2-Day Medieval Tour of Peloponnese | Nafplion & Monemvasia
Embark on a 2-day mythical journey to the Peloponnese with our experienced English speaking driver, discovering cities rich in history and folklore stories from ancient, to medieval and contemporary times. The tour starts early morning from Athens to head to your first stop at the city of Nafplion (approximate travel time: 1.5 hours).
DAY 1> NAFPLION DISCOVERY
Upon arrival to Nafplion, start your walk from Nafplion’s old town to stroll through the cobbled roads; watch the neoclassical buildings and enjoy so many shops and vibrant city square. An interesting way to explore the city is by horse carriage, or you can rent a bicycle carriage; take a local train that takes you around the town or ask your driver to show you around.
Whether you are interested in archeology or folk costumes, “kombolois” or ouzo, you’ll find at least one museum to visit in Nafplio. Discover the famous fortress of Bourtzi, built in 1473, on a tiny inlet right in front of the port by talking a local ferry from the coastline road. The importance of this castle throughout the years and the battles it has seen, makes it an ideal location for the first historical tales and folklore.
After enjoying the magnificent site, head towards the old town of Nafplio, under the cannons of the Old Town’s 1st line of fortification, while the UNESCO World Heritage fortress of Palamidi dominates the view right above it. If you continue walking along the old country road of Nafplio, under Akronauplia fortress, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking views of the dominant cliffs covered in succulent vegetation with the fortress as its crown at the top.
The tour continues across the Peloponnese to arrive for an overnight in Monemvasia (approximate travel time 3 hours). Overnight in Monemvasia.
DAY 2> MONEMVASIA DISCOVERY
Breakfast at your hotel, after which you are ready to explore your second stop, the medieval castle of Monemvasia (approximate travel time: 3 hours).
The Castle Town of Monemvasia is among the most impressive and romantic destinations in Greece. Located on the southeastern side of Peloponnese, Monemvasia 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 the pirate raids and enemy attacks. The only way to reach Monemvasia was by boat, while later via a paved pathway that was constructed to connect the castle entrance to the mainland. This is how the peninsula got its name – in Greek Monemvasia means a single passage.
A walk within the walls of Castle Town is like a trip back in time, while the sea view from the castle top is breathtaking. See the elegant stone mansions and the Byzantine churches, such as the church of Agia Sofia and Christ Elkomenos. This fantastic place was originally constructed in the Medieval Ages and has been continuously inhabited since then. Today most of the old mansions have been converted into guesthouses and boutique hotels, while you can find plethora of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars serving world-awarded cocktails on their roof-top terrace. Outside the Rock, there is a new modern town with many tourist facilities.
As you depart the castle, we will pass by a small old traditional village of Agios Nikolaos (with only 100 permanent inhabitants!), stopping at the main village square to admire the 11th-century old church and try some of the best spinach pies and homemade pasta in a local tavern. The Lakonia area is famous for its lush olive groves which you can admire as we drive by.
Evening Return to Athens (approximate travel time 3 hours 40 min)
This tour is private for small groups of 1 – 9 persons (by private car or minivan). For larger private groups up to 39 persons, prices are available on request.
The tour is offered in English language. Other languages (French, Italian, Spanish, Dutch, German) are available upon request at extra cost.
All hotels included in the above package are 3* hotels, in Double or Triple occupancy – hotel upgrades are possible on request with extra charge. Climate resilience tax is payable directly at the hotels at 3 Euros per room/per night (or up to 10 Euros per room/per night in higher hotel class).
Children (3 – 12 years old) and infants are welcome to participate with parental guidance.
Tour includes |
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Tour does not include |
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- Be Equipped for a Day in the Sun (wear sunglasses/ hat/ sunscreen)
- Wear flat, comfortable shoes
- Entrance fees or tickets are extra (payable on the spot)
Day 1: Nafplion Discovery
The tour starts early morning from Athens to head to your first stop at the city of Nafplion (approximate travel time: 1.5 hours). Upon arrival to Nafplion, start your walk from Nafplion’s old town to stroll through the cobbled roads; watch the neoclassical buildings and enjoy so many shops and vibrant city square. An interesting way to explore the city is by horse carriage, or you can rent a bicycle carriage; take a local train that takes you around the town or ask your driver to show you around.
Whether you are interested in archeology or folk costumes, “kombolois” or ouzo, you’ll find at least one museum to visit in Nafplio. Discover the famous fortress of Bourtzi, built in 1473, on a tiny inlet right in front of the port by talking a local ferry from the coastline road. The importance of this castle throughout the years and the battles it has seen, makes it an ideal location for the first historical tales and folklore.
After enjoying the magnificent site, head towards the old town of Nafplio, under the cannons of the Old Town’s 1st line of fortification, while the UNESCO World Heritage fortress of Palamidi dominates the view right above it. If you continue walking along the old country road of Nafplio, under Akronauplia fortress, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking views of the dominant cliffs covered in succulent vegetation with the fortress as its crown at the top. The tour continues across the Peloponnese to arrive for an overnight in Monemvasia (approximate travel time 3 hours). Overnight in Monemvasia.
- 09:00 - 19:00
Day 2: Monemvasia Discovery
Breakfast at your hotel, after which you are ready to explore your second stop, the medieval castle of Monemvasia (approximate travel time: 3 hours).
The Castle Town of Monemvasia is among the most impressive and romantic destinations in Greece. Located on the southeastern side of Peloponnese, Monemvasia 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 the pirate raids and enemy attacks. The only way to reach Monemvasia was by boat, while later via a paved pathway that was constructed to connect the castle entrance to the mainland. This is how the peninsula got its name – in Greek Monemvasia means a single passage.
A walk within the walls of Castle Town is like a trip back in time, while the sea view from the castle top is breathtaking. See the elegant stone mansions and the Byzantine churches, such as the church of Agia Sofia and Christ Elkomenos. This fantastic place was originally constructed in the Medieval Ages and has been continuously inhabited since then. Today most of the old mansions have been converted into guesthouses and boutique hotels, while you can find plethora of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars serving world-awarded cocktails on their roof-top terrace. Outside the Rock, there is a new modern town with many tourist facilities.
As you depart the castle, we will pass by a small old traditional village of Agios Nikolaos (with only 100 permanent inhabitants!), stopping at the main village square to admire the 11th-century old church and try some of the best spinach pies and homemade pasta in a local tavern. The Lakonia area is famous for its lush olive groves which you can admire as we drive by.
Evening Return to Athens (approximate travel time 3 hours 40 min)
- 09:00 - 19:00