Mystras, Monemvasia & the Mani: 5-Day Private Tour

The south of the Peloponnese in five days: the Byzantine ruins of Mystras, the castle town of Monemvasia on its rock in the sea, the harbour of Gytheio and the stone towers and sea caves of the Mani – ending in Kalamata, with its own airport.

Day 1: Athens – Sparta & Mystras

Pick-up in Athens and drive south through Arcadia, about 2 h 45. Afternoon in Sparta and its archaeological museum. Overnight below Mystras – Mystras Grand Palace Resort & Spa or Castle View Bungalows.

Day 2: Mystras – Monemvasia

Explore Mystras, a UNESCO World Heritage site with palaces, monasteries and frescoed churches – read our Mystras & Monemvasia guide. Then about 1 h 30 to Monemvasia and an evening in the lanes of the castle town. See where to stay in Monemvasia.

Day 3: Monemvasia – Gytheio

Climb to the upper town and the church of Agia Sofia in the morning. Drive about 1 h 15 to Gytheio, the colourful harbour town at the gateway to the Mani, and walk the causeway to the islet of Marathonisi. Overnight in Gytheio – Las Hotel & Spa or Aktaion Resort.

Day 4: The Mani – Diros caves and Vathia

Into the Mani: the tower village of Areopoli, a boat ride through the Diros sea caves, and on to Vathia and the southern tip of Greece at Cape Tainaro if you like walking. Read our Mani peninsula guide. Second night in Gytheio or in the Mani – see where to stay in the Mani.

Day 5: Outer Mani – Kalamata

North along the coast through Kardamyli and Stoupa to Kalamata, about 2 hours. Drop-off at Kalamata airport or your hotel – or continue to Pylos and Methoni.

Every day is private, with your own driver and car. Hotels, timing and stops can be adapted to you – send us your dates and we reply within 24 hours.