The Peloponnese

Explore the beautiful and historic cradle of ancient Greece, the Peloponnese, including guided tours of the main historic sites and time at leisure on the coast.

Day 1 - London/Athens/Corinth
Monemvasia Fly to Athens. Upon arrival, collect your car and drive to Corinth, home to the Odeion and the Temples of Apollo and Octavia, for a short guided tour. Later, drive to Monemvasia for your first night.

Day 2 - Monemvasia
Monemvasia has a fairy-tale setting. This morning, explore the historic town, medieval fortress and town walls with your guide. Spend the afternoon at leisure, perhaps exploring the small hidden Port of Gerakas, once a favourite with pirates and now home to some of the best seafood in the world. Take a trip to the Island of Elafonisos with its waterfront tavernas and picture-perfect beaches of Sarakiniko and Simos.

Day 3 - Monemvasia/The Mani
Drive on to your next hotel in The Mani. The region is one of the most unique in Greece and is known for its wild, rugged beauty, its traditional villages and more than a thousand Byzantine and post Byzantine churches. After checking-in to your hotel, enjoy a walking tour with your guide.

Day 4 - The Mani/Mystras/Costa Navarino
Drive inland for a tour of the archaeological site at Mystras, 5km from the historic town of Sparta. One of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Monument, Mystras encompasses well-preserved Byzantine churches and the remains of a palace. In the courtyard of Agios Demetrios, you can visit the Archaeological Museum of Mystras. After your visit, make your way to Costa Navarino.

Day 5 - Costa Navarino
Spend the day at leisure. There are plenty of things to do and see in the local area, including exploring the local village of Pylos, cycling or walking in the world famous Oxbelly Bay, learning about olive oil and wine making, or exploring ancient palaces, Byzantine churches, castles and temples.

Day 6 - Costa Navarino - Mycenae tour
This morning, enjoy a tour of Mycenae with your guide. Ancient Mycenae is a legendary city - one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece - and its most antique findings date from the 3000 BC.

Day 7 - Costa Navarino/Olympia
Depart early this morning to drive north to Olympia, famous as the city in which the Olympic Games originated in the 8th Century BC. Olympia has a sheltered location below the wooded slopes of Mount Kronion. Your guide will talk you through the history of the games as you visit the enormous Temple of Zeus, the Palaestra training centre, and the stadium itself, with its 630-foot running course and surviving vaulted entrance.

Day 8 - Olympia/Athens
This afternoon, drive back to Athens for your flight home.

Pricing
At A&K all of our journeys are individually tailored to suit your needs and timescale. However, as a guide, this 8 day journey in Greece will cost from £2,275 per person based on two adults sharing.