A tour of the Peloponnese

Pelop's Island

Welcome to Pelops' Island, the Peloponnese, where ancient cities, Byzantine wonders, dramatic coastlines, and authentic Greek hospitality create a truly timeless destination.

Day 1: Athens - Half-Day City Tour

Ancient Highlights & Acropolis Experience

Upon arrival in Athens, enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour featuring the city's most important ancient and modern landmarks. Highlights include a photo stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games (1896), followed by panoramic views of the Zappeion Hall, Temple of Olympian Zeus, National Garden, Hellenic Parliament, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

You will also see Schliemann's House (Numismatic Museum), the Catholic Cathedral, the University of Athens, the Academy of Athens, the National Library, the Old Parliament, Constitution Square (Syntagma), the Russian Orthodox Church, and Hadrian's Arch.

The tour concludes with a guided visit to the Acropolis, including the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, and the Erechtheion with its famous Porch of the Caryatids.

The remainder of the day is free. Explore Plaka, the charming old town beneath the Acropolis, or join an optional excursion to Cape Sounion.

Overnight: Athens

The iconic Caryatids guard the Erechtheion on the Acropolis
The iconic Caryatids guard the Erechtheion on the Acropolis.
Academy of Athens: A masterpiece of neoclassical architecture in the heart of Athens
Academy of Athens: A masterpiece of neoclassical architecture in the heart of Athens.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Honoring Greece's fallen heroes at Syntagma Square
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Honoring Greece's fallen heroes at Syntagma Square.
Ruins of grandeur: the colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus
Ruins of grandeur: the colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Elegant neoclassical Zappeion Hall, a symbol of modern Athens
Elegant neoclassical Zappeion Hall, a symbol of modern Athens.
Panathenaic Stadium: Home of the first modern Olympic Games, made entirely of marble
Panathenaic Stadium: Home of the first modern Olympic Games, made entirely of marble.

Day 2: Athens - Corinth - Nemea - Mycenae - Epidaurus - Nafplio

Ancient Cities & Wine Traditions

Depart from Athens toward the Corinth Canal with a short photo stop at the Isthmus before continuing to Ancient Corinth.

Continue to Nemea (Ancient Cleones), famous for its vineyards, where you will enjoy a wine tasting experience accompanied by local food pairings.

Later, visit the archaeological site of Mycenae, followed by the remarkable Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, renowned for its exceptional acoustics.

In the evening, arrive in the picturesque seaside town of Nafplio.

Overnight: Nafplio area

The engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal, slicing through the Isthmus to connect the Aegean and Ionian Seas
The engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal, slicing through the Isthmus to connect the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
Vineyards and ancient heritage meet in Nemea
Vineyards and ancient heritage meet in Nemea.
The legendary Lion Gate of Mycenae, gateway to history
The legendary Lion Gate of Mycenae, gateway to history.
Experience the perfect acoustics of the ancient Epidaurus Theater
Experience the perfect acoustics of the ancient Epidaurus Theater.
Picturesque Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece
Picturesque Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece.
Charming cobblestone streets and colorful facades in Nafplio
Charming cobblestone streets and colorful facades in Nafplio.

Day 3: Nafplio - Arcadia Riviera - Leonidio - Elona Monastery - Mystras

Coastal Scenery & Byzantine Heritage

After breakfast, travel along the scenic Arcadia Riviera with a stop in Leonidio for coffee and relaxation.

Continue to the impressive Elona Monastery, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary and dramatically built into the red cliffs of Mount Parnon.

Proceed to Mystras, the medieval Byzantine city, where you will enjoy a guided visit of the archaeological site before heading to your hotel.

Overnight: Mystras

The coastal town of Leonidio, where scenic beauty meets tradition
The coastal town of Leonidio, where scenic beauty meets tradition.
Elona Monastery: Perched on red cliffs, Elona Monastery offers stunning views and spiritual serenity
Perched on red cliffs, Elona Monastery offers stunning views and spiritual serenity.
Explore the medieval Byzantine city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Explore the medieval Byzantine city of Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 4: Mystras - Monemvasia - Gythio - Diros Caves - Kardamyli - Kalamata

Fortress Towns & Mani Landscapes

Depart from Mystras and travel to the medieval fortress town of Monemvasia, then continue to the coastal town of Gythio.

Visit the impressive Diros Caves, one of the most remarkable natural attractions in Greece.

Continue through the Mani region to the traditional village of Kardamyli before arriving in Kalamata later in the afternoon.

Overnight: Kalamata

The medieval fortress town of Monemvasia, rising dramatically from the sea
The medieval fortress town of Monemvasia, rising dramatically from the sea.
Explore the stunning underground world of the Diros Caves
Explore the stunning underground world of the Diros Caves.
Traditional stone houses and timeless charm in Kardamyli.
Traditional stone houses and timeless charm in Kardamyli.

Day 5: Kalamata - Ancient Messene - Voidokilia Beach - Ancient Olympia

Archaeology & Coastal Beauty

After breakfast, visit Ancient Messene, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Greece.

Continue to the iconic Voidokilia Beach, celebrated for its unique horseshoe shape and crystal-clear waters.

Later, depart for Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Overnight: Ancient Olympia

The remarkably preserved ruins of Ancient Messene
The remarkably preserved ruins of Ancient Messene.
Crystal-clear waters and the iconic horseshoe shape of Voidokilia Beach
Crystal-clear waters and the iconic horseshoe shape of Voidokilia Beach.
The vibrant seaside city of Kalamata, gateway to the southern Peloponnese
The vibrant seaside city of Kalamata, gateway to the southern Peloponnese.

