Best of Greece: 7-Day Tour to Real Greece of the Peloponnese, Delphi and Meteora, Unique Locations plus Authentic Food & Drink
€5,900
It’s a tour for the experienced traveler that can easily leave behind the feel of the safety and easy solution of the big noisy city (Athens) for the magic of real Greece and an experience not to ever forget.
Privately, you explore the best of Greece the way locals only do. Staying from an ancient castle to a modern gorgeous resort to a mountainside boutique treasure, all with views to die for. This tour is made to exceed your expectations. Here is a quick overview list of places to google/research before making up your mind.
☼ Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Nafplio town, Epidaurus, and optionally Ancient Corinth.
☼ Monemvasia castle. A medieval castle town located on a small island linked to the mainland by a short causeway.
☼ Mani peninsula; a dramatic coastline of sleepy fishing coves and fortified villages plus Diros Caves (optional) or abandoned Vatheioa village with amazing views.
☼ Mystras Byzantine Castletown & Sparta of King Leonidas and his 300 warriors. The Olive & Olive Oil Museum in Sparta (optional).
☼ The Cave of Lakes and the Odontotos rack railway. Rion largest suspended bridge and Galaxidi town.
☼ The Archaeological Site and Museum of Delphi with its famous Oracle.
☼ Meteora Monasteries.
Like all our multiday tours, this real Greek experience has an authentic and very flexible itinerary and is best suited for flexible people too. We can adjust and even add locations depending on your pace and good communication. So, do let us know as much as possible about yourselves (likes/dislikes, etc) and we’ll make this tour a great experience!
Duration: 7 days – 6 nights Language: English Departure: 8:00 a.m. from Athens or Nafplio
You can book this tour online now. The pricing shown is for 1 or 2 people (not per person).
For more pricing details & options please see the “Pricing” tab below or Contact Us to get a quote for more than two people. And … don’t forget to select the tour “Start Date” before “Adding to the cart”!
Ideal tour for those looking to visit some amazing sites without wasting time driving in & out of Athens, but instead overnight & enjoy beautiful, authentic “Greek” locations like Sparta & Mystras, Monemvasia, Nafplio town and Dimitsana village. All with great accommodation that you can’t experience in the big cities. For up to 7 (related only) people but we can do bigger groups too as long as you are related.
DAY 1: Corinth Canal – Mycenae – Nafplio – Epidaurus
At your hotel, meet your private driver/tour leader for your 8:00 a.m. departure. On a short trip of no more than 1 hour, you enter the Mythical Peloponnese through the Corinth Canal for this “real Greece” experience.
Nafplio town – Sunset from Palamidi Fortress
The Corinth canal is the first stop and then on to MYCENAE home to some of Greece’s most famous ancient ruins. Wander around the site & museum before hopping back in the vehicle and exploring the “old town” of NAFPLIO, the famous Venetian fortress of Palamidi with its 999 steps. Then head to EPIDAURUS, home to an ancient, beautifully preserved theater. Overnight at probably the most beautiful Greek town, Nafplio.
DAY 2: Monemvasia Castletown via the Coastline & Parnon’s Mountain Range of East Peloponnese
Starting from Nafplio, our destination is Monemvasia but -should you agree too- taking not the fast/shorter motorway route but exploring the glorious coastline of the East Peloponnese before climbing up the mountain range with several stops and lunch on the way. Late afternoon and the evening is dedicated to the Monemvasia castle where you will spend the night (if you book early enough to secure one of the great guesthouses) enjoying the magic atmosphere, the views of the castle, and the water, plus food & drink. MONEMVASIA town/castle is located on a small island linked to the mainland by a short causeway. The town walls and many Byzantine churches remain from the medieval period.
If you don’t make a last-minute booking overnight will be inside the atmospheric Monemvasia castle-town.
DAY 3: The Mani Peninsula, Sparta, and Mystras
Leaving behind Monemvasia, there will be a long great day in the MANI Peninsula, one of the wildest and most beautiful areas of Greece. A dramatic coastline of sleepy fishing coves and fortified villages like the beautiful Oitilo, Gerolimenas & Limeni. The amazing DIROS caves that you will optionally explore with a guide and a boat. Alternatively, you can skip the caves and opt for more exploring of the Mani landscape as far as Vatheia; a small settlement of stone towers and abandoned houses that became a ghost village, but in recent years, it has become one of the must-see destinations in the Mani Peninsula. Next is lunch in one of the stone-built villages where Pirates were a permanent threat.
