Itinerary
Day 1: Peloponnese Adventure
Stop At: Corinth Canal, Isthmia, Loutraki 201 00 Greece
Our first stop is at the impressive Corinth canal as your driver describes its many interesting ill-fated and varied History’s from Ancient times to the present.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos), Argous 105 Ancient Korinthos village, Corinth 200 07 Greece
After a short drive further into the Peloponnese we stop to explore the beautifully preserved remains of Ancient Corinth, one of Greece’s most powerful and influential city states of Antiquity. Stroll through the streets, temples, markets, and fountains in the footsteps of the Classical Greeks, Ancient Romans & St. Paul before you. Refreshments & rest stops are also on hand at the local Cafes at its entrance if needed.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Archaeological Site Mycenae, Mycenae 21200 Greece
Next we come to the imposing remains of Ancient Mycenae, one of the most important sites in the development of Ancient Greece. Home to the citadel of the legendary Agamemnon, leader of the Greeks during the Trojan War. The ‘Mycenaean period,’ from 1600 to 1100 BC, references this ancient city, indicating its importance in Greek civilization. Pass through the 20-foot-wide (6-meter) city walls, enter the Lion’s Gate to Agamemnon’s throne room, and explore the very buildings of his palace and enter into the awe-inspiring treasury of Atreus, You will also have the time to visit the modern on-site museum housing the many precious artifacts uncovered from the site.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Epidavros 210 52 Greece
After a short drive through olive fields & small countryside roads our next stop is at the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Asklepios, first healing centre of the Ancient World. You will also see the impressive Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the most visited ancient sites in Greece. The temple and theatre date from the 4th century and feature masterpieces of classical Greek architecture. Join the other visitors who test its world famous acoustics with a poem or a song
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Nafplio, Nafplio, Argolis Region, Peloponnese
After the many sites of the morning we enjoy lunch in the beautiful medieval & historical port city of Nafplio by the sea with views to the Venetian castle of Bourtzi in the bay. This city has a definite artistic feel so take time for a stroll and explore the many local craft shops & boutiques of the charming old city before your evenings onward travel to your hotel in Olympia and the comfort of your specially selected Boutique or 4-Star Hotel
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 4-Star or Boutique Hotel with breakfast included. Normally Arty Grand Hotel or Europa Hotel depending on availability.
Day 2: Discover Ancient Olympia
Stop At: Archaeological Site of Olympia, Archea Olympia, Olympia 27065 Greece
Our morning is dedicated to Ancient Olympia, and one of the most magical locations in Greece. Famous for its Olympic Games of antiquity you will see the places where the original athletes were taught & trained, and go through the tunnel to emerge in the stadium in which they competed. The site is still home to the Temple of Zeus and Hera where the Olympic Flame is lit, workshop of Phidias, and an extensive Museum containing significant masterpieces from the site.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Rion-Antirion Bridge, Antirrio 300 20 Greece
After Olympia we head to the west coast to find one of the longest suspension bridges in the world & a great fete of engineering as we travel over this impressive landmark connecting the Peloponnese back to the Greek mainland on your way to Delphi
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Nafpaktos Old Port, Naupactus 30300 Greece
Stunningly beautiful picture postcard Venetian port, & perfect lunch stop. Nafpaktos is a little known village you will never forget. Seemingly forgotten & untouched by tourism with a Medieval charm and a fairy-tale vibe. Overlooked from the hillside above, its 15thCentury Venetian Castle is a reminder of its former Historic importance, from the time of the Crusades & stretching back to the Peloponnesian wars of Antiquity.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Galaxidi, Galaxidi, Delphi, Phocis Region, Central Greece
Lying by the sea near the ancient port of Delphi, this beautiful village is an ideal location to spend your evening wandering through the pretty streets, cafes & restaurants with sea views away from the more mass touristic feel of Delphi. A warm welcome awaits you as well as amazing local and authentic cuisine.
Duration: 10 minutes
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Either small boutique hotel in Galaxithi (eg. Ganimede Hotel) or Hotel in Delphi (example: Amalia Hotel)
Day 3: Delphi. Center of the Ancient World
Stop At: Delphi, Delphi, Phocis Region, Central Greece
Inset on wide terraces along the hillside we are fortunate that the landslides of previous centuries preserved much of the ancient remains for us to witness including the 4th century BC temple of Apollo from where the Oracle spoke her prophesies along with the Castilian spring of Mythology, theatre, treasury buildings, temples of Athena and Gymnasium where athletes gathered before the Pythian games to bath in the sacred waters. During your visit to Delphi, see the physical structures associated with this incredibly long history, and learn about their rich mythology. A beautiful addition to the site is the modern museum dedicated to the finds which stretch back in time to at least 1500 BC, as well as those notably which adorned the temples & streets of the ancient city at its peak around the 4th century BC with outstanding pieces such as the Naxos Sphynx, the twin Kouroi and famous Bronze Charioteer among others.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Monastery of Hosios Loukas, Distomo 32005 Greece
Set in beautiful countryside on the slopes of Mt Parnassos we next visit one of the most important and well preserved Byzantine Monasteries & which is UNESCO listed. Explore its 1100 year old Architecture along with its unique & impressive fresco's. An optional visit you can choose to omit this site if you wish.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Arachova, Arachova, Boeotia Region, Central Greece
Lunch Stop. Spend time enjoying the local craft shops and wonderful views over the olive filled Pleistos river valley over lunch before your final return following the coast road to Athens.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Meteora, Meteora, Trikala Region, Thessaly
EXTRA OPTION WITH METEORA ON REQUEST: With additional traveling it is possible to complete both the sites of Olympia and Delphi on the second day (omitting Arachova & the Monastery in Delphi), then travel to Meteora for the night which means the Monasteries there can be included in the tour in the morning of the third day. This schedule has approximately 5 additional hours of road travel with a late arrival at Meteora. Please let us know if you would like this option.
Duration: 3 hours
No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.