Explore Greece by car either on your own or with an excellent driver/ guide.
Kythira is a Greek island lying opposite the south-eastern tip of the Peloponnese peninsula. It is traditionally listed as one of the seven main Ionian Islands, although it is distant from the main group. Kythira has been know from ancient times as the island where Aphrodite was born. The island is unique, combining amazing beaches, and green landscape. Due to the difficult access to the island (away from the Athens with bad ferry connection) has maintained its authenticity. Worth driving from Athens to this divine island, making first 2 unforgettable stops. The worldwide famous Monemvassia castle and the unforgettable Elafonissos, one of the most amazing beaches in the world.
Your journey will start in the intoxicating city of Athens. Before reaching the island of Kythira, you will visit Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece, one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. Then, drive to Monemvasia, the medieval castle, Elafonisos and finally, the island of Kythira.
DAY 1-3 ATHENS
Your base for the next few days, a boutique hotel located in Plaka, is the perfect counterbalance to the hustle of Athens. Just a few steps from the Great Acropolis and a balcony overlooking the Parthenon, you will have the best base to explore this diverse city.
On your first morning you’ll be met by your local Greek guide for a private walking tour of the historic Acropolis hill and the Acropolis museum. You will admire the masterpieces of our glorious past and learn the contemporary way of Greek’s life.You’ll wander the pretty streets of Plaka, stopping at different landmarks, while your guide sheds light on the rich history of this fascinating city. Finish your morning with lunch at one of Plaka’s many great tavernas.
The following day, depending on your interests, spend the morning visiting one of Athens great museums, the Archaeological Museum, or simply wander in the streets of Athens, visiting its many Syntagma Square, Monastiraki area and the food market.
That afternoon, you may visit with you local guide the famous temple of Poseidon, located in Sounion, the prettiest region at the outskirts of Athens.
Tonight is all about Athens’ most famous export, night life. Head to the well known Syntagma Square and have a cocktail in a rooftop overlooking Acropolis or have a drink in one of the best bars.
DAY 4-5 NAFPLION
Finish your stay in Nafplion, the first capital of modern Greece. Nafplion is, without doubt the most picturesque city in Greece. Spend your day there, taste the famous ice- cream and visit the impressive fortress of Bourtzi and the castle of Palamidi. Overnight in Nafplion.
The next day drive to 2 of the most significant sites in Greece, the theater of Epidaurus and Mycanae. Visit the imposing ruins of the site of MYCENAE with a Local Guide, the ancient city Homer called a “city rich in gold.” It was here that the Golden Mask of Agamemnon was unearthed, along with many other treasures that matched exactly Homer’s descriptions in the Iliad. Enter the city by the Lion’s Gate and stroll up to visit Agamemnon’s ROYAL PALACE and the ROYAL TOMB OF AGAMEMNON. Continue to Naplia. Visit the EPIDAURUS THEATER, which can still seat 14,000 spectators, and the SANCTUARY OF ASKLEPIOS.Overnight Nafplion.
DAY 6-7 MONEMVASIA
Next stop, the most impressive castle-city, Monemvasia . Located on the southeastern side of Peloponnese, Monemvasia Greece was entirely carved on the backside of a sea rock in Medieval times. This huge sea rock is not visible from the mainland so that the locals could avoid enemy attacks. The only way to reach Monemvasia was by boat, while later on a paved pathway was constructed to connect the castle entrance to the mainland. Enjoy your stay in a luxury hotel in the castle with amazing views.
The next day, do the day trip to Elafonisos beach, known as the Caribbean of Greece. Elafonissos is an exotic island, with green waters and a long white sandy beach. Enjoy the Greek sun and the fresh waters. Overnight Monemvasia.
DAY 7 METEORA
After breakfast, start driving north towards Kalambaka. En route, you may visit the historic city of Thermopylae, where the glorious battle of Leonidas and the 300 took place! Arrive early afternoon and visit one of the most amazing places in Greece - METEORA
Meaning ‘suspended in air’ the name Meteora soon came to encompass the entire rock community of 24 monasteries, the biggest and most important group of monasteries in Greece after those in Mount Athos. There were no steps and the main access to the monasteries was by means of a net that was hitched over a hook and hoisted up by rope and a hand cranked windlass to winch towers overhanging the chasm. Monks descended in the nets or on retractable wooden ladders up to 40m long to the fertile valleys below to grow grapes, corn and potatoes. Each community developed its own resources and by the end of the 14th century, the Grand Meteoron emerged as the dominant community. The rock monasteries have been characterized by UNESCO as a unique phenomenon of cultural heritage. Have dinner in the village Kastraki and overnight.
DAY 8-11 NAFPLION
Drive to Neapoli, a fisherman’s town and catch the ferry to Kythira. Kythira is a big island with 2 ports, Agia Pelagia and Kapsali, the island's main tourist center is a charming twin harbor lined by beaches - Yialos, Sparangarlo and Kapsalaki - "in the shadow" of the Hora's castle.
Chora, the island's capital, built on a hill high above the sea, is a model of Venetian defensive architecture. Its narrow streets and fortified mansions were intended as protection against pirate raids. The town is dominated by the Venetian castle (1503), which has a spectacular view of the Cretan sea. The Archaeological Museum contains an important collection of Minoan vases, Mycenaean pottery and finds from the Archaic and Classical periods.
The island has numerous, virgin beaches and is well known for the local products, like honey made of thyme, olive oil and the famous rusks.
DAY 12
Catch the ferry back to Athens.