Myths and Tastes of Athens and the Peloponnese
Travel Destinations: Greece
12 Day Itinerary | Athens, Porto Heli, Nemea, Hydra, Spetses, Messinia, Pylos, Methoni
Whether you are a foodie or a history buff, this trip will help you uncover the best the Peloponnese region has to offer. Explore ancient history, savor delicious olive oil, sip on award winning wine, and indulge in luxurious accommodations.
• Private tour of the Acropolis
• Cruise to the unique islands of Hydra and Spetses
• Wine and olive oil tastings in the Peloponnese
• Explore ancient ruins along the way
Independent Travel
Independent trips are either entire trips you take privately or solo extensions to a group tour.
Classic
Embark on a timeless journey where iconic destinations, historical landmarks, and cultural treasures create a well-rounded and enduring trip.
Premium
Elevate your journey with style and sophistication, offering top-notch experiences without breaking the bank. Typically $500-$1,000 pp/day.
Flexible
With no pre-set departure dates, choose when you want to go and for how long.
At A Glance
Day 1 – Athens
• Welcome to Athens!
• Private airport transfer
Day 2 – Athens
• Tour of the Acropolis with Local Delicacies
Day 3 – Athens to Porto Heli
• Private transfer to Porto Heli
• Tour of Epidaurus along the way
Day 4 – Porto Heli
• Private Wine Tour in Nemea with Lunch
Day 5 – Porto Heli
• Day at Leisure
Day 6 – Porto Heli
• Cruise to Hydra & Spetses
Day 7 – Porto Heli to Pylos
• Private transfer to Pylos, Messinia
Day 8 – Pylos
• Tour of Pylos and Methoni
Day 9 – Pylos
• Day at Leisure
Day 10 – Pylos
• Olive Oil Tasting & Food Pairing
Day 11 – Pylos to Athens
• Tour of Nafplio along the way
Day 12 – Athens
• Private airport transfer
Itinerary
Day 1 – Athens
Welcome to Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Athens is a vibrant city that is once ancient, modern, classic, and constantly evolving. From its rich historical heritage along with the landmark Acropolis to hip and trendy bars to high-end boutiques and multicultural cuisine, Athens has it all. You will be picked up from Athens International Airport by your private driver and transferred to your luxury hotel. Enjoy your afternoon and evening exploring the historic neighborhood of Plaka or enjoying a leisurely stroll along Dionysiou Aeropagitou, a pedestrianized street that is the longest walkway in Athens and is akin to walking along a living open-air museum. Ask your Leisure Travel Consultant for recommendations of their favorite restaurants, cafes, and entertainment.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 2 – Athens
Meet your licensed English-speaking guide at your hotel lobby to begin your tour of the Acropolis. Head to the top of the Acropolis via the gates of Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis and an iconic example of classical antiquity and admire one of the world’s most important architectural structures, the Parthenon along with the ancient temples of Parthenon, Erechteion and Athena Nike which are considered the most important monuments in Western civilization. Your guide will help you discover more about the site’s significance and the bountiful heritage and cultural achievements of the Greek civilization during the Golden Age. From there, you will continue your tour heading to the vibrant Varvakios Agora. Experience the hustle and bustle of Athens in this historic market that has everything from fish, meat, vegetables, nuts, herbs, olives, spices, and more. You will get to taste an array of local delicacies, discover the authentic heart of Athens, and see many local favorite spots where Athenians eat, drink, and shop.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 3 – Athens to Porto Heli
Meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel to transfer to your hotel in Porto Heli. Enjoy a scenic drive along the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf towards your first stop, the Corinth Canal. The Corinth Canal is a famous narrow waterway that separates mainland Greece from the Peloponnese and will provide you with the first of many perfect photo opportunities of the day. Crossing into the Peloponnese you will have an opportunity to visit the Great Theater of Epidaurus, known for its perfect acoustics. Built in 340 BC, this Theater is so well-preserved that it is still used today for dramatic theatrical performances and concerts. Continue onwards to the cosmopolitan seaside town of Porto Heli.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 4 – Porto Heli
Head to Nemea, one of Greece’s oldest and most important regions for wines, especially its reds, to get acquainted with the region’s distinct wines. Set amid olive groves and cypress trees, Nemea is home to one of Greece’s most celebrated grape varieties and is widely considered the crown jewel of the wine industry in Greece. Wineries here produce many of Europe’s leading grape varieties, such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, but more importantly, it’s renowned for its full-bodied Agiorgitiko wines. You will get to visit two local wineries, meet the producers, learn about the wine-making process, and taste a variety of wines accompanied by local delicacies. After the wine-tasting experience, you will relax and savor the local flavors with a traditional lunch in one of the wineries.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 5 – Porto Heli
