Greece is a beloved destination and in addition to the more popular islands, the mainland offers plenty of options for a classic Mediterranean holiday. You’ll find peaceful fishing villages, old fortified towns and colourful cities. You will also get to discover the most famous historical locations. A drive around the Greek mainland brings visitors to interesting archaeological sites, picturesque seaside towns and magnificent beaches. With this 5-day self-drive tour that starts and ends in Athens, you will pass by Peloponnese, Delphi and Kalambaka having the opportunity to visit some of the most important sites throughout Greece. Visit the archaeological site of Delphi and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock-tower monasteries of Meteora.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Plaka: Athens’ oldest historical neighbourhood. It’s located right under the Acropolis and its charming atmosphere will captivate your heart. Walking around the narrow, colourful streets, the ancient ruins, the Byzantine temples and the renovated neoclassical buildings is an unforgettable experience.
Mythical Peloponnese: The birthplace of legends. It is here that Hercules fought the Nemean lion and Paris of Troy eloped with Helen. Historically, it has been also the main field of action for Greece since the prehistoric times, as it hosts the most important archaeological sites of Greece, including Olympia, Epidaurus and Mycenae.
Meteora: In an almost inaccessible region, monks settled on the so-called ‘columns of the sky' from the 11th century onwards and one of the most important monastic communities of Greece was formed.
Day 1: ARRIVAL ATHENS – TOLO (144 km – 2 hrs)
Welcome to Greece! As soon as your flight lands at Athens International Airport proceed to the Car rental desk to pick up your car! Today your adventure to the mainland of Greece begins. Leave by the coastal road to reach the Corinth Canal. Then it’s a must to visit two of the most important archaeological sites of Greece, that of Mycenae and Epidaurus. Mycenae, the kingdom of mythical Agamemnon, was the richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece. Just an hour away you will find Epidaurus. On your way there you will pass by small villages where you can stop for lunch (not included). In Epidaurus you will admire the Ancient Theatre which was constructed in the ancient times to host religious ceremonial events in honour of god Asclepius. It is world–renowned for its symmetry and the incredible acoustics. Late in the afternoon make your way to Tolo check-in to your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Tolo.
Day 2: TOLO – OLYMPIA (188 km – 3 hrs)
Start your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel. Then get in your car and lose yourself in the streets of beautiful, small village of Tolo that has grown into a successful tourist resort while retaining its traditional Greek charm. Stop by one of the beaches found all around the area and dive in the crystal-clear waters. After cooling off, take to the road to Olympia. Just 20 minutes outside Tolo, you will find Nafplio, the past capital of Greece and one of the most beautiful towns in the area of eastern Peloponnese. There you will find plenty of taverns with local cuisine to kill your hunger. In the afternoon, you can either take the route passing through the mainland to Olympia or drive along the Gulf of Kyparissia. Once you check-in to your hotel, enjoy this ancient vibrant Greek afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Olympia.
Day 3: OLYMPIA – DELPHI (240 km – 3.5 hrs)
Morning breakfast at the hotel is followed by driving around Olympia! In western Peloponnese, in the beautiful valley of the Alpheus River, lies the most celebrated sanctuary of ancient Greece. Dedicated to Zeus, the father of the gods, it is the birthplace of the most important athletic event of all times; the Olympic Games. Visiting the Sanctuary of Olympian Zeus there is a must. Within minutes’ walk from the archaeological site lies also the Archaeological Museum. Your journey continues. You will pass by dozens of small villages where you can enjoy tasty local dishes. Going a little bit out of your way to pay a quick visit to Patra, Greece's third-largest city, is also an option, before ending in Delphi to overnight.
Overnight in Delphi.
Day 4: DELPHI – KALAMBAKA (231 km – 3 hrs)
Keep yourself fuelled throughout the day with a big breakfast at the hotel. Delphi offers a landscape of untamed beauty and was considered to be the navel of the world for the ancient Greeks. At the foot of Mount Parnassos lies the Pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Apollo and the world-famous oracle of ancient Greece that you may visit along with the museum. The road to Kalambaka is quite long so it’s suggested to make one or two short stops. Many smaller cities are to be found along the way that suit all tastes. Before the night falls, arrive in Kalambaka and witness the astonishing complex of Meteora as you will be entering to the city.
Overnight in Kalambaka.
Day 5: KALAMBAKA – ATHENS DEPARTURE (350 km – 4 hrs)
After breakfast, get ready for an amazing site! Visit Meteora, among striking scenery, perched on top of huge rocks which seem to be suspended in mid-air, stand ageless Monasteries, where you can see exquisite examples of Byzantine art. The word Meteora literally means “hovering in the air”; what created this rare geological phenomenon is still one of the mysteries of nature. Due to its uniqueness, it has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. Depart for Athens as soon as you finish your visit. On your way back, you may stop by the cities that you didn’t have the chance to see on the previous day. Then drive to the Athens Airport to return your car.
