9-day tour of Greece | Athens, Nafplio, Epidaurus & the island of Hydra

Day 1: Departure for Athens

Once you’ve landed in Athens, the adventure can begin. Pick up your hire car and head to your hotel. You’ll be staying for four nights at one of our Caractère hotels in Athens; we’ll be happy to help you find the right hotel for you.

Day 2: Athens

Today you have a whole day to visit the city’s main attractions: the Parthenon on the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the magnificent National Archaeological Museum, which houses numerous archaeological finds from all over Greece, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and more. Don’t forget to take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of the Plaka district at the foot of the Acropolis or at the flea market in Monastiraki. Amidst the terraces, shops and restaurants of Plaka, you’d almost forget you’re walking around a city of millions.

Day 3: Athens

Athens is, of course, much more than just the Acropolis. The remains from the classical period are countless, but you can also explore the city’s more recent past. The changing of the guard by the Evzones in traditional dress at the Parliament is a classic, but there are also the covered markets on Athinas Street and the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium. Round off your day with a beautiful sunset at Cape Sounion.

Day 4: Athens

Today you can take your time exploring the beautiful city of Athens at your leisure. Whether you visit a museum or two, go for a spot of shopping or enjoy a quiet drink on a terrace, the choice is entirely yours.

Day 5: Athens – Nafplio

Your journey continues along the impressive Corinth Canal to the ancient city of Acrocorinth, one of the busiest trading cities of antiquity. Then head to Nafplio, also known as Nafplion, Greece’s first capital. Nafplio is a small harbour town with an old town centre that exudes charm and even a touch of Italian flair. To explore this region to the full, you’ll spend four nights in a Caractère hotel in Nafplio.

Day 6: Nafplio

This harbour town is pleasantly bustling and you can enjoy a lovely stroll through the narrow streets and along the harbour promenade. From the promenade, you can look out over the island of Bourtzi with its fortified castle. In the centre of Nafplio, you certainly mustn’t miss the Vouleftiko Tzamimosque, dating from 1550. This mosque was renovated a few years ago, but the building has lost its function as a mosque. Above the town, Palamidi Castle stands proudly on a 216-metre-high hilltop. Hopefully you’ve stretched your legs well this morning, because to reach the top, you first have to tackle 857 steps.

Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the town and the surrounding area. But Nafplio is above all a town of cosy restaurants, cafés, terraces and little shops. It’s not for nothing that it’s one of the favourite weekend destinations for Athenians.

Day 7: The sites of Argolida

Start your day with a visit to Mycenae, where you’ll find a walled palace. Mycenae symbolises the sombre side of Greek civilisation—that of wars, plundering and the blood that stains Greek history. It was here that the expedition to Troy was prepared, and here that Clytemnestra had her royal husband murdered. But Mycenae is also associated with Heinrich Schliemann, the German archaeologist who believed he was looking into the golden eyes of Agamemnon at Mycenae – the world-famous golden mask. Via the Temple of Hera at Iréos, you continue on to Argos, a city home to one of the largest theatres in the world. Next, you head to Tiryns, a castle ruin with walls seven to eight metres thick. Finally, a visit to the famous theatre of Epidaurus with its perfect acoustics.

Day 8: Hydra, in the footsteps of Leonard Cohen

In Porto Heli, you can take the ferry to Hydra. The boat takes you to the island’s eponymous capital, where there are no cars. The idyllic harbour, with its stately mansions, has often been used as a backdrop for Greek film shoots, the most famous of which is ‘Boy on a Dolphin’ starring Sophia Loren. Over the years, Hydra has always been a source of inspiration for many artists. Writers, poets and painters such as Henry Miller, Picasso and Leonard Cohen have stayed on the island. In 1960, at the age of 26, Leonard Cohen bought a house on Hydra, where, in complete seclusion amidst the island’s tranquillity and beauty, he found inspiration for his work. At the Roloi Café, Cohen gave his first concert for a few friends. Greece is a good place to look at the moon, isn’t it?

Day 9: Back home

Unfortunately, your trip has come to an end; today you return to Athens. Once you’ve returned your hire car, you’re ready to board your flight home. Fancy extending your holiday a little? Caractère will arrange that for you!

What should you expect in terms of budget?

For the Athens to Nafplio itinerary, you can expect a guide price starting from 8,500 euros for two people. This price includes international flights, a hire car and accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, and depends on your travel dates, hotel choices and any extras such as excursions or extensions.

Frequently asked questions about this tour of Greece

When is the best time to take this tour?

Opt for spring (April–June) or autumn (September–October). Temperatures are ideal then for the climb to the Acropolis and the 857 steps of Palamidi Castle. In summer, temperatures at the archaeological sites can rise well above 30°C.

Is a hire car necessary for the entire route?

Yes, a hire car is essential for visiting the sites of the Argolida (Mycenae, Epidaurus) at your own pace. Please note: the island of Hydra is completely car-free. You can park your car safely on the mainland (e.g. in Metochi) before taking the ferry for your day trip.

How much time should I allow for the trip to Hydra?

Set aside a full day for this. As there are no cars, the island forces you to adopt a slow pace. Walk in the footsteps of Leonard Cohen through the harbour and enjoy the silence. It is the perfect, peaceful way to round off your trip before driving back to Athens airport.