9-Day Ultimate Greek Experience: Peloponnese, Delphi, Zagori, Meteora, Vergina

Day 1 · Corinth canal - Mycenae - Nafplio town - Epidaurus

1. 1

   Corinth Canal

   15 min

   The Corinth Canal connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. It cuts through the narrow Isthmus of Corinth and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland, arguably making the peninsula an island.

2. 2

   Archaeological Site Mycenae

   1 h 30 min Admission not included

   The home of King Agamemnon and the Mycenean civilization.

3. 3

   Nafplio

   one hour

   One of the most beautiful towns in the area of Argolis (in eastern Peloponnese) as well as one of the most romantic cities all over Greece.

4. 4

   Palamidi Castle

   one hour Admission not included

   OPTIONAL: Walkthrough the Venetian castle and down the 999 steps that take you to the old Nafplio town.

5. 5

   The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus

   one hour Admission not included

   It is the oldest theater in the world with the amazing acoustics.

6. 6

   Ancient Corinth (Archaia Korinthos)

   45 min Admission not included

   OPTIONAL: Ancient Corinth was inhabited in the Neolithic period (6500-3250 BC) but the big prosperity began in the 8th century. Corinth was a city-state and for Christians, Corinth is well known from the two letters of Saint Paul in the New Testament, First and Second Corinthians. Corinth is also mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as part of Paul the Apostle's missionary travels.

Overnight Nafplio town. Quality accommodation at each location; is determined at the time of booking.

Day 2 · Monemvasia via the Coastline & Mountain range of East Peloponnese

1. 1

   Tyros

   30 min

   We'll enjoy a coffee next to the ocean before climbing up the mountain range of Parnon.

2. 2

   Monastery of Panagia Elona

   25 min

   A quick stop at the cliff-hanging monastery of Elona.

3. 3

   Kosmas

   one hour

   Instead of taking the motorway route to Monemvasia, we'll enjoy the beautiful coastline after leaving Nafplio and then climb the mountain range of Parnon; with Greek coffee by the water and lunch in the mountain villages.

4. 4

   Monemvasia

   15 hours

   The Castle Town of Monemvasia is among the most impressive places in Greece. Located on the southeastern side of the Peloponnese, Monemvasia was entirely carved on the back side of a sea rock in the Medieval times.

Overnight inside Monemvasia castle. Quality accommodation at each location; is determined at the time of booking.

Day 3 · Mani peninsula, Diros Caves, Mystras & Sparta

1. 1

   Mani Peninsula

   one hour

   One of the most wild and beautiful areas of Greece.

2. 2

   Caves of Diros

   one hour Admission not included

   A vast cave structure which is experienced from an expertly guided boat. The lighting and variety of rock formations and formations of stalagmites and stalactites lit with sympathetic lighting make you appreciate the passage of time.

3. 3

   Areopoli

   one hour

   One of the typical stone-built towns where Pirates were a permanent threat.

4. 4

   Archaeological Site of Mystra

   1 h 20 min Admission not included

   The famous Byzantine Castletown with the fantastic views of Sparta and the Lakonic olive groves.

Overnight at Sparta or Mystras. Quality accommodation at each location; is determined at the time of booking.

Day 4 · Ancient Olympia & mountain villages of Arcadia

1. 1

   Archaeological Site of Olympia

   2 hours Admission not included

   After a great breakfast in one of the best hotels of your tour, we head to Ancient Olympia which hosted the original Olympic Games, founded in the 8th century B.C. Its extensive ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium, and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   1 h 20 min

   OPTION: In size, form, and preservation, Ancient Messene is one of the most important cities of antiquity and one that still has a great deal to offer. It boasts not only religious and public buildings, but also imposing fortifications, houses, and funerary monuments. You have the option to add this site [@extra cost] or include it as an alternative to Ancient Olympia.

3. 3

   Dimitsana

   one day

   OPTION: The Arcadia mountain villages where you overnight on day 4 (halfway of this tour) are an ideal location if you like to spend an extra night (and day) and still explore locally since there is a lot to see plus is a great location and accommodation.

Above the river, with a balcony facing a canyon is what your guesthouse will offer you plus great hospitality & quality!