Next is SPARTA, the ancient rival of Athens known for its fierce warriors! Wandering around the byzantine castle town of MYSTRAS is probably the highlight of the day. Wandering around the byzantine castle town of MYSTRAS is probably the highlight of the day. Mystras, the best-preserved example of a medieval walled town in the Greek region, is today a standing ghost city that fascinates the visitor with its castle, churches, and the palatial complex of the ruling Byzantine dynasty, bearing witness to its bygone greatness.
Overnight at lively Sparta or Mystras.
DAY 4
Option 1: Ancient Olympia and finish at the mountain villages of Arcadia
Breakfast and a morning visit to Sparta for the statue of King Leonidas and his famous 300 warriors. Then a 1h.30′ drive to ancient OLYMPIA to walk through the impressive ruins of the area where athletes trained and ran in the old stadium, just as ancient Olympians did after victory 3,000 years ago. See the temple of Hera and some unbelievable sculptures such as the statue of Zeus and the Hermes of Praxiteles. The city has the rare advantage of not having been destroyed or covered by later settlements. Ruins that have withstood the test of time and remain standing for travelers to marvel at.
Next, we carry on towards the Arcadia mountain range past Lagadia, the hometown of the best stone builders in Greece to end up in the mountain air and the view of Lousios gorge from DIMITSANA & STEMNITSA villages at 3,000 ft altitude. We overnight in a great stone-built guesthouse and explore the beautiful village before or after dinner.
This is the location where you can optionally consider spending an extra day&night to relax and also locally explore the villages and the cliff-hanging monasteries.
Option 2: Ancient Messene (not Mycenae!) and finish at the mountain villages of Arcadia
In size, form, and preservation, Messene is one of the most important cities of antiquity, and one which still has a great deal to offer. It boasts not only religious and public buildings, but also imposing fortifications, houses, and funerary monuments.
From the spectacular remains uncovered through excavation – mostly in the last thirty years or so – it has become clear that Messene prospered and thrived until well into the Roman period.
The city has the rare advantage of not having been destroyed or covered by later settlements and of being situated in an untouched Mediterranean natural environment par excellence. This landscape combines the mountainous majesty of Delphi and the lowland riverine tranquillity of Olympia,
Yes, we can all agree that the alternative (option 1) is “Ancient Olympia” and a must-visit. However, for some, Ancient Messene is -maybe- only second best to the Acropolis and the Parthenon. But still even better for the visitor because of the size and the numerous findings! It is simply not so well-known and visited because of its remote location which is not an issue for this multi-day tour!
DAY 5: Cave of Lakes, Kalavrita Mountain Village for the Odontotos Rack railway, Rion Bridge, and Delphi
Normally, we will start with breakfast in the mountain air and the view of the Lousios gorge before driving and crossing the mountains to visit the CAVE OF LAKES. Lunch at a village on the top of the mountain range before boarding the ODONTOTOS rack railway from the top of the mountain and through the gorge to the coastline. Back in the car to cross the Rio-Antirio huge bridge over the Corinthian Gulf and approach Delphi ready to explore the next day. Lunch in the mountains will be a great experience.
Before riding the train you will enjoy an amazing lunch at a unique location. No fixed menu! Authentic Greek food, location, and people; away from the tourist traps.
When we meet again at the end of the train route (55 min) we will be driving to cross the impressive Rion bridge (and Rio Castle) -leaving the Peloponnese- and approaching Delphi for yet another great overnight location away from the tourist traps of the area around Delphi, ready to explore the next morning. Overnight at a surprise location to avoid the tourist traps of the Delphi area.
DAY 6: Delphi archeological site & museum
The Archaeological Site & Museum of DELPHI, one of the most important in Greece, exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary with the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections are comprised primarily of architectural sculptures, statues, and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. These reflect its religious, political, and artistic activities from its early years, in the eighth century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.
Again, great lunch on the way to METEORA. If there are no unexpected delays, and although not part of the normal itinerary, we shall make the first visit to the amazing monasteries’ area to get a feeling of the amazing landscape with the sun setting down. Time permitting it may be possible to even visit one of the monasteries. Totally different lighting than the morning visit to follow the next day!
