Transport

Bus, Public Bus, Taxi

Optional

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for direct with the supplier and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract. If you are a student or over 65, please carry ID for half price entrance fees Areopolis - Cave of Diros entrance fee/boat ride €12.00; Monemvasia €40.00 (dependent on numbers)

Meals

A key facet of our responsible approach to tourism is that we encourage our groups to eat in local restaurants that prepare locally grown food. We give customers choice as to their meals and do not use rather bland and impersonal hotel restaurants or all- inclusive options 12 Breakfasts

Guide

Tour Leaders are quite simply the glue that holds our tours together. They are chosen for their travel experience and people skills and are thoroughly trained by Explore, widely acknowledged as some of the best training in the industry. A Tour Leader’s ultimate aim is to ensure everyone is well looked after and have a fantastic trip. They are there to ensure that the tour logistics run smoothly, that health and safety is adhered to and provide comprehensive briefings at the beginning and throughout the tour.

Accommodation

12 nights standard hotel

Others

All accommodation, activities and meals that are shown in the itinerary are included in the total cost of your trip You will also receive a complimentary transfer to and from the airport if you arrive on day 1 of the trip and depart on the last day and have provided your international flight information.

Not included:

Others

Any visa costs, spending money and tips are not included in the trip price. You can also book extra nights’ accommodation at the beginning and end of the trip and the cost of this accommodation along with any transfers would be quoted separately.

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Flights

International flights not included in the tour cost

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Join Tour In Athens
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Join Tour In Athens

Our tour starts in Athens, Greece’s historic hub. The city is a heady mix of ancient and modern, having been the capital of Greece for less than two centuries, but with a history dating back over 3,000 years. Located on the Plain of Attica, it’s also an area of breathtaking scenery, set against a backdrop of mountains and stretching to the blue coast. For those arriving on time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 7.00 pm and, for those that wish, there’ll be the chance to go out for dinner. Due to a number of flights arriving into Athens later in the evening, our welcome meeting will take place on the morning of day two. There are no activities planned today, so you’re free to arrive in Athens at any time. If you’d like an airport transfer, you’ll need to arrive into Athens International Airport (ATH), which is around a one-hour drive from our hotel. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to visit one of the cafes in the colourful Psyrri district, which offer traditional Greek cuisine of scrumptious aubergines, tomatoes and cheese washed down with ouzo or raki. There are traditional rustic tavernas in the well-known Plaka area at the foot of the Acropolis, too.
Day 2 Day 2: Walking Tour Of Athens And Visit To Acropolis
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Walking Tour Of Athens And Visit To Acropolis

After our tour leader holds an initial welcome meeting this morning, we’ll take an orientation walking tour which will take us past the Parliament buildings, through Syntagma Square and into the Plaka, to soak up the atmosphere of the old town. You’ll notice the contrast between the modern capital and the old city - the well-heeled inhabitants of Kolonaki on the one hand, and the vibrant Plaka quarter on the other. In the late morning, we’ll head for a guided tour of the Acropolis to discover the ruins of the Athens of Pericles - the Propylaea (or marble entrance hall), the Parthenon (built by Ictinos 2500 years ago), the Temple of Athena Nike (the Wingless Victory), and the Erechtheion. Tradition dictates that the gods Athena and Poseidon quarrelled here. The sea god struck the rock with his trident, causing salt water to gush out, while Athena struck it with her spear and brought forth an olive tree. As olives were deemed to be more useful, the other gods let her take the city under her protection. Please note, depending on our allotted time to see the Acropolis, we might need to rearrange our sightseeing schedule. For those wishing to see more of Athens, it’s well worth visiting the highly acclaimed Acropolis Museum to see the layers of history painstakingly excavated right beneath your feet. It’s now possible to see the ruins of the ancient Athenian neighbourhood that stood on this very site millennium ago. The museum closes at 5pm on a Monday, we recommend pre-booking a ticket online to avoid a long queue. As there’s not much time today, you might consider going on day 1 before our tour starts.
Day 3 Day 3: Bus To Nafplion Via Epidavros
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Bus To Nafplion Via Epidavros

