Description

Day 1

 

We start our tour from Athens driving towards Peloponnese having on our left the Saronic Gulf and the island of Salamis, where in 480 BC the famous battle of Salamis took place.

We will make our first stop at the Corinth Canal. There, we will admire and take pictures of the magnificent Canal, which connects the Saronic with the Corinthian Gulf. 

Continuing our tour we will reach the ancient Corinth, the richest city of ancient Greece and the only one that had two ports. The city is known for the visit and stay of Apostle Paul in it.

At the archaeological site, you will see the Temple of Apollo, the Pirene and Glafki fountains, the Ancient Agora and the location called “Vima” (Step) where the Apostle Paul was led to be tried by the Roman Proconsul Gallio, who refused to prosecute him. You will also see the Roman Odeon and the Ancient Theatre. The museum is situated in the same location.

Of course, we will continue our drive to the Acrocorinth rock, where the fortress by the same name stands at an altitude of 575 meters above the ancient city.

You will have enough time to visit and explore the beautiful fortress.

Upon continuing your visit, you will have lunch in a local restaurant.

After your lunch we continue driving southwest and after a 30 minutes drive through villages and fields where grapes and olive trees are cultivated, we reach the ancient city of Mycenae.

The city of Mycenae was the kingdom of the legendary King Agamemnon, whom Homer has praised. Mycenae is famous for its Mycenaean civilization, which lasted from 1,600 to 1,100 BC. At the Acropolis of Mycenae, you will admire the Cyclopean Walls and cross the impressive Lion Gate. A little further, the tomb of Agamemnon, stand impressive majestic, which is nothing less than this great King deserved. The museum is situated in the same location 

Leaving Mycenae behind us and after approximately 30 minutes, we reach the town of Nafplion . 

Nafplion is the capital of the Argolis prefecture. In the 19th century, it was the first official capital of Greece (from 1828 to 1834), after the liberation of the country from Ottoman rule.

The old city has been given the status of a “traditional settlement” by the Greek state. It is full of historic buildings and ideal for walks through its narrow, picturesque alleys.

We will overnight at Nafplion so at the evening you will have plenty time to explore the old city and walk through the picturesque alleys.     

 

Day 2

 

We will start our second day, heading east to Epidaurus.

We will first visit the archeological site of the Asklepieion of Epidaurus.

Epidaurus was considered to be the home of the Greek god of medicine Asclepius. It was also the most important therapeutic center of antiquity. There you will admire the Asklepieion (Sanctuary of Asclepius), the Abaton, the Tholos (circular building), the Ancient Stadium and the Theatre of Epidaurus, famous for its perfect acoustics, where performances are still given today.

The museum is situated in the same location.

After completing our visit to this mystifying place, we will head east, where at a distance of 15 kilometers, is the ancient city of Epidaurus, which is now called Old Epidaurus. You will see the small theater of the city as well as Mycenaean tombs.

Not far from this point, is the submerged city of ancient Epidaurus, just a few meters from the coast and at a depth of just one to one and a half meters.

The beach is free for the public and you can, if you wish, swim in a magical place that is unknown to the general public.

Lunch at a traditional restaurant will follow and then return to Nafplio.

After a small rest, your driver will take you to the Palamidi Castle which dominates over the city of Nafplio and is maintained in perfect condition.

You have enough free time in the afternoon, as we will be spending the night in Nafplio.

 

Day 3

 

We will start our third day at about 9.00am

We will drive northwest towards the Diakofto village.

From Diakofto you will take the small train, the popular “Odontotos” (gauge rack railway), which will pass through a route more than magnificent. I would like note that the route of the train takes you through a virgin forest with huge plane trees, over ravines and parallel to the Vouraikos gorge. It is so beautiful that no one can describe it in words).

You will meet your tour driver at Kalavryta where you will have the opportunity to visit the holocaust museum, walk in this picturesque village and have lunch.

Then you will take the way towards the Cave of Lakes

This is one of the most beautiful caves in Greece, where you can admire the stalactites and stalagmites, which have formed after the passing of many thousands of years. You must enter accompanied by a guide and once you enter, the spectacle is breathtaking

After your visit you will be driven south towards the village Lagadia.

The views are scenic as you will pass through traditional villages forests and small towns.

Arriving at Lagadia you will make check in at your hotel and later you will have the opportunity to walk and explore this village and you will admire a wonderful sunset as well.

We will overnight at Lagadia

 

Day 4

 

We will start our fourth day heading south towards the city of Sparta.

