3 days

Private

About this activity

Ideal combination for those looking to visit these long distance sites without wasting time driving for several hours.

Day1: Mountain Villages: Meet your private driver/guide for your 8:00 a.m. departure. In a short trip of no more than 2 1/2 hours you arrive at the center of Peloponnese for this “real Greece” experience. Corinth canal is the first stop and then on to Dimitsana & Stemnitsa villages at 3,000 ft altitude. Explore the gorge, Lousios river, a couple of cliff hanging monasteries and let you private driver/guide treat you to a typical Greek lunch in a non touristy location surrounded by locals. Also visit the water powered Museum and ancient Gortys before relaxing at a great strone built guesthouse. Enjoy an evening walk and dinner at the village of Dimitsana and charge your batteries for ...

Day2: Olympia, Mystras & Sparta: Start with breakfast in the mountain air and the view of Lousios gorge, before a 1h.20' drive to ancient Olympia past Lagadia, the home town of the best stonebuiders. Walk though the impressive ruins of the area where athletes trained and run in the ancient stadium; just as ancient Olympians did after victory, 3,000 years ago. In front of the Temple of Hera burns the Olympic Flame during modern day Olympic Games. Visit the the world famous museum and get the chance to see some unbelievable sculptures such as the temple of Zeus and the famous Hermes of Praxiteles.

Tour the monuments of the archaeological site, including the former gymnasium and Palaestra, stadium, hotel & crypt. Let you imagination run to the times that Greece’s finest athletes strove to honor the gods through the Olympic ideal. Lunch ... and next is Sparta; the ancient rival of Athens and known for her fierce warriors! Wander around the byzantine castle-town of Mystras (next to Sparta) and sense through the silence the city's sheer grandeur: the Palace of the Despots, the beautiful Cathedral of Saint Dimitrios and the impressive Monasteries of Pantanassa, and Perivleptos. Overnight at lively Sparta or Mystras only 90 min from Mycenae.

Day3: Mycenae, Nafplio, Epidaurus: Mycenae (Unesco-listed), is home to some of Greece’s most famous ancient ruins. Wander around the site and accompanying museum before hopping back in the vehicle and visiting the beautiful port town of Nafplio town, the first capital of Greece and famous for its historic architecture. Visit the famous Venetian fortress of Palamidi and optionally, walk down the 999 steps enjoying the most amazing views. Walk through the beautiful narrow streets of the old town. Enjoy another traditional Greek lunch before returning to your vehicle and making way to Epidaurus, home to an ancient, beautifully preserved theater. Discover the landmark at your leisure.

Once you’ve finished your explorations, return to your private vehicle and head back to Athens in a just over 1 hour drive.

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Included

Completely private!! No strangers in the same vehicle as your group!
A great tour for 1-7 related people (families, couples, friends, solo travelers are very welcome)
Brand new 2017 vehicle: For 2-3 people (5 door vehicle) or 3-7 related people (luxurious minivan)
Non smoking vehicle and driver/guide
Always a highlight of this organizer's private tour is the authentic lunch, treat of your guide on all days and in non touristy locations with local people.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
In the car wifi, tour information booklet, snacks and bottled water
Each person is allowed one normal size suitcase and one small carry on bag
Mobile phone (local number) to instantly communicate with your driver/guide at any times you self explore
Optional 4 day - 3 night tour will include:
ancient Messene
the archaeological site of Bassae and the temple of Apollo Epikourios
Please enquire with the tour operator after your booking
Breakfast
Lunch
Bottled water
Coffee and/or Tea

Not included

Pickup and drop-off in areas outside of Athens or Nafplio
Excess luggage not allowed
Entrance fees to the sites; Olympia (€12), Water Power museum (€3), ancient Messene (€12), Mystras (€12), Mycenae (€12/), Palamidi fortress at €8) & Epidaurus at (€12). Half price during off season: 1.November-31.March
Dinner (but your guide will let you know the best places to eat out)
Professional guide (but can be arranged at each location)
Shopping & touristy stops unless required by your group
Gratuities

Additional

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
Ideal tour for both summer and winter with great mountainous scenery and personalized service
Olympia & Sparta are a long drive from Athens but this tour's itinerary will make it look very relaxing and easy
After your booking, please provide sufficient information about all the people included in the tour, so that accommodation and all activities can be the best way possible (vegetarian, age groups, couples, children, etc)
You will experience not only the famous Unesco sites (Olympia, Mystras, Mycenae & Epidaurus) but also non touristy Greece, people, food & drink, hospitality and spontaneity
A minimum of 1 and a maximum of 7 related only people per booking
Oversized or excessive luggage is strictly not allowed for this 3-day tour
Children (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult
If you are open to suggestions, you will experience facets of local Greek culture, food, and drink, as a local would
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate