Self-Drive: The Spectacular Peloponnese

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. (N)

Accommodation in Athens: Herodion Hotel (or similar)

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. (B)

Accommodation in Athens: Herodion Hotel (or similar)

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. (B)

Accommodation in Nafplion: Hotel Ippoliti (or similar)

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. (B)

Accommodation in Nafplion: Hotel Ippoliti (or similar)

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. (B)

Accommodation in Monemvasia: Malvasia Hotel (or similar)

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. (B)

Accommodation in Monemvasia: Malvasia Hotel (or similar)

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. (B)

Accommodation in Limeni: Limeni Village Hotel (or similar)

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.

Accommodation in Limeni: Limeni Village Hotel (or similar)

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. (B)

Accommodation in Pylos: Karalis City Hotel (or similar)

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. (B)

Accommodation in Olympia: Europa Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Olympia to Athens/ Athens to the UK - 279 km

After breakfast drive back to Athens airport to drop your hire car off and board your international flight back to the UK. (B)

Self-Drive: The Spectacular Peloponnese

11 days from £2200 per person

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Pettitts guide to price for this itinerary would be £2200 per person

Itinerary: Self-Drive: The Spectacular Peloponnese

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