Peloponnese Road Tour Itinerary 2022
Our Peloponnese tour has been curated with our intimate knowledge so that you see the best that Greece has to offer, on the road less travelled! Starting in the sunny Corinthian district and winding its way through mountain ranges to the sea you will experience a range of cultural and historical highlights.
Stop 1 - Corinthia
Spend the first few days relaxing on the Corinthian Gulf, the local holiday hotspot for Athenians. With miles of beach cafes and restaurants you can sit back and relax in front of the brilliant blue water and let us show you the Ancient Greek ruins in the surrounding Sicyon region. These ruins are still virtually untouched by tourists and Archeologists alike. We will also visit the Corinth Canal and have a traditional meal in our small hometown village.
Stop 2 - Ancient Corinth
Visiting Ancient Corinth and the Acrocorinth above is a must do for any history buff. One of the most important cities of the Ancient world, ruins still stand and have been excavated to give a real sense of what life would have once been like for the famous personalities such as Diogenes the Cynic and the Apostle Paul who resided there. The towering Acrocorinth above is a medieval fortification which lends itself to spectacular views and a fascinating walk through the impressive walls towering above. The Museum located on-site in Ancient Corinth is nicely curated and worth investigating as there are many well preserved Roman and Greek sculptures, pottery and art.
Stop 3 - Nemea Wine region /Ancient Nemean Historical Sites
On the last day of your stay in Kiato we will travel through the 'Corinth Wine Road' with tastings at 2 wineries and an organised lunch at a winery in the Nemean region. We have the option to visit Ancient Nemea where the original Panhellenic Games were held after the legendary Heracles slayed the ferocious Nemean Lion as part of his 12 labours. You can visit the temple ruins and run the well preserved athletic track if you would like to work off your lunch.
Stop 4 - Kalavrita
This morning we say goodbye to Corinthia and drive to Diakopto where we will board the old cog railway to Kalavrita. This train ride takes us on a rack and pinion railway through the amazing Vouraikos Gorge to Kalavrita, a pretty town in the mountains who's population was devastated by the Nazi occupation during World War Two. After a brief visit to a memorial for the victims of the Massacre of Kalavryta we will continue on to lunch at a riverside restaurant nearby at Planitero, famous for trout. After our meal we will arrive in the town of Dimitsana positioned at the entrance to the spectacular Lousios Gorge.
Stop 5 - Dimitsana
Dimitsana is a secluded and picturesque town in the centre of the Peloponnese. It's old world charm allows you to step back in time when you wander through the mansion-lined cobblestone streets and drink coffee at the old Kafenion overlooking the spectacular gorge. During the Greek War of Independence Dimitsana played an important role in the revolution with its gunpowder mills. Home to the first library in Greece a large part of its library's books were destroyed, as Greek warriors used the pages to package the gunpowder that won their independence from Turkish rule. For this reason Dimitsana has been called "The Nation's powder keg".
Stop 6 - Loussios Gorge and Monastries
We will visit the Loussios Gorge where the Monastery of the Philosopher and St John are clinging precariously to the side of cliff faces. The Philosphou Monastery was founded in 967 AD and served as a way to secretly educate and preserve greek culture and religious customs while under occupation by the Ottomans. When arriving at the monastery you may be provided with some traditional Greek Coffee and a sweet by a friendly Orthodox Priest who will allow you to quietly look around the grounds and observe some of the old religious paintings inside an old prayer room dug out of the cliff.
Stop 7 - Sparta
Today we leave Dimitsana and slowly meander our way through quaint villages and countryside to Mystras, a Unesco World Heritage Byzantine town built in 1249 above Sparta. We will stop and have coffee or lunch at some of these cute towns. On the road to Mystra you may observe the ruins of Megalopolis, an ancient city left to decay with little fanfare, creating an odd juxtaposition with the billowing coal plants in the background. When we arrive you will enjoy the boutique accomodation which has a small pool to cool off in and many spots to admire the famous valley of Sparta while enjoying a sunset drink.
