7 Days Private Tour: Argolida - Sparta - Mani - Olympia - Delphi & Meteora

Itinerary

Day 1: Corinth - Epidaurus - Mycenae - Nafplion

Stop At: Corinth Canal, Isthmia, Corinth 201 00 Greece
Our first stop is the Corinth Canal. Opened in 1892 separating the Peloponnese peninsula from the rest of Greece and connecting the Saronic Gulf to the Corinthian Sea. You will have time to walk across on a pedestrian bridge to admire the canal closer, (if you’re game) on some days bungee jumping is an option.
Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: Sanctuary of Asklepios, Epidavros 210 52 Greece
We will visit the site of Epidaurus. After just a short drive you will be able to visit one of the most important ancient sanctuaries dedicated to the God Asclepius, the god of healing and medicine, located in an ideal environment and spread over a hilly area.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: The Great Theatre of Epidaurus, Ethniki Odos Isthmou Archaias Epidavrou, Epidavros 210 52 Greece
Its highest point is the theater of Epidaurus. The best preserved ancient Greek theater dated 4th century B.C.E.It is proof of what fantastic miracles the ancient Greek minds could create. You can test the acoustics, great even today. Climb up until the upper seats just to close your eyes and dream you attended an ancient Greek tragedy.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Archaeological Site Mycenae, Mycenae 21200 Greece
Next we will visit one of the Unesco protected monuments. Mycenae (dated to the 2nd millennium B.C.E) represents the era of Achilles, Agamemnon and Helen of Troy, You will visit the cyclopean walls, the burial circle A and the remains of Agamemnon’s Palace.Dated to the 2nd millennium B.C.E., this citadel gave its name to a whole era!
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Lion Gate, Mycenae Greece
In the site, you will see the renowned Lions Gate, the oldest architectural sculpture in Europe.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Archaeological Museum of Ancient Mycenae, Mycenae Greece
Worth visiting there is also a modern museum exhibiting the findings of the “City Of Gold".
Duration: 50 minutes

Stop At: Citadel and Treasury of Atreus, Mycenae Greece
Just before leaving the site we will make a small stop at the treasury of Atreus, the best preserved Tholos tomb found and one of the finest examples of the Mycenaean architecture.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Nafplio, Nafplio, Argolis Region, Peloponnese
We will move towards a more recent history of Greece and the city of Nafplion. Considered as the most scenic city, Nafplion functioned as the capital of Greece until 1834. This romantic city offers you an outstanding combination of fortresses and castles (Palamidi, Bourtzi), a huge harbour open to the Aegean Sea and the unique architecture of the old city of Nafplion revealing Venetian, neoclassical and oriental elements.
After walking around the picturesque old city we will stop for lunch at a traditional tavern by the sea. We will overnight here.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Acronauplia, Nafplion 211 00, Greece
We’ll drive up until the castle of Acronafplia for a panoramic view of Nafplio.
Duration: 10 minutes

Pass By: Bourtzi, The Harbor, Nafplio Greece
Bourtzi is a little islet with a fortress in a huge port opened to the Aegean Sea.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: We will have an overnight in Nafplio in 3-4 stars hotel.

Day 2: Mystras - Sparta

Pass By: Mystras, Mystras, Sparta Municipality, Laconia Region, Peloponnese
We will head towards Mystras driving into the southern Peloponnese peninsula through the mountainous landscape of the Greek country side. Reaching Mystras you will automatically understand why this location stands so unique within the Greek sites. Known as the ghost city, fortified on a citadel, Mystras is one of the two locations in Greece that preserves not only medieval churches but also ordinary houses, mansions and palaces of the Byzantine Empire in combination with Frankish elements.

Stop At: Archaeological Site of Mystras, Mystras, Sparta Municipality Greece
Walking in the site on the upper point you will reach the citadel and enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding areas while walking down hill you will meet the palaces and the Royal courtyards. Although known as the ghost city most of the monasteries are still in use and the monks will gladly show you around their small society. Before you exit you will come across the chapel of St. Demetrios, on its floor survives a plaque depicting a two head eagle (the symbol of Byzantium). It was on this very plaque that Konstantine Palaiologos kneeled before he was crowned the last emperor of the Byzantium.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Acropolis and Ancient Theater, north end of Sparta, Sparta, Sparta Municipality Greece
Following that we will spend the rest of our time in Sparta known as the eternal rival city of the Athenian Democracy. Sparta revolved around a different Cosmo theory for the ancient Greek standards. Initially known as the birth place of Helen of Troy and the Kingdom of Menelaus (in Mycenaean period), Sparta was organized as a purely military society in the ancient Greek period. It was the city of the two Kings were a few aristocrats ruled and of course the city where Leonidas and his 300 Spartans marched from to face the Persian army Thermopylae in 480 BCE.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Leonidas Monument, Sparta, Sparta Municipality Greece
Continuing we will pass in front of the stadium where the statue of King Leonidas stands marking the ending point of Spartathlon race (Athens – Sparta 245,3 km).
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, 129 Othonos Amalias Street, Sparta, Sparta Municipality 231 00 Greece
We will visit the museum of (olive and) olive oil and learn many things about the most famous products of Greece.
Duration: 15 minutes

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: We will have an overnight in Sparta in 3-4 stars hotel.

