Étapes 1 & 5
Athens
The heart of ancient Greece and the country's current capital, Athens will charm you with its history-filled culture, ancient architecture, exceptional museums and lively neighborhoods.
Never thought you’d take a trip to Greece in winter? Take a self-guided tour of the Peloponnese, in central Greece, at the height of winter. Winter sports resorts await you in truly alpine surroundings. And en route, between two descents, you’ll have time to discover the sites of Delphi, Mycenae and Epidaurus.
You should also know that Greece in winter is not the climatic hell it promises to be, because even if the temperature can be cool, the sun will be out in full force. And last but not least, you’ll meet a lot of Greeks this winter.
A trip to Greece is possible from December to March, during the ski season.
Regions visited during this trip to Greece: Delphi & mainland Greece | Athens & Peloponnese
N.B.: This trip to Greece is an individual, tailor-made tour, to be personalized with our specialist Greek advisors.
Étapes 1 & 5
The heart of ancient Greece and the country's current capital, Athens will charm you with its history-filled culture, ancient architecture, exceptional museums and lively neighborhoods.
Step 2
Situated on the Peloponnese coast with its impressive beaches, Nafplio is a city of exceptional beauty with neoclassical buildings. With its old quarters, large squares and tiled roofs, Nafplio is a veritable living museum city.
Step 3
Kalavrita is a pretty mountain village in a sumptuous setting. It is the starting point for many outdoor activities.
Step 4
A seaside town sheltered from the wind by the surrounding mountains. A living tribute to Greek sailors, it embodies the spirit of the past, with its neoclassical houses adorned with maritime-themed statuettes, picturesque alleyways and pretty port.
Étapes 1 & 5
The heart of ancient Greece and the country's current capital, Athens will charm you with its history-filled culture, ancient architecture, exceptional museums and lively neighborhoods.
Welcome at the airport and private transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, take time to explore the lively Plaka and Monastiraki districts, located in the modern part of Athens.
Don’t miss the Acropolis, or at least its magnificent new museum.
Overnight in a hotel in downtown Athens.
Once you’ve left the chaotic urban atmosphere of the Athens area behind, you’ll discover a more traditional Greece. After a short stop at the Corinth Canal, an impressive gash in the rock, you arrive in the Peloponnese and the ancient Argolid, the land of many myths!
In Mycenae, you visit one of the most beautiful archaeological sites in the Mediterranean basin. Unlike Delphi or Epidaurus, this much older site bears witness to an entire civilization. The site also echoes the Homeric king, Agamemnon, and thus the Trojan War and the Achaeans. Don’t miss the Cyclopean walls, the Lioness Gate and the domed tombs.
Arrive in Nafplio in the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful light over the bay. In the evening, enjoy the lively city center and waterfront bars.
Distance covered: 130 km – 2 hrs.
Overnight in a hotel in downtown Nafplio.
Today, you continue your discovery of the Nafplio region. Head for the archaeological site of Epidaurus and its splendid ancient theater. The site boasts incredible acoustics, which you’ll be able to hear especially in summer during the theatrical performances. Don’t miss the sanctuary of Asclepios, a medical Mecca adjacent to the Epidaurus theater.
Afterwards, we recommend you drive to Palea Epidauros, on the seafront, where you can admire a pretty little port and enjoy a fresh fish lunch in a taverna facing the sea.
In the afternoon, return to Nafplio. We hope you still have some courage left to climb the 900 steps to the imposing Venetian fort overlooking the city. An incredible view of the city and surrounding landscape, well worth the detour. But don’t worry, you can just stroll the streets and soak up the atmosphere, if that seems too much for your day.
Distance covered: 80 km – 1h30.
Overnight in a hotel in Nafplio.
Departure for the northern coast of the Peloponnese. You’ll take some lovely mountain roads before arriving at your next destination. Situated at an altitude of over 800 metres, Kalavrita is an esteemed winter sports resort, appreciated in summer for its coolness. In winter, a dozen of its ski slopes, suitable for sportsmen and women of all levels, await you, ready to give you a taste of the unique experience of skiing in the Greek heights. The resort lies some fifteen kilometers away, at the foot of the Xelmos mountains, whose peaks rise to over 2300 meters. Ski equipment can be rented on site.
In 1821, Kalavrita played host to a meeting between the influential leaders of the time who fought for Greece’s independence.
Distance covered: 135 km – 2 hrs.
Overnight in a hotel in Kalavrita.
Spend the day on the tracks of Kalavrita and climb aboard Greece’s only cog railway, dating from 1896, which links Kalavryta with the small port of Diakofto below. The journey is a unique experience, taking in the steep, valley-side lanes. In addition to the simple journey, the train allows you to pass through the Vouraïkos gorge, or stop off to visit the old monastery of Mega Spiléon (stop at Zachlorou station), which is well worth a visit.
If you’d like to go for a walk, there’s no problem strolling along the tracks, as the average speed is 20 km/h. However, we’d like to remind you that the climb can be steep in places!
Overnight in Kalavrita.
