A Circular Tour around the Peloponnese
10 days Historical/ Cultural, Guided Tour
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HIGHLIGHTS:
Group Size
Small – Private
From
1.947€
Ages
7-80
Some people cannot stay away from the sea for a long time! Come with us on this tour around the coastal Peloponnese and get to know the best beaches of the Mediterranean basin, dive into submerged cities and at the same time in the archetypal Greek culture.
Why you’ll love this tour
Visit Elafonisos, the Caribbean of Greece! The island of the pirates, with the turquoise crystal clear waters, and it’s lost underwater city
#sea #sun #relaxation
Walk into the narrow streets of the romantic Nauplion, the first capital of Greece
#history #swimming #architecture
Visit Ancient Epidaurus, where tragedy and comedy flourished in a theatre of exemplary acoustics
#history #theatre #culture
Explore the entrance of the Underworld! Get on the boat and discover a cave of unique beauty, formed by stalactites and stalagmites
#caves #explore #nature
Visit Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games!
#history #olympic games #culture
Step down the narrow corridors of the stunning Byzantine castle-city of Mystras
#history #architecture #culture
Explore Mycenae, the legendary kingdom of the Atreides, surrounded by massive “cyclopean walls
#history #architecture #culture
Swim in the natural swimming pools and under the waterfalls of Polylimnio
#lakes #waterfalls #nature
Discover the imposing medieval castles of Methoni and Koroni
#history #castles #culture
Travel back in time in Monemvasia,the uniquely preserved medieval city. Walk this carved in stone city of knights, crusaders emperors and pirates!
#history #castle #culture
Inclusions
Accommodation 9 overnight stays in double / twin rooms (single + 230 €) |
Meals • 9 breakfasts • 9 lunches with a soft drink or beer or local wine (250 g) & • 2 dinners in traditional taverns with a soft drink or beer or local wine (500 g) |
Transportation • Bus or Car • Boat • Cog Railway |
Entrance fees included • Tickets in caves |
Activities Included • Wine Tasting • The Cog Railway • 30mins of undercave boat trip • The thermal Spa in Loutraki |
Exclusions
Museum Tickets and Archaeological Sites Check here the entrance fees
Licensed tour guides in the archaeological sites and musuems
Transfer to and from the Airport
Drinks and soft drinks (except the above)
Gratuites (optional)
You can read more about why we have these inclusions and exclusions.
Need to know
- The maximum number of participants per group is 6.
- Our Tour runs with a professional driver and a local tour guide.
- Our lunches and dinners have always a gastronomical character. You will taste plenty of authentic Greek recipes at selected tavernas where the locals eat. Read more about our meals!
- Overnight at beautiful top-class locations & hotels taking full advantage of your evenings.
- A typical day starts at 08:30 and it finishes at around 17:00-18:00
- We are flexible and the duration of the tour is flexible, so there is no rushing during the tour except when there are specific restrictions (like not to miss the closing time of the sites).
- Our tour has an authentic and very flexible itinerary and is best suited for flexible people too. We can adjust and even add some special moments depending on your pace and good communication.
Itinerary
1st Day
Departure from Athens for the famous Canal of Isthmus and Ancient Corinth, where we will visit the Museum of Ancient Corinth and the Archaeological site. – Then we will find ourselves in the town of Loutraki and the Iraion (Ancient sanctuary) where we will dive into the blue waters of the fantastic Lake Vouliagmeni.
Then we will drive south to the Ancient Epidaurus, the organized archaeological site of Asklepieion and the main points of interest: the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Theater and the surrounding archaeological site (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument). During our visit we will be able to watch an Ancient Theater performance in the afternoon (Only in the summer July-Aug.) .
Our evening will be completed with dinner at a historic tavern in Lygourio.
Overnight at Epidaurus or Nafplio or Tolo.
Lunch
Distance 210 Km: about 3 hours by bus
2nd Day
Morning departure for Tiryns the Mycenaean acropolis with Cyclopean walls, which since 1999 has been designated by UNESCO as one of the World Cultural Heritage Monuments of Greece. A few kilometers below, opposite the Argolic Bay we will be in one of the most ancient city of Argolis, Mycenae (another UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument too), which is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece.