Day 5 · Cave of Lakes, Odontotos Rack Railway, Delphi

1. 1

   Kastria Cave of the Lakes

   one hour Admission not included

   We climb down one mountain range only to climb up another and visit THE MYTHICAL 'CAVE OF THE LAKES'. It has something exclusively unique that does not exist in other well-known caves. A rare creation of nature with mysterious galleries and strange stalactite formations.

2. 2

   Odontotos Rack Railway

   one hour Admission not included

   About 120 years ago Odontotos rack railway started from the seaside town of Diakopto parallel to the river and climbed to Kalavrita through bridges and tunnels. The little train incorporated so well into the natural environment that it seemed that it had always been there. The way it was constructed did not put a strain on the ecosystem of the gorge. Using stone and wood from the area the technicians' work is so perfect that someone may think that the nature worked on its own. You will first enjoy one of the best lunches of this tour, and hopefully, you will stay awake during the train ride.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   10 min

   Heading towards Delphi we shall cross the Rio–Antirrio Bridge. One of the world's longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth linking the Peloponnese peninsula to the mainland Greece by road.

4. 4

   Stop 4

   1 h 30 min Admission not included

   The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, one of the most important in Greece, exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary, the site of the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections are comprised primarily of architectural sculptures, statues, and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. The famous Charioteer belonged to a statuary complex of a chariot run by four horses and included a second male figure. The Sphinx of the Naxians, dated to 560 BC, comprises one of the earliest representations in art of the demonic creature with a lion's body, bird's wings, and a woman's head.

After exploring Delphi & a long day we'll overnight at a great location away from the tourist traps of the Delphi area.

Day 6 · Ioannina city & Lake , Itskale Othoman Castle

1. 1

   Ioannina Region

   2 hours

   This is a long trip to reach the northwest of Greece and Ioannina city, the Jewel of North/Western Greece. There will be many locations to enjoy a coffee break and stretch your legs before arriving at Ioannina. This is an elegant town with a long multicultural history and a beautiful lake which is the trademark of the city.

2. 2

   Ioannina Castle

   one hour

   You will immediately be captivated by the legends of Ali Pasha – the onetime Ottoman ruler of the city, by the narrow streets of the Castle district, and by the beauty of the lake.

3. 3

   Silversmithing Museum

   20 min Admission not included

   It is a thematic museum, as it concerns the technology of silversmithing during the pre-industrial period, while simultaneously being a regional museum, as it focuses principally on the history of silversmithing in the region of Epirus. Finely crafted objects with ornate details, such as jewelry, arms and martial gear, household silverware, and personal effects feature in this collection.

4. 4

   Lake Pamvotis

   one hour

   The island in the middle of Ioannina's lake (called Pamvotida) is a lovely place to spend a sunny afternoon or drive to the mountain viewpoints that to enjoy the whole area of the city, lake, island, and surrounding mountains.

Beautiful hotel, & an amazing location to enjoy the city, the castle, & the lake in the evenings! Our day 6&7 location.

Day 7 · Zagorochoria: Aristi, Papigo, Monodendri, Stone Forest, Kipoi & Stone Bridges

1. 1

   Zagorohoria

   2 hours

   From Ioannina, a winding road we'll take you to the western Zagorochoria villages. You’ll know you’ve reached the west Zagori area when you see the dominating Astraka cliff towers covering the famous villages of Aristi, Megalo (big) Papigo, and Mikro (small) Papigo. When we meet the Aristi village bridge we will have the chance to approach the banks of the Voidomatis river.

2. 2

   Papingo Rock Pools

   30 min

   Another wonderful hiking area is Kolymbithres (Rock Pools), 500 m from Papigo. It's a small canyon cut by the river Rogovo where the flow of the water has carved the rocky sides of the canyon, creating a beautiful landscape. Some of the water pools are deep enough to dive into.

3. 3

   Mikro Papigko

   one hour

   Mikro Papigo is amphitheatrically built on the steep slopes of Mt Timfy and approximately 3 km further up from Megalo Papigo (also to stop and visit). Apart from the scenery, the village itself has a remarkable beauty with cobblestone alleys typical of the Zagorian architecture.

