The Undeniable Charm of The Peloponnese

Athens

Welcome to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Athens is a vibrant city that’s at once ancient and modern, classic, and constantly evolving. From its rich historical heritage along with the landmark Acropolis to hip and trendy bars to high-end boutiques and multicultural cuisine, Athens has it all. Your private driver will meet you at Athens International Airport and transfer you to your luxury hotel. Relax in the afternoon and evening exploring the historic neighborhood of Plaka or enjoying a leisurely stroll along Dionysiou Aeropagitou, a pedestrian street that is the longest walkway in Athens. Ask your Travelive Greece specialist for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.

Tour of the Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

Meet your licensed English-speaking guide at the lobby of your hotel to begin your tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Head to the top of the Acropolis via the gates of Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis and an iconic example of classical antiquity, and admire one of the world’s most important architectural structures, the Parthenon along with the ancient temples of Parthenon, Erechteion and Athena Nike which are considered the most important monuments in Western civilization. Your guide will help you discover more about the site’s significance, as well as the bountiful heritage and cultural achievements of the Greek civilization during the Golden Age. From there, you will continue your tour by heading to the world-renowned Acropolis Museum, where nearly 4,000 artifacts are on display providing a detailed insight into the everyday life of Ancient Greece.

Athens to Nafplio with a Tour of Mycenae and Epidaurus

Meet your driver and guide in the lobby of your hotel to start your tour of the Peloponnese. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf towards your first stop, the Corinth Canal. The Corinth Canal is a famous narrow waterway that separates mainland Greece from the Peloponnese and will provide you with the first of many perfect photo opportunities of the day. Crossing into the Peloponnese you enter Argolida, the land of Homer’s Golden Mycenae and home to King Agamemnon. Your tour of this stunning UNESCO Site commences by entering through the Lion's Gate, erected during the 13th century BC and the only remaining monumental piece of Mycenaean sculpture. Explore the awe-inspiring examples of Cyclopean masonry found in the walls of Mycenae and continue with a visit to the Royal Tombs of King Agamemnon and his wife Clytemnestra along with the Treasury of Areus. From there, visit the Great Theater of Epidaurus, known for its perfect acoustics. Built in 340 BC, this Theater is so well-preserved that it is still used today for dramatic theatrical performances and concerts. Finally, head to Nafplio, a charming seaside town that was Greece’s first capital and which has a very scenic old town and the impressive island fort of Bourtzi off the coast of Nafplio as well as the imposing fortress of Palamidi overlooking Nafplio.

Odontotos & Kalavrita

Today, you will start your tour by heading to Diakofto to enjoy a scenic railway ride to the historic town of Kalavryta. One of the best journeys to experience in the Peloponnese, this train takes travelers to Kalavryta through the dramatic Vouraïkos Gorge, where you can marvel at its reddish cliffs seemingly closing in on the train as well as the natural beauties of Vouraikos Gorge and the mountains of Achaia as you enjoy a one-hour trip through lush vegetation, rivers, sculpted tunnels, and traditional train stations. You will visit the Cave of Lakes, an extraordinary natural creation, where you will get to explore its galleries and multicolor chambers admiring amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations. Finally, you will get off in Kalavrita and have an opportunity to explore its stoned alleys and squares.

Nafplio to Olympia with a Tour of Nemea’s Wineries

The endless vineyards of Nemea are known worldwide for the esteemed wine they produce every year. On your way to Olympia, you will first head to Nemea, where you will learn about the secrets of Greek winemaking in this historic region, which according to mythology, is where Hercules performed the first of his 12 Labors. You will visit two local wineries to get acquainted with their unique varieties of Greek wine, accompanied by local delicacies.