We will pass through beautiful and picturesque villages such as Dimitsana, Stemnitsa, Elliniko, and we will make a few stops for beautiful pictures. We will reach Sparta after 2, 1/2hours.

You will visit the small, archaeological site, and afterwards, our tour will continue towards the castle-town of Mystras.

Mystras, also known as “Myzithras” was founded in 1248 by William II of Villehardouin, ruler of the Frankish Principality of Achaea. In 1259, William II is captured by the Byzantines at the Battle of Pelagonia and three years later the castle surrenders to the Byzantines and specifically Michael VIII Palaiologos. In the mid-14th century, Mystras became the capital of the Byzantine Peloponnese.                                                                                     

In the area, you can admire numerous Byzantine churches, the palace of Palaiologos and many more.                                                    

After your visit, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

After your lunch, we depart for Monemvasia. 

Monemvasia is a famous fortified town on southwestern Peloponnese. It is built on limestone rock and has a length of one and a half kilometers, a maximum width of 600 meters and a height of 195 meters. It is linked to the mainland by a 200-meter short causeway, the shape of which resembles a human neck. Monemvasia was founded in the 6th century AD, after Sparta residents were relocated there. Its strategic position, the power of its fleet and the alliance with the Byzantine emperors, turned Monemvasia into a famous and powerful city. In its long history story, after a brief papal occupation, it was occupied by Venetians. Then, it fell under Ottoman rule, until its liberation in 1821.

You will have enough time to visit the fortified town and wander into this amazing fortress which is full of life until today.

We will overnight in Monemvasia   

 

Day 5   

 

The first destination of our day is the area of Pavlopetri which is located 36 kilometers southwest of Monemvasia.

The area got its name from the homonymous rocky islet located a short distance from the coast. Between the islet and the coast lies the submerged prehistoric town of Pavlopetri. << Pavlopetri underwater archeological site >>

Research has revealed that the area has been inhabited since 2,800 BC and was a prosperous port. Finds of a prehistoric cemetery were also found on the shore.

You will have the opportunity to see the remains of the cemetery, while those who wish can swim in these amazing waters and admire part of the sunken state, using a sea mask.

Our next stop will be another seaside village, called Plytra. It is unknown to most that there lies the ancient city of Asopos, most of which sank in 365 AD, after a major earthquake.

Many of the remains of the ancient city are located along the coastline so it is easy to admire them or walk next to them. You can also swim in the wonderful beach which located beside the ruins.

You will enjoy your lunch at a local seaside restaurant

After your lunch we will head east and after passing wonderful villages, and the seaside town of Gytheio with its picturesque harbor port we will reach the area of Mani and the Diros Caves.

In this enchanting location, guided tours are offered through almost the whole cave in small boats, with only the last 300 meters of the cave being explored on foot.

We will spend the night in a neighboring, traditionally built tower of the region, or at Limeni which is a wonderful seaside village.

 

Day 6        

 

We will start our day towards the direction of Messinia, choosing the amazing seaside route and admiring the beautiful shores of the Peloponnese.

We will pass from the famous town of Kardamili, in the West Mani and the city of Kalamata (famous for its olives) and we will reach the ancient Messene, founded by Theban general Epaminondas, after his victory over the Spartans, in 370 BC.The archaeological site is amazing, and in order to fully explore it we will need about 2 hours.

Later, we will have lunch at a neighboring restaurant

We leave Ancient Messine behind us and head southeast. After a journey of about an hour and a half, we will approach the coastal town of Methoni.

It is there that we will visit the Castle of the town as well as the impressive fortress of Bourtzi, which is built on the sea and dominates imposingly outside the main castle.

We will spend the night in the town of Methoni or in the beautiful, seaside village of Finikounda, which is very close.

 

Day 7

 

We will start our day from the nearby town of Pylos. Pylos is built at the southern end of Navarino bay, where the naval battle of Navarino took place, in October 1827.

You will visit the impressive castle of the city named Niokastro.

There are 2 small museums inside the castle and in one of them, there are exhibits from the findings of submerged cities. There is also the church of the Transfiguration of the Savior.

From the highest point of the Castle, you will be able to take amazing photos of the Navarino bay as well as the island of Sfaktiria.

After this visit, and continuing our tour, we will pass through the Gialova Lagoon, a protected, Natura area, as well as the beautiful and famous Voidokilia beach.

Meal at a local restaurant will follow.

