Ancient Sites & Beaches of the Peloponnese: Mycenae – Epidaurus – Mystras – Mani – Voidokilia (5 Days)

The best of both worlds in five days: the great Mycenaean and Byzantine sites of the Peloponnese in the mornings, and a swim in clear water in the afternoons. From Mycenae and the theatre of Epidaurus to Mystras and the Palace of Nestor, with Karathona, Tolo, the coves of Mani and the famous Voidokilia on the way. You travel privately, at your own pace, and stay in Nafplio, Gythio and Pylos.

Day 1: Athens – Corinth Canal – Mycenae – Nafplio – Karathona beach
Pick-up from your hotel in Athens or from the airport. First stop at the Corinth Canal, then Mycenae, the kingdom of Agamemnon: the Lion Gate, the royal Grave Circle and the Treasury of Atreus. In the late afternoon, a swim at Karathona, the long sandy beach just outside Nafplio. Overnight in Nafplio.

Day 2: Epidaurus – Tolo beach
In the morning, the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus and its ancient theatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its perfect acoustics. The afternoon is for the sea at Tolo, a seaside village with a sandy beach and tavernas by the water, a short drive from Nafplio. Second night in Nafplio, with time to walk the old town in the evening.

Day 3: Nafplio – Mystras – Gythio
Across the Peloponnese to Mystras, the Byzantine city on a hill above Sparta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: churches with rich frescoes, the Pantanassa monastery and the Palace of the Despots. Then down to the sea at Gythio, with a swim at Mavrovouni beach and dinner at a fish taverna on the harbour. Overnight in Gythio.

Day 4: Mani – Diros Caves – Kardamyli – Voidokilia
Into the Mani: a boat ride through the underground lake of the Diros Caves and a walk among the stone tower houses of Areopoli. Along the coast of the Messinian Mani to Kardamyli, with a stop for a swim at Foneas cove. In the evening, the sunset over the half-moon bay of Voidokilia, one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. A long but very beautiful day. Overnight in Pylos.

Day 5: Palace of Nestor – Voidokilia or Methoni – Athens
Morning at the Palace of Nestor, the best-preserved Mycenaean palace in Greece, now under a protective roof, with the throne room and the bathtub mentioned by Homer. A last swim at Voidokilia or by the Venetian castle of Methoni, then return to your hotel in Athens or to the airport (about 3 hours 30 minutes).

Every trip can be adapted: more time on the beach or at the sites, an extra night, a licensed guide at the archaeological sites (on request), or a start and end at Kalamata airport instead of Athens.

Join us on five days of ancient sites and swims in the Peloponnese – from Mycenae and Epidaurus to Mystras, Mani and Voidokilia – with every transfer and hotel arranged by us.

Photos of Karathona (Pepnafplio, public domain), the Palace of Nestor (Peulle, CC BY-SA 4.0) and Voidokilia (Grzontan, CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons.