Peloponnese and Milos Island Adventure

Arrival today at Athens International Airport. After clearing customs and collecting our luggage we will be met at the airport and transferred to our hotel in the city centre.  Amalia Hotel.   Classic rooms for 2 nights. Breakfast included. The remainder of today is free at leisure. 

Breakfast at the hotel this morning. After breakfast, our tour guide will meet us at our hotel and begin a walking tour of Central Athens. We will begin at the Parliament in Syntagma Square, where you will see the Monument of the Unknown Soldier and the change of the famous Guards. A pleasant walk will follow through the National Garden and on to the Zappeion Hall, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Hadrian’s Arch.

From here you will enter the Plaka area heading to the Acropolis and visit with your guide the Propylaea, the Temple of Nike, and the Parthenon, the monuments that remind us of Glory of Ancient Athens and the Golden Age of Pericles. See also in the surrounding the Athenian Agora, the Observatory, the Hill of Democracy (Pnyx), Mars and Philoppapos Hill, the

Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theatre of Dionysus. We will end our morning with a visit to the New Acropolis Museum.  After spending some time in the Museum we will continue to a local restaurant for a delicious lunch.   The afternoon is free at leisure. (B,L) 

Depart Athens to witness the engineering marvel of the Corinth Canal.  Photo stop at the Canal before we visit the archaeological site of Ancient Corinth. Ancient Corinth is located right on the Isthmus of Corinth, it was perfectly placed to be a hotspot for trade, connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. With harbors on both sides—facing the Corinthian and Saronic Gulfs—it was the ultimate trade hub. Corinth wasn’t just about business, though; it was loaded with culture and impressive architecture, like the iconic Temple of Apollo. It’s also woven into Greek mythology and history, later becoming a Roman colony.

After visiting Corinth its time to venture to the Nemea area. Nemea, the crown jewel of the Peloponnese peninsula, lies just an hour from Athens. This region's mountains and valleys, centered around the quaint village of Nemea, have been home to winemaking traditions for centuries. The native Agiorgitiko grape takes center stage here, crafting wines renowned for their depth and character. With a history dating back to at least the 5th century BC, Nemea's legacy is deeply intertwined with the art of viticulture. Over the past two decades, Greek wine has undergone a remarkable renaissance.

After lunch and our wine tasting experience we continue our journey and end  our day in Olympia.  2 nights stay at the Olympion Asty Hotel, with dinner. (B,L,D)

Explore the ruins of Ancient Olympia, delving into the origins of the Olympic Games.

Olympia is one of the most famous archaeological sites of the Peloponnese. This tour takes you back in time to ancient Olympia as you visit these sites and learn about the history as well as continuing significance in modern times. We will also explore the nearby museum where statues from the Temple of Zeus, that of Nike of Panionios, and Hermes & the infant Dionysus are located.

After our interesting tour of Ancient Olympia our journey continues with a visit to the beautiful  Mercouri Estate Winery in the afternoon, where we enjoy a fully guided vineyard tour,  a delicious tasting of the wines produces on the estate, and a delicious lunch.

Return to our hotel in Olympia for a peaceful evening. (B,L,D)

Breakfast at our hotel in Olympia before we say goodbye to this area of the Peloponnese.  Our first stop today is the Olive growing area of Kalamata.  Here in Kalamata we will stop and enjoy an insightful olive oil tasting experience amidst the renowned olive groves.

After enjoy our visit to Kalamata and learning all about the Olives of Kalamata we continue our journey to the captivating ruins of Mystras.   Mystras played a pivotal role in the Byzantine Empire's resistance against the Ottoman Turks. The city emerged as a bastion of defiance, symbolizing hope and freedom for those yearning for liberation. The intense battles fought within its walls stand as enduring proof of the indomitable courage and resilience of its people.

After an informative and interesting visit to Mystras we enjoy a delicious lunch in Sparta before continuing on to the enchanting town of Monemvasia, your base for the next two nights. (B,L) 

Breakfast at the hotel this morning. After breakfast, we will enjoy a leisurely tour of this wonderful town.

Wander through the cobblestone streets of Monemvasia, discovering its medieval architecture and landmarks such as the Church of Christos Elkomenos. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local taverna and relax amidst the serene coastal atmosphere for the rest of the day. (B,L)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning.   After breakfast, we depart Monemvasia for Nafplion, a city of Venetian charm and elegance. After checking in, embark on a walking tour through its historical alleys and ascend to the Palamidi Fortress for stunning views. Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at the Amalia Hotel. (B,D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning.  After breakfast, we will depart the hotel and visit two interesting archaeological sites of the Peloponnese today.  Our first stop today will be the ruins of Mycenae.

At Mycenae we will visit the archaeological treasures of Mycenae, including the Lion Gate and the Treasury of Atreus. We will stop for lunch at a local restaurant after visiting the ruins of Mycenae.

Our next stop today will be the stunning Epidaurus Theatre. The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is celebrated as one of Greece's best-preserved ancient theatres, renowned for its flawless acoustics and remarkable architectural design. Built in the late 4th century BC, its construction unfolded in two distinct phases. Return to Nafplion for dinner and rest. (B,L,D)

An early start takes you to the port of Piraeus close to Athens where we will board a high speed Sea Jet to the idyllic island of Milos in the Cyclades. Upon arrival at the island of Milos, we will be met at the port and transferred to our accommodations.

We settle into the Olea Bay Hotel, where the remainder of the day is yours to relax and begin discovering the charm of this beautiful Cycladic Island. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.  Two days are free to relax and enjoy beautiful Milos at your own pace. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.  Two days are free to relax and enjoy beautiful Milos at your own pace. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, we will check out of our hotel and are transferred to the  Milos port for high-speed ferry to Piraeus.   Transfer from the Piraeus port to the Amalia Hotel. Classic room for 1 night.

As this is our final evening in Greece the group will enjoy a special farewell dinner together in Athens this evening at a local restaurant.  (B,D)

Breakfast at the hotel this morning.  After breakfast transfer from the hotel to the Athens Airport for our return flight home. (B)