4. 4

   Monodendri

   30 min

   Monodendri is a designated traditional settlement (altitude 1.060 m), with stone houses and picturesque cobble roads, where the Rizario Centre of Handicrafts, with traditional embroidery weavings, operates. The village is located at the entrance of the Vikos Gorge.

5. 5

   Stone Forest

   30 min

   he Stone Forest is a composition of limestone so chiseled that you think you see trees made of stone. Time and nature have essentially created a majestic forest of stones formed by structures of fine-grained limestone. But, “Stone Forest” is also an area that is a beautiful spot for breathtaking views of the Vikos Gorge.

6. 6

   Stop 6

   30 min

   OPTIONAL: We will be exploring East Zagorochoria villages where even more, impressive than the architecture of the local houses- are the stone bridges that we will meet. The local rivers have wonderful single and triple-arch stone bridges.

7. 7

   Dilofo

   30 min

   OPTIONAL: Dilofo, one of the most picturesque and well-preserved villages of Epirus, is one of the 46 villages of Zagorochoria.

Same location & accommodation as day 6. Ideally placed to allow you to explore without much use of your limited energy!

Day 8 · Metsovo town, Vergina and a first visit of Meteora

1. 1

   Metsovo

   30 min

   Metsovo is a town in the mountains of Pindus, between Ioannina to the west and Meteora to the east. This tree-shaded village is full of life throughout the year generously offering its natural surrounding beauties. Particularly during winter, the famous village is the beloved holiday destination. The settlement’s heart beats in the central square; the most famous one in mountainous Greece. Metsovo is also well-known for its cheeses – a wide variety of cheeses are available and the cheeses are exported throughout Greece. The town will be our “stepping stone” from Ioannina and it is the ideal place to make a stop for coffee.

2. 2

   Museum of the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina)

   one hour Admission not included

   We drive on to reach Vergina and to experience the unique Museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. Admire the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander's father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century.

3. 3

   Meteora

   30 min

   Time permitting (but this is our plan!), we shall drive south to reach Meteora and the famous monasteries for a possible first visit in the late afternoon but ready to explore the following morning.

Subject to availability, we overnight right next to the monasteries with a view of the famous rocks.

Day 9 · Meteora monasteries, Thermopylae Battlefield and back to Athens

1. 1

   Stop 1

   one hour Admission not included

   We shall be visiting two of the monasteries that are open on a specific day. The gigantic rocks of Meteora dominate imposingly over Kalampaka town. This masterpiece of nature reveals all its glory for centuries as a unique geological phenomenon in beauty and an important monument of Orthodoxy. The Great Meteoron Monastery, built on an imposing rock, is the oldest, the biggest, and the most important among the monasteries of Meteora which are preserved today.

2. 2

   Varlaam Monastery

   40 min Admission not included

   In 1350 a daring ascetic named Varlaam ascended to the rock. The monastery was named after him. He built three churches, a small cell, and a water tank. After his death, the rock remained abandoned for about 200 years until 1517 when the two priest monks started to construct the first buildings from the beginning.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   45 min Admission not included

   Probably the most photographed monastery. According to historical sources Holy Trinity must have been built between 1458 and 1476.

4. 4

   Campo della battaglia delle Termopili

   15 min

   We take a break at the Thermopylae battlefield location with King Leonidas' statue. The Battle of Thermopylae was fought between an alliance of Greek city-states, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, and the Persian Empire of Xerxes I over the course of three days, in 480 BC.

5. 5

   Pelion

   one day

   OPTIONAL: "The Perfect Corner of Greece; the Pelion Peninsula". An option to consider and add an extra day/night that will allow you to visit the Pelion area after Meteora!

   The Pelion peninsula is where the Greeks thought their gods came on holiday. You will climb up 1,500 meters in a matter of a few Km. Full of streams and rivers it's very lush, something which apple, apricot, and chestnut growers have taken advantage of. An off-the-beaten-path location for most tourists overlooking the Aegean Sea! Google it!

   The "balcony to the Aegean Sea"!

   Home of the centaurs of Greek Mythology. The most famous composite creatures of antiquity [half-men and half-horse].

   Google it!!!

6. 6

   Stop 6

   2 hours

   Expect to be back in Athens around 5 pm. You can optionally be dropped off at your cruise ship or even the airport.