Grand Peloponnese, Self-drive

Grand Peloponnese, Self-drive

88 Views
8 Days From

$918

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating self-drive adventure through the heart of Greece with the "Grand Peloponnese" tour. Begin your journey in Athens, exploring the historic Plaka district beneath the Acropolis. Venture to Nafplion, a city rich in neoclassical architecture and Venetian charm. Discover the wine-producing village of Nemea, renowned for its Agiorgitiko grapes. Explore the medieval wonders of Mystras and the fortified rock of Monemvasia, accessible only by a causeway. Experience the breathtaking Diros Caves and the serene beaches of Stoupa. Conclude your journey in Kalamata, a city known for its vibrant culture and stunning sunsets. Enjoy 7 nights in comfortable 3-star accommodations, with car hire from day 3, offering unlimited mileage and 24/7 road assistance. This cultural tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Greece's rich history and scenic landscapes. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Plaka: Athens’ oldest historical neighbourhood, located right under the Acropolis.

  • Explore the charming streets, ancient ruins, and Byzantine temples of Plaka.

  • Nafplion: Discover elegant Venetian houses, neoclassical mansions, and interesting museums.

  • Visit Nemea, famous for its wine production and the Agiorgitiko grape variety.

  • Mystras: Explore the medieval castle, Frankish Acropolis, and post-Byzantine monuments.

  • Monemvasia: A castle built on a rock, accessible only through a causeway, with stunning views.

  • Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Diros Caves with their unique stalactites and stalagmites.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : ARRIVAL ATHENS

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*

Upon arrival at Athens Airport or Piraeus Port, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in Greece´s sprawling capital. You may visit Syntagma Square and get into the city’s vibe or go shopping in one of the most popular streets of the city in the Kolonaki area or Ermou. Take a pleasant walk in the beautiful alleys of Plaka (the old district) where you can also find a large number of small shops selling souvenirs and other local artefacts. 

Overnight in Athens.

Day 2 : ATHENS

Location: Athens

Accommodation Name: Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then head out to the center! Today is for you to explore and discover this awe-inspiring city on your own. 

Overnight in Athens.

Day 3 : CAR PICK-UP / ATHENS – NEMEA WINES –MYCENAE POTTERY – NAFPLION/TOLO (170km – 3hrs)

Location: Athens, Nemea, Mycenae, Nafplion

Accommodation Name: Hotel Park or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy your breakfast, then pick up your car from the downtown Athens office after 09:00 am and leave driving towards Nemea village. Short stop at Corinth Canal which divides the mainland from the Peloponnese. While arriving at the Nemea area you can stop to visit one of the local wineries and taste delightful and sensuous wines of different styles or continue to Malandreni village to visit one of the most important wineries in Greece, the “Skouras” winery. Degustation of the most awarded wine labels that the domain produces and wine making procedure will give you a glimpse of the wine tradition in Greece. Continue to the “Silo Art” gallery where you will meet an artist who will guide you around his exhibition. Do not miss to get some pictures of the “Trojan” horse. The next stop is ancient Mycenae – the city of the legendary king Agamemnon. Walk through this impressive archaeological site and visit the Tomb of Agamemnon. To wrap up your first day continue to Nafplion for exploration of this marvellous city and then onto your hotel for overnight.

Overnight in Nafplion or Tolo Area.

Day 4 : NAFPLION/TOLO - SPARTA (245 km – 3.5 hrs)

Location: Nafplion, Sparta

Accommodation Name: Hotel Menelaion or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is followed by another exciting exploration. Today you will visit two castles of the Nafplion city (Akronafplia and Palamidi island castle/jail). Afterwards proceed to Sparta town where you will have the chance to visit the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil which highlights the culture and technology of the olive production, which is inextricably linked with the Greek and Mediterranean identity. Unique in Greece, it is located in the heart of Laconia, one of the main olive oil producing locations in Greece. Check in to your hotel in Sparta and the rest of the day spend at leisure, discovering legendary stories about the greatest triumph over Athens of this Greek city. 

Overnight in Sparta.

Day 5 : SPARTA - MONEMVASIA (97 km – 2 hrs)

Location: Sparta, Mystras, Monemvasia

Accommodation Name: Hotel Flower of Monemvasia or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast in the hotel and before you leave Sparta, visit the Byzantine castle of the city of Mystras. Mystras, the 'Wonder of the Morea' was built as an amphitheatre around the fortress in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape. Follow to Monemvasiam, a massive rock island off the east coast of the Peloponnese, and visit the castles, fortress´s ruins and the Church of Agia Sophia perches on the edge of a sheer cliff. Once in Monemvasia, check-in to your hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Monemvasia, Gytheio or Areopolis Area.

