10/01/2026
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
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
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
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
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
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
end of programm
Information about Peloponnese:
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.
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
View the programm :https://greeceguide.gr/excursions/27-7-days-classical-greece-tour-athens-ancient-corinth-nafplio-mystras-monemvasia-olympia
