10-Day Athens to Olympia & Kalavryta

Day 1: ATHENS – CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION

Arriving in Athens, we’ll smoothly transfer you to your hotel in our comfortable vehicles. Our English-speaking assistant will be with you, ensuring your comfort and care throughout the journey.

In the afternoon, at the hotel, our representative will provide you with all the essential trip details. Get ready for an engaging presentation about the city, where you’ll gain insights into its vibrant daily life. Feel free to ask questions and clear any doubts, setting the stage for a pleasant and hassle-free experience throughout your trip.

With the rest of the day at your leisure, embrace Athens at your own pace. Immerse yourself in the captivating sights, sounds, and flavors of this remarkable city.

Day 2: DAY AT LEISURE AND ATHENS BY NIGHT

This will be a free day in Athens, where, after a delicious breakfast, you will have the chance to visit some of the famous attractions and places of interest in the city. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll in the city center and make your own discoveries as you go along.

In the evening you will join a walking tour through the most stunning districts of Athens, such as Anafiotika, Thisio, Monastiraki, and Plaka.

Day 3: FROM ATHENS TO CORINTH, MYCENAE AND NAFPLIO

After a nutritious breakfast, you will pick up your rental car and drive to the region of Argolis.

Just outside Athens, at a distance of about 11 kilometers from the city, we suggest a visit to the Daphne Monastery. This monastery is considered the oldest Byzantine monastery of its type in Greece and its frescoes and mosaics are masterpieces of the golden era of Byzantine art. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1990.

On your way to Nafplio, you can stop at the Corinth Canal, a great engineering feat first designed in 630 BC by Periander, a tyrant that ruled Corinth and is considered one of the seven sages of Ancient Greece. This 6-kilometer-long channel was built to connect the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf, thus saving valuable sailing time for seafaring vessels. Its construction lasted a long time and was completed by the French in 1893.

About half an hour’s driving later you will reach Mycenae, one of the most important archaeological sites of Ancient Greece. Here you can visit the Lion’s Gate and the Treasure of Atreus. This last structure is generally believed to be a royal tomb and more precisely the Tomb of Agamemnon.

You will end a full day of a cultural adventure in the comfort of your hotel in Nafplio, a charming Venetian city.

Total distance: 148 kilometers

Day 4: FROM NAFPLIO TO MISTRAS AND MONEMVASIA

After a filling breakfast, drive to Monemvasia via the mystical town of Mystras, known for its impressive Byzantine architecture. Mystras served as the Byzantine capital of the Peloponnese for two centuries, with numerous churches and monasteries built during that time. It was also the site of the coronation of the last Byzantine emperor, Constantine XI Palaeologos.

Must-visit attractions in Mystras include the Castle of Villahardouin, Agia Sofia church, the Houses of Laskaris and Frangopoulos, the Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios, and the Monasteries of Our Lady Pantánassa and Our Lady Perivleptos.

Today, Mystras is a popular open-air museum offering breathtaking views of the Sparta plain. However, its significance waned over time due to the construction of the Corinth Canal and changes in sea routes.

Upon arriving in Monemvasia, take a walk around the castle and its beautiful surroundings. Founded in 583, Monemvasia was established by Peloponnesian residents fleeing from invasions. Its name, meaning “single entrance,” reflects its unique geography.

In the 10th century, the Byzantine Empire fortified the city, transforming it into a prominent hub for maritime commerce. Monemvasia remained under Roman and later Turkish control until 1821 when it returned to Greece.

Explore the narrow cobblestoned streets, marvel at the restored buildings, and enjoy delicious local cuisine in a restaurant with a panoramic view from a typical tower.

To gain a deeper understanding of the area’s rich history, consider visiting the Mystras Archaeological Museum. It will provide valuable insights into the region’s past.

Total distance: 216 kilometers

Day 5: FROM MONEMVASIA TO THE UNKNOWN ELAFONISOS

After a tasty breakfast, you will leave Monemvasia and head to Elafonissos, an island of just 19 sq. km, at the edge of the southeastern Peloponnese. To reach this paradise island, you must first get to the town of Vigklafia, from where small ferries depart to and from the island and the journey lasts about 10 minutes.

Near Leuki and between two small peninsulas, Fragko and Sarakiniko, you will find Simos Beach, with translucent emerald waters and splendid views of the island of Kythera.  Here you can swim in the turquoise waters, lie on the fine white sand under a clear blue sky and the bright sun as well as in the shade of a rare cedar forest spreading out along the dunes.

