Grand Peloponnese, Self-drive
Grand Peloponnese, Self-drive
Grand Peloponnese, Self-drive
8 Days
Visiting: Greece
Tour operator:
Tour code:
456101
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Age range:
Min age:18
Interests:
Tour Overview
Journey deep into the heart of Greece during this spellbinding eight-day self-drive tour exploring the historic regions of Peloponnese. Discover one of the most romantic cities of Greece, Nafplion, and get a glimpse of the medieval era while walking between the walls of Mystras, and its magnificent castles. Discover the only way how to get to the Monemvasia, tower town nestled at the edge of a big rock by the sea and visit the spectacular Diro cave complex hidden in the depths of the earth. Explore the Mediterranean vibe of these ancient towns, taste the local specialities and indulge into the elegance and pride of the long-standing Peloponnese.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival Athens
On your arrival at Athens airport or Piraeus port, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in. The afternoon is free at leisure. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in Greece´s sprawling capital. You may visit Syntagma Square and get into the city’s vibe or go shopping in one of the most popular streets of the city in the Kolonaki area or Ermou. Take a pleasant walk at the beautiful alleys of Plaka (the old district) where you can also find a big number of small shops selling souvenirs and other local artefacts.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 2 : Athens
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then head out to the center! Today is for you to explore and discover this awe-inspiring city on your own.
Overnight in Athens.
Day 3 : Car Pick-Up / Athens – Nemea Wines –Mycenae Pottery – Nafplion (170Km – 3Hrs)
Enjoy your breakfast, then pick up your car from the down town Athens office after 09:00 am and leave driving towards to Nemea village. Short stop at Corinth canal which divides the mainland from the Peloponnese. While arriving at Nemea area you can stop to visit one of the local wineries and taste delightful and sensuous wines of different styles or continue to Malandreni village to visit one of the most important wineries in Greece, the “Skouras” winery. Degustation of the most awarded wine labels that the domain produces and wine making procedure will give you a glimpse of the wine tradition in Greece. Continue to “Silo Art” gallery where you will meet an artist who will guide you around his exhibition. Do not miss to get some pictures of the “Trojan” horse. Next stop is ancient Mycenae – the city of the legendary king Agamemnon. Walk through this impressive archaeological site and visit the Tomb of Agamemnon. To wrap up your first day continue to Nafplion for exploration of this marvellous city and then onto your hotel for overnight.
Overnight in Nafplion.
Day 4 : Nafplion - Sparta (245 Km – 3.5 Hrs)
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by another exciting exploration. Today you will visit two castles of the Nafplion city (Akronafplia and Palamidi island castle/jail). Afterwards proceed to Sparta town where you will have the chance to visit the Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil that highlight the culture and technology of the olive production, which is inextricably linked with the Greek and Mediterranean identity. Unique in Greece, it is located in the heart of Laconia, one of the main olive oil producing locations in Greece. Check in to your hotel in Sparta and the rest of the day spend at leisure, discovering legendary stories about the greatest triumph over Athens of this Greek city.
Overnight in Sparta.
Day 5 : Sparta - Monemvasia (97 Km – 2 Hrs)
After breakfast in the hotel and before you will leave Sparta, make a visit to the Byzantine castle of the city of Mystras. Mystras, the 'Wonder of the Morea' was built as an amphitheatre around the fortress in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breath-taking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape. Follow to Monemvasiam, a massive rock island off the east coast of the Peloponnese, and visit the castles, fortress´s ruins and the Church of Agia Sophia perches on the edge of a sheer cliff. Once in Monemvasia, check-in to your hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Monemvasia.
Day 6 : Monemvasia – Diros Caves - Limeni (120 Km – 3 Hrs)
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and after stroll down the paved streets of the Monemvasia castle town. You will feel like back in ancient times! Walk around elegant stone mansions up to the castle, breath taking sea view from its top will be a deserved pleasure after this short hike. Afterward drive towards village Pyrgos Dirou and visit the spectacular cave complex hidden in the depths of the earth offering the opportunity to travel back to the Neolithic era. The magic of the colour, and the beautiful shapes, formed by the stalactites and stalagmites makes this place to be a unique spectacle. The tour follows a circular route and the wet area, 2.800 meters in length, takes place solely by boat. You will be amazed by the passage of the largest and most famous sea cave in Greece! After this exciting experience continue to Limeni or Oitilo, picturesque villages with one of the most amazing sunsets in Greece. Once in Limeni, check into your hotel and take a rest before your upcoming Greek adventure.