DAY 7: Meteora monasteries & Thermopylae
METEORA (“suspended in the air”) was the hiding spot for the monks from the Romans. We explore two (or 3) amazing monasteries depending on your fitness and timing. We drive around the Meteora maze finding different spots to take photos and enjoy the amazing views. On the way back to Athens we stop for a great lunch & drinks always under the guidance of your tour leader.
We also stop to stretch at the battlefield of THERMOPYLAE and the famous 300 of King Leonidas of Sparta. Expect a return to Athens around 17:00 but flexible depending on your plans for the rest of the day.
☼ Private tour!
☼ Hotel/airbnb/cruiseship pickup and drop-off.
☼ Private driver/guide.
☼ Non-smoking vehicle and driver.
☼ Six-night accommodation (including breakfast), all arranged at awesome stonebuilt guesthouses and luxurious countryside hotels. It is based on double or triple occupancy depending on your group/family. Contact us if in doubt.
☼ Lunch is also included on all 7 days and at selected locations. You might discover that this is a food tour that is included … within the tour!
☼ Each person is allowed one normal size suitcase and a small carry-on bag.
☼ Full and detailed itinerary of the trip.
☼ In-car bottled water & information booklet.
☼ Evenings out transport.
☼ Flexible itinerary.
☼ Free online consultation for all aspects of your planning and staying in Greece from the first moment you book the trip or any other day or multi-day trips of Eudaimonia. We will answer all your questions based on our insider knowledge and experience (best location to stay, eating out, safety, tips, dos & donts, etc).
☼ Optional: Vegetarian lunch can be arranged in most cases. Please let us know in advance.
Total pricing for 2 persons is €5.900 (not per person). If you are a solo traveler, we will provide a small discount.
For larger groups of up to 11 (or even more) related only people (couples, groups of friends, or large families), please get in touch with us to get the best rate depending on the exact number of people and their age group. All our vehicles are brand new. For example, if 1-3 people, a typical large four-door 2022 vehicle will be used, whereas, for 3-8 people, a large 2021 minivan will be used for the trip.
PS. Payments made by Paypal are subject to an additional cost of 5%-6% (the approximate fee that Paypal charges on all transactions), and prices by Amex are subject to an additional 2.80%-3%, which the client must include in the payment or pay to Eudaimonia on the day of the booked tour. There is no extra charge if you pay by any other credit card.
From your Athens hotel, Airbnb, cruise ship (Piraeus port), Nafplio, or a pre-arranged meeting point very near to your location. For other starting locations please contact us.
Many thanks to Rocher Bros for the great video footage of the amazing Meteora monasteries, and to Around the Rings for the Ancient Olympia ceremony video.
METEORA MONASTERIES
THE ANCIENT THEATER OF EPIDAURUS
NAFPLIO OLD TOWN & PALAMIDI FORTRESS (999 STEPS)
MONEMVASIA CASTLE
THE ORACLE OF DELPHI
ANCIENT OLYMPIA FLAME CEREMONY FOR TOKYO 2020 ... 21!
[2] Visit olive oil production unit (Olive Press) for fresh olive-oil tasting and/or buying [availability from September to January]
[3] Visit Ancient Messene on the way to or from Ancient Olympia
[4] Add Ancient Corinth to the tour (day 1)
Please contact us for details and pricing. Not all add-ons can be included in all tours either because of time limitations (daylight time, closing times of sites) or because of the time of the year, etc. Some add-ons require an earlier starting time than the typical 8:00 a.m. pick-up.
You can always consider the extensive version of the Peloponnese tour which includes a couple more sites plus Hydra island:
☼ All our tours include lunch and drinks and all multiday tours include quality accommodation. Professional guide, dinner (on multiday tours), and tickets to the sites are not included. You can read more about why we have these inclusions and exclusions.
☼ Children must be accompanied by an adult.
☼ Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not suitable for people with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
☼ We are flexible and the duration of the tour is flexible, so there is no rushing during the tour except when there are specific restrictions (like not to miss the closing time of the sites during off-season).
☼ If our agency cancels due to bad weather or any other extreme last-minute situation, you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund.
‘Eudaimonia’ is the trading name of Eudaimonia Private Tours of Greece, a tour provider officially registered under the Greek National Tourism Organization with business license number: 1245E70000044101. The ‘client’ or ‘customer’ is the person or persons who have made a confirmed booking with Eudaimonia.
