Compare A Circular Tour around the Peloponnese by Epos Travel & Tours vs 14-Day Family Trip to Athens, Nafplio, Mani, and Kythira by Greeking.me

Day 1:

Distance 210 Km: about 3 hours by bus

Overnight at  Epidaurus or Nafplio or Tolo.

Departure from Athens for the  famous Canal of Isthmus  and Ancient Corinth, where we will visit the Museum of Ancient Corinth and the Archaeological site. – Then we will find ourselves in the town of Loutraki and the IRAION (Ancient sanctuary) where we will dive into the blue waters of the fantastic Lake Vouliagmeni.

Then we will drive south to the Ancient Epidaurus, the organized archaeological site of Asklepieion and the main points of interest: the Archaeological Museum, the Ancient Theater and the surrounding archaeological site (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument). During our visit we will be able to watch an Ancient Theater performance in the afternoon (Only in the summer July-Aug.) .

Our evening will be completed with dinner at a historic tavern in Lygourio.

Day 2:

Distance 110 Km: about 1 hour and 45 minutes by bus

Morning departure for Tiryns the Mycenaean acropolis with Cyclopean walls, which since 1999 has been designated by UNESCO as one of the World Cultural Heritage Monuments of Greece. A few kilometers below, opposite the Argolic Bay we will be in one of the most ancient city of Argolis, Mycenae (another UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument too), which is one of the most popular archaeological sites in Greece.

We will have to learn about its history, as it was the realm of mythical Agamemnon, and is considered to be the most important and richest palace of the Late Bronze Age. Immediately afterwards we will have a wine tasting with traditional Greek food at a winery of the Peloponnese wine roads. We will take a bath at the beach of Karathona, a beach hidden in the middle of two coves and behind the rock of Palamidi. Then we will find Nafplio , one of the most beautiful cities and the first capital of Greece.

We will be in a host of attractions and beauties: Palamidi, Bourtzi, Syntagma Square, we will walk to Akronafplia and we will be lost in narrow alleys. The day will end with dinner at Nafplion. Overnight in Nafplio or Tolo.

Day 3:

Distance 150 Km: about 2 hour and 30 minutes by bus

Departure for the coastal Arcadia, a peculiar and exciting area combining the wild beauty of the mountains and the tranquility of the crystal clear sea, the historic Kynouria. We will swim in the pearl of Tserfou a magical bay with small pebbles and crystal clear waters. Then we leave for Fokianos, passing through Leonidio, the capital of Tsakonia, an old Greek Doric tribe with a special language idiom. Fokianos bay is one of the most beautiful beaches of Greece, as it is hidden on the steep beaches of the eastern side of the Peloponnese. Then we’ll leave for … the edge of the world, the village Kyparissi.

A beautiful picturesque village hidden among the slopes of Parnonas mountain, famous for its unique tranquility. We dive into the large beaches with colorful pebbles, clear crystal waters and panoramic views of the seaside settlement. Our day will end with great food and overnight in the area.

Day 4:

Distance 100 Km: about 2 hour and 15 minutes by bus (and the boat)

Departure for the picturesque port of Gerakas, a small medieval village built on the side of the sea poured into the earth, giving the visitor rare images. Then, after a 20-minute driving, we will get to the romantic Monemvasia where we will wander in this uniquely preserved medieval castle-city with its arched alleys, churches and mansions.

Then we leave for Elafonisos, the island of the pirates, the turquoise crystal clear waters, and its beautiful beaches.

We will enjoy our swim in Simos Beach with the magnificent view to the island of Kythira and we will ride to the beautiful waterfront of the island, discovering the little secrets it hides while combining our dinner with a view to the Elafonisos or Neapolis depending on ships schedules. Overnight at Elafonisos or Neapolis.

Day 5:

Overnight at Aeropolis area.

Distance 280 Km: about 5 hours and 45 minutes by bus

Departure for Sparta, the glorious ancient city of Peloponnese, the city of Tindareos, the Dioscuri, Menelaos and the beautiful Helen, the city of Leonidas. Unfortunately, today there is not much left of the famous city of heroes. Fanatic European Catholic priests destroyed in the 18th Century what was left of the earthquakes and the wear of time.

The first stop is the enchanting castle of Mystras site (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument), where from the top of the hill will descend the narrow corridors and the streets of the castle-city, we will visit the Byzantine churches, the palace of Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperors.

Then we will visit the city of Sparta, the river Evrotas, the statue of Leonidas and the archaeological site.

Then we depart for Gytheion which is the largest and one of the most beautiful cities of the Mani. There will have a walk on the dock of the city and the isle of Kranai, where Paris and the beautiful Helen spent their first night, before sailing for Troy.

