Highlights
- Sample traditional Greek delicacies on a food tour of Nafplio
- Go sea kayaking along the pristine Greek coastline
- Swim in the refreshing waters of the Polylimnio Waterfalls
- Snorkel amid ancient ruins at the Sunken City of Epidaurus
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Athens, Explore the Capital | Athens |
| Day 2 | Jeep Tour of Local Lakes & Villages | Athens |
| Day 3 | Guided Tour of the Acropolis & Parthenon, Athens Food Tour | Athens |
| Day 4 | Full-Day Boat Trip to the Saronic Islands | Athens |
| Day 5 | Transfer to Kalamata, Afternoon at Leisure | Kalamata |
| Day 6 | Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling Experience, Picnic Lunch | Kalamata |
| Day 7 | Polylimnio Waterfalls Hike | Kalamata |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Nafplio, Afternoon Food Tour | Nafplio |
| Day 9 | Kayak to Epidaurus & the Sunken City, Traditional Greek Picnic Lunch | Nafplio |
| Day 10 | Transfer to Athens, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Athens, Explore the Capital
Welcome to Greece! Your private driver will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel in Athens. Greece's buzzy capital city is an eclectic mix of ancient and modern, acting as an outdoor museum to some of the world's most historic landmarks. Settle in and relax after your flight, then head out to discover the city's blend of towering temples, ancient ruins, and colorful markets.
If classical history and mythology are your thing, a visit to the National Archaeological Museum or the Museum of the Ancient Agora is a must. Art lovers should head to the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, or the National Gallery. You could also go off the beaten path at the Museum of Cycladic Art, where you can buy truly unique souvenirs, or the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology.
Day 2: Jeep Tour of Local Lakes & Villages
Escape the big city today for a private tour of the surrounding mountain landscapes of the Peloponnese peninsula in a 4WD vehicle. Start by entering the forest of Ziria, continuing on an off-road route to Lake Dasiou, surrounded by firs and wild mountain vegetation. Drive through the woods, crossing wild horse pastures as you follow the path to the picturesque village of Gkoura and Lake Doxa.
After a stop for lunch in a traditional Greek taverna, travel onward toward the Feneos River and then to the impressive Saint Paul's Church in Tarsus. You'll be able to enjoy panoramic views of the village of Trikala Korinthias on the journey back to Athens, where you'll have the rest of the afternoon free to relax.
Day 3: Guided Tour of the Acropolis & Parthenon, Athens Food Tour
Today, you'll visit the Acropolis, home to the world-famous Parthenon. This temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena, has enchanted visitors since its construction was completed in 438 BCE. With the help of a private guide, you'll learn about both the history and mythology of this iconic site as you stroll through evocative ruins and enjoy sweeping views over Athens.
After working up an appetite at the Acropolis, the tour continues at the Athens Central Food Market (Varvakios Agora), where you'll sample regional delicacies made by Greek cheesemakers, pastry chefs, and food vendors of all kinds. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to stop for a traditional Greek coffee alongside treats like baklava and loukoumi (Turkish delight). At the end of the tour, put your feet up back at your hotel, or continue exploring the city at your own pace.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Full-Day Boat Trip to the Saronic Islands
Grab your bathing suit and sunscreen—today you're off to the Saronic Islands on a full-day sailing adventure. Located between the eastern coast of the Peloponnese and Athens, these are the closest islands to the capital and popular with day-tripping locals.
You'll hop between three of the loveliest islands—Agistri, Moni, and Aegina—aboard a spacious Greek sailboat. You'll have a chance to swim and snorkel right off the boat, then drop anchor at the islands to explore ancient temples, spot wild peacocks, laze on pristine beaches, and take an optional bike ride. After indulging in a delicious Greek lunch served on the boat, nab a spot on the deck to soak up some sun. You'll cruise back to Athens later in the day.
Day 5: Transfer to Kalamata, Afternoon at Leisure
Today, you'll leave Athens behind and continue your adventure in the Peloponnese! Transfer about three hours west across the peninsula to the seaside city of Kalamata, where the magnificent Mount Taygetos towers high above beaches that seem to go on forever. Kalamata is home to modern cafés, beach bars, great restaurants, historic markets, and a colorful port. Go for a walk along the coastline, check out the fortified castle from the Middle Ages, see a nunnery where traditional handkerchiefs are still made by hand, stop into 19th-century churches, and browse handicrafts in local boutiques.
You could start with the church of Ypapanti, which stands out with its belfries and silver domes. North of the church is the Municipal Odeon on Alexandraki Street. Nearby, a neoclassical building houses the interesting Historical and Folk Museum. The Railway Museum, one of Greece's first theme parks, features steam locomotives, diesel engines, passenger and freight cars, and a two-story central station building—a fun attraction for travelers of all ages.
There's time in the afternoon for an excursion outside the city, too, if you wish. A short drive north of Kalamata, the city of Messene, founded in the fourth century BCE, is one of the country's most interesting archaeological sites. Noteworthy for its outstanding perimeter walls erected in the third century BCE, its massive gate, and eight surviving towers, Messene was little more than a green valley before its secrets began to be unearthed just a few decades ago.
Day 6: Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling Experience, Picnic Lunch
Discover one of the prettiest settings in the Peloponnese today when you venture to Kardamyli and Stoupa, a pair of villages located between Mount Taygetos and the blue waters of the Messinian Gulf. You'll enjoy marvelous views on a private sea kayaking tour along the coast, paddling through crystal-clear waters as you explore hidden coves, sea caves, idyllic beaches, and impressive rock formations. Keep your eyes open for sea turtles!
One of the top attractions of the tour is a visit to the Blue Cave, a spectacular natural phenomenon where beams of sunshine pass through a crack in the rock. A swim in the cave is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can also try cliff diving in the area. Along the tour, you'll also stop for swimming, snorkeling, and a homemade picnic of fresh local delicacies.Day 7: Polylimnio Waterfalls Hike
Day 8: Transfer to Nafplio, Afternoon Food Tour
Meet your driver this morning and get back on the road, transferring roughly two hours east across the Peloponnese to your next destination: Nafplio. This romantic town, the old capital of modern Greece, is characterized by Venetian fortifications and a beautiful waterfront overlooking the Saronic Gulf.
After settling in at your accommodation, meet a local guide for a food tour to discover the culinary heritage of the Peloponnese. Along the way, you'll taste nearly a dozen local products, including olive oil, honey, tapenade, olives, Greek sweets, local cheeses, and a selection of locally produced wines and liquors. Finish the afternoon with a stroll along this historic port's picturesque seaside promenade.
Day 9: Kayak to Epidaurus & the Sunken City, Traditional Greek Picnic Lunch
Ancient wonders await on the penultimate day of your trip. Today, you'll transfer 30 minutes east to the coastal Epidavros, the site of the ancient Greek city of Epidaurus. Meet your guide at the port and set off on a kayaking excursion along the coastline, an untouched landscape characterized by pristine beaches. Stop to explore the famed fourth-century Ancient Theater of Epidaurus on the way, and continue to the remains of the Sunken City, where you can swim and snorkel near spectacular underwater ruins that date to 1200 BCE.
After exploring the ruins, sometimes called the "Atlantis of Greece," you'll head to shore and a nearby farm to try traditional Greek delicacies produced on-site. Then, you'll have lunch on a quiet beach and have some time to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or take a siesta before transferring back to Nafplio to enjoy the final evening of your trip at your leisure.
Day 10: Transfer to Athens, Depart
It's time to say goodbye to the Aegean. After one last stroll around Nafplio, you'll transfer back to Athens and continue to the airport in time for your flight home or onward journey. Safe travels!
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