Day 3: Gytheio - Diros Cave - Areopoli

Stop At: Gytheio, Gytheio, Laconia Region, Peloponnese
Gytheio is in the southern Peloponnese. It is a port town with lots of good fish restaurants, some great ouzeries and is within driving distance of the Mani, Mystras, and much of the south-eastern coast of the Peloponnese. It also has some amazing old buildings built in the last two centuries. Gytheio (or Gytheion) is a pleasure to wander through with the neo-classical houses, shops and spectacular old apartment buildings, hugging the side of Mount Koumaros all the way down to the sea. It makes you feel like you are in the type of Greek port that disappeared with the introduction of mass tourism into the country.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Caves of Diros, Diros 230 62 Greece
The cave of Diros, is found 10 km from Gytheio and 5 km from the Pyrgos Dirou. Actually there are three caves, the Alepotrypa, Katafigi and Glyfada. This is a unique experience traveling barely a subterranean river length 1,600 m. The magic of the color, and the beautiful shapes, formed by the stalactites and stalagmites makes a unique spectacle. After the ongoing research at the cave of Diros to date, the total length reaches 6.500 meters and is still unknown the final length.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Areopoli, Areopoli, Laconia Region, Peloponnese
The word Areopoli, which means "city of Ares", the ancient Greek god of war, became the official name in 1912. It was the seat of Oitylo municipality. The Greek War of Independence was started at Areopoli on March 17, 1821 by Petros Pierrakos, also known as Petros Mavromichalis, the last bey of Mani. Now Areopoli has grown into a flourishing town. Its tower houses, constructed with field stones, are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterize many Greek villages.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: We will have an overnight in Areopoli in 3-4 stars hotel.

Day 4: Kardamili - Kalamata - Messini - Olympia

Stop At: Kardamili, Kardamili, Messenia Region, Peloponnese
Kardamili is a wonderful, picturesque, historic, coastal village of Messiniaki Mani which is situated 35km southeastern to the city of Kalamata. There, the visitor can admire overgrown mountain sides, olive groves, wonderful beaches, well cared stone mansions of traditional architecture of Mani, verdant gardens and the lovely, picturesque small port.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Kalamata, Kalamata, Messenia Region, Peloponnese
Kalamata is the second most populous city of the Peloponnese peninsula, after Patras, in southern Greece and the largest city of the homonymous administrative region. The capital and chief port of the Messenia regional unit, it lies along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf.
Kalamata is renowned as the land of the Kalamatianos dance and Kalamata olives.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Messini, Messini, Messenia Region, Peloponnese
The remains of this vast ancient city are as extensive as those of Olympia and Epidavros, yet Ancient Messini receives only a fraction of their visitors. Picturesquely situated on a hillside below the village of Mavromati and still undergoing excavation, the site comprises a large theatre, an agora (marketplace), a sizeable Sanctuary of Asclepius and one of the most impressive Ancient Greek stadiums. Entry includes the small museum at the site turn-off; don't miss the impressive Arcadian Gate 800m beyond, either.
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Olympia, Olympia, Elis Region, West Greece
We will overnight at the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: We will have an overnight in Olympia in 3-4 stars hotel.

