Peloponnesian Tour

• Optional day: Arrive in Athens, Transfer from the airport to your hotel by the Acropolis. We'll visit the Acropolis and the highlights of Athens. Optional tour Athens by night.

1st day: Starting from Athens  we drive westwards along the scenic coast of the Saronic Gulf, to the Corinth canal with its breathtaking views (short stop). Shortly after we reach the Ancient town of Corinth (visit). Back in ancient times Corinth was one of the richest cities and this is quite evident by its remains, including the huge Agora (market place) and Apollo's Temple (6th c. B.C.) Then we drive on to Mycenae, the Homeric city of Atreides - the city "rich in gold" of the ancient poets. (Visit the Lions Gate, the Cyclopean Walls, the Royal Tombs e.t.c.) Continue for ancient Tiryns, (Set on a bluff in the centre of a plain, the fortress of Tiryns is a Cyclopean structure dating from the 13c BC, a well preserved masterpiece of ancient military architecture.) Proceed to Nafplion, a picturesque town nestling at the foot of a cliff crowned by the mighty ramparts of the Palamidi Fortress. Overnight in a traditional hotel, located in the centre of the old city, just under the castle.

2nd day : After a breakfast taken on the beautiful veranda with the best view over the city, visit the castle of Palamidi. Time for shopping in  Nafplion, where you will find many traditional shops and boutiques or enjoy a swim in the crystal waters under the castle. Later in the afternoon we drive to Epidavros to visit the Ancient theatre (4th century B.C.) famous for its acoustics. (On summer weekends ancient plays  take place) Return to Nafplion (overnight).

You can view my portfolio of photos at http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Nafplion

3rd day:   Leaving Nafplion in the morning, we drive south along the scenic coast of the Argolic Gulf, at the town of Astros we turn to Central Peloponnese, (Arcadia)  and take the country road through the village of Agios Petros, (the village became capital city of Greece for 24 hours, short stop) and  Karies on the slopes of mount Parnon we arrive in Sparti where we visit the Acropolis and then on to visit the Medieval city of Mystras  (overnight in  a hotel, with a swimming pool)

 You can view my portfolio of photos at  http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Sparta 

4th day:  Leave Sparti for Mani an undeveloped rocky wild area strewn with 15th 16th c. stone tower houses. On the way visit Githeo, a seaside town the port of ancient Sparta. Drive on to Areopolis a large village (with taverns) in the typical Maniot style, tower houses and churches. Visit Vathia  forsaken by almost all its inhabitants, Vathia and Kita  are the most impressive of the tower communities which are characteristic of the Mani. Stony paths wind between the silent towers and the empty houses mount to the top of the hill: view of Cape Mattapan (Akrotirio Tenaro) .Time for swimming in the most southern part of mainland Greece (also of  Europe). Overnight in Areopolis in a traditional 17th c. mansion .

You can view my portfolio of photos at  http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Mani

5th day:  Part way down the west coast of Mani, opening into Diros Bay are two caves which were explored after the Second World War. The largest, Glifada, is one of the most spectacular natural sights in Greece. We'll visit the Caves and Museum of Diros tel. (0733) 52.22. The cave is well organized for visitors with floating lights and colored light projectors. The guided tour consists of a boat trip (about 2km/1.25mi) along both arms of the river which splits in two in the cave. Daily 8a.m to 5p.m (2.30p.m winter) Entrance fee 10 Euro child (under 12) 5 Euro. we will visit the other villages of Mani.

6th day:  Depart for Kalamata, (visit the city -shopping...) and next for Pylos, better known as Navarino (Battle of Navarino: "an untoward event", this was how the Duke of Wellington described the naval engagement which took place on 20th October 1827 between the allied fleet, made up of English, French and Russians and the Turkish fleet which was at anchor in the bay). The focal point of Pylos near the port is Three Admirals Square which is shaded by trees and bordered by arcades (small archaeological museum, cafes, taverns), later in the afternoon we'll visit Methoni, the watchtower of the eastern Mediterranean. Overnight in Kalamata or Pylos.

You can view my portfolio of photos at http://www.panoramio.com/user/45649/tags/Olympia

7th day: Leave for Olympia  driving along the coast of the Ionic sea. On the way we will visit the villages of Gargaliani, Philiatra and Kuparissia.Arrive late afternoon in Olympia. Overnight in a hotel with a large pool.

8th day: Visit the ruins of Olympia the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Museum. This is the largest archeological site of Greece situated in the idyllic Alfios Valley, see for yourself  the grandeur of the ancient sanctuary which through the Olympic Games was a symbol of Greek unity - the cradle of the Olympic Games. Later in the afternoon enjoy a swim in the hotel pool. Overnight in Olympia.

You can view my portfolio of photos at