6-day
Specific Tour
Unlimited
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A self-drive road trip through the heart of the Peloponnese, from Argolida to Laconia and Ilia. The itinerary links four UNESCO World Heritage Sites with picturesque towns, mountains and sea. It is ideal for travellers who want history, gastronomy and total freedom of movement.
Argolida was the centre of the Mycenaean world, with Mycenae and Tiryns jointly inscribed on the UNESCO list. The Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, home to the most acoustically perfect ancient theatre, and the archaeological site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, are also inscribed. Byzantine Mystras, the fortified town that flourished as seat of the Despotate of the Morea, and Nafplio, the first capital of the modern Greek state, complete the picture.
Nafplio, with the Palamidi fortress, the Bourtzi islet and Akronafplia, is the perfect base for the first two days. Then come the theatre of Epidaurus, the Lion Gate at Mycenae, the Byzantine castle town of Monemvasia, Mystras with its frescoed churches and finally Ancient Olympia with its outstanding museum. Along the way, stops at ancient Corinth, Tiryns and the Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae are well worth the detour.
The Peloponnese offers a rich local cuisine, from the citrus fruit and seafood of Argolida to the syglino cured pork and lalangia of Laconia. In Arcadia and Ilia you will find slow-cooked pork, local cheeses, honey and excellent Kalamata extra virgin olive oil. Nemea wines made from the Agiorgitiko grape and Monemvasia – Malvasia accompany every meal beautifully.
Nafplio has the liveliest evening scene, with bars and meze restaurants around Syntagma Square and along the harbour. Monemvasia offers romantic nights within the cobbled lanes of the Castle, while Sparta and Olympia are all about quiet tavernas. In summer the Epidaurus Festival stages ancient drama performances in the ancient theatre.
This is a self-drive trip, so your own or a rented car is required, along with realistic planning of the daily distances. Archaeological sites keep seasonal opening hours, and spring and autumn offer ideal conditions for sightseeing. Currency: Euro· Time: Greek local time· Access: by road from Athens across the Isthmus of Corinth, with Nafplio about 145 km and 1 hour 45 minutes away, Monemvasia about 320 km and 3.5 hours, Mystras about 240 km and Ancient Olympia about 290 km and 3 hours from Athens.
The trip runs for 6 days and starts from €335 per person, departing from Athens. You pick the dates — there is no fixed departure.
The price includes: full detailed self-drive itinerary with maps, 5 nights accommodation in selected hotels with breakfast, recommendations for archaeological sites, museums and opening hours, suggestions for tavernas, wineries and local products, 24-hour telephone support from our office.
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No account needed. We will let you know if anything worth knowing happens.
Optional tours, tickets and activities you can book for your days there. We arrange the trip — these you choose yourself.
Activities, experiences and local guides — book ahead and keep your days free of queues.
These activities are provided and sold by our partners. You complete the booking on their page, at exactly the same price.
This is a made-to-order trip, so you choose the dates. We are happy to advise on the best season for this destination and on how the weather, prices and crowds change through the year — just tell us roughly when you are thinking of travelling.
The main inclusions are:
The full list of what is and is not included appears in the "Included / Excluded" section on this page.
For domestic travel you need a valid police ID card or passport in order to board the ferry or the flight. Bring your AMKA or European Health Insurance Card, and a valid driving licence plus a credit card in the driver's name if a car or scooter is included. Minors must carry their own travel document. Entry rules change, so please confirm the current requirements with our office before you book.
The local currency is Euro. Cards are widely accepted in cities and hotels, but it is worth carrying some cash for small shops, markets and tips. Tell your bank you are travelling so your card is not blocked.
Changes and cancellations follow the terms of the airlines, hotels and suppliers booked for you, so the cost depends on how close to departure you are and on the fare rules of each booking. Tell us as early as possible and we will look for the least costly option. The general terms of participation apply to every booking.
Travel insurance is not included in the price unless the "Included" list on this page says otherwise. We strongly recommend it, especially for trips outside the EU, so that medical care, cancellation and lost luggage are covered. We can arrange a policy for you — just ask when you book.
Yes — this is an individual trip, not a group departure. There is no fixed itinerary and no coach schedule: you travel on your own, at your own pace. We can change the number of nights, the class of hotel, add or drop destinations and arrange transfers, car hire or private guides.
Send us a request through the form on this page, call us, or drop by the office. We will come back with availability and a written quotation before anything is charged. The trip as shown runs for 6 days.