Byzantine city of Mystras
Mystras was considered the ‘wonder of the Morea’ in Medieval times and it's not hard to understand why today. This bustling town developed down the hillside from a fortress built in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, at the top of a 620 m high hill overlooking Sparta. The Franks surrendered the castle to the Byzantines in 1262 and it became the centre of Byzantine power in southern Greece. Since then it has been ruled by Despots, Turks and the Venetians. As the centre of Byzantine power, Mystras quickly attracted inhabitants and institutions including many monasteries, churches, libraries and palaces. The art in the city influenced Byzantine and Post-byzantine works and the city is a wonderful example of Byzantine urban design and architecture. After 1834 the inhabitants of Mystras gradually started to move to the modern town of Sparta leaving only the breath-taking medieval ruins, standing amidst the beautiful landscape.
Stop 8 - Limeni
On the way to our accomodation in Lemeni we will drive through the spectacular Taygetos Mountain Range. Hidden away in the unique region of Mani is the coastal village of Limeni. Traditional and preserved by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture it is a place where history, breathtaking views and natural beauty collide. The inviting sparking blue waters contrast with the inhospitable dry rocks, where tower houses dating from the 18th century literally hang on the edge. The Mani Peninsula has a long reputation of fierce independence, the legends say that their ancestors were the original Spartans who escaped over the mountains to avoid Roman rule. Due to their isolation the Mani people remained essentially cut off from the rest of the world, turning to piracy and being the last of the Greeks to convert from paganism to Christianity around 900 A.D. In modern times their independence and pride led to powerful families laying brutal vendettas on other clans which gave rise to the famous towers you will observe in the area. In 1878 the national government reduced the local autonomy of the Mani, and the area gradually became a backwater. It was not until the 1970s, when the construction of new roads supported the growth of the tourist industry, that the Mani began to regain population and become prosperous.
Stop 9 - Diros Caves
Today we travel to the Diros caves, a hauntingly beautiful underground wonderland. These caves contain some of the oldest burial sites discovered in Europe and are believed to have been the genesis of the mythology of Hades. Hop in a gondola and let the expert guides lead you deep underneath a watery labyrinth of caves where earliest man once dwelled and where discoveries are still being unearthed by archaeologists today.
Stop 10 - Monemvasia
This morning we will slowly drive to the romantic Monemvasia. This hidden "fortress town" is a citadel perched on a monolithic rock who's name derives from two greek words combined; moni (single) and emvasis (entrance). Once inside the walls, the houses, churches and winding alleys which were built by the Byzantines and Venetians are easily explored by foot. Without a doubt one of the great charms of Monemvasia is that there are no cars or motorbikes, due to the narrow entranceway. We suggest an early morning hike to the upper town which now lays mostly in ruins but offers interesting history as well as spectacular views of the restored village below and the glistening mediterranean sea. We will show you the swimming spot in town where you can relax and sunbake and afterwards enjoy a cocktail at one of the many lookouts which have been converted into bars. When the crowds leave at the end of the day you really feel like you have the whole town to yourself so enjoy a sunset dinner and afterwards a romantic evening stroll back to your accomodation.
Stop 11 - Kiparissi
Today we will take it easy as we meander to our 'vacation' within our vacation stopping on the way for lunch at the very small seaside village of Gerakas. We will spend 2 nights in the lovely Kyparissi, a place which is considered one of 'The Most Beautiful Villages in Greece'. Despite many write-ups in travel magazines praising its charm and beauty, Kyparissi has remained virtually untouched due to its remote location. A favourite holiday escape for those few in the know including George. H Bush, Prince Charles and the late Lady Diana, until recently Kyparissi was only accessible via boat. However, even since the construction of new roads the vast distance from any major cities means that tourists in this town are few and far between. Perhaps the biggest drawcard of this village is the serene atmosphere where you'll feel like a local... it seems like all anyone does here is swim, eat, drink and have long siestas in the warm afternoon.