Overnight in Limeni.
Day 7 : Limeni – Stoupa – Kalamata (80 Km – 2 Hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive towards Kalamata, passing the fascinating virgin Stoupa beach. Stoupa is a peaceful retreat in a quiet corner of Greece. Hugging a sweeping bay, this town is made for rest and leisure sunbathing on its long white-sandy beaches. Perhaps stop for a swim in its crystal clear waters and unwind surrounded by this tranquil landscape, before you´ll continue driving to Kalamata. Kalamata is an energetic city, in 2021 it was short-listed as European Capital of Culture. Give it a chance and discover a long white beach, decent restaurants, good shopping, lively nightlife and some excellent museums. Whether you walk along the main promenade with the palm trees or along the hip alley of Amfia with its tiny shops, you´ll fell in love with the unique vibe of this picturesque town, emphasized by the romantic sunsets over the sea level.
Overnight in Kalamata.
Day 8 : Kalamata - Pylos Nestor’S Palace – Departure Athens (370 Km – 5.5 Hrs)
Today marks the end of your adventure. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel and before leaving Kalamata, visiting Nestor’s palace, one of the best preserved Mycenean palaces in Greece, and walk around these ancient walls towards the most important compartments of the palace, the big “throne room”, with its circular heath, a room with a clay bath tube, and stores with numerous storage jars. Admire the beautiful decoration of the palace and get amazed by its unique frescos, adorning its walls and after, a bid farewell to Greece! Drive back to Athens International Airport, where you’ll drop off the car to the rental car office and catch your flight back home (We recommend you to book a later evening flight or add a post stay night in Athens).
What's Included
ACCOMMODATION:
- 7 nights' accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2 Athens:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*
Day 3 Nafplion:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Park or similar 3*
Day 4 Sparta:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Menelaion or similar 3*
Day 5 Monemvasia:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Flower of Monemvasia or similar 3*
Day 6 Limeni:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Limeni Village or similar 3*
Day 3 Kalamata:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Elite City Resort or similar 3*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS:
Car Group B = Citroen C3 or similar
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre/Post-Night in Athens:
Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*
MEALS:
- 7 Breakfasts
TRANSPORT:
- Arrival shared transfer in an air-conditioning bus from Athens Airport/Piraeus port (Day 1)
CAR HIRE from day 3:
- Unlimited mileage
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)
- TP (Theft Protection)
- Road assistance 24/7
- Replacement vehicle in a case of accident or breakdown
- Safety equipment (triangle, high visibility vest, fire extinguisher)
- Tax
OTHER:
- Meet & Greet (Day 1)
What's Not Included
- Tour guides
- Domestic nor International flights
- Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
- Overnight city tax for the hotel effective from January 1st 2018. Clients will have to pay the TAX on the spot at the hotels.
- Any visit not mentioned in the program
- Optional tours
- Porterage and gratuities
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
- Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
- Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
CAR HIRE EXCLUSIONS:
- PAI (personal accident insurance)
- Fuel, Fines, Tolls, Parking
- Damage to a third party or to the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving.
- Loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle.
- Damage to the engine through negligence.
- Theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition.
- Damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period are the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle. In the event of a fine being received there will be an administration charge.
- Incident Report Fee
- Refuelling Service Charge
- Late Return Fee and Change of Return Station Fee
- If the car is left outside of rent a car designated area on drop off, customers will be responsible for any costs generated and for any damage to the vehicle due to it being parked outside of the Rent a Car installations.
- Each additional driver.
- Any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc.)
- Tolls
Requirements
Greece is a great destination all year round. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Please Note
- Day 3: the car pick-up is from the downtown Athens office after 09:00 am
- Day 8: Return procedure and exact designated area will be advised by rent a car company when you pick up the car on arrival day.