Departure for Cape Tainaron located in the middle leg of the Peloponnese peninsula – Visit the small temple of Poseidon, which also functioned as a necromancy once. The cave inside the temple is said to link Down with the Upper World. Following a good path we will reach the lighthouse, built in 1882 by the French, and dominates the Cape Tainaron, which is said to be the 2ond southernmost tip of Continental Europe.

Then we will depart for Areopolis. We will walk to the traditional part of the settlement and admire the towers, followed by dinner at a local tavern at Aeropolis or in the beautiful Limeni, a seaside village of Mani.

Day 6:

Distance 100 Km: about 1 hour and 50 minutes by bus

First we visit first the stunning Diros Cave with its extremely beautiful and exquisite caves . We get in the boats to do a  boat tour  5000 meters of subterranean caves boat trip  lasting 30 minutes and 10 minute walk. One of the most beautiful lake caves in the world. The crystal-studded stalactites (the ones hanging from the ceilings like icicles) and stalagmites (the ones rising from the cave’s floor) are spectacular, in shades of rose, green, amber, black, blood red, and purple.

Departure for the Messinian Mani and Kalamata, a really gorgeous city, the capital of the district of Messenia. We Stop at Stoupa for a swim in the sandy beach of Kalogria and a dive in the fabulous bay of Phoneas gorge. We are close to  Kardamili, a beautiful seaside village of Messinian Mani, famous for its rich traditional cuisine. Then we will visit the beautiful city of Kalamata and some of its worth visiting sites: the castle, the Old Town, Ypapanti Square, the 23rd March Square, the port of Kalamata as well as the Railway Municipal Park.

We will take a bath at the beach of Kalamata, dinner at a local tavern and overnight in Kalamata or Petalidi, another seaside town.

Day 7:

Distance 150 Km: about 2 hours and 20 minutes by bus

Departure for Polylimnio, a complex of many lakes and waterfalls created due to the rough terrain. We will enjoy our bathing in the waterfalls, and then we will depart for the beautiful Koroni, with the imposing castle, the picturesque narrow streets, the traditional houses and the wonderful sea. Koroni has been recognized by UNESCO as an emblematic community in the Mediterranean Diet. There will be food in Vounaria, in a lovely tavern.

Next stop is Finikounda, a big fishing village. Methoni is a beautiful picturesque town where we will visit the well-preserved medieval castle with its high walls and the famous Bourtzi islet with the two-storey octagonal tower. During our visit to the beautiful Pylos, a small town built in the bay of Navarino, we will stop at Heroes Square for a drink.

Afternoon dive at Voidokilia beach. Its all-round shape, its golden sand and its blue-green waters make it, undoubtely, one of the most beautiful and impressive beaches in Greece. There will be dinner and overnight in the settlement of Gialova, next to the homonymous Lagoon, which is one of the most important wetlands in Europe, or in Marathoupolis, a nearby picturesque fishing village.

Day 8:

Distance 120 Km: about 1 hour and 50 minutes by bus

Departure for the most well-preserved Mycenaean Palace in Greece, the Palace of Nestor, the famous King of Pylos, on the hill above Eglianos.

Departure for the majestic forest and the Lake Kaiafa with the thermal qualities of the waters , which have been known since antiquity and – according to the ancients – were due to the nymphs who lived in the forests of the area.

A quick swim at the beach of Kaiafa is what we need now. Then we leave for Ancient Olympia,  a journey back in time to the greatness of ancient Greece and to the place that gave birth to the Olympic Games.

We ‘ll visit the Museum, the big archaeological site (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monument), the ancient Olympic stadium. Here we will have the opportunity to see the Temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium and the spot where the Olympic flame lights up before traveling to the place where the Summer and Winter Olympics take place.

An evening walk will take place in a scenic landscape on the road above the ancient stadium to the Olympic Academy premises. Dinner at a local tavern – Overnight

Day 9:

Distance 160 Km: about 2 hours and 45 minutes by bus

Departure for Killini, also known for its thermal spas. Visit to the famous medieval castle Chlemoutsi, built on the top of a hill.

Our next stop is the coastal forest and the wetland of Strofylia, where together with the area of the Kotychi lagoon is a magnificent coastal mosaic of biotopes.  We Swim in the famous paradise beach of Kalogria. Then we leave for the city of Patras with the centuries-long history. A city tour will fill us with pictures of its history and its natural beauty.

We will visit the Roman Conservatory of Patras a majestic building of Roman times. Dinner with great local flavors and Overnight stay in Patras.