Stop 12 - Nafplio
As we drive to our next stop you will be treated to majestic coastal views that we believe rival any of the Great Ocean Roads we’ve seen. Nafplion is a world apart from Kyparissi where the bustle and energy is tangible in the most popular city of the Peloponnese. The town was the capital of the First Hellenic Republic from the start of the Greek Revolution in 1821 until 1834. Historically a strategic seaport ruled by many empires, the Venetians had the greatest impact on the architecture of the town leaving behind colourful Mansions lining the cobblestone streets that lead to large open public squares. Even the Greeks recognize that Nafplio is the most beautiful of all mainland cities with Athenians flooding in on weekends to shop at the boutique stores and pose in the cafes where there is a sophisticated atmosphere. Nafplio has developed a reputation for the manufacture of traditional worry beads, the national pastime of greeks. These are not the cheap plastic tourist ones that you may see in kiosks, but exquisite works in amber, horn, and coral. It's well worth checking out the many Komboloi shops who stock an endless array of worry beads, they make great gifts! You can walk or take the taxi up to the high fortress above Nafplio where there are wonderful views or take a quick tour around the bay on one of the boats from the Port.
Stop 13 - Ancient Mycenea
Today we will travel back in time 3,600 years to the first great European Civilisation! Ancient Mycenea was a city which grew to power in 1600 BC as the seat of 'Mycenaean Greece', Many legends were born here which have influenced our culture, making it one of the most important archeological sites in Greece. In Greek mythology the city was founded by Perseus, the greek hero who slayed Medusa and other Gorgons. The great king Agamemnon who led the Greeks to war against Troy ruled the city and his golden death mask was found here. You may see a replica of the death mask and many other genuine relics unearthed in the treasuries at the world class museum located nearby. When you are about to enter the ancient ruins you will be struck by the splendour of the famous Lion Gate which is the oldest relief sculpture ever found in Europe. Despite their great influence and power, the Mycenaean civilisation mysteriously collapsed and fell into obscurity. Feel free to speculate on their demise, many legends abound, all we know for certain is that Greece was plunged into a chaos called the Greek Dark Ages which took centuries to recover from.
Stop 14 - Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and Asklepieion
The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus was dedicated to the Greek God of medicine, Asclepius and is considered by many to be the most perfect ancient Greek theatre with regard to acoustics and aesthetics. It is also remarkably well preserved and gives you a true sense of how people would have enjoyed the dramas and plays acted out thousands of years ago. If you can manage to score a spot in the centre of the theatre stage your friends should be able to hear you speaking all the way at the back of the auditorium, even with the crowds of chatting tourists milling about. At a maximum capacity of 13,000 to 14,000 spectators, the theatre hosted music, singing and dramatic games that were included in the worship of Asclepius. It was also used as a means to heal patients, since there was a belief that the observation of dramatic shows had positive effects on mental and physical health.
Stop 15 - Hydra
Today we drive to Metoxi where we will park our van and take a water taxi to the Island of Hydra. You will love this picture perfect island with plenty of donkeys but no cars allowed! We will have 2 nights here to relax. Hydra is a beautiful small island with a unique Harbour front and a gorgeous swimming spot we promise you will never forget. It was a bohemian hotspot during the 50's and 60's with many famous artists and musicians residing here. Leonard Cohen bought a house in Hydra when he was a young man and spent many of his early years living and writing his poetry there. You can find it if you search around the white washed walls, it has two big grey doors, brass handles and a bougainvillea climbing up the side. Today the island has many restaurants cafes where you can sit and watch the Euro elite disembark their multi-million dollar yachts. Keep a look out for the old laconic harbour master. You should see him walking around the port juggling incoming boats, barefooted with golden skin and an untamed beard.