Leaving Athens after an early breakfast, we’ll travel to Nafplion - the first capital of modern Greece and one of the most beautiful coastal towns in the Peloponnese. On our way we stop at Epidavros. Dedicated to Asclepius, the healing god and legendary son of Apollo, the sanctuary of Epidavros was one of the most important of the ancient world, and it remained a site of pilgrimage from the sixth century BC to Roman times. Epidavros is home to one of the greatest and best-preserved of all ancient Greek theatres. With its backdrop of rolling hills, this 14,000-seat arena merges perfectly into the landscape, so much so that it was only rediscovered and unearthed in the last century. The acoustics of the amphitheatre are so incredible, it’s said that even those sat on the highest tier will hear a coin drop on stage. After exploring the site, continue to Nafplion by bus to enjoy an evening promenade and dinner at one of the many harbourfront restaurants.
Day 4 Day 4: Walk To Palamidi Fortress
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Walk To Palamidi Fortress

Today we’ll ascend to the Palamidi Fortress to take in the views. The Palamidi is comprised of three separate fortresses walled together. It was built in 1714 by the Venetians, taken by the Turks the following year, and held until they surrendered it to Kolokotronis after a fifteen-month siege during the War of Independence. After we make the 850-step ascent to the fortress (taxis are also available), we’ll then travel back to Nafplion for a few afternoon to explore the area. We recommend walking to Arvanitia Beach and then on to Karathona, a beautiful costal walk.
Day 5 Day 5: Drive To Gythio Via Ancient Ruins At Mycenae
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Drive To Gythio Via Ancient Ruins At Mycenae

Leaving Nafplion behind us, we’ll first travel north to visit the mighty ruins of ancient Mycenae. Then, we’ll head south towards the heart of the Mani Peninsula. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the modern city, Mycenae is connected to the legend of King Agamemnon who commanded the ten-year expedition against Troy. The site was unearthed by the archaeologist Schliemann in the 1870s and is prized for its Lion Gate and Royal Tombs. Equally impressive are the ’beehive tombs’ which include the Treasury of Atreus (the lintel over the monumental Atreus door weighs over 120 tons). Inside, the structure is awesome - the principal chamber dates from about 1350 BC and emulates the grandeur of the Egyptian pharaohs. This afternoon, we’ll move on to Gythio.
Day 6 Day 6: Free Day In Gythio With Optional Trip To Monemvasia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Free Day In Gythio With Optional Trip To Monemvasia

Gythio is a charming coastal town (really a large village) on the Mani Peninsula. Gythio has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was once the ancient port of Sparta and served as a major naval power. The town has remnants of historical sites, including the Tzanetakis Tower and the island of Marathonisi. The town is known for its picturesque setting with colorful neoclassical buildings lining the waterfront. Today has been left free to soak up the atmosphere of Gythio. Alternatively, you can take a trip to the nearby town of Monemvasia (’Greece’s Gibraltar’). This 13th-century Byzantine fortress town occupies a steep, rocky islet which is connected to the coast by a bridge - it was amongst the first of the Peloponnese fortified towns to be liberated by the Greeks in 1821.
Day 7 Day 7: Excursion To The Mani Peninsula Including Vathia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Excursion To The Mani Peninsula Including Vathia

The Mani Peninsula is naturally isolated and traditionally independent - the people who inhabit its wild landscape have always resisted change and clung to their ancient traditions. In addition to its history of piracy, the feudal society which developed here around the 14th century has left a unique architectural legacy in the form of marble-roofed tower houses, once used as a defence against enemy clans and as a sign of family prestige. Today, we’ll charter a bus to discover this fascinating region, visiting Cape Tenaro; the southernmost point of mainland Greece, Girolimenas and Vathia fortified village.
Day 8 Day 8: Drive To Pylos Via Ruins Of Medieval Mystras
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Drive To Pylos Via Ruins Of Medieval Mystras

Leaving the Mani Peninsula, this morning we’ll head north to the abandoned medieval town of Mystras. Clinging to a steep flank of the Taygetos range, some 150 metres above the plain, Mystras might be silent and ruined today but it’s nevertheless evocative of the people who once lived here and made it prosperous. We’ll wander the cobbled alleyways, exploring the various sun-bleached palaces and houses along the way. Although only ruins remain, the architectural styles and artistic excellence of many wall paintings, mosaics and decorative sculptures are worthy of close inspection. In the Upper Town is the vast arched hall of the Palace of the Despots, with its two standing towers. The beautiful Pantanassa Church, still used by a few smiling nuns, combines both Byzantine and Gothic elements and has some fine frescoes. Crowning the summit is the original Frankish Castle (Kastro) with its breathtaking overview of the plain of Sparta. Walking through this phantom city, with its scattered ruins, is like taking a journey back through time. Later, we’ll continue to the delightful little harbour town of Pylos.
Day 9 Day 9: Free Time In Pylos, Visit To Neokastro And Optional Visit To Methoni
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Free Time In Pylos, Visit To Neokastro And Optional Visit To Methoni