We will have to learn about its history, as it was the realm of mythical Agamemnon, and is considered to be the most important and richest palace of the Late Bronze Age. Immediately afterwards we will have a wine tasting with traditional Greek food at a winery of the Peloponnese wine roads. We will take a bath at the beach of Karathona, a beach hidden in the middle of two coves and behind the rock of Palamidi. Then we will find Nafplio , one of the most beautiful cities and the first capital of Greece.
We will be in a host of attractions and beauties: Palamidi, Bourtzi, Syntagma Square, we will walk to Akronafplia and we will be lost in narrow alleys. The day will end with dinner at Nafplion. Overnight in Nafplio or Tolo.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 110 Km: about 1 hour and 45 minutes by bus
3rd Day
Departure for the coastal Arcadia, a peculiar and exciting area combining the wild beauty of the mountains and the tranquility of the crystal clear sea, the historic Kynouria. We will swim in the pearl of Tserfou a magical bay with small pebbles and crystal clear waters. Then we leave for Fokianos, passing through Leonidio, the capital of Tsakonia, an old Greek Doric tribe with a special language idiom. Fokianos bay is one of the most beautiful beaches of Greece, as it is hidden on the steep beaches of the eastern side of the Peloponnese. Then we’ll leave for … the edge of the world, the village Kyparissi.
A beautiful picturesque village hidden among the slopes of Parnonas mountain, famous for its unique tranquility. We dive into the large beaches with colorful pebbles, clear crystal waters and panoramic views of the seaside settlement. Our day will end with great food and overnight in the area.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance 150 Km: about 2 hour and 30 minutes by bus
4th Day
Departure for the picturesque port of Gerakas, a small medieval village built on the side of the sea poured into the earth, giving the visitor rare images. Then, after a 20-minute driving, we will get to the romantic Monemvasia where we will wander in this uniquely preserved medieval castle-city with its arched alleys, churches and mansions.
Then we leave for Elafonisos, the island of the pirates, the turquoise crystal clear waters, and its beautiful beaches.
We will enjoy our swim in Simos Beach with the magnificent view to the island of Kythira and we will ride to the beautiful waterfront of the island, discovering the little secrets it hides while combining our dinner with a view to the Elafonisos or Neapolis depending on ships schedules. Overnight at Elafonisos or Neapolis.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 100 Km: about 2 hour and 15 minutes by bus (and the boat)
5th Day
Departure for Sparta, the glorious ancient city of Peloponnese, the city of Tindareos, the Dioscuri, Menelaos and the beautiful Helen, the city of Leonidas. Unfortunately, today there is not much left of the famous city of heroes. Fanatic European Catholic priests destroyed in the 18th Century what was left of the earthquakes and the wear of time.
The first stop is the enchanting castle of Mystras site (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument), where from the top of the hill will descend the narrow corridors and the streets of the castle-city, we will visit the Byzantine churches, the palace of Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperors.
Then we will visit the city of Sparta, the river Evrotas, the statue of Leonidas and the archaeological site.
Then we depart for Gytheion which is the largest and one of the most beautiful cities of the Mani. There will have a walk on the dock of the city and the isle of Kranai, where Paris and the beautiful Helen spent their first night, before sailing for Troy.
Departure for Cape Tainaron located in the middle leg of the Peloponnese peninsula – Visit the small temple of Poseidon, which also functioned as a necromancy once. The cave inside the temple is said to link Down with the Upper World. Following a good path we will reach the lighthouse, built in 1882 by the French, and dominates the Cape Tainaron, which is said to be the 2ond southernmost tip of Continental Europe.
Then we will depart for Areopolis. We will walk to the traditional part of the settlement and admire the towers, followed by dinner at a local tavern at Aeropolis or in the beautiful Limeni, a seaside village of Mani.
Overnight at Aeropolis area.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 280 Km: about 5 hours and 45 minutes by bus
6th Day
First we visit first the stunning Diros Cave with its extremely beautiful and exquisite caves . We get in the boats to do a boat tour 5000 meters of subterranean caves boat trip lasting 30 minutes and 10 minute walk. One of the most beautiful lake caves in the world. The crystal-studded stalactites (the ones hanging from the ceilings like icicles) and stalagmites (the ones rising from the cave’s floor) are spectacular, in shades of rose, green, amber, black, blood red, and purple.
