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.

  

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  • 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.

    

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• 9 Day Greece Food Itinerary, incl. Athens and Kardamyli

  Peloponnese reveals its treasures over 9 days, from Nafplio's Venetian fortress to Kardamyli's rugged coastline. Local olive mills, traditional home cooking, and ancient sites like Mycenae's Treasury of Atreus create an authentic experience.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Athens & Aegina

    Meet your group at 6pm in Athens for a local taverna mezze feast. "The balance between cultural excursions and food exploration was perfect, especially the visits to small family producers," shared one traveler. Take a 1-hour ferry to Aegina Island the next morning. Visit a pistachio farm first thing to avoid peak heat, then spend time at a dairy farm learning to make rizogalo and tasting local cheese.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Poros & Hydra

    Travel by ferry to Poros, an island famous for lamb dishes and olive groves. Join a cooking class with a local chef. Remember to wear closed-toe shoes since you'll spend time standing in the kitchen. Take a 40-minute ferry to Hydra Island, which is completely car-free. Walk the marble streets and stop at a traditional café for hydraika amygdalota (almond sweets) with Greek coffee.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Nafplio

    Travel to Nafplio with stops at a family apiary for honey tasting and the ancient site of Epidaurus. Pack a hat and water for Epidaurus since shade is limited. Learn about ouzo at a local distillery, take a boat trip to Bourtzi fortress (summer only), and visit Mycenae's Treasury of Atreus with an expert guide.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Kardamyli

    Drive to this beautiful coastal town in the Mani Peninsula. Stop at an olive mill to see the full production process. Visit Kalamata's market on an empty stomach to make the most of the tastings. Your time in Kardamyli includes learning to make lalagia (Greek donuts) in a local home. You can also go sea kayaking if booked in advance with at least 6 people, or simply enjoy the beach.

    
  • Day 9

    Return to Athens

    The 4-hour drive back includes a stop at the Corinth Canal. The tour ends in Monastiraki Square. If you want to see the Acropolis, book an extra night since there's no time on the final day.

    

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• 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.

  

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  • 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.

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