Today, we’ll spend the day in picturesque Pylos, amid olive trees, rocky meadows, and offshore islands. The area around Pylos is ideal for personal explorations, on foot or by local transport. This morning, we’ll visit one of the best-preserved castles in Greece, the Neokastro, built during the Turkish occupation in 1573 to control the western coast of the Peloponnese. Then, this afternoon, you might like to take a local bus to Methoni (ten kilometres to the south), possibly the most beautiful Venetian stronghold in Greece and home to an imposing 15th-century castle. If you feel like exploring more, you could take a taxi and walk along Gialova Lagoon to a medieval castle, and on to Nestor’s Cave, finishing at a beautiful horseshoe-shaped white-sand beach.
Day 10 Day 10: Visit The Vaulted Tomb Of Ano Anglianos And Tour Of Olympia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Visit The Vaulted Tomb Of Ano Anglianos And Tour Of Olympia

Driving north this morning, we’ll make a brief stop at the Vaulted Tomb of Ano Anglianos, which is the largest of its kind in the area. It was used throughout the 15th century, and perhaps even later, as a family tomb and is estimated to contain at least 17 burials. Next, we’ll drive on to the ruined monuments of ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic games and one of Greece’s most renowned historical sites. The site lies in an enchanting valley setting close to the modern-day town of Nea Olympia and we’ll take it in with a guided tour. The first monuments to be constructed were in the Altis (or sacred grove) and date back to the 9th and 10th centuries BC. Estimates indicate the games first began in 776 BC, after the worship of Zeus was established. Initially, all the principal Greek cities took part in the Olympiads (which were held every four years). As well as wandering through the remains of the gymnasium, wrestling school, stadium, and the Temple of Zeus, you can visit the excellent Archaeological Museum (optional) which has many remarkable exhibits on view.
Day 11 Day 11: Tour Of Delphi, Including Temple Of Apollo
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 11: Tour Of Delphi, Including Temple Of Apollo

From Olympia, we’ll head north. A scenic drive will take us through the largest olive grove in Greece to reach Delphi, where we’ll have a guided tour. Perched on the rocky slopes of sacred Mount Parnassos (2459 metres), Delphi was the perfect setting for mystery and religious prophecy. Here, the god Apollo spoke through the medium of a priestess called the Pythia. After drinking the waters of the nearby Castalian Spring, said to echo with the prophetic voices of Apollo’s muses, she swooned over intoxicating fumes emitted from a crack in the ground and uttered strange phrases, which the priests then translated into verse and gave to the faithful. The answers were so ambiguous that whatever happened they were bound to come true. The site’s famous antiquities, including the Temple of Apollo, theatre, stadium and Marmaria Sanctuary are wonderfully picturesque, and the museum contains the much admired ’charioteer’.
Day 12 Day 12: Drive To Athens For Final Evening
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 12: Drive To Athens For Final Evening

This morning, there’ll be the chance to take an optional walk to the Temple of Athena to stretch your legs before we take the bus back to the capital. Along the way, we’ll make a photo stop in the pretty mountain village of Arachova. On arrival in Athens, the afternoon is free to explore or relax in one of the city’s many cafes.
Day 13 Day 13: Trip Ends In Athens
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Trip Ends In Athens

Our tour ends after breakfast at our hotel in Athens. There are no activities planned today, so you’re free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you’d like an airport transfer today, you’ll need to depart from Athens International Airport (ATH), which is about a one-hour drive from the hotel.

+10

13 days tour

Peloponnese Explorer

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Peloponnese Explorer

Day 1: Join Tour In Athens

Day 2: Walking Tour Of Athens And Visit To Acropolis

Day 3: Bus To Nafplion Via Epidavros

Day 4: Walk To Palamidi Fortress

Day 5: Drive To Gythio Via Ancient Ruins At Mycenae

Day 6: Free Day In Gythio With Optional Trip To Monemvasia

Day 7: Excursion To The Mani Peninsula Including Vathia

Day 8: Drive To Pylos Via Ruins Of Medieval Mystras

Day 9: Free Time In Pylos, Visit To Neokastro And Optional Visit To Methoni

Day 10: Visit The Vaulted Tomb Of Ano Anglianos And Tour Of Olympia

Day 11: Tour Of Delphi, Including Temple Of Apollo

Day 12: Drive To Athens For Final Evening

Day 13: Trip Ends In Athens

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