Departure for the Messinian Mani and Kalamata, a really gorgeous city, the capital of the district of Messenia. We Stop at Stoupa for a swim in the sandy beach of Kalogria and a dive in the fabulous bay of Phoneas gorge. We are close to Kardamili, a beautiful seaside village of Messinian Mani, famous for its rich traditional cuisine. Then we will visit the beautiful city of Kalamata and some of its worth visiting sites: the castle, the Old Town, Ypapanti Square, the 23rd March Square, the port of Kalamata as well as the Railway Municipal Park.
We will take a bath at the beach of Kalamata, dinner at a local tavern and overnight in Kalamata or Petalidi, another seaside town.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 100 Km: about 1 hour and 50 minutes by bus
7th Day
Departure for Polylimnio, a complex of many lakes and waterfalls created due to the rough terrain. We will enjoy our bathing in the waterfalls, and then we will depart for the beautiful Koroni, with the imposing castle, the picturesque narrow streets, the traditional houses and the wonderful sea. Koroni has been recognized by UNESCO as an emblematic community in the Mediterranean Diet. There will be food in Vounaria, in a lovely tavern.
Next stop is Finikounda, a big fishing village. Methoni is a beautiful picturesque town where we will visit the well-preserved medieval castle with its high walls and the famous Bourtzi islet with the two-storey octagonal tower. During our visit to the beautiful Pylos, a small town built in the bay of Navarino, we will stop at Heroes Square for a drink.
Afternoon dive at Voidokilia beach. Its all-round shape, its golden sand and its blue-green waters make it, undoubtely, one of the most beautiful and impressive beaches in Greece. There will be dinner and overnight in the settlement of Gialova, next to the homonymous Lagoon, which is one of the most important wetlands in Europe, or in Marathoupolis, a nearby picturesque fishing village.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 150 Km: about 2 hours and 20 minutes by bus
8th Day
Departure for the most well-preserved Mycenaean Palace in Greece, the Palace of Nestor, the famous King of Pylos, on the hill above Eglianos.
Departure for the majestic forest and the Lake Kaiafa with the thermal qualities of the waters , which have been known since antiquity and – according to the ancients – were due to the nymphs who lived in the forests of the area.
A quick swim at the beach of Kaiafa is what we need now. Then we leave for Ancient Olympia, a journey back in time to the greatness of ancient Greece and to the place that gave birth to the Olympic Games.
We ‘ll visit the Museum, the big archaeological site (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument), the ancient Olympic stadium. Here we will have the opportunity to see the Temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium and the spot where the Olympic flame lights up before traveling to the place where the Summer and Winter Olympics take place.
An evening walk will take place in a scenic landscape on the road above the ancient stadium to the Olympic Academy premises. Dinner at a local tavern – Overnight
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance 120 Km: about 1 hour and 50 minutes by bus
9th Day
Departure for Killini, also known for its thermal spas. Visit to the famous medieval castle Chlemoutsi, built on the top of a hill.
Our next stop is the coastal forest and the wetland of Strofylia, where together with the area of
We will visit the Roman Conservatory of Patras a majestic building of Roman times. Dinner with great local flavors and Overnight stay in Patras.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 160 Km: about 2 hours and 45 minutes by bus
10th Day
Departure for the coastal village of Diakofto. We are getting the Cog railway upwards until a certain point where we will ask to get off and continue hiking until Zachlorou following the lines of the Cog railway.
Here we hike through the natural park of Vouraikos. We will enjoy the natural beauties of the village and have the possibility of a lunch in a local tavern by the river Vouraikos. We return by the Cog railway to Diakofto, get our bus to Loutraki where in a super modern space, they offer a unique experience to rejuvenate body and mind as well as relaxation and welfare with body and face treatments, with Loutraki’s world famous thermal water.
Then we leave for Athens ending this wonderful multi-day epic tour with a nice dinner by the Acropolis.
