Grand Peloponnese, Self-drive
Grand Peloponnese, Self-drive
Grand Peloponnese, Self-drive
8 Days Starting and ending in Athina
Visiting: Athina, Nafplio, Sparti, Monemvasia, Areopoli, Kalamata
Tour Overview
Journey deep into the heart of Greece during this spellbinding eight-day self-drive tour exploring the historic regions of Peloponnese. Discover one of the most romantic cities of Greece, Nafplion, and get a glimpse of the medieval era while walking between the walls of Mystras, and its magnificent castles. Discover the only way how to get to the Monemvasia, tower town nestled at the edge of a big rock by the sea and visit the spectacular Diro cave complex hidden in the depths of the earth. Explore the Mediterranean vibe of these ancient towns, taste the local specialities and indulge into the elegance and pride of the long-standing Peloponnese. TOUR HIGHLIGHTSPlaka: Athens’ oldest historical neighbourhood. It’s located right under the Acropolis and its charming atmosphere will captivate your heart. Walking around the narrow, colourful streets, the ancient ruins, the Byzantine temples and the renovated neoclassical buildings is an unforgettable experience. Nafplion: It has a fantastic centre with small neoclassical historical houses and mansions, elegant Venetian houses, squares and churches, attractive narrow streets and interesting museums. Nemea: The mountainous village famous for wine production. The Agiorgitiko grape variety that produces Greece's most important red wine.Mystras: With its medieval castle, the Frankish Acropolis, and the four fortified settlements holds inside its walls magnificent houses and palaces. It is also famous for the post byzantine monuments, the monasteries and the churches with the beautiful frescoes, scattered in the archaeological sites.Monemvasia: Built on a rock accessible only through a causeway, the castle of Monemvasia was populated by the Laconians, in order to protect themselves from the Arabic invasions. It is named after this bridge, as “Monemvasia” meaning “single entrance”.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Athens
Location: Athina
Accommodation Name: Evita Asty
On your 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 at the beautiful alleys of Plaka (the old district) where you can also find a big number of small shops selling souvenirs and other local artefacts.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2 : Athens
Location: Athina
Accommodation Name: Evita Asty
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 (170Km – 3Hrs)
Location: Nafplio
Accommodation Name: Park
Enjoy your breakfast, then pick up your car from the down town Athens office after 09:00 am and leave driving towards to Nemea village. Short stop at Corinth canal which divides the mainland from the Peloponnese. While arriving at 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 “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. 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.
Day 4 : Nafplion Sparta (245 Km – 3.5 Hrs)
Location: Sparti
Accommodation Name: Menelaion
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 that highlight 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: Monemvasia
Accommodation Name: Flower of Monemvasia
After breakfast in the hotel and before you will leave Sparta, make a visit to 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 breath-taking 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.
Day 6 : Monemvasia – Diros Caves – Areopolis/Gytheio (120 Km – 3 Hrs)
Location: Areopoli
Accommodation Name: Pantheon
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and after stroll down the paved streets of the Monemvasia castle town. You will feel like back in ancient times! Walk around elegant stone mansions up to the castle, breath taking sea view from its top will be a deserved pleasure after this short hike. Afterward drive towards 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 makes this place to be 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: Kalamata
Accommodation Name: Elite City Resort
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 along the hip alley of Amfia with its tiny shops, you´ll fell 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: Athina
Today marks the end of your adventure. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and before leaving Kalamata, visiting 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 to the rental car office and catch your flight back home (We recommend you to book a later evening flight or add a post stay night in Athens).
What's Included
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7 nights' accommodation
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7 Breakfasts
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Arrival shared transfer in an air-conditioning bus from Athens Airport/Piraeus port (Day 1)
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Unlimited mileage
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CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
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TP (Theft Protection)
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Road assistance 24/7
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Replacement vehicle in a case of accident or breakdown
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Safety equipment (triangle high visibility vest fire extinguisher)
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Tax
What's Not Included
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Tour guides
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Domestic nor International flights
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Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
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Overnight city tax for the hotel effective from January 1st 2018. Clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels.
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Any visit not mentioned in the program
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Optional tours
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Porterage and gratuities
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Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
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Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks mineral water camera/video camera fee (if any)
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Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays accidents etc.
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PAI (personal accident insurance)
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Fuel Fines Tolls Parking
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Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving.
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Loss or damage to aerials jack safety triangles and vests windscreen wipers petrol cap luggage covers or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle.
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Damage to the engine through negligence.
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Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition.
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Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received there will be an administration charge.
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Incident Report Fee
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Refuelling Service Charge
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Late Return Fee and Change of Return Station Fee
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If the car is left outside of rent a car designated area on drop off customers will be responsible for any costs generated and for any damage to the vehicle due to it being parked outside of the Rent a Car installations.
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Each additional driver.
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Any extra equipment (GPS baby seat etc.)
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Tolls
Check out our Q&As
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.