Greece · Archaeology

12-Day Peloponnese Heritage Tour with Mycenae, Sparta and Olympia

12 Days Round trip from Athens Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Stand at the breathtaking Corinth Canal viewpoint and witness this engineering marvel
  • 02 Explore the Epidaurus archaeological site and experience the world-famous ancient theater
  • 03 Walk through Nafplio's historic streets and climb its imposing castles for panoramic views
  • 04 Trace the legacy of ancient Sparta through its archaeological site and monuments
  • 05 Wander the Byzantine ruins of Mystras and admire its monasteries and hillside palaces
  • 06 Experience the rugged beauty of the Mani Peninsula through Gytheio and Areopoli
  • 07 Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Ancient Messene and its grand structures
  • 08 Step into Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and visit its iconic stadium

Traverse the Peloponnese on a 12-day journey through Greece's most powerful ancient and medieval landscapes. Stand inside the perfectly preserved theater of Epidaurus, pass through the Lion Gate of Mycenae, and climb the dramatic castles of Nafplio. Trace Spartan legacy in Sparta, explore the Byzantine city of Mystras, and walk through the vast ruins of Messene and sacred Olympia. Discover fortified Mani towns, coastal gems like Gytheio and Kardamyli, and conclude at Ancient Corinth in a continuous narrative of myth, empire, and architecture.

Traverse the Peloponnese on a 12-day journey through Greece's most powerful ancient and medieval landscapes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 12 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Athens, Patras, Kalamata, Corinth, Argos, Sparta, Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Ancient Corinth, Tolon, Olympia, Mystras, Gytheio, Tiryns
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Corinth Canal, Epidaurus and Arrival in Nafplio

  • Begin the journey with a scenic drive to the Corinth Canal and stop at its impressive viewpoint.
  • Continue to Epidaurus to explore the Epidaurus archaeological site (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

  • Visit the renowned ancient theater of Epidaurus, famous for its exceptional acoustics.

  • Explore the Epidaurus museum to understand ancient healing practices and history.

  • Travel to Nafplio and settle into accommodation.

2
Day 02

Castles of Nafplio, Acronauplia, Asini and Tolo

  • Explore the imposing Nafplio castle and enjoy panoramic views of the town.
  • Visit the historic Acronauplia fortress, the oldest part of Nafplio.

  • Travel to the Asini archaeological site and discover remnants of ancient settlements.

  • Continue to Tolo and experience its relaxing seaside atmosphere.

  • Return to Nafplio for overnight accommodation.

3
Day 03

Mycenae and the Kingdom of Agamemnon

  • Travel to Mycenae and explore the Mycenae archaeological site (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Discover the legendary kingdom of Agamemnon and admire the Lion Gate and royal tombs.

  • Visit the Mycenae museum to gain deeper insights into Mycenaean civilization.

  • Return to Nafplio for overnight accommodation.

4
Day 04

Tiryns, Argos and Transfer to Sparta

  • Travel to Tiryns and explore its massive cyclopean walls at the Tiryns archaeological site (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Continue to Argos and visit its significant archaeological site (UNESCO Tentative List Site).

  • Explore ancient ruins, theaters, and historical landmarks in Argos.

  • Travel to Sparta and settle into accommodation.

5
Day 05

Ancient Sparta and Its Enduring Legacy

  • Explore the archaeological site of Sparta and learn about its powerful ancient legacy.
  • Visit key historical landmarks and monuments dedicated to Spartan history.

  • Walk through the modern town while reflecting on its ancient significance.

Stay overnight in Sparta.

6
Day 06

Byzantine Mystras and Sparta Olive Oil Museum

  • Travel to Mystras and explore the magnificent Byzantine archaeological site (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
  • Walk through medieval ruins, monasteries, and palaces set on a hillside.

  • Return to Sparta and visit the Olive Oil Museum to understand traditional production.

Stay overnight in Sparta.

7
Day 07

Gytheio and the Fortified Town of Areopoli

  • Travel to Gytheio and explore this charming port town with scenic coastal views.
  • Continue to Areopoli and discover its characteristic fortified architecture.