Day 6: Ancient Olympia - Athens

Olympic Legacy & Return to Athens

Enjoy a guided tour of Ancient Olympia, including the archaeological site and museum.

Afterwards, visit the Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner before beginning the return journey to Athens.

Overnight: Athens

The birthplace of the Olympic Games at Ancient Olympia
The birthplace of the Olympic Games at Ancient Olympia.
Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner:
Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner: "A serene historic monastery near Ancient Olympia, steeped in spiritual tradition.
Exploring the ancient sanctuary and stadium of Olympia
Exploring the ancient sanctuary and stadium of Olympia.

Day 7: Departure

Farewell Greece

Transfer to Athens International Airport according to your flight schedule.


Notes

Originally, the Peloponnese was a peninsula connected to mainland Greece by the Isthmus of Corinth, a narrow strip of land approximately 6 km wide.

In 1893, the Corinth Canal was completed, cutting through the Isthmus and connecting the Aegean Sea with the Ionian Sea. This created a continuous water passage, physically separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece.

Named after Pelops, the mythical founder of the region, the Peloponnese—often poetically called Pelops' Island—is a land where history, legend, and natural beauty unite. From Ancient Olympia and Mystras to Nafplio, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Nemea, alongside pristine beaches, medieval towns, and authentic gastronomy, it offers a timeless journey through history and soul.

Ancient Corinth is closely associated with Apostle Paul, who lived and preached here during the 1st century AD.

The city became one of the most important early Christian centers, where Paul founded a strong Christian community and later addressed his famous Letters to the Corinthians, foundational texts of Christian theology.

Nemea, home of the ancient Nemean Games and the legendary Lion of Nemea, blends mythology, archaeology, and a rich wine-making tradition.

Today, the region is renowned for its vineyards and long-standing wine culture.

Nafplio is a charming seaside town and the first capital of modern Greece, known for its Venetian architecture, picturesque streets, and scenic harbor.

Epidaurus is famous for its ancient theater with exceptional acoustics and was a major sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine.

Mycenae, the legendary kingdom of Agamemnon, is one of the most important centers of the ancient Greek world, featuring the Lion Gate, royal tombs, and massive Cyclopean walls.

Dramatically perched on the reddish cliffs of Mount Parnon, the Elona Monastery is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

This serene site offers breathtaking views of the Arcadian landscape and insight into Greek Orthodox monastic life.

Built on the slopes of Mount Taygetus, Mystras is a stunning medieval Byzantine city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its palaces, churches, monasteries, and fortifications once formed the political and cultural heart of the late Byzantine Peloponnese.

Monemvasia is a medieval fortress town built on a small island connected to the Peloponnese by a narrow causeway.

Known as the “Gibraltar of the East” and historically called Malvasia, it features stone-paved streets, Byzantine churches, Venetian architecture, and spectacular sea views.

Located near Gythio, the Diros Caves are among Greece's most spectacular natural wonders.

Explore underground chambers by boat and on foot, admiring impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear waters formed over millennia.

The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Ancient Olympia is one of Greece's most important archaeological sites.

Highlights include the ancient stadium, the temples of Zeus and Hera, and the archaeological museum showcasing masterpieces of classical art.

Founded in the 4th century BC, Ancient Messene is one of the best-preserved classical cities in Greece.

Its extensive remains include city walls, gates, an ancient theater, temples, and public buildings, offering insight into daily life in classical Messenia.

Located near Ancient Olympia, the Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner is dedicated to John the Baptist.

Visitors can explore its chapel, monastic buildings, and tranquil surroundings, reflecting centuries of Greek Orthodox spiritual tradition.


Included in the program
  • ✔️ All transfers to and from Athens International Airport
  • ✔️6 nights' accommodation in selected 3★ or 4★ hotels, on a Bed & Breakfast basis
  • ✔️ 6 dinners at hotels or nearby traditional taverns
  • ✔️ Wine tasting and food-pairing experience in the Nemea region
  • ✔️ Transportation throughout the tour by luxury air-conditioned coach
  • ✔️ Entrance fees to all scheduled archaeological sites and museums, including the Acropolis, Mystras, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Ancient Olympia
  • ✔️ Services of a professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour
  • ✔️ All applicable taxes
Available upon request
  • Optional excursions mentioned in the program
  • Guide
  • Program Customization
Not included in the program
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Candles and offerings at monasteries

Price

Rates from €2150

How it works

Simply send us your request, and we will contact you with a personalized plan tailored to your needs and preferences, including a curated list of recommended hotels for each destination. If you like, we can also build your ideal itinerary together.

Locations
Visited areas & Attractions
  • Athens
  • Panathenaic Stadium
  • Zappeion Hall
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus
  • National Garden
  • Hellenic Parliament
  • Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
  • Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum)
  • Catholic Cathedral
  • University of Athens
  • Academy of Athens
  • National Library
  • Old Parliament
  • Constitution Square (Syntagma)
  • Russian Orthodox Church
  • Hadrian’s Arch
  • Acropolis
  • Propylaea
  • Temple of Athena Nike
  • Parthenon
  • Erechtheion
  • Plaka
  • Cape Sounion
  • Corinth Canal
  • Ancient Corinth
  • Ancient Cleones (Nemea)
  • Mycenae
  • Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
  • Nafplio
  • Arcadia Riviera
  • Leonidio
  • Elona Monastery
  • Mystras
  • Monemvasia
  • Gythio
  • Diros Caves
  • Kardamyli
  • Kalamata
  • Ancient Messene
  • Voidokilia Beach
  • Ancient Olympia
  • Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner