Nafplio, Greece
Monterrasol Travel small group tour in minivan.
Small group tour package 16 days in GreeceGreece off the beaten track 16 days tour from Athens. Explore Peloponnese non-touristy areas.tour ID: #809
off-season only tour
Tour summaryGreece off the beaten track 16 days tour from Athens. Monterrasol Travel small group tour in minivan. Explore Peloponnese non-touristy areas. This page describes details of the multi-day small group car tour #809 offered by Monterrasol Travel. We, Monterrasol Travel, are an independent tour operator specialized in cultural and destination tourism. This sightseeing tour has been developed by Monterrasol Travel for small groups travelers based on our own experiences and belongs to the group of car tours with pre-designed itineraries. If you like this tour but you would like to change something, please do not hesitate to contact us and mention the ID number of this tour: #809. The custom itinerary will cost you nothing, it's free from our side. The tour will start in Athens (Greece) and tour finishes in Igoumenitsa (Greece), and will take 16 days (15 nights). During this tour you will visit Corinth canal, Nemea, Nafplio, Midea, Asini, Argos, Plaka, Elonas, Kosmas, Gytheio, Mani, Areopoli, Tainaro, Vathia, Porto Kagio, Kardamyli, Kalamata, Messene, Andromonastero, Prodromou, Dimitsana, Filosofou, Kalavryta, Mega Spileon, Nafpaktos, Mesolongi, Oiniadai, Vonitsa, Lefkada, Preveza located in Greece. Overall, with this tour you will visit 6 sites currently on the UNESCO Tentative List (sites that were submitted to the World Heritage Committee, and are awaiting to consider for nomination, and therefore suitable for inscription on the World Heritage List). Additional informationWe will pick you up at any hotel or place, in or around Athens. Drop off is possible at any hotel or place, in or around Igoumenitsa. We, at Monterrasol Travel, practice the Slow Tourism philosophy. That means that we work our tours at a pace that allows to our clients have a more authentic experience and a true exploring of each destination that features in our itineraries. The default tour price includes rooms in 3-star hotels, which are usually not near historical centers with pedestrian streets. If you would like better accommodation in terms of location and quality level, please contact us. This small group tour is available for solo travelers as well. Please contact us for details. We provide for this tour a special discount for pensioners (seniors citizens). We recommend you consider traveling off-season. Advantages of traveling off-season. Photo galleryPhoto gallery of attractions involved in this tour. Tour descriptionWe welcome you to come with us to explore Greece off the beaten track with our 16-day tour from Athens to Igoumenitsa. With this tour, we will explore non-touristy sites of the famous Peloponnese. Prepare yourself for breathtaking views, ancient Orthodox monasteries in mountains, narrow-gauge mountain railroad, non-touristy archaeological sites, small mountain villages, cute coastal towns, amazing viewpoints, and local roads. We recommend this tour for travelers that already know the main touristic attractions of Greece, and would like to explore Greece off the beaten track. The tour will start with visiting the Corinth Canal, a famous attraction. We will also come to see a part of Diolkos, a paved trackway in Ancient Greece before the canal was built, which enabled boats to be moved overland across the Isthmus of Corinth. After, we will come to Nemea, an ancient site, in Greek myth, it was the home of the Nemean Lion, which was killed by the hero Heracles. In Nemea we will see the important archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Zeus and an ancient Greek stadium. We will come to Nafplio (UNESCO Tentative List site) for a 3-night stay. In the vicinity of Nafplio, we will visit Midea, a main Mycenaean center, to see its Acropolis with a 450-meter cyclopean wall. Our next attraction is Asini; the Acropolis of Asini is on a 350-meter-long rock, with remains from various periods, including walls built in the 4th century BC. In the evening, we will take a walk in Nafplio around the fortress rock to see a beautiful sunset. During the next day we will visit another attraction near Nafplio: the archaeological site of Argos (UNESCO Tentative List site) to see a large theater, the Odeon, Roman baths, and other ruins. Later, we will come to the Argos archaeological museum to see a very well-organized exhibition. On the next day we will take a road to Gytheio, and on the way will visit the small coastal town of Plaka, the mountain monastery of Elonas, and stop for lunch in the mountain town of Kosmas, famous for its specific cuisine. In Gytheio, we will try to see its ancient theater and come to a small peninsula with a lighthouse. The same day we will enter the area of the famous Mani Peninsula and will stay 2 nights in Areopoli. In Areopoli, we will walk its historical center, see the beautiful small Mavromichalis castle, and adore the local fortified houses. From Areopoli, we will come to the abandoned town of Vathia, known for its iconic tower houses, built and served as homes and fortresses for the local families, offering protection against invaders and rival clans. Houses were built between the 18th and 19th centuries when the Mani Peninsula resisted Turkish rule. We will also visit the small village of Porto Kagio before taking an easy hike to the archaeological site of Tainaro at the southern tip of Greece's Mani Peninsula. Tainaro is famous for ancient ruins, especially the Sanctuary of Poseidon, a significant religious site linked to the mythical 'Gates of Hades' and the Underworld, featuring Roman mosaics, cave temples, and a famous 1887 lighthouse. After the second night in Areopoli, we will move toward Kalamata. On the way, we will visit the small coastal towns of Limeni, Neo Itilo and Stoupa, and near the village of Kardamyli, visit Mourtzinos Tower, built in 1807, nowadays a complex with a museum, a tower-house, and a unique forge. From Kalamata, we will come to see the large archaeological site of Messene (UNESCO Tentative List site). It was a classical city-state of Ancient Messene and today is one of the best archaeological sites in the Peloponnese. Ancient Messene, established in 369 BC, became a significant stronghold for the Messenians during their historical conflicts, particularly against Sparta in the Messenian Wars. The site is notable for its impressive fortifications, which include well-preserved walls and towers. After the second night in Kalamata, we will take the road to the mountain town of Dimitsana, and on the way, visit the Holy Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner. The monastery is known as Prodromou Monastery because Prodromos is the Greek title for Saint John the Baptist, meaning 'The Forerunner', as he announced the coming of Jesus Christ. The monastery is dedicated to him and built into the rock of the Lousios Gorge, often called the 'Great Cave' due to its dramatic setting, reflecting its deep connection to this important saint. We will also see the Open-Air Water Power Museum that highlights water power in traditional society, focusing on pre-industrial techniques and linking them to local history. From Dimitsana we also will come to see Filosofou Monastery, the oldest in Arcadia. The monastery has two complexes: the old one, built in 963 AD, is in a natural cavity, and the new one has a large basilica. After two nights in Dimitsana, we will continue toward the mountain town of Kalavryta. On the way we will come to see a cute local Zoologikos Kipos zoo, and the ancient Kastria Cave (also called the Cave of the Lakes), which features 13 subterranean lakes and rock formations. The next day we will spend visiting the Mega Spileon monastery, carved into a sheer cliff face. The Mega Spileon monastery is the oldest solitary in Greece, built in 362 AD, with a fortress-like structure, a 17th-century church, and a museum with relics. The rest of the day we will explore Kalavryta. The main attraction of the next day is the Odontotos Rack Railway, a mountainous 22-kilometer railway passing through the Vouraikos Gorge, built 120 years ago from the coastal town of Diakopto to Kalavryta. This railway is one of the narrowest railways in the world, with a width of only 75 cm, in order to enable the use of smaller and more flexible wagons. After an overnight in the coastal town of Nafpaktos, we will visit the calm town of Messolonghi with its beautiful lagoon, and later will come to the archaeological site of Oeniadae (UNESCO Tentative List site) to see its ancient theater and shipyard. We will stay 2 nights in the coastal town of Vonitsa, where we will explore its Byzantine castle adjusted by the Venetians. In the evening you can enjoy a promenade with a pedestrian pass over the sea to a small islet. During the last day of our tour, we will come to the coastal town of Lefkada to see Faneromeni Monastery and the Lefkada Archaeological Museum. On the way to Igoumenitsa, we will stop in the coastal town of Preveza to walk its historical center. By request, we can finish this tour in Ioannina instead of Igoumenitsa. Border crossing for this tripThis tour does not require border crossing. Money and paymentsIn each country of your trip you can use main credit and debit cards. You can use ATM to withdrawal cash or pay at purchase point with card. More information on currencies, payments, and use cards you can read on this our page: On the trip: currencies, payments, card use. Last reviewed: 13 December 2025 Tour itineraryTour starts in: Athens, Greece day 1: travel to Corinth canal, visit Corinth canal viewpoint, travel to Corinth to see Diolkos landmark, travel to Nemea to see Nemea archaeological site; travel to Nafplio for accommodation Tour finishes in: Igoumenitsa, Greece Planned distance of this tour: 1239 km. What is a good itinerary for a multi-day tourHow to understand if this itinerary is good for you? Read our advice: what is a good itinerary for a multi-day tour. If you like this small group tour and itinerary but you would like to change something, please do not hesitate to contact us and mention the ID number of this tour: #809. We do not charge for development a custom car tour itinerary, it will cost you nothing. We will be glad to discuss with you the details of your future trip and plan it following your ideas and wishes. Visited places during the tourOur tour will pass several towns and places along the route. Each town and place has something to offer from a tourist's point of view. We will stop in each place and explore its attractions. The exact attractions for each place or town can be seen in the tour's itinerary. Here is the list of places visited during this tour, in the order they appear in the itinerary. Corinth canal, GreeceKnown for landmark, sightseeing, viewpoint The Corinth canal is a man made 6.3 kilometers long and about 24 meters wide canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Today, the Corinth Canal is both a working waterway and a sightseeing attraction. Nemea, GreeceKnown for archaeological site, winery Nafplio, GreeceKnown for castle, coastal town, fortified town, fortress, historical center, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint; fortress is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; castle is a UNESCO Tentative List Site; fortified town is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Nafplio is a seaport town in the Peloponnese that has expanded up the hillsides near the north end of the Argolic Gulf. To the Nafplio belong 2 castles and its center is old fortified town. Midea, GreeceKnown for archaeological site, scenic road, viewpoint Asini, GreeceKnown for archaeological site, viewpoint Asini is an ancient Greek city situated on the coast of Argolis in the Peloponnese region. With roots tracing back to the Neolithic era, Asini is renowned for its long history from early human settlements through to the Byzantine and modern periods. It lies near the modern village of Tolo, around 8 kilometers southwest of Nafplio, nestled on the Kastraki peninsula close to the sea. Argos, GreeceKnown for ancient theatre, archaeological site, castle, fortress, historical center, museum, orthodox cathedral; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site Argos is a lively town in the Peloponnese, often described as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, making it a fascinating blend of everyday Greek life and deep antiquity. The Argos archaeological site feature the remains of the ancient agora, huge theater and baths. Above the town rises the castle of Larisa, the ancient acropolis and later medieval fortress. Plaka, GreeceKnown for beach, coastal town Elonas, GreeceKnown for scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery The Elonas Monastery is situated in the southern Parnon Mountains, specifically in the region of Kynouria, at an altitude of 650 meters. It is located approximately halfway between the towns of Leonidio and Kosmas, making it a significant landmark in the area. The road is narrow with hairpin turns, especially if coming from Leonidio, making the journey to the monastery as scenic as the destination itself. Kosmas, GreeceKnown for mountain town, scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox church Kosmas, first referenced in 1592, is a mountain town situated in the southeastern region of the Parnon mountain range in Peloponnese, Greece. Positioned at about 1150 meters high, the village offers a stunning natural environment and panoramic views of the surrounding mountainous landscapes. Gytheio, GreeceKnown for ancient theatre, island, viewpoint Mani, GreeceKnown for architecture, peninsula, scenic road, sightseeing Areopoli, GreeceKnown for