Itinerary
- Day 1
Mycenae
Start your journey at the Mycenae archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage location that gives you a real sense of this ancient civilization's scale and importance. After walking through the ruins, head to the Mycenae museum where you'll find artifacts and information that help piece together what life was like here thousands of years ago. You'll spend the night in Nafplio, a charming coastal town that serves as your base for the next couple days.
- Start point
- Athens, Greece (We will pick you up at any hotel or place, in or around Athens.)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Mycenae archaeological site (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Explore Mycenae museum
Landmarks Mycenae Mycenae Museum - Day 2
Nafplio - Argos
This morning, wander through Nafplio's fortified old town, which has a really interesting medieval feel with narrow streets and local shops. Make your way up to the fortress for views over the surrounding area and the sea. Later, head out to the Argos archaeological site, which sits on the UNESCO Tentative List and contains remains from various periods of Greek history. You're staying in Nafplio again, so you'll have time to grab dinner somewhere in town and relax after a full day of exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Nafplio fortified town (UNESCO Tentative List site)
- Explore Nafplio fortress
- Visit Argos archaeological site (UNESCO Tentative List site)
Landmarks Nafplio Nafplio Fortress Argos - Day 3
Tiryns - Sparta
You'll drive to Tiryns to see another UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive ancient structures and fortifications. From there, it's on to Sparta, where you can see the monument and walk around the archaeological site that marks this famous ancient city's location. The landscape between these two places is quite different from the coastal areas you've been in, so you'll notice the change as you head inland. Plan to settle in Sparta for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Tiryns archaeological site (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Visit Sparta monument
- Visit Sparta archaeological site
Landmarks Tiryns Sparta - Day 4
Mystras - Sparta
Spend your morning at Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site that's different from the others because it contains well-preserved medieval structures alongside ancient remains. The monastery here is particularly worth your time, with nice details in the architecture and art. Later in the afternoon, check out the Olive Oil museum if you want to learn about this region's agricultural heritage and see traditional production methods. You're staying another night in Sparta, so you'll have time to grab a meal and explore the modern town a bit.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Mystras archaeological site (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Explore Mystras monastery
- Visit Olive Oil museum
Landmarks Mystras Mystras Monastery Olive Oil Museum - Day 5
Messene - Olympia
After breakfast, head to Messene to see an archaeological site that's on the UNESCO Tentative List, along with its museum that explains the site's historical importance. Before leaving the area, stop to see the Walls of Ancient Messene, which are substantial remains that show how this city was fortified. Then you'll make your way to Olympia, which takes a couple hours of driving. You'll arrive with time to settle into your accommodation and maybe grab dinner before dark.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Messene archaeological site (UNESCO Tentative List site)
- Explore Messene museum
- Visit Walls of Ancient Messene historical landmark
Landmarks Messene Walls of Ancient Messene - Day 6
Olympia
Dedicate your day to exploring Olympia, the UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient athletic competitions took place and where you can see the remains of temples, stadiums, and other structures from antiquity. The site is large, so plan to spend a good portion of your day walking around. After that, go to the Olympia museum, which houses sculptures, tools, and other artifacts that give context to what you've seen. You'll stay overnight in Olympia, so take your time and maybe grab an evening walk around the town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Olympia archaeological site (UNESCO World Heritage site)
- Explore Olympia museum
Landmarks Olympia Olympia Museum - Day 7
Patras - Roman Sites
Travel to Patras, a larger city on the coast, where you'll start by checking out the castle that overlooks the town. Then walk through the Roman sites archaeological area to see what remains from that period of history. The Patras cathedral is also worth a stop if you're interested in religious architecture and local heritage. You've got quite a bit to cover, so plan your timing and you'll stay in Patras for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Patras castle
- Visit Roman sites archaeological site
- Visit Patras cathedral
Landmarks Patras Castle Patras Cathedral - Day 8
Patras - Rio
Begin this morning at the Patras museum, which gives you a fuller picture of the city's history and culture. From there, head to Rio fortress, which is a short trip from the city and offers good views of the surrounding area. Later, you'll travel to Loutraki, a smaller coastal town where you'll stay for the night. The drive isn't too long, so you'll have time to settle in and maybe walk around the town before dark.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Patras museum
- Visit Rio fortress
Landmarks Patras Museum Rio Fortress - Day 9
Corinth Canal - Ancient Corinth
Stop at the Corinth canal viewpoint to see this significant engineering achievement that separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Then check out the Ancient Corinth archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage location with temples and other structures from classical times. Before heading back to Athens, visit the Ancient Corinth museum to see pottery, sculptures, and other finds from the site. The drive back to Athens takes about an hour, so you'll arrive with time to spare in the afternoon or early evening.
- End point
- Athens, Greece (Drop off is the same as pick up, or upon request in another place.)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Corinth canal viewpoint
- Visit Ancient Corinth archaeological site
- Explore Ancient Corinth museum
Landmarks Corinth Canal Ancient Corinth Ancient Corinth Museum
