Driving Tour Peloponnese Olive Trees - Greece

The Peloponnese is famous for its many archaeological findings, such as the world famous theatre of Epidaurus and the ancient site of Olympia, where the Olympics were born. But it is also an area full of nature, dramatic landscapes, gorgeous beaches and beautiful Byzantine monasteries and medieval villages. Agricultural plains with citrus fruits, olive groves and vineyards alternate with high mountainous areas only inhabited by a few farmers.
During one (or more of our) driving trips on the Peloponnese you will discover it all! You will get to know the rural life from the inside by walking through surprising landscapes and by living local experiences, such as a traditional cooking class. And because you travel with your own rental car, you will enjoy maximum freedom. 

Discover the most impressive archaeological sites of Greece during this great 4-days tour in the prefecture of Argolida (North-Eastern Peloponnese! The cultural legacy of this region is amazing with 110 recognized archaeological sites and memorials of exceptional interest, of which the Palace of Mycenae with the Lion’s Gate and the Ancient Theatre of Epidavros are globally renowned. Your place of stay is in Perivoli, a small rural village only 8.5 km from the town Nafplion. Nafplion is one of the most beautiful towns of Greece, full of history and with its wonderful mansions, narrow alleys and marble paved squares a pleasure for every visitor. The Venetian Castle of Palamidi stands high above Nafplion. A climb of 1,000 steps is awarded with a splendid view over the bay.  

Trip Highlights:

• If you have time, visit ancient Corinth on your way to the south
• Palace of Mycenae
• Enjoy a cooking class and eat the result later on

Day 1  Arrival in Pyrgiotika (Nafplion)
Pick-up the rental car at the airport of Athens or Kalamata and drive to the village of Pyrgiotika, 8.5km from Nafplion. If you booked another arrangement before this tour, you will drive from your last overnight location to Pyrgiotika. Depending on the arrival time, you have time to visit ancient Corinth on your way to the south or visit Nafplion today.

Day 2  Pyrgiotika (walk around Mycenae)
Walking trip: 8 km, 5 mi, ↑250 m and ↓250 m. Make a relaxing hike through the olive- and vineyards of the Argolida region whilst enjoying views on the Palace of Mycenae. You will experience the superb strategic location of this fortress, just like Agamemnon did when he returned from the Trojan War. The walk can be combined with a visit of the ancient site or you may prefer to visit other sites of your choice, such as Epidaurus, Tiryns, Palamidi, Nemea or Argos.

Day 3  Pyrgiotika (Nafplion)
Optional cooking class (needs to be booked in advance). In cooperation with the hotel Perivoli we prepared a half day cooking class followed by an amazing lunch to taste the result! You will learn about the local vegetables, some of these gathered in nature, and prepare traditional Greek dishes. We use organic local ingredients and herbs wherever possible. Once at home, you may try to cook different dishes that you read in the booklet supplied to you.

Day 4  Departure or next module
You drive to Athens  for 3 days Classical Athens (GRST010) or for your departure or continue with day 1 of Photography in Peloponnese (GRSS070) or with day 1 of Olive Trees on Peloponnese (GRSS090).

Included:

• 3 nights including breakfasts in comfortable hotels (for an image selection, please see Flickr)
• 3 day car rental including CDW-insurance, unlimited mileage (group A1, B2, C or D1)
• Cooking class at Perivoli
  
• Description of the mentioned walks and map 
• 24-hour telephone assistance, just a phone call away

 Not Included:

• Flights and public transportation
• Travel insurance
• Other meals
• Personal expenses (drinks, phone calls, tips, etc.)
• Any items not mentioned in the program

 Optional services (to be booked in advance):

• Additional night(s) can be booked at the standard accommodation as well as extra car rental days
• Airport or station arrival and/or departure transfers
• Single supplement

Additional information:
Suitable for everybody. The walk follows wide unsurfaced tracks and tarmac roads. As the roads are relatively narrow in Greece, the rental cars are all small family cars with an automatic transmission. Should you prefer a manual gearbox, then please let us know.

How to get there:
Best arrival and departure airport is Athens Airport.