Self drive Tour to the Ionian Sea 9 days

As you step onto Athenian soil, you're walking into a city where legends were born. A Greca representative will be waiting to take you comfortably to your hotel, where you can settle in and begin soaking up the Hellenic spirit.

Later in the afternoon, one of our team members will meet with you to give a personalized presentation of your upcoming journey and answer any questions you may have.

The rest of the day is yours. Stroll through timeless streets, enjoy local delicacies, and let the pulse of this lively capital introduce itself in its own unique rhythm.

Greca Tip: Enhance your experience by easily extending your stay. Add more nights during the booking process!

This will be a free day in Athens, where, after a delicious breakfast, you will have the chance to visit some of the famous attractions and places of interest in the city. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll in the city center and make your own discoveries as you go along.

In the evening you will join a walking tour through the most stunning districts of Athens, such as Anafiotika, Thisio, Monastiraki, and Plaka.

Greca Tip: Enjoy a tasty souvlaki in one of the taverns in and around Monasteraki Square.

After a nutritious breakfast, you will pick up your rental car and drive to the region of Argolis.

Just outside Athens, at a distance of about 11 kilometers from the city, we suggest a visit to the Daphne Monastery. This monastery is considered the oldest Byzantine monastery of its type in Greece and its frescoes and mosaics are masterpieces of the golden era of Byzantine art. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1990.

On your way to Nafplio, you can stop at the Corinth Canal, a great engineering feat first designed in 630 BC by Periander, a tyrant that ruled Corinth and is considered one of the seven sages of Ancient Greece. This 6-kilometer-long channel was built to connect the Ionian Sea with the Saronic Gulf, thus saving valuable sailing time for seafaring vessels. Its construction lasted a long time and was completed by the French in 1893.

About half an hour’s driving later you will reach Mycenae, one of the most important archaeological sites of Ancient Greece. Here you can visit the Lion's Gate and the Treasure of Atreus. This last structure is generally believed to be a royal tomb and more precisely the Tomb of Agamemnon.

You will end a full day of a cultural adventure in the comfort of your hotel in Nafplio, a charming Venetian city.

Total distance: 148 kilometers

Greca Tip: Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Old Town and sip your drink at the port taking in the amazing view of Bourtzi, always lit up at night.

After a delicious breakfast, you will have time to discover Nafplio in the morning. There you can get in touch with the locals by visiting an olive oil mill and tasting the famous and appetizing Greek olives. After leaving Nafplio, you will drive through the picturesque mountains of Arcadia towards the ancient Olympia.

On the route, you can make a detour to Kalavryta, a city with magnificent views and steep slopes, river springs, and pine forests. At about 17 kilometers from Kalavryta, you will come across the Cave of the Lakes. The cave extends for 2 kilometers underground and has 15 lakes inside. The combination of the colors and waterfalls together makes an impressive spectacle.

Alternatively, you can drive to Diakofto and, from there, catch the train known as "Odontotos" towards Kalavryta. This train rises to a height of 750 meters above sea level and crosses the entire Vouraikos Gorge. The views are splendid, with lush forests, waterfalls, and tunnels carved into the rocks. This is the tour of such striking beauty, that you should not miss out on the chance of taking it. 

After these two compulsory stops, you will arrive at the destination of the day, Olympia. There, you will visit the site of the former Olympic stadium, where the first Games were held (776 BC). The importance of the Olympic games was such that all Greek cities ceased hostilities and participated on a large scale.

Olympia was also the most important sanctuary of the Ancient Greeks, a place to worship Zeus, the king, and father of all gods. Here also stood his gold and ivory statue, a gigantic sculpture made by Fidias himself and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

Total distance: 157 kilometers

Greca Tip: Relax and make the most of your hotel's amenities or hike through the beautiful surrounding countryside.

Today, after a delicious breakfast, you will leave the Peloponnese region to discover the islands of the Ionian Sea. These islands differ from those of the Aegean Sea for being covered with forests and fertile valleys, mountainous areas, olive groves, and vineyards. 

First, you will drive to the port of Kyllini, from which the ferry will depart. You will have a trip of just over an hour to reach the island of Zakynthos where you will rest. 

This island is known for the shipwreck beach or Navagio Beach. This postcard only summarizes a thousand adjectives that describe the hidden Greek beauties located in the Ionian Sea region.

The island was inhabited by Achaeans until the Athenians took it in the 5th century BC. Later they were succeeded by Spartans, Macedonians, Romans, and Byzantines. The Venetians ruled over it from 1484 to 1797, and the island finally joined Greece in 1864. 

