3-Day Private Peloponnese Tour from Athens to the medieval city of Monemvasia

Driving for about an hour we reach our first stop at Corinth Canal. The Canal is an awe-inspiring and man-made engineering miracle, six and a half km long, separating the Aegean Sea from the Ionian Sea. Because of its width, only small and narrow cargo and cruise ships still make a voyage through the canal regularly.

The site today, first excavated in 1892 CE by the Greek Archaeological Service, is dominated by the Doric peripteral Temple of Apollo (c. 550-530 BCE). The majority of the other surviving buildings date from the 1st century CE in the Roman era and include a large forum, a temple to Octavia, baths, the Bema where St. Paul addressed the Corinthians and the Asklepeion temple to Asclepius.

the stunning Sanctuary of Asclepios at Epidaurus, a UNESCO listed site. The theatre of Epidaurus represents the finest and best-preserved example of a classical Greek theatre. At the site, you will visit: the vast ancient theatre (you can practice its notorious acoustics); the Tholos; the Stoa of Abaton; the Stadium and the on-spot Museum.

known for its fish and seafood, and where we will enjoy our fresh Greek lunch. Next is a UNESCO site, the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns, the kingdom of famous Agamemnon, leader of the Greek army at Homer’s Iliad epic poem. The archaeological sites of Mycenae and Tiryns are the imposing ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization, which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th century B.C. Mycenae entrance is through the imposing Lion Gates, you walk by the graves of kings and the cyclopean architecture of Treasury of Atreus. A really powerful site.

Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece, the former first capital of the country, built in neoclassical architecture with narrow cobblestone alleys and surrounded by three formidable castles. You will walk on the main Syntagma Square with two old Turkish mosques, many cafes and little taverns and stroll at the promenade overlooking Bourtzi castle.

town of Nafplion, with preserved architectural character and the two castles, Acronafplia and Palamidi. Next, we will depart for a 2-hour ride to Sparta. Modern city Sparta is built in the exact spot where ancient Sparta was. You pay tribute to the Tomb of Leonidas, or Leonidion, a 5th century BC monument, where according to tradition the remains of Leonidas have been buried. Walk at the Archaeological Site with the Spartan Acropolis where you will admire the Late Roman Wall surrounding the hill of the citadel, the Agora, the temple of Athena, one of the largest Roman theatres, a 10th century A.D. Basilica and the dedicated museum. The view from the top of the Acropolis with the city of Sparta on the left and the imposing Mt Taygetos on the right is astounding.

fossil olive leaves, 50,000-60,000 years old, and get inspired by culture, history and technology of the Greek olive oil and soap production through the centuries.

shingly well-preserved medieval town, built-in 1209 AC. Mystras is perched on the slope of Taygetos, 5 km from the city of Sparta. A labyrinth of stone streets leads to beautiful Byzantine churches, to impressive fortifications with the citadel, to the Byzantine palaces, the mansions, the churches and monasteries all influenced by splendid Constantinople’s architecture. Your driver will get you to the top of the Geoffrey of Villehardouin Castle in Mystras with the stunning view. Last drive of the day and overnight stay in Monemvasia at Hotel Byzantino Monemvasia or Liotrivi(depending on availability).

lt on rocks and is surrounded by the Aegean Sea. Plenty of free time to feel the medieval atmosphere, to gaze at the blue sea and take stunning photos.

an impressive cavern, one of the top ten of Greece’s most important caves. Clay objects and human bones have been found there attesting to ancient civilizations, while the cave itself is a rainbow of colours from green and blue to yellow and red, full of stalactites and stalagmites.

Full of beautiful experiences, we head back to Athens and drive you to your hotel or airport.