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR TOURS AND SERVICES
(A) Cancellation Policy for the day or half-day tours or transfers:
☼ Cancellations made greater than 40 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be fully refunded minus expenses and/or services fees.
☼ Cancellations made between 30 to 40 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be refunded 80% of the agreed total tour fee.
☼ Cancellations made between 20 to 5 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be refunded 50% of the agreed total tour fee.
☼ Cancellations made 5 days prior to the scheduled tour date will incur a 100% charge.
Additionally to the above but after the 40-day full refund period, all of Eudaimonia’s expenses agreed upon through the email exchange of communication concerning the day or half-day tours or transfers, such as site tickets or train tickets or bookings for the client (train/ boat tickets, wine tasting, restaurants, etc) will be deducted from the amount to be refunded.
Finally, a service fee of 8% (of the total amount agreed) will also be deducted from any refundable amount including the 40-day full refund case. This corresponds to the time spent on the client’s booking.
(B) Cancellation Policy for multi-day tours:
☼ Cancellations made greater than 60 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be fully refunded minus expenses and/or services fees as mentioned below.
☼ Cancellations made between 60 to 30 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be refunded 80% of the agreed total tour fee minus expenses and/or services fees.
☼ Cancellations made between 30 to 20 days prior to the scheduled tour date will be refunded 50% of the agreed total tour fee minus expenses and/or services fees.
☼ Cancellations made 20 days prior to the scheduled tour date will incur a 100% charge.
Additionally to the above but after the 60-day full refund period, all of Eudaimonia’s expenses agreed upon through the email exchange of communication concerning any multiday tour, such as site tickets, train tickets,hotels booked for the client, and other bookings (like wine tasting, restaurants, etc), will be deducted from any amount to be refunded after the initial 60-day full refund period. This will be an amount of 25%-30% of the total tour cost.
Finally, a service fee of 15% of the total amount agreed will also be deducted from any refundable amount including the 60-day full refund case. This corresponds to the time spent on the client’s booking.
(C) Special client-specific arrangements/agreements:
It is possible that there will be client-specific payments & bookings (full or partial) agreed upon through e-mail communication mentioned -for example- as “non-refundable”. Then, these client-specific agreements will precede any other interpretations made from this cancellation policy, and it is only at Eudaimonia’s discretion to refund fully, partly, or not at all, even under certain conditions including “Force Majeure”. Therefore, it is the specific written (email) agreement between each client and Eudaimonia that can only precede this main cancellation policy -if it is different- and determines the agreed cancellation policy for each client.
D) Other issues:
Eudaimonia reserves the right to make subtle changes to tour itineraries. Eudaimonia reserves the right to substitute vehicles and/or drivers should they arise. Eudaimonia reserves the right to change or cancel your booking in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. Should change and/or cancellation prove necessary we will give you reasonable notice thereof, in the circumstances, & where available, offer you a comparable alternative. If an alternative is not available or acceptable you will be entitled to either a full refund or monies paid by you to us or you can transfer to another Eudaimonia tour without payment of any transfer fee.
Eudaimonia encourages all clients to communicate as early as possible concerning cancellation issues which can allow the agency to offer a better refund – partial or full- to a client despite the standard policy described in this document. This is a decision to be made entirely by Eudaimonia in an effort to better serve the client.
Eudaimonia itineraries are flexible, and if possible, the requirements of clients will be facilitated. Eudaimonia reserves the right to vary, modify or cancel any itinerary, either partly or wholly. Itineraries published are sample itineraries only and may be amended without notice. Eudaimonia also reserves the right to use alternative vehicles to those advertised.
Eudaimonia is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or rescheduling of any tour departure.
Dietary requirements must be requested from clients and forwarded at the time of booking or at least one week before the tour.
Bookings can only be used by the client/s to whom the booking was initially arranged; no other person can use the booking in any circumstances.
The client may also be asked to produce a valid photo or/and passport number identification.
Eudaimonia strongly recommends that the client purchases travel insurance.
VALIDITY & DISPUTES
Any disputes will be resolved by the Greek legal system and its laws without the need for any arbitration.
The Client agrees to all the above when booking any of Eudaimonia’s tours and services.
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