Day 6 : MONEMVASIA – DIROS CAVES – AREOPOLIS/GYTHEIO (120 km – 3 hrs)

Location: Monemvasia, Diros Caves, Gytheio

Accommodation Name: Hotel Pantheon or Belle Helene or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast in the hotel, then drive towards the village Pyrgos Dirou and visit the spectacular cave complex hidden in the depths of the earth offering the opportunity to travel back to the Neolithic era. The magic of the colour and the beautiful shapes formed by the stalactites and stalagmites make this place a unique spectacle. The tour follows a circular route and the wet area, 2.800 meters in length, takes place solely by boat. You will be amazed by the passage of the largest and most famous sea cave in Greece! 

Overnight in Gytheio or Areopolis Area.

Day 7 : AREOPOLIS/GYTHEIO – STOUPA – KALAMATA (80 km – 2 hrs)

Location: Areopoli, Stoupa, Kalamata

Accommodation Name: Hotel Elite City Resort or similar 3*

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast at the hotel, drive towards Kalamata, passing the fascinating virgin Stoupa beach. Stoupa is a peaceful retreat in a quiet corner of Greece. Hugging a sweeping bay, this town is made for rest and leisure sunbathing on its long white-sandy beaches. Perhaps stop for a swim in its crystal clear waters and unwind surrounded by this tranquil landscape, before you´ll continue driving to Kalamata. Kalamata is an energetic city, in 2021 it was short-listed as European Capital of Culture. Give it a chance and discover a long white beach, decent restaurants, good shopping, lively nightlife and some excellent museums. Whether you walk along the main promenade with the palm trees or the hip alley of Amfia with its tiny shops, you´ll fall in love with the unique vibe of this picturesque town, emphasized by the romantic sunsets over the sea level. 

Overnight in Kalamata.

Day 8 : KALAMATA - PYLOS NESTOR’S PALACE – DEPARTURE ATHENS (370 km – 5.5 hrs)

Location: Kalamata, Pylos, Athens

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today marks the end of your adventure. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and before leaving Kalamata, visit Nestor’s palace, one of the best preserved Mycenean palaces in Greece, and walk around these ancient walls towards the most important compartments of the palace, the big “throne room”, with its circular heath, a room with a clay bath tube, and stores with numerous storage jars. Admire the beautiful decoration of the palace and get amazed by its unique frescos, adorning its walls and after, a bid farewell to Greece! Drive back to Athens International Airport, where you’ll drop off the car at the rental car office and catch your flight back home (We recommend you book a later evening flight or add a post stay night in Athens). 

What's Included

  • Transportation

    Transportation includes a shared transfer from Athens Airport/Piraeus port on arrival, and car hire from day 3 with unlimited mileage, CDW, TP, 24/7 road assistance, and replacement vehicle in case of accident or breakdown.

  • Car Hire

    Car hire from day 3 includes unlimited mileage, Third Party Cover, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), zero excess, safety equipment, and local tax.

  • Meet & Greet

    Meet & Greet service is included on Day 1.

What's Not Included

  • Tour Guides

    Tour guides are not included in the package.

  • Flights

    Domestic and international flights are not included.

  • Drinks

    Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.

  • Climate Change Resilience Fee

    Clients will have to pay the Climate Change Resilience Fee on the spot at the hotels.

  • Visits Not Mentioned

    Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.

  • Optional Tours

    Optional tours are not included.

  • Porterage and Gratuities

    Porterage and gratuities are not included.

  • Personal Expenditures

    Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.

  • Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

    Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc. is not included.

  • Car Hire Exclusions

    Personal accident insurance (PAI), fuel, fines, tolls, parking, damage due to negligence, theft with keys left in the ignition, and other specified exclusions are not included in the car hire.

Requirements

Greece is a great destination all year round. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay. 

Please Note

  • Day 3: The car pick-up is from the downtown Athens office after 09:00 am
  • Day 8: The return procedure and exact designated area will be advised by the rental car company when you pick up the car on arrival day.
  • Car hire is only included in the main rate package. The post-night extension does not include the car hire
  • The renter and driver must be at least 25 years old 
  • Driver’s License: The driving license of the driver must be issued at least 12 months prior to rental
  • Pick-up outside of working hours is subject to a surcharge.
  • Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s license together with the original from their country of origin.
  • If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
  • Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
  • Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48 hours of the incident
  • In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided
  • One rental day is calculated as 24 hours and 29 minutes. An additional day will be charged if the rental exceeds this period.
  • Additional charges that may occur due to; missing fuel (refuelling charge); extremely dirty vehicle; lost car documents, registration plates or keys; and empty car battery (requiring towing service).
  • We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
  • Late check-out, early check-in, connecting or adjoining rooms at the hotel are all subject to availability and not guaranteed.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Athens:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*

Day 3 Nafplion:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Park or similar 3*

Day 4 Sparta:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Menelaion or similar 3*

Day 5 Monemvasia:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Flower of Monemvasia or similar 3*

Day 6 Gytheio or Areopolis Area:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Pantheon or Belle Helene or similar 3*

Day 3 Kalamata:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Elite City Resort or similar 3*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS:

  • Car Group B = Citroen C3 or similar

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre/Post-Night in Athens:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*

Mode of Transport

Transportation includes a shared transfer from Athens Airport/Piraeus port on arrival, and car hire from day 3 with unlimited mileage, CDW, TP, 24/7 road assistance, and replacement vehicle in case of accident or breakdown.