Spend your day at leisure relaxing by the pool or on the beach or opt to visit a traditional organic farm estate to discover centuries-old farming methods and learn the traditional ways of organic cultivation, participate in an authentic cooking class along with lunch or dinner consisting of seasonal products from the farm and the surrounding area.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 6 – Porto Heli
Hop aboard your private boat to head to the scenic islands of Hydra and Spetses to explore the islands, swim, snorkel, and see hidden coves along the way. You will head to Hydra to discover the charming, car-free island of Hydra in the Saronic Gulf. An island with rich history and aesthetic appeal, upon arriving at its amphitheater-shaped port you will get to admire its well-preserved 18th-century mansions, old captains’ houses and traditional churches, cobblestone streets, marble-covered alleyways, and imposing bastions with canons. From Hydra, continue onwards to the elegant, cosmopolitan island of Spetses, an island with a long history and naval tradition. Experience a horse-drawn carriage ride through the island or a leisurely stroll through the main port with its stately mansions and range of shops scattered around its picturesque stone-paved streets, where you can find everything from fine jewelry, leather belts, and bags, traditional pottery, and traditional decorative ceramics.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 7 – Porto Heli to Pylos
After breakfast, your driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and start your journey towards your selected hotel in Messinia. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 8 – Pylos
Today’s tour will take you through the impressive castles of Pylos and Methoni. Pylos is a lovely seaside town with the largest natural harbor in the Peloponnese with an imposing castle and surrounding pine-covered hills. It is also one of the region’s most historically significant towns, as it’s the location where the naval battle of Navarino led to a historic victory that contributed to the liberation of Greece. In Pylos, you will visit Niokastro, one of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in Greece. As you walk the cobblestone streets you will admire the four cylindrical towers and the aqueduct, a legacy left by the Venetians. Your next stop will be the nearby town of Methoni, a scenic seaside town with a popular beach, next to which looms the most impressive example of a 15th-century Venetian fortress in the Peloponnese. The castle was built by the Venetians in the early 13th century, and it is among the largest ones in the Mediterranean. Admire the bridge stone of 14 arches which connects the castle to the shore and the celebrated symbol of Venice, the lion of St Marc, which dominates the gate of the castle.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 9 – Pylos
Spend your day at leisure or opt to enjoy a cycling tour around the stunning Gialova Lagoon and Voidokilia Beach. Gialova Lagoon is one of the most important wetlands in Greece and supports numerous species of endemic and migratory birds. The lagoon is near the world-famous omega shaped Voidokilia Beach with its crystal-clear turquoise waters. You may also opt to hike up to Palaiokastro, a medieval castle situated at the south edge of Voidokilia Beach, and revel in the panoramic views of the entire bay.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 10 – Pylos
Visit a coastal restaurant with amazing views of the sea where you will meet an award-winning local olive oil producer and learn about Greek olive oil. Enjoy an olive oil tasting session and discover the incredible flavors of pure extra virgin olive oil accompanied by local homemade delicacies.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 11 – Pylos to Athens
After breakfast, meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel for your transfer to your hotel in Athens. Admire the scenic countryside of the Peloponnese on your way to Nafplio, where you will enjoy a tour of the charming seaside town. Nafplio was Greece’s first capital and has a very scenic old town with an array of maze-like alleys worth exploring, great restaurants and seaside tavernas lining its waterfront, the impressive island fort of Bourtzi off its coast as well as the imposing fortress of Palamidi overlooking Nafplio. After your tour and a break for lunch, continue onwards to Athens.
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 12 – Athens
Your private driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to transfer you to Athens International Airport for your flight back home.
Accommodation: Hotel
Captivating Moments
Get captivated by a stunning collection of sample images from this trip.
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