It is recommended to visit the Keri caves or the Marine National Park where you can find the Caretta Caretta turtles.

Total distance: 125 kilometers

Greca Tip: If we have more days, we suggest adding nights here and going on a Full-day cruise on the Pirate Ship in Zakynthos, visiting Navagio Beach, Keri Caves, and Oasis Beach!

Indulge in a delightful breakfast as you immerse yourself in the Greek way of life. Today, you will journey to Agios Nikolaos Port, where your next adventure awaits in Kefalonia. A ferryboat will transport you to the picturesque port of Pessada.

Kefalonia, also known as "Kefallinia" in English, derived its name from Céfalo, the mythical lord of the island according to Greek mythology. This island holds a prominent place among the renowned Ionian Archipelago.

Make sure to explore the must-see attractions of Kefalonia Island, including the remarkable Cave of Drogkarati and the enchanting Melissani Cave Lake. The Drogarati Cave, discovered 300 years ago after an earthquake exposed its entrance, is a captivating underground marvel located nearly 200 feet below the surface. Adorned with stunning rock formations, the magnificent "Sala of Apotheosis" within the cave boasts impeccable acoustics and is often utilized for concerts and other performances.

Lake Melissani, once a Mycenaean sanctuary dedicated to the god Pan, offers a mesmerizing experience. Venture through a manmade tunnel that leads to the water's edge, where you'll embark on a small rowboat for a scenic cruise around this majestic cavern.

Bask in the awe-inspiring beauty as shafts of sunlight illuminate the vibrant aquamarine hues of the glistening lake. Legend has it that the nymph Melisaní met her tragic fate in these waters after being rejected by Pan. (In Greek mythology, nymphs are minor feminine deities associated with springs, streams, mountains, seas, or groves.)

After immersing yourself in the island's fascinating wonders, take a well-deserved rest. In the evening, we recommend a stroll along the pedestrian streets or the coastal road of Argostoli, the main city on the island.

Greca Tip: If you have additional days at your disposal, consider extending your stay to partake in a delightful barbecue cruise from Argostoli, exploring XI Beach, Vardiani, and other enchanting destinations!

After a delicious breakfast, you will take the ferry from the port of Sami to the port of Patras.

From Patras you will cross Río Antirío bridge, that spans the Corinthian Gulf and one of the great jewels of modern European architecture, and you will reach Nafpaktos. This site is known because it was the scene of the Naval battle of Nafpaktos, where Miguel de Cervantes took part. There, you can visit the Old Port and the Castle of Nafpaktos with amazing views over the Gulf of Corinth.

Driving on you will arrive at Galaxidi, a picturesque fishing village with beautiful beaches where surely you can take a short relaxing break.

Finally you will arrive at Delphi, the center or navel of the ancient world and host to the renowned Oracle of Delphi (consulted by kings and pilgrims alike).  The site was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1987 and continues to be a great pole of attraction up to the present.

When all your questions to the Oracle of Delphi have been answered, you will enjoy a well-deserved rest at your hotel! In the evening we suggest visiting the neighboring and picturesque town of Arachova.

Greca Tip: In Nafpaktos you can visit a women's cooperative and buy pasta, spoon sweets and jams from local fruits. Also, do not forget the region's most popular product, virgin olive oil.

After a delicious Greek breakfast, you will start your journey back to Athens. 

You will drive along the slopes of Mount Parnassos rising to 2457 meters in height and you will make a short stop in Arachova, a popular winter resort full of taverns and handicraft shops. 

Further down the road, you can visit the town of Levadeia, which, in ancient times, flourished and grew in importance as a consequence of its possessing the celebrated oracle of Trophonius, found in a cave.

Back in Athens, you will return your rental car to the station and your adventure through Greece at our own pace will have come full circle. Now it is time to have a well-deserved rest with the memories of all the places you have seen and the people you have met still fresh in your mind.

Total distance: 186 kilometers

Greca Tip: In the village of Arachova you can shop for local products, such as traditional woven carpets, honey, and the local formaela cheese.

At the agreed time, our driver will transfer you to Athens Airport to board your international flight back home or to your next destination. You will check in your luggage and benefit from the tax return resulting from any last-minute tax-free shopping for family and friends.

Undoubtedly, and after spending a few fantastic days with Greca, we hope to see you again soon to create new and extraordinary moments that will be lovingly etched in your memory.

Have a nice trip! Or, as Greeks say: "Kalo taksidi!".

Greca Tip: As a going-away gift, you can choose from a wide range of brightly colored flokati rugs, handmade sandals, embroidered covers, and Greek honey, or olive oil.