Athens and Peloponnese

 

 

Itinerary ( B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner )

 

 

 

DAY 1 FRIDAY: ATHENS (D)

Arrive at Athens International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Athens city center. Check in to your room. Free time. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

 

DAY 2 SATURDAY: Athens (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Meet our guide at the lobby of the hotel and start the Sightseeing Tour of Athens. This tour allows you to see the most important monuments and sites of the city. Visit the Acropolis and the Parthenon Temple and the National Archaeological Museum, rich and famous for their treasures. The tour ends before lunchtime and you are transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for leisure. For those who wish to visit Cape Sounio, an optional excursion is available. The excursion starts after lunch. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

 

DAY 3 SUNDAY: Athens - Epidaurus - Nafplion - Mycenae - Gythio (L, D)

In the morning, meet with our guide at the lobby of the hotel and start the drive along the Attica western coast to Peloponnese. One hour later you will make your first photo stop at the Corinth Canal. After a short break, continue to the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, one of the best Ancient Theatres worldwide with amazing acoustics. Visit the Theatre, and then continue to Nauplio, the first capital city of Modern Greece. There will be a short stop for picture taking before continuing to Mycenae, an ancient town with great power during the ancient years, with the famous "Gate of Lions" and the "King Atreus Tomb". After the tour, lunch will be offered at a nearby restaurant. Following lunch continue the drive to the southern Peloponnese seaside town of Gythio, a charming little harbor town with a long promenade with colorful fishing boats, Cafes, and taverns by the sea. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

 

DAY 4 MONDAY: Gythio - Mystras - Kalamata - Ancient Olympia (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to the mystical tower town of Mystras, located six kilometers NW of the city of Sparta, and capture this destination's medieval splendor. You will be guided around the castle city and sense its sheer grandeur: the Palace of the Despots (Anaktora), the Houses of Laskaris and Frangopoulos, the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios and the impressive Monasteries of Our Lady Pantánassa, and of Οur Lady Perivleptos. Stroll through the Kástro (the Frankish Castle), the Upper Town, and the Lower Town whose architecture creates a dreamy setting. Imagine Frankish princes and princesses living in palatial mansions; foreign delegations arriving bearing gifts, and peasants, pilgrims, or traders filling the bustling streets. Mystras' historical importance is tremendous. The castle on the top of the hill was founded in 1249 by the Frankish leader William II de Villeharduin. In the 14th century, Mystrás became the seat of the Despotate of Moreas, whereas in 1448 the last emperor of Byzantium, Constantine XI Palaeologus, was crowned here. In 1460 the hill was captured by the Turks and in 1464 Sigismondo Malatesta of Rimini managed to capture the city but not the castle. For a short period, Mystras came under the control of the Venetians (1687-1715) but was again taken over by the Turks. It was one of the first castles of Greece to be liberated in 1821. A lunch will follow. After lunch, continue the drive to Kalamata, on the picturesque road at the footsteps of Mount Taygetos, and on to Ancient Olympia for dinner and overnight at the hotel.

 

DAY 5 TUESDAY: Ancient Olympia - Athens (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start early in the morning by visiting the Archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the Museum, and the Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 776 B.C. Leaving Olympia, stop for an optional lunch at a seaside tavern. Arrive in Athens early in the evening.

 

DAY 6 WEDNESDAY: Athens (B, D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day at leisure. Optionally you may participate in a 1-day cruise excursion to three beautiful Greek islands in the Saronic Gulf, Poros, Hydra, and Aegina. Get on board and experience the harmonious combination of Greek hospitality with traditional entertainment and a wonderful meal on board. Return to Athens early in the evening. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

 

DAY 7 THURSDAY: Athens (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart to the Athens International Airport. End of services and departure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DON'T FORGET:

Please allow three hours for check-in to your international flights and two hours for domestic.

 

OUR TIPS:

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?
Please contact us for additional pricing options from any departure airport not listed.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?
Yes, you can arrange for that by contacting us either by phone or email.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?
Check the dates listed above to see if there is availability for the specific date you are interested in. If there are multiple dates listed feel free to contact us for the most up-to-date availability.