Our next stop is the palace of Nestor, mythical hero and king of ancient Pylos, which was built in the 13th century BC.

At the same archeological site, you will admire a vaulted, Mycenaean tomb, which is located right next to the palace. Very close is the museum of Chora, which has excellent exhibits of the wider area.

We will continue heading north towards the Ancient Olympia.

The historic and famous city of Ancient Olympia is located on the west side of the Peloponnese.                                                       

It is, of course, the city which gave birth to the Olympic Games in 776 BC.                                                                                   

We will check in at our hotel and you will have enough time to enjoy the hotel’s wonderful swimming pool.

 

Day 8

 

In the morning, you will visit Ancient Olympia.

The historic and famous city of Ancient Olympia is located on the west side of the Peloponnese. It is, of course, the city which gave birth to the Olympic Games in 776 BC. 

At the archaeological site, you will admire the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera (Heraion), the Palaestra, the Gymnasium, the Ancient Stadium, the Zanes, the workshop of the famous sculptor Phidias, the circular Philippeion and many more .

The museum is situated in the same location, where, among many exhibits, you will see the famous statue of Hermes of Praxitelis

The Museum of the Olympic Games is situated just a few meters away.                                                                                                  

Finishing our visit and heading towards the north, we will arrive at Rio, where we have two options, depending on the kind of experience you want to live.

A) We can cross the famous and impressive Rio – Antirrio Bridge, which boasts a length of 2,580 meters, state-of-the-art technology and incredible resistance to weather conditions.

B) We can reach Antirrio, onboard a small boat which moves parallel to the bridge and will give us the chance to take many pictures.

After Antirrio, we will move northeast and reach the city of Nafpaktos. This is one of the most ancient Greek cities and is related to important historical events, such as the battle of Lepanto, between the great alliance of Spain, Venice, Genoa, the Duchy of Tuscany and the Papal States (called Lega Santa) against the Ottoman Empire.    

Leaving Nafpaktos behind us, we will move east, passing by beautiful coastal cities like Galaxidi and Itea. We will get to Delphi in the afternoon and you will check in at your hotel.

After some rest, your driver will take you to the picturesque village of Arachova, where you will have the opportunity to make a pleasant walk admiring the stone buildings.

You can dine either in Arachova or at a traditional restaurant in Delphi.   

 

Day 9

 

After breakfast, we start our day by visiting the archaeological site of Delphi.                                                                           

At the archaeological site, you will admire the Temple of Apollo, the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the Roman Agora, the Athenian Treasury, the Ancient Theatre, the Stadium and many more. The amazing museum is situated in the same location. A few meters away, one can see the famous Castalia Spring and the Ancient Gymnasium.

After finishing our visit to Delphi, and following lunch, we will head towards Thermopylae.                                                                      

This is the location where the Spartan warrior Leonidas told Persians the famous phrase "Molon Labe" which means "come and get them." There, we will photograph the monuments of Leonidas and the Thespians and will have the opportunity to visit the Center for Historical Awareness of Thermopylae

Later we head north. We will pass the towns of Lamia, Karditsa and Trikala we will reach the area of Kalabaka, in Meteora, where you will check in at your hotel.                                                                                                     

After a few hours rest, you will make your first walk through the towering cliffs and enjoy an amazing sunset.

Then, you can dine in a traditional restaurant and return to your hotel.

 

Day 10

 

After you get a good breakfast, we start our tour of the monasteries.

The landscapes and the natural environment, as well as the sight of the monasteries on the tops of the rocks, are beyond words!

Meteora is located on the northwestern border of the Thessalian plain. It is a large cluster of dark rocks with a maximum height of 530 meters. This strange and unique landscape was created by nature about 30 million years ago. This wild and inaccessible place attracted Christian hermits as early as the 10th and 11th centuries, with official operation of the monasteries beginning in the 14th century. At their peak, there were about 24 monasteries in operation. However, today only 6 of them remain active. The area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will have time to visit three of the most important monasteries. Finally, you will make all the necessary stops to enjoy the scenery and take hundreds of photos.

After completing your tour, we head west towards the mountainous, traditional town of Metsovo. The town is famous, among other things, for the preparation of the special cheeses of the area.

You will have the opportunity to walk in the center of the town, admire traditional houses and visit the local dairy. You will also be able to dine in a traditional restaurant.

Next destination is the city of Ioannina where we will check in at our hotel.

Later you can visit a small island which located in the middle of Ioannina lake

There are many small monasteries on the island, as well as the monastery where Ali Pasha was assassinated in January 1822.

