8-Day Greece Tour: Sailing Greek Islands & Peloponnese

We pick you up at the Port or Airport or your Hotel in Athens at a convenient early morning time.

Driving for about an hour we reach our first stop at Corinth Canal or the Isthmus of Corinth. The six and a half km long canal separates the Aegean Sea from the Ionian Sea. The first idea to open a canal so that the ships didn’t have to go all around the Peloponnese occurred to the ancient rulers such as the Tyrant Periander.

If we are lucky, we will see a boat or two crossing the canal. We always allow plenty of time for photos or for a coffee break at the nearby cafes.

Leaving the Corinth Canal behind us, your driver will tour you through South – East Peloponnese all the way to the picturesque small coastal village of Tolo.

Overnight at a family-run hotel with stunning views of the tiny islands across, Nelly’s apartments.

After your breakfast with a sea view or even a quick morning swim, your private driver picks you up for your second day in the Peloponnese.

During this day, you will explore the stunning UNESCO sites of Epidaurus and Mycenae.

The first stop is the Epidaurus ancient site. The Sanctuary of the god-physician Asklepios was the most famous healing centre of the Greek and Roman world. At the impressive theatre of Epidaurus, you can walk up the steps and practice its notorious acoustics. The theatre is still in use and Athens Festival every year hosts many international plays.

Other significant monuments in Epidaurus Site that you will visit are:

the Tholos / Thymele, the Stoa of Abaton, Katagogion, Ceremonial Banqueting Hall (“Gymnasium”), the Stadium, Greek Baths, and at the Museum parts of Temples of Asklepios and Artemis.

The next amazing site is Mycenae, the kingdom of famous Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek army at Homer’s Iliad epic poem. Mycenae was the most important and richest palatial centre of the Late Bronze Age in Greece.
You enter the Mycenae site through the imposing Lion Gates into the fortified acropolis and surrounding funerary and habitation sites. You walk by the graves of kings and the cyclopean architecture of the Treasury of Atreus.
The site monuments you will visit and see are:

The subterranean cistern, Religion Centre of Mycenae, Cyclopean Walls, Building Complex of the Oil Merchant, Grave Circle B, and the Treasure of Atreus, the most impressive of the preserved Mycenaean tholos tombs, situated at Mycenae, on Panagitsa hill.

Finally, we set off towards the medieval, seaside city of Nafplio.  Nafplio is one of the most beautiful towns in Greece, the former first capital of the country, built in neoclassical architecture with narrow cobblestone alleys and surrounded by three formidable castles. You will walk on the main Syntagma Square with two old Turkish mosques, with its many cafes and little taverns. Later in the day, you can enjoy a delicious meal or a coffee break by the Arvanitia Sea Promenade, overlooking the Burtzi castle.

After your walk in Nafplio, your driver will take you back to your hotel in Tolo. The rest of the day you are free to enjoy the sea.

After your breakfast, you set off to the central Peloponnese where you will visit mountains, lush forests and picturesque villages.
Our first stop (optional) is the Tiryns archaeological site, close to Nafplion.

The next impressive stop is at Stalactites of Kapsia Caves, a truly unusual and complex system of holes, tunnels, and chambers that has created a natural drainage system. This amazing Cave is a complex system of swallow-holes on the lush Mantineia mountain range. Multicoloured stalagmites and stalactites compose a unique and impressive canvas that is reflected on the surface of the small ponds inside the cave. Make sure to be dressed warmly for your visit.

After this impressive natural formation, we head towards Vytina stunning village, the “jewel of Menalon Mount”. You will stroll Vytina’s lively square with the stone church of Agios Trifonas, built in 1846. On the square, there are small, traditional cafes offering Greek coffee and delicious local sweets.

The next stop is another traditional village. Dimitsana’s beautiful mountain scenery, stone houses, and its history as the heart of the Greek independence movement in the early 1800s make it a fascinating place to explore. It is a very popular winter resort amongst the Greeks.

If there is enough time we can visit the Monastery of Agiou Ioannou Prodromou.

After your day is finished your driver will return you to Tolo to rest. 

You have the whole day free to relax by the sea and explore the pretty village of Tolo. 

For the more adventurous, we can organise an easy hike of 2,5 klm from Tolo to ancient Assini where you will admire the panoramic view of Tolo, the local sandy beaches and visit the archaeological site of Ancient Assini.

Another option would be to visit the island Koronisi opposite the port of Tolo. On the island, there is a chapel of “Agioi Apostoloi” (Holy Apostles), where weddings and baptisms are carried out. 

Worth visiting is the small island of Romvi or the island of Aphrodite where you can see the remains of a medieval castle,   scattered ruins of a Venetian naval base and various buildings and houses.

After breakfast, you get aboard a beautiful sailing vessel to the island of Spetses. 

The cruise itinerary is well planned, the ship is very clean and well maintained by a smart and professional crew.

As soon as you reach the Spetses port, you will see the impressive Venetian style houses which emit a vintage aura by the coast.  

Spetses has many secluded beaches where you can relax and enjoy the warm blue seas of the Saronic gulf.

Spetses town has banned cars so stroll around to the elegant small streets and enjoy the local colour of the island.

Best Sightseeing on Spetses:

Port Museum in Mansion of Hatzigianni-Mexi & Bouboulina Museum, Church of Panagia Armata & Monastery of Agioi Pantes, Cave of Bekiris, Old Harbour and Lighthouse in Baltiza

The next day we sail towards Hydra island,  (or Poros) one of the most cosmopolitan islands in Greece and with great history on Greek’s Independence Revolution in the early 19th century.

Hydra has been a high jet and classy destination for many decades. The island of Hydra became widely known through the  “Boy on a dolphin” movies, as well as a holiday destination for Leonard Cohen.

It has a busy, pretty harbour surrounded by a beautiful town sprawling. Walk in the incredibly narrow streets, which lead to picturesque small squares, neoclassic houses and shop at cosy mansions- shops fine jewellery, exceptional local embroideries, local pottery and art crafts.

Things to do:

Visit the Bastions with Cannons in Hydra & The Museum of Historical Archives, Visit the Ecclesiastical Museum, The island has 6 monasteries, Swim in Vlichos/Kaminia/Bisti/Molos beaches, Scubadiving and hiking choices

Poros Island

Poros is a declared protected settlement of beautiful islands with grand traditional mansions and picturesque cobbled streets. As we approach it with the boat we will see the lush pine trees vegetation, crystal clear beaches.

Poros is a picturesque and quiet, yet cosmopolitan, destination that attracts visitors from all age groups.

Sightseeings worth visiting:

The Poros Archaeological Museum on Koryzi Square, Ruins of The Temple of Poseidon, The Poros Folkloric Museum, The 18th-century Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi, The Dana Lighthouse 

On your 7th day, your sailing boat takes you to Aegina, an idyllic island close to Athens and a popular getaway for both Greeks and tourists. Aegina is an island with a glorious past both in ancient times and modern and there is evidence of the past everywhere on the island.

Again, the visitor of the island is spoilt for choices:

The Temple of Athena Aphaia, Temple of Apollo and the Archaeological Museum, The Tower of Markellos, The Monastery of Agios Nektarios, Christos Kapralos and Folklore Museums, Swim in Souvala popular beach or Marathon and Agia Marina secluded beaches, Take a yoga lesson on the beach, Taste the local pistachio

Next morning, after your breakfast and a refreshing dive to the blue Aegean waters, your sailing boat will transfer you to Athens Marina where we can take you to your hotel or transfer you to the Athens airport.