Peloponnese Self-Drive Tour in 8 Days
Explore the Peloponnese, between ancient sites, authentic villages and Mediterranean coasts. A Greek road trip placed under the sign of freedom and discovery.
Duration
8 days
From
€450/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, With friends
The spirit of travel
Let yourself be captivated by an adventure in the heart of the mythical lands of Peloponnese. Over 8 days, discover ancient sites, authentic villages and exceptional Mediterranean landscapes. From the impressive theater of Epidaurus to the fortified city of Monemvasia, follow in the footsteps of ancient Grèce.
Explore Mycenae, Pylos and Olympia, fascinating witnesses to a thousand-year history. Also enjoy the beaches, coves and coastal villages of Mani and Messenia.
Between heritage, gastronomy and nature, experience a road trip with complete freedom. An ideal immersion to discover the Peloponnese at your own pace.
Notes:
The final price varies depending on the number of people, dates and type of accommodation you choose. High season surcharge (mid-July to end of August) + 20%
Contact us for an offer tailored to your tripThe program can be adapted to your preferences. We can modify the itinerary, add or remove stages, extend your stay wherever you wish. The places indicated for overnight stays are indicative and can be modified according to your preferences.
You can extend your stay and remain longer at one or other of the places on the itinerary, where you will find extraordinary and sparsely populated beaches, even practically deserted ones, or spend a few days on one of the superb islands located near the Peloponnese (approximately one hour by ferry):
Zante (Zakynthos), in the Ionian Sea, which you can reach by ferry from the port of Kyllini, north of Olympia, a verdant island highly renowned for its fine sandy beaches with turquoise waters, as well as the refuge of the rare marine turtle caretta caretta, and which offers a wide choice of hotels.
Poros, picturesque island of the Saronic Gulf, which you can also visit in one day from Nafplio. Continuous access in 10 minutes by small boats from Galatas.
Elafonisos (the island of deer), a small paradise island with wonderful beaches with turquoise waters, located 300m from the southern tip of the Peloponnese, to which it is regularly connected by caïque. Underdeveloped from a tourism standpoint, it is suited to visitors seeking peace and authenticity
Cythera (Kythira), at the southern tip of the Peloponnese, connected daily by ferry to the port of Gythio, a superb and little-touristic island that we highly recommend, named "the perfect Greek island" by Greek islands specialist of the "Guardian" Andrew Bostock.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Corinth, Theater of Epidaurus, Sanctuary of Asclepius, Nafplio
Athènes → Nauplie
Car rental and departure from Athens to Nauplia (in Greek: Nafplio), crossing the Corinth Canal (park at the restaurant located just before the bridge, renowned for its souvlakis). We recommend a stop at the magnificent site of the Heraion of Perachora, in the Gulf of Corinth (before the canal). Then visit the archaeological site and museum of ancient Corinth, which have just been restored, and Acrocorinth (to be avoided in peak heat). Follow the charming coastal road to Epidaurus (in Greek: Archaia Epidavros), where you will visit the famous Theatre of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asklepios (UNESCO sites)
Take an evening stroll and dine in the old town of Nauplia, dominated by the fortress of Palamede. You will see very beautiful aristocratic houses from the 19th century, as it was the first capital of modern Grèce.
Overnight in Nauplia
The Heritage of the Demigods - Tyrinthe, Mycènes, Némée and Argos
Visit the ancient Tiryns and the impressive site of Mycenae with its famous Lion Gate (Unesco sites). The archaeological museum of the site has been recently renovated and presents very beautiful pieces. Then continue to Nemea, whose stadium, where the Nemean Games were held, has been recently uncovered and developed and the temple partially reconstructed. The region is known for the Nemean Lion, slain according to legend by Hercules, but also for its vineyards and its famous and highly aromatic Agiorgitiko AOC grape variety. The local wine cooperative offers vineyard tours and tastings by appointment.
Then stop in the city of Argos, dominated by an impressive acropolis, and where you will find a theatre surrounded by temples. It gave its name to the entire region, Argolide, renowned for its beautiful orange groves.
Finish the day with a swim.
Overnight in Nafplio
Towards the Coastal Enigma - Mystras and Monemvasia
From Nauplie
Departure to Monemvasia via Sparta. Stop along the way at Mystras (UNESCO site) and visit the ancient fortified Byzantine city, which was the stronghold in the Middle Ages of French lords. If you prefer not to visit Mystras, you can take the coastal road, where you will encounter beautiful landscapes between sea and mountains and lovely beaches. Passing through the charming villages of Goritsa and Geraki, you will arrive in late afternoon at Monemvasia, whose name means "single entrance", as it is connected to the mainland only by a narrow strip of land.
Dine in a tavern at the small port and stroll through the lower town of Monemvasia.
Overnight at or near Monemvasia.
Laconia - Gythion or Areopolis
Monemvasia → Areópoli
Climb in the morning to the top of Monemvasia to visit the fortified upper town and the Church of Hagia Sophia, then depart for Gythion, which was the port of Sparta in antiquity, along the Gulf of Laconia by a beautiful coastal road. You will cross vast olive plantations and fruit trees and will be able to swim in delightful small coves then eat by the sea.
It is worth going down to the end of the western peninsula of the Magne to visit the impressive fortified village of Vathia, called the "city of fortins" (in Greek: kastropolitia), from where you will enjoy an extraordinary view.
