PARADISIAL PELOPONNESE (All-Inclusive Guided Semi-Private Tour)

The next day, embark on an in-depth private guided tour of Athens, where you’ll delve into the city’s rich history, ancient landmarks, and vibrant culture with our expert local guide. Visit iconic sites like the Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Panathenaic stadium, while uncovering the fascinating stories behind each. Visit the Acropolis Museum, where you’ll marvel at the treasures that bring Athens’ ancient past to life. Explore charming neighborhoods and hidden historical gems, with personalized insights along the way. This exclusive experience invites you to immerse yourself in Athens at your own pace, ensuring an unforgettable journey through Greece’s timeless capital.

Travel to the Corinth Canal and experience the engineering marvel of a stunning 6.3 km (3.9 miles) waterway that connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas, separating the Peloponnese peninsula from mainland Greece. The road leads us to the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, a one-of-a-kind archaeological site famous for its symmetry and incredible acoustics. Spend the night in Nafplion, the first capital of Greece and one of the country’s most elegant and romantic cities. The beautiful old city has a wealth of narrow alleyways and a lovely seafront promenade, but the best is perhaps just watching the sun coloring the bay an ecstatic red. End your day by discovering the flavors of the Aegean in a seafood cooking presentation led by a local chef, then savor your creations with stunning views of Nafplion’s harbor.

Travel to the heart of the Ancient Greek Civilization, Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the center of Mycenaean civilization (circa 1600-1100 BC). Explore the imposing Lion Gate, the main entrance adorned with lion carvings, and the Treasury of Atreus, an impressive beehive tomb believed to be the burial site of Agamemnon. Afterwards, visit a hidden gem of Greece, Ancient Nemea. Explore the remains of the Doric-style Temple of Zeus dating back to the 6th century BC, and the Ancient Stadium, which once hosted the Nemean Games, one of the major Panhellenic athletic festivals. Visitors can still see the starting line, seating areas, and the well-preserved track. Tip: You can even try running the track yourself! Taste the exceptional Agiorgitiko wine, steeped in myth and legend. According to ancient tales, when Hercules defeated the Nemean Lion and wore its invulnerable skin as a cloak, the blood of the lion is said to have given rise to the deep red hue of Agiorgitiko wine. Locals fondly refer to it as the “Blood of Hercules.”

Journey through the scenic Peloponnesian landscape to Ancient Messene, one of Greece’s best preserved archaeological sites. Set in a serene valley surrounded by mountains, Ancient Messene offers a rare glimpse into a once-thriving classical city, with its impressive theater, stadium, and fortification walls standing as powerful testaments to its historical significance and architectural grandeur.

Visit Ancient Olympia, a breathtaking landscape of natural beauty and the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Strolling through the Ancient Stadium, you can stand where athletes competed for glory over 2,000 years ago. This sacred site once housed the colossal Statue of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a testament to Olympia’s grandeur and historical significance. Enjoy trout fishing in Planitero’s calm rivers, where every catch feels like a reward. Reach Kalavryta, a picturesque mountain town that radiates a peaceful, timeless charm. Whether blanketed in snow during winter or bursting with greenery in spring, the stunning landscape never fails to captivate.

Visit the Kalavryta Museum to explore the history of World War II and the region’s powerful stories of resilience. Embark on a breathtaking journey aboard the historic Odontotos Rack Railway, one of Greece’s most scenic and unique train routes, as it winds through the dramatic Vouraikos Canyon. Then venture to Ancient Corinth, nestled in fertile plains and sustained by natural springs, where remarkably preserved ruins transport you back to the grandeur of the classical world. Conclude your tour in Athens.