Athens & The Peloponnese

Description

3 Nights - Athens
2 Nights -Tripoli
2 Nights - Pylos
1 Nights - Stoupa
2 Nights - Monevasia
2 Nights - Sparti
2 Nights - Nafplio

The Peloponnese is an area of outstanding beauty which combines culture with breath-taking mountain scenery and pristine beaches. With some of the finest ancient ruins in Greece it is an excellent base for sightseeing, exploring welcoming villages as well as soaking up the Greek sun. Being a self-drive holiday you can also set your own pace and choose exactly how you would like to spend each day. Combining this with three nights in Athens makes for a truly unique and memorable holiday.

Itinerary

UK - Athens (3 Nights): Start with three days in Athens where you can explore its’ ancient past as well as its’ buzzing modern vibe. Climb up to the Acropolis, home of the 5th Century BC Parthenon, follow the Archaeological tree-lined Promenade that links all the city’s major archaeological sites and visit the stunning New Acropolis Museum. The city’s oldest residential quarter, Plaka, with its’ cobbled streets lined with pastel coloured neo-classical mansions and tavernas is another area that is wonderful to visit.

On the edge of the city you’ll find palm tree-lined esplanades and idyllic beaches known as the Athenian Riviera. Here, you can escape the bustle of the city and discover some of the wonderful seafood restaurants, go windsurfing, admire the impressive yachts at the Flisvos Marina or take to the therapeutic waters of Lake Vouligmeni.

Athens - Tripoli (2 Nights): From Athens head onto the nearby Peloponnese peninsula, this is where gods and heroes were said to walk the earth and the world’s greatest sporting event was born at Ancient Olympia. At the centre you’ll find Tripoli, the ancient capital of Greece and staying a night here you can expjoy the town’s traditional character.

Tripoli - Pylos (2 Nights): The next day make your way to the lovely seaside town of Pylos, one of the most attractive coastal towns in Greece. The main square is situated on the waterfront and is flanked by a castle either side of the bay, it is a great spot to enjoy evening drinks as well as the local cuisine. With two nights here you’ll also have time to visit the nearby Palace of Nestor which is one of the best preserved Mycenaean palaces in Greece.

Pylos - Stoupa (1 Night): Head onto the peaceful seaside village of Stoupa which boasts some of the best beaches in the Peloponnese. With golden sand and chilled beach bars you can enjoy doing very little, but if you want, the area is perfect for a hiking along the coast or visiting the region’s Byzantine churches and infamous tower houses.

Stoupa - Monemvasia (2 Nights): If you can drag yourself away, the next stop on your road trip is the fortified town of Monemvasia which sits atop a huge rock, hundreds of metres above the sea. Within the walls of the fort, the medieval town is linked to the mainland by a single causeway, making it is a fascinating place to explore.

Monemvasia - Sparti (2 Nights): Head onto Sparti, home of the Spartan warriors of Ancient Greece, where you’ll spend your next night. With its ancient ruins this is a modern town steeped in history. It is also ideal for visiting the Byzantine castle town of Mistras with its imposing palace and frescoed churches.

Sparti - Nafplio (2 Nights): Your final destination on your road trip is one of Greece’s prettiest and most romantic towns, Nafplio. With its renowned Palamidi fortress and attractive narrow streets, the town also has elegant Venetian houses, neoclassical mansions and interesting museums. Being a popular destination for locals from Athens, it is full of quayside cafes and smart boutiques.

Nafplio - UK: After enjoying a couple of nights in Nafplio you will have completed your circular road trip of the Peloponnese, so you are not far from Athens for your flight back to the UK.