Breakfast, Lunch
Distance 155 Km: about 2 hours and 50 minutes by bus
Total Distance 1380 Km: about 23 hours by bus
Available departure dates
Month | Departure Date |
---|---|
March 24' | 15, 22, 29 |
April 24' | 05, 12, 19, 26 |
May 24' | 03, 10, 17, 24, 31 |
June 24' | 05, 12, 19, 26 |
July 24' | 03, 10, 17, 24 |
August 24' | 01, 08, 15, 22, 29 |
September 24' | 04, 11, 18, 25 |
October 24' | 02, 09, 16, 23 |
November 24' | 06, 13, 20, 27 |
Select date
Gallery
Additional Information
All our Epic Tours offered are accompanied by one of our local English speaker group guides. The aim of the group guide is to take the hassle out of your trip and to help you have the best experience possible.
The guide has excellent knowledge of the places visited and will provide you information throughout the whole trip, including historical, cultural and social aspects. Your guide takes care of all the essential things of the tour, offers suggestions for things to do and see and introduces you to the local communities.
We use a minimum three-star rating,conveniently located hotels and apartments with all the essential modern conveniences. Lodges that practice good eco-tourism, use products and hire staff from the local villages, walk lightly on the surrounding environment and are true to the area they represent.
Accommodation on all our trips is on a twin or double bed basis. Single upgrades are available upon request and depend on availability.
Concerning the transportation, our company cooperates with leading transfer companies which use vehicles of the latest technology with the most stringent standards. All minivans are equipped with comfortable seats, air condition and large windows.
Our experienced drivers will do everything they can so that your transfer be safe and pleasant.
In all our Epic tours offered, we have made an effort to include as many attractions as possible, therefore reducing our stay in the bus to the minimum, by making many stops.
When it comes to meals, Epos Travel & Tours strikes a perfect balance, since gastronomy is one of the main aspects of the total tour experience offered.
We include most meals (at selected seaside or traditional taverns) to save you time and money, yet we also leave enough free time so you can sample Greece’s gastronomic delights on your own.
Epos travel packages vary as to the number of meals included.All provided meals are clearly stated on the tours’s inclusions section.
As most of our hotels offer anything from coffee to a full breakfast, you can start the day the way you like best with high quality local products.
Lunch is your chance to make culinary discoveries of your own – Your tour guide can give you tips about recommended places if asked.
When your itinerary includes a special experience, such as fishing on a hired boat,rafting or wine tasting, lunch will be included.
Please note that if you have any special dietary requirements you should inform us prior to the trip. We can provide vegetarian and vegan meals. Please feel free to contact us, regarding any questions you may have about food, so we can provide you the best options possible.
Meeting and finishing point: Most of our tours -unless otherwise stated in the trip’s information section- start and end at Syntagma square in Athens. Tours commence at 08:00 on the starting date and finish between 21:00 and 22:00 on the finishing point. Please note: In case you leave Greece on the day the tour ends,it is advisable to book your return flight at least 3 hours after our scheduled return time. That will give you the tranquillity and ease of mind, avoiding any unfortunate events that could blemish you vacation.
When you book with us, please have in mind that our tours don’t include any accommodation before or after the tour. So we advise you to make any stay arrangements for the date the tour ends. In relation to your arrival date and your stay in a hotel in Athens or in another city for one or more days before or after the trips, please feel free to contact us and we shall arrange it at no cost.
With regard to your transfer to and from the airport, we are able to help, if you ask us about it. We can arrange a private transfer from the airport to your hotel in Athens and vice versa 24/7. Your private driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport, holding a placard with your name on it.
Regarding the issue of your air ticket you know that the sooner you buy it the more cheap it comes. You are most likely to find lower prices in your home country. But it is worth trying together.
Please check if you belong in one of the Free or Reduced admission categories below.
Free admission for:
• Members of the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece and equivalent Chambers of member-states of the EU, upon presentation of their membership card
• Members of the ICOM-ICOMOS, upon presentation of their membership card
• Students of University – Higher Education Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes, Military Schools or equivalent Schools of EU member states, as well as Schools of Guides, upon presentation of their student identity card
• Young people, up to the age of 18, upon presentation of their Identity Card or passport for age confirmation.
Reduced admission for:
• Greek citizens and citizens of other Member – States of the European Union who are over 65 years old, upon presentation of their ID card or passport for verification of their age and country of origin
• Students of University – Higher Education Institutes, Technological Educational Institutes or equivalent Schools of countries from outside the European Union, upon presentation of their student ID cards