Peloponnese Adventure

Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos) - After departing from Athens, our first stop in the Peloponnese is the remarkably preserved ruins of Ancient Corinth, one of Greece’s most powerful and influential city-states of Antiquity. Walk through the streets, temples, markets, and fountains, following in the footsteps of Classical Greeks, Ancient Romans, and St. Paul. Refreshments and rest stops are available at the local cafes near the entrance if needed.

Archaeological Site Mycenae - Next, we visit the impressive remains of Ancient Mycenae, a crucial site in the development of Ancient Greece. This was the citadel of the legendary Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War. The ‘Mycenaean period,’ from 1600 to 1100 BC, is named after this ancient city, highlighting its significance in Greek civilization. Pass through the 20-foot-wide (6-meter) city walls, enter the Lion’s Gate to Agamemnon’s throne room, explore the palace buildings, and visit the awe-inspiring treasury of Atreus. You will also have time to explore the modern on-site museum housing many precious artifacts uncovered from the site.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus - After a short drive through olive fields and small countryside roads, our next stop is the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Asklepios, the first healing center 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 are masterpieces of classical Greek architecture. Join other visitors in testing its world-famous acoustics with a poem or a song.

Nafplio - After visiting many sites in the morning, we enjoy lunch in the beautiful medieval and historical port city of Nafplio by the sea, with views of the Venetian castle of Bourtzi in the bay. This city has a distinct artistic feel, so take time to stroll and explore the many local craft shops and boutiques of the charming old city before your evening travel to your hotel in Monemvasia and the comfort of your specially selected Boutique Hotel.

Monemvasia - Step back in time as you cross the long narrow causeway from the mainland to the medieval island fortress of Monemvasia, which has only a single entrance where cars cannot pass. Once through the castle gate, you will find yourself in a world of winding cobbled streets unchanged since the times of the knights who once rode out to fight and trade from this impregnable rock city in the sea. The city’s many old captains’ houses and stone mansions have been renovated into beautiful small hotels, cafes, and eateries to enjoy along with the wonderful views. This is a perfect place to get lost, regenerate, and unwind.

The Gibraltar of the East

Archaeological Site of Mystra - Lying in the southeast Peloponnese and on your way to Monemvasia, we visit the 800-year-old ruins of the medieval city and UNESCO site of Mystras, once the seat of Byzantine power in the region. It is replete with palaces, residences, mansions, churches, monasteries, water and drainage works, commercial workshops, extensive streets, and fortifications. You can stop for a local lunch or lunch by the sea on the way to your final destination for the evening at Olympia.

Monemvasia - Step back in time as you cross the long narrow causeway from the mainland to the medieval island fortress of Monemvasia, which has only a single entrance where cars cannot pass. Once through the castle gate, you will find yourself in a world of winding cobbled streets unchanged since the times of the knights who once rode out to fight and trade from this impregnable rock city in the sea. The city’s many old captains’ houses and stone mansions have been renovated into beautiful small hotels, cafes, and eateries to enjoy along with the wonderful views. This is a perfect place to get lost, regenerate, and unwind.

Discover Ancient Olympia

Archaeological Site of Olympia - Our morning is dedicated to Ancient Olympia, one of the most magical locations in Greece. Famous for its Olympic Games of antiquity, you will see where the original athletes were taught and trained, and go through the tunnel to emerge in the stadium where they competed. The site is still home to the Temple of Zeus and Hera, where the Olympic Flame is lit, the workshop of Phidias, and an extensive museum containing significant masterpieces from the site.

Rion-Antirion Bridge - After Olympia, we head to the west coast to find one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, a great feat of engineering, as we travel over this impressive landmark connecting the Peloponnese back to the Greek mainland on your way to Delphi.

Nafpaktos Old Port - A stunningly beautiful picture-postcard Venetian port and perfect lunch stop. Nafpaktos is a little-known village you will never forget.

Galaxidi - Lying by the sea near the ancient port of Delphi, this beautiful village is an ideal location to spend your evening wandering through the pretty streets, cafes, and restaurants with sea views, away from the more mass-touristic feel of Delphi. A warm welcome awaits you, along with amazing local and authentic cuisine.

Delphi. Center of the Ancient World

Delphi - Set on wide terraces along the hillside, we are fortunate that the landslides of previous centuries preserved much of the ancient remains for us to witness, including the 4th century BC Temple of Apollo, from where the Oracle spoke her prophecies, along with the Castalian spring of mythology, theatre, treasury buildings, temples of Athena, and gymnasium where athletes gathered before the Pythian games to bathe in the sacred waters. During your visit to Delphi, see the physical structures associated with this incredibly long history, and learn about their rich mythology. A beautiful addition to the site is the modern museum dedicated to the finds, which stretch back in time to at least 1500 BC, as well as those notably which adorned the temples and streets of the ancient city at its peak around the 4th century BC, with outstanding pieces such as the Naxos Sphinx, the twin Kouroi, and the famous Bronze Charioteer, among others.

Arachova - Lunch Stop. Spend time enjoying the local craft shops and wonderful views over the olive-filled Pleistos river valley over lunch before continuing to Kalambaka in the shadow of Meteora.

Meteora. The rock forest & its Monasteries

Meteora - After breakfast, we ascend towards the monasteries above. Built on a natural formation of sandstone rock pillars up to 1,312 feet high, the six remaining monasteries date from the 14th century and form a remarkable and awe-inspiring combination of nature and spiritual significance. We visit at least two of the most outstanding monasteries, normally the Grand Meteora Monastery, Varlaam, or Agiou Stefanou, and learn about their long history and the hermits and monks that lived there alongside the majestic landscape views.

Kalambaka - Pause for a traditional lunch in one of the town’s main squares to refresh yourself before continuing.

Thermopylae - After our visit to the monasteries, we return south towards Athens for approximately 90 minutes to the site of Thermopylae, stopping to see the monument and enter the newly built Visitor’s Center, which recreates the ancient battle where King Leonidas led the 300 Spartans in 480 BC. After pausing for lunch or a break by the sea in one of the many local villages, we finally continue to your onward destination with the memories and images from these wonderful experiences.

• Minimum 4-Star or Boutique style Hotels with breakfast
• Professional English-speaking experienced Tour driver throughout the day
• Various Packages: DISCOUNT, GOLD, and PLATINUM with premium vehicles
• PLATINUM PACKAGE includes a gourmet 3-Course Lunch

• Entrance Fees
• Expert Licensed Guides. Available on request at one or more Archaeological sites
• Pickup from areas outside Athens on request. May require a supplement.