fortified town, historical center, scenic road Areopoli is a town nestled at the base of Prophet Elias Mountain, situated on the Mani Peninsula in southern Greece. At about 250 meters elevation, it surrounded by rugged natural beauty and rich historical heritage. Areopoli is notable for stone towers, built like fortresses, combined with the town's cobbled alleys and traditional homes. Tainaro, GreeceKnown for archaeological site, viewpoint Vathia, GreeceKnown for architecture, scenic road, viewpoint Porto Kagio, GreeceKnown for beach, coastal town, marina, viewpoint Porto Kagio is a a peaceful seaside village on the eastern side of the Mani Peninsula. Kardamyli, GreeceKnown for coastal town, fortified town, museum, scenic road Kardamyli is a coastal gem perched on the west side of the Mani Peninsula in southern Greece, only 35 kilometers from Kalamata. Surrounded by mountains and the brilliant blue Messenian Gulf, the village is famed for its natural scenery, tranquil beaches, and timeless charm. Kalamata, GreeceKnown for beach, castle, museum, orthodox cathedral Kalamata is the second most populous city of the Peloponnese peninsula (southern Greece) and the largest city of the homonymous administrative region. Kalamata is renowned as the land of the Kalamatianos dance and Kalamata olives. Messene, GreeceKnown for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, landmark, museum, viewpoint; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site The vast Archaeological Site of Ancient Messene, relatively new, has been largely excavated and restored to the point that is one of most impressive sites in Greece. Highlights are the theater, the stadium, the gymnasium architectural complex and the Hellenistic sanctuary of Asclepius among others. Andromonastero, GreeceKnown for orthodox monastery Nestled amid the olive-clad slopes of the Peloponnese, just a short distance from the majestic ruins of Ancient Messene, the Monastery of Andromonastero offers a serene escape into Greece's lesser-known historical and spiritual landscapes. Often overshadowed by the region's famed archaeological sites, this tranquil Byzantine-era monastery invites travelers to step away from the crowds and immerse themselves in quiet reflection, scenic beauty, and a tangible connection to the past. Prodromou, GreeceKnown for hiking pass, scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery The monastery Agiou Ioannou Prodromou, also known as The Holy Monastery of Saint John the Forerunner, is a beautiful religious site situated in the region of Arcadia near the town of Dimitsana in Greece, on the slopes overlooking the Lousios River Gorge, surrounded by lush forested mountains. This peaceful location offers stunning natural scenery and a serene atmosphere. Dimitsana, GreeceKnown for bridge, hiking pass, mountain town, scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery Dimitsana is a mountain village located in the Arcadia region of the Peloponnese, southern Greece. It is situated on the west slopes of Mount Mainalon, at an altitude of approximately 1,000 meters, offering a stunning view of the Megalopolis plain and the Taygetus mountains. Dimitsana is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Open air water power museum, and the Philosophou Monastery, which was a key center of resistance and education during the Greek Revolution. Filosofou, GreeceKnown for hiking pass, river, scenic road, viewpoint, orthodox monastery The Filosofou Monasteries, located near the town of Dimitsana in the Peloponnese region of Greece, is a significant historical and cultural site that attracts tourists for its unique blend of natural beauty, architectural heritage, and spiritual significance. The monasteries are nestled within the stunning Lousios Gorge, providing a picturesque backdrop of natural beauty. Kalavryta, GreeceKnown for cave, hiking pass, mountain town, nature, railroad, resort, scenic road, sightseeing, viewpoint, orthodox monastery Kalavryta is a town and municipality located in the mountainous east-central part of the regional unit of Achaea, Greece. The town is nestled at the foot of Mount Chelmos, offering a picturesque landscape with steep mountains and lush forests. Kalavryta is also know for a station of Rack Railway toward to Diakopto. The train can reach high altitudes and operate on steep grades, passing through territories of unique interest and spectacular views. Mega Spileon, GreeceKnown for viewpoint, orthodox monastery The Mega Spileon Monastery, also known as Mega Spilaio, is a remarkable Christian Orthodox monastery near the town of Kalavryta in Greece. It