Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Greece - Athens - Peloponnese
100% customisable for you
After a three-hour-and-40-minute flight to Athens, pick up your hire car and head to the coastal city of Nafplio – your home for the next three nights. The two-hour drive takes you via the Isthmus of Corinth, a narrow land bridge that connects mainland Greece with the Peloponnese peninsula.
Once you’ve settled in, head out on a leisurely stroll along Nafplio’s cobbled streets and past traditional buildings adorned with bougainvillea. Can’t wait to hit the beach? Luckily, it’s just a short walk away from the centre.
According to legend, the city was founded by Nafplios, the son of Poseidon. Over the centuries, Frankish, Venetian and Turkish conquerors have influenced its architecture, culture and traditions. Take in the stunning views of the port and enjoy a stroll around the Medieval Old Town, stopping at Syntagma Square to admire its historic buildings.
If you’re feeling energetic, you might want to climb the Palamidi Fortress, an 18th-century citadel that has nearly 1,000 steps. The striking Theatre of Epidaurus, about a 30-minute drive away, is also well worth a visit (it’s regarded as the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece).
Foodies, listen up. Our itinerary also includes a traditional Greek cooking class with a professional chef, suitable for all experience levels. Just make sure to bring your appetite...
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning before you hit the road for Monemvasia, where you’ll be staying for three nights. Historically, the only way to reach this Medieval city – perched on a colossal sea rock – was by boat. But these days, a paved pathway connects the castle to the mainland (phew).
If you decide to take the scenic mountain and sea route, it should take you around four hours (including stops for photos, of course) to roll into Monemvasia. Hungry on arrival? Check out our Dossier for a list of tried-and-tested eateries near your hotel.
Once inside the city’s castle citadel, journey back in time as you soak up the Medieval atmosphere, discover beautifully-restored stone buildings, clusters of pretty houses, walled gardens, a labyrinth of alleyways and Byzantine churches. Founded by the Byzantines in the sixth century, the city was an important port, and Byzantine, Venetian and Turkish relics can still be found here. A rocky, twisting path leads to the Fortress of Youlas, where you can take in impressive views of the city and ponder which bars and restaurants you’re going to visit for dinner. Will it be moussaka, souvlaki or spanakopita on the menu tonight?
No trip to Greece is complete without plenty of time to relax on its beautiful beaches. That’s why, today, you’re heading to the magnificent Mani Peninsula, a wild region surrounded by tantalising turquoise waters, replete with golden, sandy beaches and rocky coves. Pack your bags and say a fond farewell to Monemvasia before following the winding, scenic coastal route for around two hours to reach this tranquil haven.
There’s nothing fixed on the agenda for the next two days, so all that’s left to do is sit back, relax and soak in the beauty of this untouched region. Bliss.
Rise and shine ready to hit the road for around three-and-a-half hours to Olympia, site of the first ancient games that began in 776 BC. On arrival, begin a two-hour guided tour of these impressive archaeological ruins, featuring an architectural ensemble devoted to sporting competitions, including a gymnasium, palaestra, heroon and theokoleon (residence of the priests of Olympia).
Physical and intellectual prowess, a spirit of harmony and peace – these were the guiding principles of the ancient games that brought the Greeks together at Olympia. Nearly 2,800 years later, and the modern Olympic Games still uphold these values. Pretty cool, right? In the heart of the idyllic Alpheus Valley, the ruins stand as a testament to the grandeur of the sanctuary dedicated to Zeus.
Once you’ve had your fill of ancient Greece for the day, head to a nearby hotel for the night.
This morning, your adventure continues with a drive to Galaxidi, a seafaring town where you’ll spend the next two nights. The three-hour journey takes you along the Gulf of Corinth, with views of crystal-clear seas and distant mountains galore.
Galaxidi is relatively untouched by tourists and steeped in naval history – the town’s Maritime and Folklore Museums reveal its stories. History buffs might also like to visit Delphi, another significant site of ancient Greece, located about 12 miles away.
It’s time to take to the road one last time for a three-hour drive to vibrant Athens. Once you’ve dropped off your bags at your hotel for the next two nights, take your pick from checking out rooftop bars and modern Greek cuisine to visiting ancient landmarks. If you’ve never seen them up close, make a beeline for the Acropolis, one of the world’s most iconic (and must-see) archaeological sites, and the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Stroll around, jump on the metro and explore districts like Athen’s oldest neighbourhood, Plaka, or Monastiraki for antiques and flea market finds.
For an insider’s perspective on Athens, we’ve arranged a private guided tour of the city. The best part is that the tour can be tailored to your interests – just let your resident guide know what you’re most eager to see, whether that’s bustling markets, local life or characterful neighbourhoods. Fancy learning more about the city’s thriving street art scene? We can organise a tour with a local street artist guide, too.
It’s your final night in Greece, so ask your Concierge for their favourite dinner recommendations to round off your adventure in style.
After one last delicious breakfast, pack your bags and take a private transfer to the airport. Pick up any last-minute souvenirs before hopping on your flight back to the UK. Taking around four hours, you’ll have plenty of time to start planning your next adventure...
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
