezis
‘The Island’ by Victoria Hislop
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad and precautions necessary for your itinerary and relevant to your personal circumstances. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Ireland the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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Our Reviews
What our clients say
All the arrangements worked well
GM - Greece - June 2023
I’m pleased to say all the arrangements of our Peloponnese holiday worked well.
We enjoyed stunning views of the Acropolis from the rooftop restaurant of the Herodion, friendly knowledgeable private guides and comfortable distinctive hotels in lovely seaside villages and towns. Even the driving was very straightforward, better roads than here and quiet.
Getting to know you
A crucial part of our process, discuss your plans with us either by phone, video or in person.
Helping you to design your trip
Entirely tailor-made, there is complete flexibility to incorporate all your requirements.
On-hand support, when you need it
Our team are on hand to answer any questions and ensure you are fully ready, and excited, for your trip.
Full confidence whilst you are away
Enjoy full support from our UK team and trusted local partners throughout your journey.
We’re pleased to confirm that Pettitts Travel will not apply any surcharges to our package holidays when we are operating as a tour operator, regardless of changes in global costs. The price you agree at the time of booking is the price you will pay, a commitment we have proudly upheld for the past 38 years.