is notably perched inside a vast cave on the steep western slopes of Mount Chelmos, overlooking the Vouraikos River Gorge. The monastery's dramatic setting at about 940 meters altitude captivates all visitors with its natural grandeur and spiritual atmosphere. Nafpaktos, GreeceKnown for beach, castle, coastal town, marina, monument, museum, promenade, viewpoint Nafpaktos, also known as Lepanto during part of its history, is one of Greece's most beautiful beach towns, located on a bay on the north coast of the Gulf of Corinth. Nafpaktos will seduce you with its traditional character and peaceful atmosphere. Mesolongi (Messolonghi), GreeceKnown for beach, coastal town, lake, landmark, promenade, wildlife The Messolonghi Lagoons complex, classified as a national park, is not only one the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean, protected by the Ramsar Convention and included in the Natura 2000 network, but also one of the richest natural fish production centers of the country which is formed between the deltas of the Acheloos and Evinos rivers. The site is important for breeding, staging and wintering waterbirds and exhibits a considerable degree of endemism in plant and fish species. Wintering birds include the globally threatened Pelecanus crispus. Messolonghi Lagoon is a favourite birding destination all year round. Oiniadai (Oeniadae), GreeceKnown for ancient settlement, ancient theatre, archaeological site, walls; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site The archaeological site of Oeniadae is a treasure trove for tourists interested in ancient history and architecture. The site's well-preserved ruins, including the theater, shipyard, and fortifications, provide a unique glimpse into ancient Greek urban planning and engineering. The strategic location and historical significance of the city make it a fascinating destination for those interested in exploring the remnants of ancient civilizations. Vonitsa, GreeceKnown for castle, coastal town, promenade Lefkada, GreeceKnown for bridge, coastal town, fortress, museum, tourist attraction, viewpoint Preveza, GreeceKnown for castle, coastal town, marina, museum, seaport Preveza, a town with an insular atmosphere and magnificent natural environment, where a walk along the lively seaside esplanade is a delight. Also, Preveza is a heaven for seafood lovers. #809 Tour mapDue to the length and duration of this route, we were unable to put all the tour attractions on one map. Because of that, here is a general map of this tour. Please click on "Tour maps detailed" to see detailed maps of this tour. Tour starts in: Athens, Greece 
day 1: Corinth canal viewpoint, Corinth, Diolkos landmark, Nemea archaeological site; accommodation in Nafplio Tour finishes in: Igoumenitsa, Greece Planned distance of this tour: 1239 km. #809 Tour maps detailedDue to the length and duration of this route, we were unable to put all the tour attractions on one map. Instead of one general map, here are a few detailed maps of this tour. Detailed map for part: Nafplio area  Detailed map for part: Dimitsana area  Availability of this tourPlease check below for the availability of this small group tour for a specific month and year. In addition, for this tour, a 45 days cut-off period is in effect. Of course, you are always welcome to contact us with questions about availability. Check availability for specific period:
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Price from€ 5,332
The min amount of people in this tour: 2 This small group tour is not available from 15 May to 31st August. SRS means single room supplement. Prices above depend on the season. Read our pricing policy. Maybe you want?What the tour includes• transport with driver • transportation in car with air conditioner • the car is minivan by default • company's tour guide • English spoken driver and tour guide • tour guide all the time with you • accommodation in 3-star hotels or pensions • accommodation with breakfast only What the tour does not include• lunch and dinner • accommodation in single rooms • hotel tourist tax • professional tour guide • entry fees and tickets • flights tickets • ferry tickets • travel insurance • country visas Safe TravelsThe Safe Travels stamp allows travelers to recognize destination companies around the world that have implemented health and hygiene protocols that are aligned with WTTC's Global Safe Travels Protocols. Monterrasol Travel Small group tours has implemented health and hygiene protocols. Monterrasol Travel is the Safe Travels company.  |
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