  • Walk through stone-built alleys and visit its historic fortress.

Stay overnight in Areopoli.

8
Day 08

Neo Itilo, Stoupa, Kardamyli and Kalamata

  • Visit the coastal village of Neo Itilo and enjoy its tranquil setting.
  • Continue to Stoupa and experience its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

  • Travel to Kardamyli and explore its ancient settlement with links to Homer.

  • Discover stone mansions, Byzantine chapels, and historic towers.

  • Travel to Kalamata and settle into accommodation.

9
Day 09

Ancient Messene and Arrival in Olympia

  • Travel to Ancient Messene and explore its vast archaeological site (UNESCO Tentative List Site).
  • Visit the Messene museum to understand the city's historical importance.

  • Continue to Olympia and settle into accommodation.

10
Day 10

Olympia, Birthplace of the Olympic Games

  • Explore the Olympia archaeological site (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
  • Visit temples, training grounds, and ancient stadiums.

  • Discover world-class collections at the Olympia museums.

Stay overnight in Olympia.

11
Day 11

Patras Fortress and Cathedral of Saint Andrew

  • Travel to Patras and explore this vibrant city.
  • Visit the Patras fortress and learn about its Roman and medieval significance.

  • Explore the grand Patras Cathedral, one of the largest in Greece.

Stay overnight in Patras.

12
Day 12

Rio Fortress, Ancient Corinth and Return to Athens

  • Visit the Rio fortress and admire its strategic coastal location.
  • Travel to Ancient Corinth and explore its extensive archaeological site.

  • Visit the Ancient Corinth museum to conclude the historical journey.

  • Return to Athens.

Corinth Canal viewpoint, Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Lion Gate of Mycenae, Archaeological site of Mystra

Where this trip takes you

Corinth Canal viewpoint, Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Lion Gate of Mycenae, Archaeological site of Mystra

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Athens 15 cities · 12 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Transportation with a driver
  • Transportation in a minivan with air conditioning
  • Transportation exclusively for your group, with no foreigners
  • Company's tour guide
  • A tour guide will be with you at all times
  • Accommodation in 3-star hotels or guesthouses
  • Accommodation includes breakfast only
  • Accommodation in double rooms
  • Accommodation always includes internet (provided by the property)
  • English-speaking driver and guide

What's Not Included

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Accommodation in single rooms
  • Hotel tourist tax
  • Entry fees and tickets
  • Flight tickets
  • Ferry tickets
  • Travel insurance
  • Country visas

Know before you go

  • This tour is provided during the off-season period from September 1 until March 19 of the following year.

  • It is recommended to plan travel before or after the high season to avoid heat and crowds while enjoying fully open attractions.

  • This tour is suitable for elderly travelers who need to avoid strong sun exposure and high temperatures.

  • Bookings are accepted only if made at least 30 days before the tour start date.

  • This is a private tour with participation limited to your group only.

  • A minimum of 1 person and a maximum of 5 people are allowed per booking.

  • An exclusive solo option is available, with the tour conducted privately for one traveler.

  • A single supplement applies for solo travelers requiring a private room, except when booked for one person.

  • The tour is conducted in English and Spanish.

  • The itinerary can be fully customized based on travel plans, interests, and schedule.

  • This tour is identified with ID number 175 on the Monterrasol Travel private tours platform.

  • Additional details such as itinerary, maps, and discounts are provided on the Monterrasol Travel website.

  • Breakfast only is included during the tour.

  • Guests are encouraged to enjoy local cuisine for lunch and dinner instead of fixed hotel meals.

  • Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking driver.

  • Flexible stops for photos, rest breaks, or coffee are allowed during the journey.

  • Accommodation in 3-star hotels with breakfast is included in the pricing.

  • These hotels are typically not located within pedestrian historical centers.

  • Upgraded accommodation options with better location and quality are available upon request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup is available from any hotel or location in Athens or the surrounding area.
Tour start
Athens, Greece
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 12 days finish where they began, in Athens.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

EUR 8,258 /person
Book This Tour

Estimated room rates

Single Room €8,258.00 — €14,715.00
Double Sharing €8,258.00

When

Travellers

Total