Day 5: Olympia - Nafpaktos - Arachova

Stop At: Archaeological Site of Olympia, Archea Olympia, Olympia 27065 Greece
We will visit the archaeological site and the museum of Ancient Olympia. This is one of the largest sites in Greece, the birthplace of the Olympic Games and the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus. Walking through the site you will pass by the Gymnasium, the Palaistra, the workshop of Phidias, the Temple of Zeus and you will end up at the Stadium where for every four years the Greeks competed for glory and for spiritual elevation honoring their cities.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Archaeological Museum of Olympia, Archaia Olympia, Olympia 27 065 Greece
The museum is also quite unique as it includes the renowned statue “Hermes of Praxiteles” with its perfect analogies and tools that belonged to Phidias himself. With the tools he created one of the seven wonders of the world “the gold ivory statue of Zeus”.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Museum of the Olympic Games, Olympia Greece
The Museum of the History of the Ancient Olympic Games hosts 463 ancient works, from the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, and other museums in the Greek territory. The exhibits cover a wide chronological range, from the 2nd millennium BC until the 5th century AD. Ancient exposed in thematic units and through them yperchilietis shows the history of the Olympic games, the longest ancient institution.
Apart from ancient art, the visitor has the possibility of detailed information through the rich visual material.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Nafpaktos Old Port, Naupactus 30300 Greece
Nafpaktos known as Lepanto during part of its history, is a town and a former municipality in Aetolia Akarnania, West Greece. It was an important Athenian naval station in the Peloponnesian war. As a strategically crucial possession controlling access to the Gulf of Corinth, Nafpaktos changed hands many times during the Crusades and the Ottoman–Venetian Wars. It was under Venetian control in the 15th century.We will admire the medieval harbour.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Arachova, Arachova, Boeotia Region, Central Greece
Aráchova is a mountainous village nestling picturesquely at the foot of Mt. Parnassós in Viotia, Southern Greece.It is the most cosmopolitan winter destination in Greece, a great favourite for passionate ski lovers and celebrities, or just first-time visitors who wish to relax in a dreamy mountainous setting with modern tourism facilities. Its modern ski resort, its close proximity to Athens, and its breathtaking mountainous landscape are the strongest reason why. Apart from the mountain activities, Aráchova is also famous for its bustling nightlife and as the favorite mountain resort of Athenians.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: We will have an overnight in Delphi in 3-4 stars hotel.

Day 6: Delphi - Kalambaka

Pass By: Delphi, Delphi, Phocis Region, Central Greece
We will drive to the site of Delphi, an ancient Greek sanctuary with a PanHellenic character dedicated to god Apollo. It functioned as an Oracle and was considered ‘the naval’ the center of the word and is today a symbol of Greek cultural unity. The scenic location allows you to have a view of the Greek mountains and two more sites the Gymnasium and the secondary sanctuary of Athena Pronea.

Stop At: Temple of Apollo, Delphi Greece
In the site you will visit the Temple of Apollo where Pytheia spoke to the oracles, the theater and the stadium.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Delphi Archaeological Museum, Ethniki Odos Amfissas - Livadias, Delphi 330 54 Greece
While in the museum you will be able to see the famous charioteer and Gold Ivory statues.
Duration: 1 hour

Pass By: Kalambaka, Kalampaka 422 00, Greece
Following we will continue with a drive through the mountains, not taking the national highway, to see the real Greek country side. Passing by the cities of Lamia, Trikala and Karditsa we will reach Kalambaka, a beautiful small city that is dominated by the Meteora. You will have time to take an evening walk and enjoy a local dinner after settling at the hotel.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: We will have an overnight in Kalambaka in 3-4 stars hotel.

Day 7: Meteora - Thermopylae

Stop At: Great Meteoron Monastery, Eparhiacos dromos Meteoron, Kalambaka 42200 Greece
On the following day we’ll start in the morning for a visit to the monasteries and a closer look at the holy rocks. On the rocks that are like suspended in the air (that’s what Meteora means) there is one of the largest and most important complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries still in use. Meteora combines natural beauty and cultural heritage a fact that make them a unique destination between the world’s monuments.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Roussanou Monastery, Kalambaka Greece
Visit the Saint Stefan Monastery or the Roussanou, one of the two nunneries.The Holy Monastery of Agios Stefanos is one of the few female monasteries of Meteora. The exact date of the monastery's construction is unknown but according to some evidence it was built in the 15th century. The beautiful wall-paintings of the Catholicon were executed in 1560. Visit Roussanou for a different view of the surrounding cliffs and the adjacent Monasteries. Follow the pathway from this monastery to the upper main road and discover an off-the-road panoramic view point spot that allows you to walk on bear rocks!
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Battlefield of Thermopylae, Thermopylae Greece
We will walk around the battlefield of Thermopylae.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Leonidas Monument, Lamia, Thermopylae 350 09 Greece
To complete the visit you will see the statue of Leonidas standing right opposite Kolonos Hill where the persisting Spartans left their last breath.
Duration: 10 minutes

Stop At: Historical Information Center Thermopylon, Lamia 35009 Greece
In the historical center of the site you will enjoy a 3D movie, traveling through the time you will feel the presence of all who died for their freedom under a foreign conqueror.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Kamena Vourla, Greece
Heading back to Athens we will stop at the coastal town of Kammena Vourla, where we will enjoy a relaxing, traditional Greek lunch by the sea. And to terminate the tour we will drive back to Athens safe and sound.
Duration: 1 hour

No meals included on this day.
No accommodation included on this day.