Optionally, and if you wish to spend a few days in the atmosphere of absolute tranquility and surrounded by beaches and nature, we suggest adding extra nights during step 1 of 3 of your reservation. In this way, you will make the most of your stay and you can also visit other less well-known beaches, such as Kato Nisi, with water sports facilities, or Panagia, in the western part of the island, which perfectly combines the colors of the sand and water with the green of the trees around it.

Day 6: ACROSS THE SOUTHERN PART OF PELOPONNESE: FROM ELAFONISOS TO PYLOS

After a delicious breakfast, you will head for the island of Elafonissos to continue your tour along the Peloponnese coast.

The first stop can be made in Gythio, a small fishing village that opens the doors to the Mani peninsula. According to the legend the city was founded by Apollo and Hercules as a sign of reconciliation after a dispute they had had at Delphi.

You will continue through the Mani region and after you will reach Kardamyli, which, as the story goes, is one of the seven cities offered to Achilles by Agamemnon. It is highly recommended to visit the ancient Kardamyli, a fortified group of towers that stands around the church of Agios Spyridon. Your next stop of the day can be Kalamata, considered the largest shopping center in the Peloponnese after Patras. The cultivation of olives and the olive oil produced from them are famous for being used by chefs and cooks around the world.

The last destination of the day is Pylos, a fascinating little coastal town. There you can visit the Neocastro castle, founded in 1573, also the highest peak in the city, which is the tower of the Paliocastro castle. The starting point of many tourist tours is The Three Admirals’ Square dedicated to the admirals who joined the Battle of Navarino. At night we suggest strolling along Pylos waterfront, one of the most romantic places in the city to enjoy the sunset in one of the local taverns and under the plane trees on the central square with a view of the sea.

Total distance: 245 kilometers

Day 7: FROM PYLOS TO OLYMPIA, CRADLE OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES

After a satisfying breakfast, leave Pylos and continue your journey toward Olympia. Along the way, take a brief detour from Pylos to visit Voidokoilia Bay. This stunning location features a picturesque golden-sand beach that resembles an ancient natural theater.

Voidokoilia has been designated as a “landscape and archaeological site of unique beauty” due to the remarkable ruins uncovered during excavations, including a Mycenaean tomb and the remains of a medieval castle from the 13th century. For the best beach views, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the castle known as “Paleokastro.”

After this delightful stop, you will reach your destination for the day, Olympia. Here, you can explore the remnants of the ancient Olympic stadium, where the first Olympic Games were held in 776 BC. The significance of the Olympic Games cannot be overstated, given the extensive participation and the truce maintained by Greek cities during their duration.

Olympia was also a revered ancient Greek sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, and it was home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world: the colossal gold and ivory sculpture of Zeus created by Phidias himself.

Total distance: 140 kilometers

Day 8: FROM OLYMPIA TO KALAVRITA, THE MAGIC OF THE MOUNTAIN

After a tasty breakfast, you will continue our route through the Peloponnese, this time to explore the northern part of this region. You will go to Kalavrita, a city with magnificent views, with its steep slopes, river springs, and pine forests.

We suggest from here to take the route on the Odontotos train, a train that in parts of the route is helped by a rack on its rails due to the inclination of the area. Travel from Kalávrita to Diakofto through the Vouraikos River canyon, with beautiful views of waterfalls, cliffs, and pine forests. The tour is a 2-hour round trip or more if one wishes to stay visiting Diakofto on the coast of the Gulf of Corinth.

Just 14 kilometers from Kalavrita, you will also find the Ski center, considered one of the best in the country with slopes designed for all levels of skiers.

Another of the sites that we suggest visiting is Agia Lavra Monastery, one of the key sites of the Greek Revolution against Turkish domination. On the hill opposite the monastery, you will find the monument that commemorates the heroes of the War of Independence.

Total distance: 76 kilometers

Day 9: FROM KALAVRITA TO ATTIKA, THE RETURN

After a hearty mountain breakfast, we suggest visiting, just about 17 kilometers from Kalavrita, the Cave of the Lakes, a cavern that stretches for 2 kilometers and has 15 lakes inside, the combination of colors and waterfalls is of impressive beauty. Very close to the cave, you will also find the banana trout farm and visit the banana forests.

Next, you will continue on your way to Athens and drive through a mountainous area until you reach Corinth and cross the famous canal again, you will arrive in the city of Athens, considered the Cradle of civilization, where you will return the rental vehicle and rest after an exhausting and exciting adventure through the Peloponnese at your own pace.

Total distance: 225 kilometers

Day 10:  FAREWELL GREECE!

At the agreed time, our driver will transfer you to Athens Airport to board your international flight back home or to your next destination. You will check in your luggage and benefit from the tax return resulting from any last-minute tax-free shopping for family and friends.