Peloponnese Self Drive

Pick up your car from the Athens downtown office at 9am for drive to Nafplio. Along the way enjoy a short stop at Corinth Canal. Continue the drive to ancient Epidaurus-renowned for the fantastic acoustics of its incredibly preserved third century theatre. From Epidaurus drive over country roads to Nafplio. Depending on time, we recommend stop for optional lunch in Ligourio village. Relax in the afternoon or swim at the very pretty beach tucked behind the old town. Overnight in Nafplio at the Amalia Hotel or similar.

Depart Nafplio, for the short drive to Ancient Mycenae - The World Heritage listed ruins which dominate the barren hilly landscape. The hills nearby are one of Greece’s premiere wine producing regions, the ideal place for an optional lunch stop along with a little wine tasting. Continue to Sparta where visit the archaeological museum; in the modern town itself there is scant evidence of Sparta’s infamous might and military dominance of ancient times. Overnight in Mystras at the Byzantion Hotel. (B)

Depart Mystras for our scenic drive to Monemvassia, via the rustic, remote villages of Skala, Molaoi and Sikea in Laconia’s heartland. Arrive early afternoon in Monemvassia Medieval fortress monolith - lying just offshore from the mainland, connected by a short bridge at Gefyra town. Wander around the steep cobbled alleyways, or visit Ag Sophia chapel - dramatically perched on a precipice. Overnight at Monemvassia at the Byzantion Hotel similar. (B)

Leaving Monemvassia drive to picturesque fishing town of Gythio - once the port of Ancient Sparta. Along its waterfront are pastel coloured 19th century buildings, behind are crumbling Turkish houses on ramshackle streets winding up the steep hill. From Gythio to Kalamata, the town most famous for its black olives. Overnight at Kalamata in Pharae Palace Hotel. (B)

Today is a longer driving day, taking the scenic coastal road of the Messinian peninsula, via Venetian port town of Koroni- with its impressive castle, the seaside town of Methoni, and picturesque Pylos and Giavola. Many lovely beaches and sheltered bays along the way offer good swimming. Early evening arrive at our luxurious, family run hotel in Olympia, offering fantastic mountain vistas. Overnight in Olympia at the Arty Grand Hotel. (B)

Check out of our hotel after breakfast and drive to ancient site of Olympia. Spend morning at the site, soaking in the history, perhaps sit inside the ancient stadium and imagine watching athletes compete in classical Olympic Games. Afterwards return to Athens to drop off car downtown. (B)