You will find excellent restaurants in the nearby village of Gerolimenas. This excursion to the end of the peninsula represents 2 hours of steep driving (80 km) from Areopolis.
Overnight in or near Areopolis or Oitylo
The Forgotten Castles - The Fascinating Mani and the Paradisiacal Beaches
From Areópoli
Today you will cross Mani (in Greek: Mani), with its castles, fortified houses and olive groves. Visit the charming villages of Areopolis and Oitylo as well as the impressive Diros caves (in Greek: Spylaia Dirou). Swimming and lunch in one of the charming fishing villages of Kardamyli, Stoupa, or Ayios Nikolaos, with their superb beaches of extraordinary colours.
Stop in Kalamata and arrival in the late afternoon on the west coast of the Peloponnese at Pylos, in the Gulf of Navarino.
Overnight stay in Pylos or in the Messenia region
Royal Treasures and Venetian Fortresses
Visit to the impressive site of the Palace of Nestor, 17 km from Pylos, then to the Messenia peninsula and the villages of Methoni, Koroni (inscribed in 2010 in the UNESCO heritage thanks to its emblematic food practice of the Mediterranean diet) and Finikounda, with their Venetian fortresses and their breathtaking beaches.
Overnight stay in Pylos
The Apotheosis - Voidokilia and Sacred Olympia
To Olympie
Departure following the coast to Olympia; do not miss the extraordinary beach with turquoise waters of Voidokilia, which forms a perfect semi-circle. Stop along the way in the charming town of Kyparissia, nestled by the sea beneath its castle. Visit of the museum and the archaeological site of Olympia (Unesco site).
Overnight in Olympia
The Apogeee - The Suspended Temple and the Return to Origins
Olympie → Athènes
Cross the mountainous center of the Peloponnese passing through the traditional village of Andritsaina where you will visit the beautiful ancient Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae (UNESCO site) 7km from the village. Nature lovers will prefer to pass through the charming village of Dimitsana, in Arcadia, where you can visit the fascinating Museum of Hydraulic Energy. It is the starting point for some of the most renowned hiking trails in the Peloponnese, in and around the Lousios Gorges, one of which will allow you to discover the incredible suspended monastery of Prodromos at Stemnitsa (option to stay in Dimitsana in lovely guesthouses) (291 km / 4h10m). If you prefer to avoid mountain roads, you can take the highway that runs along the north coast of the Peloponnese passing through Patras (335 km / 3h45m), or the one that crosses the Peloponnese passing through Tripoli (300 km / 3h25m).
Arrival in Athens in the late afternoon and car return.
(N.B. you can combine this itinerary with a short or long stay in Athens; or if your flight times allow, pick up and return your car at Athens airport)
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Round-trip airplane tickets from your home location. We are happy to assist you in finding the best offers if you provide us with the airport(s) and dates that suit you.
- personal expenses, meals, drinks, entrance fees for sites and museums
- The climate resilience tax must be paid upon check-in at your hotel. Amount per room and per night: 1-2 star hotels = €2 / 3-star hotels = €5 / 4-star hotels = €10 / 5-star hotels = €15 / apartments = €8
Included
- 7 nights in a double room in good category tourist hotels (optionally, in charming hotels or in apartments with kitchen, especially practical for families).
- buffet breakfast
- Car rental of a 1200 cc vehicle from day 1 to day 8 (7 x 24h, unlimited mileage, third-party liability insurance, VAT) with delivery and pickup at your hotel.
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Greece for a tourist stay. As entry rules may change, we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport and ID card
Nationals of the European Economic Area can enter Greece with a valid passport or national ID card. The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Swiss and Canadian nationals must carry a valid passport. It is recommended that it be valid beyond your planned return date and have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
Tourist stay without visa
Greece is a member of the Schengen area. Nationals of the European Economic Area benefit from freedom of movement and can stay without any time limit for a tourist stay.
Swiss and Canadian nationals benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in the Schengen area, up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This rule applies to all Schengen countries combined.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System)
As of its entry into force, Swiss and Canadian nationals will need to obtain an ETIAS authorization before any trip to the Schengen area, including Greece.
This prior authorization, separate from a visa, must be requested online before departure. It will be linked to your passport and valid for multiple stays over a period of three years (or until the passport expires). The information to be provided will include in particular:
passport information,
personal contact details,
a few questions relating to security and travel history.
We recommend consulting the official ETIAS website to find out the date this system comes into effect before your departure.
Traveling with children
Minor nationals of the EEA can travel with their own ID card or passport. It is strongly recommended that each child has their own travel document.
In some European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorization may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Affected travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Greece in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for emergency repatriation and foreign medical expenses.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific policy developed with our partners CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy document detailing all coverage and claims procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claims declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy document with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To travel to Greece, you must have a valid identity card or passport. No special formalities are required upon arrival. The currency used is the euro. Before booking your trip, we recommend that you check the entry requirements applicable to your nationality with the Greek consular authorities.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, plan between €180 and €300 per day per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (€150-400 return) are additional. Santorini and Mykonos are considerably more expensive, especially in summer.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each circuit to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on site throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Peloponnese
Keeper of a sensitive and timeless Greece, based in Athènes
Greece is more than its postcards. What I love to share is its nuances, its light, its traditions and that unique emotion you feel when discovering it slowly.
— Martine
