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
Itinerary
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
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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.
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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.
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Meet & Greet
Meet & Greet service is included on Day 1.
What's Not Included
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Tour Guides
Tour guides are not included in the package.
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Flights
Domestic and international flights are not included.
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Drinks
Drinks during meals are not included unless specified otherwise.
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Climate Change Resilience Fee
Clients will have to pay the Climate Change Resilience Fee on the spot at the hotels.
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Visits Not Mentioned
Any visit not mentioned in the program is not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included.
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Porterage and Gratuities
Porterage and gratuities are not included.
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program are not included.
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Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any) are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc. is not included.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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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.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
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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.
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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 operator:
Tour code:
456101
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
25-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
