10-Day Peloponnese Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Peloponnese Islands tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaPeloponnese Islands travel expert at TourRadar

• 9 Days in Greece, incl. Athens and Olympia

  The 9-day cultural tour winds through 8 Greek cities, from Athens to the Peloponnese peninsula. Ancient Olympia's Temple of Hera stands as a highlight, while Byzantine-era Mystras captivates visitors. Nemea's 3,000-year-old winemaking traditions come alive with exclusive tastings at family-owned farms. Costs approx. $490 per day.

  

  View itinerary Compare 9 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Athens:

    Start in Athens with two full days to explore. Get to the Acropolis before 8:30 AM to avoid crowds and heat. Visit the Panathenaic Stadium in late afternoon when the marble has cooled. Book your stay in the Plaka neighborhood for easy access to major sites and local tavernas.

    
  • Day 3

    Athens to Olympia:

    Stop at the Corinth Canal mid-morning for the best photos of the 260-foot-deep channel. Take the historic Odontotos rack railway through Vouraikos Gorge. The one-hour ride climbs 750 meters with stunning canyon views. Pack sturdy shoes for the uneven platforms.

    
  • Day 4

    Olympia:

    Visit the archaeological site early before it gets hot. You can run the ancient Olympic stadium track just like athletes did thousands of years ago. In the afternoon, visit a local honey farm to learn about Greek beekeeping. Bring cash for honey products.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Kalamata and Sparta Region:

    Explore Kalamata's olive culture and visit Pylos, a coastal town with a Venetian castle overlooking the bay. In Sparta, walk the Byzantine ruins of Mystras. The paths are steep but the valley views are worth it. Stay in boutique hotels near the Taygetos mountains.

    
  • Day 7

    Nemea Wine Region to Athens:

    Stop in Nemea on your way back to Athens. Try the local Agiorgitiko red wines during late morning tastings when your palate is fresh. The drive to Athens takes about 2 hours.

    
  • Day 8

    Aegina Island Day Trip:

    Take a 40-minute ferry from Piraeus to Aegina. Start at the Temple of Aphaia, then visit a pistachio farm. One visitor said, "The pistachios here have an amazing sweet flavor you won't find anywhere else. Make sure to try the pistachio butter!" Catch an afternoon ferry back for sunset views of Athens.

    
  • Day 9

    Athens:

    Spend your final morning walking through the National Gardens or shopping at the Monastiraki flea market. Plan to leave for the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight due to unpredictable traffic.

    

  View itinerary

• 9 Days in Greece Ionian Islands, incl. Corfu and Zakynthos

  Island hopping takes you through 4 distinct Ionian gems over 9 days. Corfu's UNESCO-listed Old Town, Homer's Ithaca, Kefalonia's hidden caves, and Zakynthos' legendary Navagio Beach await. Accommodations include Oasis, Nostos, Maribel, and Varres hotels.

  

  View itinerary Compare 9 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Corfu

    Start in Kerkyra (Corfu's main town) and stay in the Old Town area. You'll find great restaurants and historic sites right at your doorstep. The streets can be tricky to navigate, so download an offline map beforehand. Start your first full day at the UNESCO-listed Old Fortress to beat the crowds and avoid midday heat. In the afternoon, head to Paleokastritsa Beach for a swim. Bring water shoes since the shore is rocky, but the water is incredibly clear.

    
  • Day 3

    Corfu to Ithaca

    The ferry to Ithaca takes about 4 hours. Take motion sickness tablets if needed since the sea can get rough, especially in the afternoon. Once you reach Vathy, Ithaca's main port, stop at one of the waterfront tavernas and try the local bourdeto fish stew.

    
  • Day 4

    Ithaca

    Start your day in the northern part of Homer's legendary island before it gets too hot. The walk to Odysseus's Cave takes about 40 minutes on uneven ground, so wear good shoes. End your day in Kioni village where you can take beautiful sunset photos of traditional stone houses leading down to the harbor.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Kefalonia

    The ferry to Kefalonia is about 1.5 hours. Stay in Argostoli or Skala for convenient access to everything. Get to Myrtos Beach before 10 AM to find parking. Plan your Melissani Cave visit for early afternoon when the sunlight makes the water look magical. A recent visitor said: "The underground lake at Melissani is otherworldly, but book your boat tour in advance – lines can stretch to 2 hours in peak season."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Zakynthos

    Take the 1.5-hour ferry to Zakynthos. Visit the Navagio Beach viewpoint early for the best photos and to avoid tour buses. Book a morning boat tour to the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach from Agios Nikolaos port when the sea is calmer and visibility is better for swimming.

    
  • Day 9

    Leave from Zakynthos Airport

    Try to book afternoon flights since morning fog can cause delays. Get to the airport 2.5 hours before international flights as the small airport gets crowded quickly.

    

  View itinerary

• 9 Days in Greece, incl. Athens and Kefalonia

  The Peloponnese reveals its treasures from ancient Olympia's stadium to Nafplio's Venetian charm. Kalavryta's cave lakes and mountain vistas await. The historic Odontotos train curves through Vouraikos Gorge, offering spectacular forest and waterfall views.

  

  View itinerary Compare 9 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Athens: Get an early start at the Acropolis around 8am before the tour groups arrive.

    Spend your morning exploring the ancient citadel and Parthenon. Remember to wear shoes with good grip since the marble steps can be slippery. Take a walking tour through Plaka and Anafiotika in the afternoon. These neighborhoods really come to life after 7pm when locals fill the tavernas.

    
  • Day 3

    Athens to Nafplio: Get your rental car and drive south to the Peloponnese.

    Stop at the Corinth Canal about an hour from Athens. You'll get the best view of the 6km channel from the old bridge. Visit Mycenae around 3pm when the Lion's Gate is quiet then continue to Nafplio. Book accommodation in the old town for easy access to waterfront restaurants.

    
  • Day 4

    Nafplio to Olympia: Begin with an olive oil tasting at a local Nafplio mill.

    The drive to Olympia spans 157km through Arcadia's mountains. Take a scenic detour to Kalavryta and ride the rack railway through Vouraikos Gorge. The one-hour trip offers great views but remember the last train leaves at 3pm.

    
  • Day 5

    Olympia to Kefalonia: Visit the ancient Olympic stadium early before taking the 90-minute ferry from Kyllini to Kefalonia.

    Consider motion sickness pills if you're sensitive to rough seas. Once you arrive head to Melissani Cave Lake. Book the final boat tour around 5pm to see stunning lighting effects on the turquoise water.

    
  • Day 6

    Kefalonia to Ithaka: Take the morning ferry from Sami to Pisaetos port on Ithaka.

    The journey takes about an hour but check schedules carefully as ferries run less often to this quiet island. Stay in Vathi where traditional waterfront tavernas serve excellent fresh seafood.

    
  • Day 7

    Ithaka to Delphi: Return to mainland Greece at Patras by ferry.

    Cross the Rio-Antirrio bridge to reach Delphi. Plan to arrive in late afternoon after the tour buses leave. The site closes at sunset so save your visit for tomorrow morning.

    
  • Day 8

    Delphi to Athens: Start at the Temple of Apollo and Delphi Museum when they open at 8am.

    Drive back to Athens through Arachova a mountain village known for woven textiles and local cheese. The 186km journey takes roughly 3 hours without stops.

  • Day 9

    Athens: Return your rental car and prepare to depart.

    Book an evening flight if traveling in summer to avoid morning traffic to the airport.

  View itinerary