12Days Athens-Spetses-Monemvasia-Elafonissos-Nafplion

Day 1 – Arrival in Athens
On arrival our representative will be waiting to welcome you to Athens and answer any questions you may have. Afterwards your driver will take you to your selected hotel and then you can begin exploring the city on your own pace.

Day 2 – Athens Half Day Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast we will meet you at your hotel and start the morning Athens sightseeing tour. An essential part of any visit to Athens, this tour will take you to the most important landmarks of the Greek capital, culminating in the historic Acropolis and its magnificent museum. An amalgamation of culture, history and philosophy from both antiquity and the modern era. After witnessing history come alive you will have the afternoon at leisure for some well-earned rest.

Day 3 – Arrival in Spetses
Time to begin your road trip! Our car rental representative will meet you at your hotel in the morning to deliver your car. Take the scenic route to Porto Cheli going through the stunning Corinth Canal. Trust us, you’ll want to stop and take some pictures there. At Porto Cheli, leave your car at the secure garage at Kosta port and board the sea taxi to Spetses. After the short 5 minute ride, proceed to your hotel, always keeping in mind that motorized vehicles are not allowed within city limits.

Day 4 – Free day in Spetses
As a place of historic importance in modern Greece due to its significant contribution to the 1821 War of Independence, Spetses features various monuments of the era, the most prominent being the Bouboulina Museum. Dedicated to the heroine of the Greek Seas, the museum is housed in a beautiful 300 year old mansion. The island is surrounded by crystal clear waters spilling on diverse beaches, so bring a swim suit! End your day with a ride on horse drawn carriage around the main town before settling to a cozy tavern for a taste of Peloponnesian cuisine!

Day 5 – Arrival in Monemvasia
From the port of Spetses you will board a water taxi and hop on your car to take the route to Monemvasia. Like another Bob Dylan hit Highway (E9)61 and enjoy the Peloponnesian vineyards laying all along the way. A quick stop to check out the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus and its magnificent acoustics will be a highly rewarding experience. Once you’ve made your way to the edge of Cape Maleas, take a moment to look at the islet on which Monemvasia rests. Laying on a huge rock that is connected to the mainland by a bridge, the approach to Monemvasia provides a unique amalgamation of natural beauty and human ingenuity.

Day 6 – Explore Monemvasia
Walking around the Old Town of Monemvasia, which is full of Venetian buildings and Medieval dwellings, is a spectacular way to start your day. Breathe in the town’s history in every turn before settling down to a cozy tavern for some lunch. In the afternoon, you can take a ride to some of the nearby seaside villages like Archangelos and Plitra, or the Kastania Cave, home to stalagmites that are estimated to be 3 million years old. Alternatively, you can choose to go a bit further and visit Mystras, the iconic castle of Peloponnese. Other significant destinations if you choose to take a day trip are the water caves of Diros, Gythion and of course the wonderful town of Mani.

Day 7 – Arrival in Elafonissos
From the port of Pounda you will board the ferry to Elafonissos, an island bringing an exotic feel even to the locals. With landscapes uncharacteristic of the Mediterranean and reminiscent of the Caribbean, Elafonissos is might very well be the highlight of your trip. Sandy beaches, natural dunes and lagoons can be found all around the island and will instantly make you understand why the whole island is under Natura 2000 protection.

Day 8 – Explore Elafonissos
You won’t want to miss a second of exploration in Elafonissos, starting of course with Simos beach, where two bays meet to create a wondrous scenery. divided by a narrow strip of white sand, the turquoise waters paint a pulchritudinous picture that is sure to be etched in your memory for ever. Additionally, a visit to Panagia beach, consisting of the three islets (Kasela, Prassonisi and Lefto) is highly recommended. As expected, there will be ample opportunity for water sports.

Day 9 – Arrival at Nafplion
On your way back and after your return to the port of Pounda, you can visit Pavlopetri beach and see the submerged town. This well preserved ancient city, dating back to more than 5.000 years ago, is the oldest lost city in the Mediterranean. Continue your journey towards the charming town of Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece.

Day 10 – Free day at Nafplion
Nafplion has a distinct identity, with Venetian mansions decorating the town with their impressive architecture. From the waterfront you can marvel at the floating castle of Bourtzi, laying on an islet just across from the main harbor. The castle which served for decades as home to executioners -since common people wanted to avoid contact with them- is accessible by boat from the main port. Other prominent sights in Nafplion are the fortresses of Palamidi and Acronafplia. The former is very well preserved and it can be reached either by car or via climbing its 857 steps to the top, while the later (and smaller) Acronafplia mostly features ruins of the old castle and its walls.

Day 11 – Return to Athens
After breakfast, hop on your car and start your drive back to Athens amidst beautiful scenery. Take some time to drop by Mycenae for a quick visit to Agamemnon’s Tomb and Palace, as well as the iconic Lion’s Gate. Upon arrangement, our car rental collaborator will meet you to hand over your vehicle once you’ve reached your hotel.

Day 12 – Departure from Athens
You will meet with our assistant at your hotel and be transferred to the airport by your driver for your departure flight.

• 3 nights’ accommodation in Athens
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Spetses
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Monemvasia
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Elafonissos
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Nafplion
• Athens Half Day Sightseeing Tour
• Entrance fees during guided tour
• Transfers in Athens (airport – hotel – airport)
• 9 day Car Rental with car insurance with CDW and GPS