- Car hire is only included in the main rate package. The post night extension do not include the car hire
- Renter and driver must be 25 years old
- Driver’s License: The driving license of the driver must be issued at least 12months prior to rental
- Pick-up outside of working hour’s times is subject to a surcharge.
- Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s license together with the original from their country of origin.
- If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
- Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
- Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48 hours of the incident
- In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided
- One rental day is calculated as 24 hours and 29 minutes. An additional day will be charged if the rental exceeds this period.
- Additional charges that may occur due to; missing fuel (refuelling charge); extremely dirty vehicle; lost car documents, registration plates or keys; empty car battery (requiring towing service).
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons.
- Late check-out, early check-in, connecting or adjoining rooms at the hotel are all subject to availability and not guaranteed.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1-2 Athens:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*
Day 3 Nafplion:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Park or similar 3*
Day 4 Sparta:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Menelaion or similar 3*
Day 5 Monemvasia:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Flower of Monemvasia or similar 3*
Day 6 Limeni:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Limeni Village or similar 3*
Day 3 Kalamata:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Elite City Resort or similar 3*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS:
- Car Group B = Citroen C3 or similar
OPTIONAL EXTRA:
Pre/Post-Night in Athens:
- Standard Hotel Category = Hotel Evita Asty or similar 3*
Check out our Q&As
-
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
-
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
-
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
-
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
-
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
-
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client´s arrival
Reviews of this operator
1 Dates & Availability
tourhub Discount Available - Sign In
Sunday - Sunday
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 14, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 15, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 17, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Jul 11, 2024 - Jul 18, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 14, 2024 - Jul 21, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 15, 2024 - Jul 22, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 17, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Jul 18, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 28, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 22, 2024 - Jul 29, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 24, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Jul 25, 2024 - Aug 01, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 04, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 29, 2024 - Aug 05, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 31, 2024 - Aug 07, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 08, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 05, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 07, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 08, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 14, 2024 - Aug 21, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 15, 2024 - Aug 22, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 21, 2024 - Aug 28, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 22, 2024 - Aug 29, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 25, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 02, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 28, 2024 - Sep 04, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 29, 2024 - Sep 05, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 11, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 05, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 09, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 11, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 12, 2024 - Sep 19, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 18, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024Monday - Monday
Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024Monday - Monday
Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 20, 2024 - Oct 27, 2024Monday - Monday
Oct 21, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 23, 2024 - Oct 30, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 24, 2024 - Oct 31, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 24, 2025 - May 01, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 28, 2025 - May 05, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 30, 2025 - May 07, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 01, 2025 - May 08, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 04, 2025 - May 11, 2025Monday - Monday
May 05, 2025 - May 12, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
May 07, 2025 - May 14, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 08, 2025 - May 15, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 11, 2025 - May 18, 2025Monday - Monday
May 12, 2025 - May 19, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
May 14, 2025 - May 21, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 15, 2025 - May 22, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 18, 2025 - May 25, 2025Monday - Monday
May 19, 2025 - May 26, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
May 21, 2025 - May 28, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 22, 2025 - May 29, 2025Sunday - Sunday
May 25, 2025 - Jun 01, 2025Monday - Monday
May 26, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
May 28, 2025 - Jun 04, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 29, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Monday - Monday
Jun 02, 2025 - Jun 09, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 11, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Destination Services Greece requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 35 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services greece charges.
Up to 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Why book with tourhub?
Safe & Secure
Your money is protected in an external trust until you travel.
100% Guaranteed Refunds if your trip is cancelled.
The safest way to make overseas, multi-currency payments.
Guaranteed Best Value
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
No cancellation or amendment fees from tourhub.
(Operator terms may apply)
Expert Knowledge
Reliable & unbiased advice from travel experts.
Direct contact with the tour operator via our messaging service.
Inspiration & advice from a community of 6000+ real travellers, influencers & content creators.
Trusted Service
Official partners & licensed agents of 1000+ tour operators worldwide.
Don't just take our word for it...
"Tourhub: Friendliness, Professionalism & Integrity I would happily give tourhub a 6* review if I could..."