10-day tour of the Peloponnese | Tours of Greece

Route

You start in Athens and drive via Corinth to Náfplion. You then travel through the Argolida region and continue to the Máni and Monemvassía. Via Kalamáta and Olympia, you head towards the mountains of Arcadia, before ending on the Athenian Riviera.

Pace

You travel from region to region with stays of several nights in the same place. Between drives, you plan visits and stops, with time for lunch or a moment by the sea.

Highlights

Náfplion with its harbour and old town, Mycenae and Epidaurus in Argolida and Mystrás in the Máni. Also included are Monemvassía, Olympia and the train journey through the Vouraikos Gorge, followed by Athens.

Accommodation

You stay in different locations along the route, each well situated for visits in that region.

Profile

For travellers who want to discover Greece through a round trip combining historical sites, coastline and mountainous areas, with enough time to stop along the way.

Day 1: Departure to Athens – Náfplion

Ready to depart? After picking up your rental car in Athens, you leave the city behind and the adventure truly begins. You pass the impressive Corinth Canal and discover the rich history of Akrokorinthos, once one of the most important cities of antiquity. The final destination of the day is Náfplion. In this picturesque harbour town, with its Italian character and historic charm, you stay two nights in one of our authentic Caractère hotels.

Day 2: The sites of Argolida

Day 2 is dedicated to ancient Greece. You start the day in Mycenae, where the fortified palace brings ancient history vividly to life. This is where the legendary expedition to Troy was prepared and where archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann discovered the world-famous golden mask.

Via the Temple of Hera in Iréo, you continue to Tíryns. This fortified ruin with its massive walls is an impressive example of ancient architecture. You end the day at the legendary Theatre of Epidaurus. With acoustics that remain unmatched to this day, it rightfully deserves to be called the “theatre of theatres.”

Of course, it’s not all about discovering. Throughout the day, there is plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely lunch or a quiet moment along the way.

Day 3: The towers of the Máni

Today you head further south. You pass Spárta, the most formidable and militaristic city-state in Greek history, and continue to the impressive Mystrás. This remarkable ghost town, set in a landscape of Byzantine houses and churches, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and without doubt one of the cultural highlights of your journey.

You continue your route to the Máni, the southernmost and perhaps most mysterious part of mainland Greece. The landscape here is rugged and unique, dotted with the characteristic tower houses the region is known for. To explore this remarkable region at ease, you stay three nights in one of our authentic hotels.

Day 4: The fortress of Monemvassía

Today you visit the medieval town of Monemvassía. This picturesque town lies like a peninsula in the sea, beautifully hidden behind a massive rock. It is the perfect way to spend your afternoon, wandering through narrow alleys and charming squares with views of the sea.

Day 5: Exploring the untouched Máni

Today you explore the heart of the Máni. During a drive across the central peninsula, you enjoy the stunning natural surroundings: a landscape filled with flowers and villages known for their massive tower houses.

Via Aréopoli and Pýrgos Diroú, you head towards the small harbour of Geroliménas, beautifully located in a sheltered bay. Along the way, there is time to pause by the sea for a refreshing break. The return route takes you past the picturesque “Blue Creek” of Kokkála and the impressive tower village of Flomohóri.

Day 6: The coast of Olympia

Today you continue your journey via Areópoli and the olive town of Kalamáta. Along the way, you pass the charming village of Kardamyli, the ideal place for a delicious lunch. The route continues along the west coast to ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Upon arrival, you stay two nights in one of our coastal hotels, where you can fully unwind.

Day 7: Olympia

You start the day in ancient Olympia. More than 3,000 years ago, the first sporting events and festivals already took place here. The stadium is impressively large and beautifully set among olive trees and plane trees.

In the afternoon, you drive into the mountains to the charming village of Dimitsána, where many traditional workshops can still be found. Fancy an extra drive? Then also visit the villages of Stemnitsa or Andritsena. The latter is especially known for the beautiful Temple of Bassae.

Day 8: Towards the Athenian Riviera

Today you return towards Corinth, but not without a special experience. In the town of Diakofto, you board the famous rack railway to Kalavryta.

This unique train journey through the Vouraikos Gorge is spectacular: you travel past impressive cliffs and through narrow gorges. After this adventure, you return to Diakofto and continue to the Athenian Riviera. Here, you settle in for the final two nights of your trip in one of our coastal hotels.

Day 9: A day to enjoy and Athens

You spend the final day of your trip as you wish. Will you relax by the pool at your hotel or head back into the capital one last time? Athens is a vibrant city where you can discover the roots of Western civilisation in magnificent ancient monuments and rich museums.

A tip for the evening: visit the lively district of Plaka. The upper part in particular is very atmospheric in the evening and the perfect place to end your journey in style.

Day 10: Return home

Unfortunately, your journey comes to an end and after returning your rental car, you fly home with a suitcase full of wonderful memories. Not ready to head home yet? Caractère will gladly arrange a few extra nights for you.

What budget can you expect?

For this round trip, you can expect a guideline price starting from €12,000 for 2 people. This price includes international flights, rental car and accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis and depends on your travel dates, hotel choices and any extras such as excursions or extensions.

Frequently asked questions about this Peloponnese round trip

How demanding are the transfers during this trip?

The distances are well spread out. You rarely drive for long stretches and have plenty of opportunities to stop along the way.

What does a typical day look like?

You leave after breakfast towards a site or the next region. Along the way, you plan one or more stops, arriving in the afternoon with time left to explore the surroundings.

Is this round trip suitable for children?

Yes, the route is manageable and varied. The combination of short drives, historical sites and moments by the sea makes it easy to follow for families.