Accommodation

Enjoy 7 nights' accommodation in standard 3-star hotels, including Hotel Evita Asty in Athens, Hotel Park in Nafplion, Hotel Menelaion in Sparta, Hotel Flower of Monemvasia, and Hotel Pantheon or Belle Helene in Gytheio or Areopolis Area.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-2 Athens:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Jason Inn or similar 3*

Day 3 Nafplion or Tolo:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Park or Tolo Hotel or similar 3*

Day 4 Sparta:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Menelaion or Hotel Dioscouri or similar 3*

Day 5 Monemvasia, Gytheio or Areopolis Area :

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Akra Morea, Hotel Pantheon or Belle Helene  or similar 3*

Day 6 Gytheio or Areopolis Area:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Pantheon or Belle Helene or similar 3*

Day 7 Kalamata:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Pharae Palace or similar 3*

CAR HIRE OPTIONS:

  • Car Group B = Opel Corsa or similar

OPTIONAL EXTRA:

Pre/Post-Night in Athens:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Jason Inn or similar 3*

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 7 nights' accommodation in standard 3-star hotels. Some of the hotels you may stay at include Hotel Evita Asty in Athens, Hotel Park in Nafplion, Hotel Menelaion in Sparta, Hotel Flower of Monemvasia, and Hotel Pantheon or Belle Helene in the Gytheio or Areopolis Area. ...more ...less

  • What is included in the car hire during the tour?

    The car hire includes unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), 24/7 road assistance, and a replacement vehicle in case of an accident or breakdown. The car provided is from Car Group B, such as an Opel Corsa or similar.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes 7 breakfasts. Other meals are not included and will need to be arranged separately.

  • What are some of the key highlights of the tour?

    Key highlights of the tour include exploring Athens' oldest historical neighborhood, Plaka, visiting the ancient ruins and Byzantine temples, exploring the charming city of Nafplion, tasting wines in Nemea, visiting the medieval castle of Mystras, and exploring the rock fortress of Monemvasia. ...more ...less

  • What activities are planned for the first day of the tour?

    On the first day, upon arrival at Athens Airport or Piraeus Port, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free for leisure, allowing you to rest or explore Athens, including visiting Syntagma Square, shopping in Kolonaki or Ermou, and walking in the alleys of Plaka. ...more ...less

  • What is the itinerary for the visit to Nemea?

    On the third day, after picking up your car, you will drive towards Nemea village. You can stop at the Corinth Canal and visit local wineries in Nemea to taste various wines. You will also visit the 'Silo Art' gallery and the ancient city of Mycenae before heading to Nafplion for the night.

  • What can I expect during the visit to the Diros Caves?

    During the visit to the Diros Caves, you will explore a spectacular cave complex with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The tour follows a circular route, and the wet area, which is 2,800 meters in length, is explored solely by boat, offering a unique experience.

  • What does the price include?

    What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.

  • Do you offer any travel insurance?

    We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure. 

  • Are Visa fees included in the price?

    No, visa fees are not included

  • Are flights included in the tour?

    No, they are not included

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers

  • Is there any option for solo traveller?

    Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.

  • When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

    Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival

Reviews of this operator

Indra  

Best Tpur Operator for Greece

06-Jul-2023

The best Tour Operator. The planning and timing by the agency was great. Accommodation was also good. The package was reasonable. Thanks to Destination Services Greece

Giovanni B.  

Great

27-Jul-2022

Very committed service with proper follow-up. Service provided as per their schedule with a hassle free journey... thanks to ITS tours and travels for providing services

Duran  

Excellent company

15-Jun-2022

Based on their very positive reviews, we booked with Destination Services Greece. I found the service and response of this travel agency to be excellent. Easily 5-stars. My emails were promptly responded to, and everyone showed up when they were supposed to. ...more ...less

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025
$918 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025
$918 (USD)

Thursday - Thursday

Apr 24, 2025 - May 01, 2025
$918 (USD)

Friday - Friday

Apr 25, 2025 - May 02, 2025
$918 (USD)

Saturday - Saturday

Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$918 (USD)

Sunday - Sunday

Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025
$918 (USD)

Monday - Monday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$918 (USD)

Tuesday - Tuesday

Apr 29, 2025 - May 06, 2025
$918 (USD)

Wednesday - Wednesday

Apr 30, 2025 - May 07, 2025
$918 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Destination Services Greece requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 35 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services greece charges.

    Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Grand Peloponnese, Self-drive

8 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Nemea, Mycenae, Nafplion, Sparta, Mystras, Monemvasia, Diros Caves, Gytheio, Areopoli, Stoupa, Kalamata, Pylos ...more ...less

Tour code:

456101

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

25-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat

Tour operated in:

English
From: $918 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 28-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

Similar Tours