7-Day Peloponnese Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Peloponnese Islands tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaPeloponnese Islands travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Greece Itinerary, incl. Athens and Olympia

  A grand route spans 1070km across Peloponnese, taking in 15 destinations including Ancient Olympia and Mystras Castle. Six nights in boutique hotels complement 7 lunches and 2 dinners. Rafting on Lousios River and Nemean wine tasting add unique local flavor.

  

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  • Day 1

    Athens to Nafplio

    Leave Athens early for the 3-hour drive to Ancient Corinth. Visit the archaeological museum then stop at Lake Vouliagmenis for a swim. Head to Epidaurus theater around 4 PM when the heat settles. If you're traveling June through August you might catch an evening performance in the ancient theater. Spend the night in Nafplio Greece's old capital.

    
  • Day 2

    Mycenae and Nafplio

    Start your morning at prehistoric Mycenae legendary home of Agamemnon. Pack plenty of water and sun protection as the site offers little shade. After lunch cool off at quiet Karathona beach near Nafplio. Spend your evening in Nafplio's old town and climb the 999 steps to Palamidi fortress for sunset. The climb is challenging but the views make it worthwhile.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Nemea to Olympia

    Begin at Nemea's Temple of Zeus and ancient stadium. Stop by a local winery to taste the region's famous red wines. Drive through mountain scenery to Kalavryta. The next day explore Ancient Olympia where the Olympic Games began. A recent visitor noted: "The archaeological site brings ancient Greek history to life - having a knowledgeable guide really made the difference in understanding its significance."

    
  • Day 5

    Neda Gorge to Andritsena

    Get ready for adventure with rafting on the Neda River. The outfitters provide all equipment as you navigate through waterfalls and pools. Later visit the Temple of Apollo Epicurius often called the "Parthenon of the Peloponnese." Stay overnight in Andritsena a village known for traditional stone buildings.

    
  • Day 6

    Dimitsana and Tripoli

    Take a morning hike through Lousios Gorge to see the Prodromos Monastery built into the cliffs. The trail can be slippery so wear proper hiking shoes. Visit Dimitsana's Open-Air Water Power Museum before heading to Tripoli for the night.

    
  • Day 7

    Sparta to Athens

    Spend your final day at Mystras the Byzantine castle-city near Sparta. The site involves uphill walking on rough terrain so take it slow and bring water. Before returning to Athens stop at Loutraki's thermal springs for a relaxing soak. The drive back takes about 3 hours.

    

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• 7 Days in Peloponnese Cycling, incl. Kalamata and Pylos

  Cyclists cover 232km from Kalamata through historic coastal towns. Venetian castles in Methoni, Koroni, and Pylos dot the route past pristine beaches and olive groves. The Messinian Bay coastline leads to fishing villages like Finikounda before reaching Kalo Nero's turtle breeding grounds.

  

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  • Day 1

    Kalamata

    Fly into Kalamata Airport and check into your hotel on Messinian Bay. "The coastal location was perfect for a warm-up ride to test our bikes," one traveler mentioned. Start with an easy ride through Kalamata's old town and visit the Frankish castle. Book your bike fittings for late afternoon when it's cooler.

    
  • Day 2

    Kalamata to Agios Andreas (42km)

    Take the coastal road through farmland to Petalidi. Visit the morning market if you're there on Friday for the best local produce. The route stays mostly flat with a few gentle hills. Bring extra water since shops are scarce between villages. Finish in Agios Andreas where you can swim at two beaches and visit an 800-year-old church.

    
  • Day 3

    Agios Andreas to Methoni (42km)

    Start with the day's biggest challenge: a 7km climb to 200m elevation. One cyclist shared: "The views from the plateau made the climb worthwhile, but I wish I'd started earlier to avoid the midday heat." Head down to Finikounda for lunch at this windsurfing spot. The last 10km to Methoni runs along the coast with great castle views. Look for local olive oil and oregano in village shops.

    
  • Day 4

    Methoni to Marathopoli (42km)

    Visit Methoni's Venetian castle early before it gets hot. The route to Pylos gives you constant views of Navarino Bay. Take breaks at Gialova's bird sanctuary and Voidokilia Beach, which makes a perfect swimming spot halfway through. The road to Marathopoli stays flat but open to the sun, so protect yourself. End your day in this authentic seaport village.

    
  • Day 5

    Marathopoli to Kyparissia (34km)

    Ride through olive groves and watermelon fields to Filiatra, where you'll spot an unusual Eiffel Tower replica. Climb up to Armeia for a look at rural Greek life. A cycling reviewer noted: "The hills were tougher than expected, but the support van was always nearby with water refills." Coast down to Kyparissia for amazing sunset views from the rooftops.

    
  • Day 6

    Kyparissia to Kalamata (72km)

    The longest but flattest ride follows old train tracks inland through citrus and olive groves. You'll miss the ocean views but see authentic Greek village life instead. Pack extra snacks since villages are far apart. The gentle downhill back to Kalamata makes for an easier final day.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Head back to Kalamata Airport. One traveler suggested: "The Palace of Nestor ruins near Pylos are worth an extra day if you're interested in ancient history."

    

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• 6 Days in Peloponnese, incl. Nafplio and Olympia

  Peloponnese Islands reveal their charms through Hydra's car-free streets and Monemvasia's medieval castle. Mani Peninsula's stone towers stand sentinel, while Ancient Olympia's stadium inspires awe. Authentic guesthouses provide comfort as local cuisine delights the palate.

  

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  • Day 1

    Athens to Nafplio

    Leave Athens by 8:00 AM to avoid traffic. Stop at the Corinth Canal about an hour later - get there before 10 AM for the best morning light for photos. Next up is Mycenae, where you'll need good walking shoes for the climb to the Lion Gate. Spend your afternoon in Nafplio and climb the 999 steps to Palamidi Fortress. Plan to go about 2 hours before sunset when it's cooler and the light is perfect for photos.

    
  • Day 2

    Hydra Island

    Take an early boat from Ermioni to Hydra (25 minutes). This island offers a genuine Greek experience without the crowds you'll find in Santorini. There are no cars here, just walking paths and donkeys. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets. Head back to Nafplio for the night and watch the old town fill with locals in the evening.

    
  • Day 3

    Monemvasia Castle

    Take the scenic coastal route from Nafplio to Monemvasia instead of the highway. Book your stay inside the castle walls well ahead of time. The medieval streets can get slippery, so pack shoes with good grip.

    
  • Day 4

    Mani Peninsula & Mystras

    Start at the Diros Caves (book the boat tour ahead to skip the lines). Drive through the Mani Peninsula to see its historic tower houses. Visit Mystras after 3 PM when the tour groups leave. You'll need 2-3 hours to walk through this Byzantine city on the hill.

    
  • Day 5

    Olympia & Arcadia Mountains

    Get to ancient Olympia early before the crowds and heat set in. In the afternoon, drive to the mountain village of Dimitsana in Arcadia. The views of Lousios Gorge from the traditional stone guesthouses at 3,000 feet are spectacular.

    
  • Day 6

    Mountain Railways & Return

    Visit the Cave of Lakes first. Then take the Odontotos railway through Vouraikos Gorge - sit on the right for the best views. Drive back to Athens along the coast, which takes about 2 hours outside rush hour.

    

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