Self-drive tour of the Peloponnese 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
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Self-drive tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Family, With friends
The spirit of travel
Let yourself be seduced by an adventure in the heart of the mythical lands of the Peloponnese. Over 8 days, discover ancient sites, authentic villages and exceptional Mediterranean landscapes. From the impressive theatre of Epidaurus to the fortified city of Monemvasia, follow in the footsteps of ancient Grèce.
Explore Mycenae, Pylos and Olympia, fascinating witnesses to a millennia-old history. Also enjoy the beaches, coves and coastal villages of Mani and Messenia.
Between heritage, gastronomy and nature, experience a road trip in complete freedom. An ideal immersion to discover the Peloponnese at your own pace.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
From Athens to Nafplio via Corinth and Epidaurus
Pick up your car and depart Athens towards Nafplio (Nafplio in Greek), crossing the Corinth Canal. You can park at the restaurant located just before the bridge, renowned for its souvlakis.
Before the canal, we recommend a stop at the Heraion of Perachora site, in the Gulf of Corinth. Then continue with a visit to the archaeological site and museum of ancient Corinth, recently restored, and then Acrocorinth, to be avoided in peak heat.
Then follow the charming coastal road to Epidaurus (Archaia Epidavros in Greek), where you visit the famous Theatre of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Asklepios, inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage list.
In the evening, enjoy a stroll through the old town of Nafplio, dominated by the fortress of Palamidi, before dining there. You will be able to observe beautiful aristocratic houses from the 19th century, witnesses to the time when Nafplio was the first capital of modern Grèce.
Tiryns, Mycenae, Nemea and Argos
Start your day by visiting the ancient Tyrinthe, then continue to the Mycenae site and its famous Lion Gate, both inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage list. The recently renovated archaeological museum at the site also displays beautiful pieces.
Then continue to Nemea. Discover its stadium, where the Nemean Games were held, recently excavated and developed, as well as its partially reconstructed temple. The region is associated with the Nemean Lion, slain according to legend by Hercules, but it is also known for its vineyards and its AOC Agiorgitiko grape variety, particularly aromatic. By appointment, the local wine cooperative offers vineyard tours and tastings.
Then stop in the town of Argos, dominated by an imposing acropolis and where you will find a theatre surrounded by temples. The town gave its name to the entire region of Argolis, renowned for its orange groves.
End the day with a swim.
Overnight in Nafplio.
Towards the Coastal Enigma - Mystras and Monemvasia
Departure heading towards Monemvasia, passing through Sparta. Along the way, stop at Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to visit this ancient Byzantine fortified city, which was in the Middle Ages the domain of French lords.
If you do not wish to visit Mystras, you can take the coastal road, between seascapes and mountains and beaches.
Passing through the villages of Goritsa and Geraki, you reach Monemvasia in late afternoon. Its name means "single entrance", in reference to the narrow strip of land that connects it to the mainland.
In the evening, dine in a tavern in the small port, then take a stroll through the lower town of Monemvasia.
From Monemvasia to the Magne via Gythion and Vathia
Start the day by climbing to the top of Monemvasia to visit the fortified upper town and the Church of Hagia Sophia.
Then head towards Gythion, which was the port of Sparta in antiquity, following the Laconian Gulf along a beautiful coastal road. You pass through vast olive groves and fruit tree plantations. Along the way, take advantage of the small coves to swim and have lunch by the sea.
Continue to the end of the western Mani peninsula to discover the fortified village of Vathia, nicknamed the "city of fortins" (kastropolitia in Greek), and enjoy the view. You will also find excellent restaurants in the neighboring village of Gerolimenas.
This excursion to the end of the peninsula represents approximately 2 hours of winding roads, or 80 km from Areopolis.
The Fascinating Magne and Heavenly Beaches
Today, you cross le Magne (Mani in Greek), between castles, fortified houses and olive groves. Discover the villages of Aéropolis and Oitylo, then visit the impressive Diros caves (Spylaia Dirou in Greek).
Then enjoy a swim and lunch in one of the fishing villages of Kardamyli, Stoupa or Ayios Nikolaos, with their beaches featuring remarkable colors.
Continue your itinerary with a stop in Kalamata, before heading in the late afternoon to Pylos, on the west coast of the Peloponnese, in the Gulf of Navarino.
Overnight in Pylos or in the Messenia region.
Royal treasures and Venetian fortresses
Start the day with a visit to the impressive Palace of Nestor, located 17 km from Pylos.
Continue your discovery of the Messenia peninsula through the villages of Methoni, Koroni and Finikounda, with their Venetian fortresses and beaches.
Koroni has been inscribed since 2010 in the Unesco heritage thanks to its emblematic food practice of the Mediterranean diet.
Overnight in Pylos
Voidokilia and Sacred Olympia
Departure towards Olympia following the coast. Stop at Voidokilia, a beach with turquoise waters that forms an almost perfect semicircle.
Continue your journey to Kyparissia, a seaside town dominated by its castle.
Upon your arrival in Olympia, visit the museum and the Olympia archaeological site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
From Olympia to Athens through the Peloponnese
Cross through the mountainous center of the Peloponnese passing through the traditional village of Andritsaina, where you can visit the ancient Temple of Apollo Epicurius at Bassae, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and located 7 km from the village.
Nature lovers may prefer a route through the village of Dimitsana, in Arcadia, with the possibility of visiting the hydraulic energy museum. The village is also the starting point for hiking trails in and around the Lousios Gorges, including a route that allows you to discover the Prodromos Monastery at Stemnitsa.
It is also possible, as an option, to stay in Dimitsana at an inn.
If you prefer to avoid mountain roads, you can take the motorway along the north coast of the Peloponnese and pass through Patras, or choose the route crossing the Peloponnese via Tripoli.
Arrival in Athens in 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 flights from your home location. We are happy to assist you in finding the best deals 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 arrival 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 tourist category hotels (optionally, in charming hotels or 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 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.
>> Link to the list of Greek sites listed on the Unesco World Heritage List
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 where you wish. The places indicated for overnight stays are indicative and can be modified according to your preferences.
You can extend your stay and spend more time at one or another of the itinerary locations, where you will find extraordinary and sparsely populated beaches, or even virtually deserted ones, or spend a few days on one of the superb islands located next to the Peloponnese (approximately one hour by ferry):
Zante (Zakynthos), in the Ionian Sea, which you will reach by ferry from the port of Kyllini, north of Olympia, a verdant island very renowned for its fine sandy beaches with turquoise waters, as well as the refuge of the rare sea turtle caretta caretta, and which offers a wide choice of hotels.
Poros, picturesque island in the Saronic Gulf, which you can also visit for a day trip from Nafplio. Continuous access in 10 minutes by small boats from Galatas.
Elafonisos (the island of deer), small paradisiacal island with wonderful beaches with turquoise waters, located 300m from the southern tip of the Peloponnese, to which it is regularly connected by caïque. Little developed tourism-wise, it appeals 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, elected "the perfect Greek island" by Greek islands specialist at the "Guardian" Andrew Bostock.
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