Leaving Kalavrita early, take the mountain roads to Karpenissi. Despite the winding road to Patras, the route offers splendid panoramic views of the Gulf of Corinth and passes by charming mountain villages. In Patras, you cross the impressive modern bridge over the Isthmus of Corinth. An architectural masterpiece in its own right. Then you arrive at a new Greek ski resort, Karpenissi. At an altitude of over 900 metres, the town lies at the bottom of the valley at the foot of the Tymfritos mountains. Eleven ski slopes await you, with a total of ten skiable kilometers at altitudes of up to 2200 meters.
When it’s not snowing, Karpenissi is an essential stop-off point for hiking or for a cool rest before heading back up to Lake Ioannina. Don’t miss the Proussos monastery, much loved by the Greeks!
Distance covered: 200km – 4h.
Overnight in a hotel in Kapernissi.
As you can see, Karpenissi is an essential stop-off point for a skiing vacation in Greece! That’s why we’re inviting you to spend a second day here. This is your chance to stroll around the area, take an early-morning hike or walk, before hitting the slopes in the afternoon.
Overnight in a hotel in Kapernissi.
Today’s departure for Delphi is, if possible, an early one, to make the most of the day at the cultural site. For almost a thousand years, Delphi has been referred to as the navel of the earth. Zeus is said to have sent two eagles to each end of the earth, and they ended up here. In those days, people came from far and wide to consult the oracle and make offerings. The site is packed with treasures to visit, including the sanctuary of Apollo, where the oracle was officiated, the sanctuary of Athena below and the majestic arch of the stadium, a reminder that the Pythian games were celebrated here.
It will take you more than three hours to explore the mountainside and visit the museum.
Distance covered: 170 km – 2h30.
Overnight in a hotel in Galaxidi.
Back to Athens. The road winds its way through the mountains, passing at the foot of Mount Parnassus and offering splendid panoramic views. If you have the time, make a detour to visit the Hosios Loukas monastery in the heart of the Phocis Mountains. A true monastic treasure of Byzantine Greece.
Drop off your car at the airport.
Enjoy another day in Athens or fly home.
See you soon!
Distance covered: 210 km – 2h30.
– We advise you to bring sun cream and something to cover your head. The sun remains strong in Greece, even in winter.
– Leave early for Delphi and enjoy the mild morning at this deserted and magical site.
– Why not plan to stay an extra day and wander around Athens? You won’t find anything more authentic than the capital in the dead of winter. Plan your day around the Acropolis, the museums, the modern part of the city and trendy areas like Plaka. Finally, we recommend the Temple of Poseidon, a fantastic monument outside the city, especially at daybreak. Authenticity, culture and encounters will be the promise of this extra day.
– If you leave in February, be sure to visit the Patras Carnival, which is on your way. Europe’s most famous carnival, celebrating “Pure Monday” (the first day of Great Lent), is an authentic experience, rich in encounters and festivities.
– For walkers, we recommend descending to Zachlorou station and crossing the Gorge, but beware of trains, as there is no real path and you’ll have to use the railway line. Alternatively, instead of descending, you can climb up towards the Mega Spiléon monastery, but be careful, it’s a steep climb.
Enjoy your trip!
Street Art Tour
An unusual experience to discover the urban art of Athens
Athens, cradle of the gods of Greek mythology, has also become one of the capitals of political urban art. Whether you're a couple or a family, get off the beaten track and take an unusual tour of the city to discover Athens' street art.
When the people of Athens express their anger, joy or hope, they do so in a big way, on the walls of their city. Discover monumental frescoes stretching over several meters in various neighborhoods, especially in the popular Eaxrchia. Admire the Corner Owl, symbol of Wisdom and the Goddess Athena, the dog Loukanikos, the Hands of God praying to mankind or the homeless man lying down, to name but a few of the masterpieces that have become famous.
Hiking in the heights of the Gulf of Argolida
Between the sea and the mountains, discover the natural environment of Nafplio.
Under the guidance of an English-speaking guide, embark on a magnificent and epic hike!
Walk in the midst of a rich and varied natural environment. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Greeks of Argolid, scene of a fierce battle between Poseidon and Hera. Wander along paths that zigzag through archaeological sites. Enjoy extraordinary views of the Argolic Gulf, its deep blue waters and lush vegetation. On the other side, the fortress of Acronafplia looks down on you from its 2,500-year history! Magnificent scenery, mythology and history of extraordinary scope: these are the ingredients for a perfect hike!
(Picnic and water bottle included - length about 12 km - not recommended for children under 8)
Nafplio Old Town Historical Tour
Private tour with English-speaking guide
Would you like to know all about Nafplio, one of the most beautiful cities in the Peloponnese? Your English speaking guide will show you around this amazing city that is part Greek, part Eastern and part Western!
This guided tour through the maze of picturesque alleys of Nafplio's Old Town will help you understand this city of mysterious charm. Visit its archaeological sites and most popular monuments and look for buildings built by the Franks, Venetians and Ottomans. Inhale the typical scents of Nafplio through basil and jasmine. In just two hours of fascinating discovery, you'll learn all there is to know about the city founded by Poseidon's son!