We will overnight at Ioannina

 

Day 11

 

We will start our day by visiting the historic castle of Ioannina which located beside the lake of Ioannina.

We then drive to the village of Dodoni, where we will visit ancient Dodona.

Ancient Dodona in antiquity was a worship place for Zeus and Dione, while the oldest oracle in Greece was also operating here.

At the archeological site, you will admire an amazing theater, altars dedicated to various gods, the Stadium, the Bouleuterion and many more.

After your visit you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

After your lunch we head north east towards Edessa which located in central Macedonia.

The city is famous because of its waterfalls.

We will stay overnight at Edessa so you will have the opportunity to walk the town, admire the wonderful waterfalls and make a lot of photos beside them.

                                             

Day 12

 

After your breakfast we will start our day by visiting the Vergina  (the site of ancient Aigai), the first capital of Macedonia. There, we will admire the graves of the ancient Macedonians, and especially the tomb of Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. The view of the entrance to the grave is breathtaking, while the exhibits, made of gold, located in the same place, will leave you speechless!

Very close nearby, the palace of Philip is situated, where archaeological works are carried out. Nevertheless, you will still enjoy a satisfactory tour of the area.

Leaving Vergina behind us, we will head north, and after 50 minutes we will reach ancient Pella, which was the second capital of Macedonia. Ancient Pella was founded by Archelaus I of Macedon (413-399 BC) and had its greatest prosperity during the reign of Philip II (360-336 BC). There, we will visit the archaeological site with its beautiful mosaics, as well as the archaeological museum, which is amazing and rich in exhibits.

After your visit, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

Leaving Pella behind us we will head northeast towards the city of Kavala (known in the ancient times as Neapolis)

Kavala or Neapolis was the city that Apostle Paul visited during his trip in Greece after the island of Samothraki. You will have the opportunity to admire the mosaic in honor of the Apostle made by the inhabitants in recent years.

You can also walk the old traditional town and dine by the seaside.

We will overnight at Kavala.

 

Day 13

 

We will start our day by visiting the archaeological site of Phillipoi which located not far from Kavala.

The city named after Philip II, which flourished during the Roman years. In the archaeological site, you will admire the ruins of the ancient city, the ancient theater, the Roman market, the library, the foundations of the first Christian church founded by the Apostle as well as the prison where he was imprisoned.

We will also visit the place where Apostle Paul began his teaching in Greece. This place is located next to a small river named Gakitis.

It was there that Apostle Paul first taught a small group of women. A woman named Lydia was the first to believe his words and was baptized in the river. At this point a church has been built in honor of her, which we will visit. 

After this experience you will have lunch at a local restaurant.

Leaving behind us the city of Philip, we will head west and, after 1hour and 45 minutes, we will reach the city of Thessaloniki.   

Arriving at Thessaloniki we will check in at our hotel.   

After a little rest you can walk and admire the city of Thessaloniki.

In the evening, you can dine and have fun in the traditional and famous Ladadika district.

 

Day 14

 

After our breakfast we will start our day by visiting the points of interesting in Thessaloniki

The city has many points of interest, such as the White Tower, the Archaeological Museum, The Arch of Galerius (known as “Kamara”), the Rotunda, the church of Agios Dimitrios with its underground catacombs and many more

We will also go to visit the north part of the city and the castle Heptapyrgion, also popularly known by its Ottoman Turkish name Yedi Kule.

After completing the city tour and enjoying a delicious meal, we will leave the city behind us and head south.

After about an hour, we will reach the foothills of Olympus.                                                                                                                       

According to mythology, the 12 gods of Olympus lived here: Zeus, Hera, Hestia, Demeter, Poseidon, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, Ares, Aphrodite and Hephaestus.

We will check in at our accommodation, located in the beautiful village of Litochoro.

In the evening, you can explore the picturesque village and dine at a local restaurant.     

 

Day 15

 

We will start our day by visiting the enormous archaeological site of Dion Pieria, as well as the museum.

The archaeological site is located in a natural environment, which could easily be described as a forest. It is a place that nature lovers will immensely enjoy!

Upon completion of your visit, we will drive at the mountain of Olympus where you will enjoy amazing views.

Our next stop will be the small seaside town of Kamena Vourla.

You will enjoy your lunch at a seaside restaurant.

After Kamena Vourla we will drive back to Athens to conclude our Amazing tour having in your luggage the best memories.