Tour of Ancient Olympia

Start your day exploring Ancient Olympia, home to the first Olympic Games. Many impressive buildings and monuments stand on the site of this ancient sanctuary, including the Temples of Hera and Zeus, the Echo Stoa, (a covered walkway), the Philippeion, (one of the numerous memorials), and the ancient stadium, where games were held between 776 BC and 393 AD, and from where the Olympic torch is still lit before it leaves for the country hosting today's modern Olympic Games. You will also visit the Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in Greece and home to relics from excavations dating from prehistoric times. The impressive building boasts 12 exhibition rooms displaying priceless exhibits, including the marble statues of the temples of Zeus and Hermes, carved by the ancient Greek sculpture Praxiteles, ancient helmets, such as the one worn by Miltiades in the battle of Marathon, and the bronze battering-ram, the only surviving one of its kind in antiquity.

Olympia to Mystras with a Tour of Mystras

Head to the Southern Peloponnese to Mystras, one of the most impressive historical sites, which has been declared as a world heritage monument. Sitting on the steep slopes of the Taygetus Mountains and surrounded by verdant olive and orange trees, this fortified city is one of the most compelling sets of medieval ruins in Greece. Surrounded by ancient walls, this former Byzantine Capital is where the last Byzantine emperor was crowned, in 1448. Mystras reached its zenith of power and prestige during the time of the Despots, with the building of magnificent churches which were outstanding examples of Late Byzantine ecclesial architecture. Explore Byzantine churches (the oldest dating back to 1270 AD) and learn about the wall paintings and the floor mosaics, Frankish & Ottoman monuments, and several foundations of houses and palace ruins where the nobles lived. The region of Mystras has nice villages and hiking paths and there is also an Archaeological Museum and the Palace of the Despots on top of the hill.

Tour of Areopoli, Limeni & Diros Caves

Explore the traditional villages of Mani today. Start your by visiting Areopoli. This is a well-preserved historical town, famous for its role in the Greek Revolution, with stone alleys and stone-made castle houses that were built for social and defensive reasons. Walking around Areopoli, you will see traditional hotels, castles, and shops. You will then head to Limeni. This is a picturesque little seaside village with stone-made houses built on the sea and emerald waters. The little traditional taverns on the sea with their fishing boats anchored right in front are the perfect chance to taste great seafood and delicious fish. Continue your tour by heading to the stunning Diros Caves, a landmark of Mani. Located in a cove on the west coast of the Mani Peninsula, this cave is an impressive, subterranean chamber with white stalagmites and stalactites, sparkling crystals, and striking curtains. You will enjoy a boat ride to see the striking stalagmites and stalactites and then walk along a path to see the unique formations up close.

Mystras to Monemvasia with a Tour of Monemvasia

After breakfast, you will meet your driver and start your journey to Monemvasia, also known as the “Gibraltar of the East,” where you will get to visit Europe’s only castle that has never ceased being inhabited and has been a strategic fortress for the Byzantines, Franks, Venetians, and Ottomans. Founded by the Byzantines in the sixth century, this mystical stone-built settlement has a medieval-like wonder to it. The Old Town and the Castle of Monemvasia have been built on the slopes of a huge rock that stands into the sea. The Old Town is the main site of Monemvasia and is a fantastic Medieval town entirely carved on the slopes of rock, offering breathtaking views from the highest spot. Many old mansions in Monemvasia Old Town have now been turned into boutique hotels, restaurants, and shops. Take a leisurely stroll along its narrow, cobbled paths and admire the stone mansions and striking Byzantine Churches.

Olive Oil & Wine Experience with Lunch in Monemvasia

Your day will start with a scenic drive up the slopes of Laconia, where you will visit a Byzantine Mansion with a very long culinary history in wine and olive oil making. Walk in the estate’s olive grove and discover the secrets of traditional cultivation. Enjoy a guided tour of the olive oil museum as you learn the original methods once used in olive oil making in the Laconia region and taste extra-virgin olive oil and varieties of olives. Continue your experience with a wine tasting of specially selected Monemvasian wines from the mansion’s cellar, and finally pamper your taste buds with a rich meal, lovingly prepared with the freshest ingredients.

Monemvasia to Athens

After breakfast, meet your driver for your transfer to your hotel in Athens. Afternoon at leisure.

Day of Departure

Your private driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to transfer you to Athens International Airport for your flight back home.