Day 10:

Distance 155 Km: about 2 hours and 50 minutes by bus

Departure for the coastal village of Diakofto. We are getting the Cog railway upwards until a certain point where we will ask to get off and continue hiking until Zachlorou following the lines of the Cog railway.

Here we hike through the natural park of Vouraikos. We will enjoy the natural beauties of the village and have the possibility of a lunch in a local tavern by the river Vouraikos. We return by the Cog railway to Diakofto, get our bus to Loutraki where in a super modern space, they offer a unique experience to rejuvenate body and mind as well as relaxation and welfare with body and face treatments, with Loutraki’s world famous thermal water.

Then we leave for Athens ending this wonderful multi-day epic tour with a nice dinner by the Acropolis.

Days 1 to 3: Athens

Welcome to Greece! As soon as you touch down in Athens, you’ll be transported by your driver to your accommodation before heading for a luscious welcome dinner. Taste mouthwatering dishes of authentic Greek cuisine, before returning to your hotel in order to rest and prepare for the long day ahead.

As soon as you wake up on the 2nd day of your trip, join with your family our "Best of Athens in A Day" tour. This comprehensive tour will take you around Athens’ main attractions including the Acropolis & the Acropolis Museum in the comfort of your modern, private vehicle while our family expert guide explains the history behind every nook and crevice of the historic Greek capital.

On the next day, get prepared for a gastronomic treasure! Set on our "Athens for Foodies’’ tour and discover the best eateries of Athens. You’ll get to taste the most piquant local flavors while strolling the city’s streets and visiting the vibrant Central Municipal Athens Market. Not only will you understand the hype around the world-acclaimed local cuisine, but your kids will also have the opportunity to broaden their horizons regarding their taste palettes.

Days 4 to 6: Nafplio

On day 4, you’ll depart from Athens, passing by the modern construction miracle of the Corinth Canal, heading to the picturesque city of Nafplio. As soon as you reach this magnificent city that used to be the first capital of the modern Greek state, you can either choose to spend some free time with your loved ones or kick off our Epidaurus and Nafplion Walking Tour. Get introduced to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the archaeological of Epidaurus that includes the famous theater, known for its flawless acoustics that hosts plays up to this day. Following your visit to Epidaurus, let your tour come to an end in Nafplio with a delicious lunch full of authentic Greek flavors and a walking tour across the town’s cobblestone streets.

The 5th and 6th days of your trip will find you in Nafplio, free to spend them whichever way you please. Despite there being endless possibilities in regard to your entertainment, on the 6th day, you can also choose to set on a 6-hour village excursion to Mycenae that will take you to Kefalovrysso. Including walking or cycling around the region, collecting local herbs, and visits to the Folklore museum, a local farm, and an ancient cave, this tour will bring you and your kids close to the nature and culture of the region.

Days 7 to 10: Mani

On the next day, you’ll depart from Nafplio and hop on the vehicle that will transport you to the gorgeous region of Mani Peninsula. Before reaching Mani, you’ll get to visit Skoutari Beach for swimming and lunch, where we can book for you umbrellas and sunbeds upon request. After you reach Mani, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax and recuperate.

The next morning, you will enjoy a "Sea Kayak Day". Indulge in a day full of fun for you and your kids and try kayak paddling across the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea; this adventure is bound to enchant your kids! On this 4-hour adventure, you will get to visit the Blue Cave, and the rock pyramids rising from the sea, while you will also stop for swimming, snorkeling, and taste a homemade picnic of fresh local delicacies.

Day 9 will remain free for you to spend as you please. The same goes for day 10 as well, however, on this day you can also choose to join a "Diros Caves & Villages of Mani Day Trip" in order to discover and marvel at the wild natural beauty of the region.

Days 11 to 14: Kythira

On the 11th day of your trip, you’ll be transferred from Neapoli Voion Port to Kythira, while stopping on the way for half an hour in order to take photos in Monemvasia. After arriving to Kythira, you will enjoy a free afternoon.

The next day will also be free for you to spend with your family whichever way you want. Alternatively, you can opt for an educational "Half-Day Historical Kythira Tour", where you will visit Palaiochora, old Aghios Dimitrios, the castle of ‘Kato Chora’ in the region of Mylopotamos, the sanctuary of the ‘Throne of Aphrodite’ in Palaiopolis, and the picturesque fishing village of Avlemonas.

Day 13 will be free for you and your family to see and visit all the places you have dreamed of. On day 14, it will be time for you to return to Athens and let this magical family-trip come to an end. You and your kids will leave rich in knowledge and fun experiences, with many stories to tell to your friends and family back home, and many fond memories to accompany you through the years.