Circuito Privado de 10 Días a Epitome: Peloponeso, Isla de Hydra, Meteora y los mejores pueblos griegos

En tu hotel, reúnete con tu guía privado para la salida a las 8:00 h. En un corto viaje de no más de 1 hora, te adentrarás en el Mítico Peloponeso a través del Canal de Corinto para vivir esta experiencia de la "auténtica Grecia".

El Canal de Corinto es la primera parada y a continuación te diriges a MYCENAE, donde se encuentran algunas de las ruinas antiguas más famosas de Grecia. Pasea por el yacimiento y el museo antes de volver al vehículo y explorar el "casco antiguo" de NAFPLIO, la famosa fortaleza veneciana de Palamidi con sus 999 escalones. A continuación, dirígete a EPIDAURO, donde se encuentra un antiguo teatro magníficamente conservado. Pasa la noche en la que probablemente sea la ciudad griega más bella y también primera capital de Grecia, Nauplia.

NOCHE: Ciudad de Nauplia

Tras un rápido trayecto de una hora en coche desde la ciudad de Nauplia, llegamos al hermoso pueblo peninsular de Ermioni (o embarcadero de Metochi) para coger el barco a Hidra. Se trata de un viaje encantador, fácil y rápido de 25 minutos (ida y vuelta) desde el Peloponeso continental que te llevará a la isla de Hydra y te devolverá. Nota: Esta zona de las islas de Ermioni, Hidra y Spetses, Portoheli, es una joya oculta que sólo exploran los griegos, y que los residentes ricos y famosos de todo el mundo intentan ocultar aún más para preservar el estilo de vacaciones en familia.

Hidra es una isla histórica y cosmopolita y la isla griega más relajante. No hay coches ni ruido. Sigue siendo extremadamente popular y "griega de verdad", ¡a diferencia de las turísticas mimadas como Mykonos o Santorini! Explora a pie y disfruta de las vistas, el agua, la costa y las preciosas calles estrechas y empedradas, puertas, ventanas y casas.

NOCHE: Ciudad de Nauplia

Partiendo de Nauplia, nuestro destino será Monemvasía, pero -si tú también estás de acuerdo- no tomaremos la ruta rápida/corta de la autopista, sino que exploraremos la gloriosa costa del Peloponeso oriental antes de subir a la cordillera, con varias paradas y almuerzo por el camino.

La tarde y la noche están dedicadas a la MONEMVASIA, donde pasarás la noche (si reservas con suficiente antelación para asegurarte una de las estupendas casas de huéspedes de tu elección) disfrutando de la atmosférica ciudad-castillo, de las vistas del castillo y de las increíbles aguas azules, además de comida y bebida. Si no reservas a última hora, pasarás la noche en el interior de la atmosférica ciudad castillo de Monemvasia.

Monemvasia está situada en una pequeña isla unida al continente por una corta calzada. De la época medieval quedan las murallas de la ciudad y muchas iglesias bizantinas.

PASAR LA NOCHE: Castillo de Monemvasia

Leaving behind Monemvasia, there will be a long great day in the MANI Peninsula, the most famous peninsula and one of the wildest and most beautiful areas of Greece. A dramatic coastline of sleepy fishing coves and fortified villages like the beautiful Oitilo, Gerolimenas & Limeni. The amazing DIROS caves that you will optionally explore with a guide and a boat.

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Lunch in one of the stone-built villages where Pirates were a permanent threat. Next is SPARTA, the ancient rival of Athens known for its fierce warriors! Wandering around the Byzantine castle town of MYSTRAS is probably the highlight of the day.

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OVERNIGHT: Sparta/Mystras

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OPTION1: ANCIENT OLYMPIA

Breakfast and an early start for a long day with two UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit. But first, a quick stop at Sparta to photograph the statue of King Leonidas of the famous 300. Then a 1h.30′ drive to ancient OLYMPIA to walk through the impressive ruins of the area where athletes trained and ran in the old stadium, just as ancient Olympians did after victory 3,000 years ago. Olympia hosted the original Olympic Games, founded in the 8th century B.C. Its extensive ruins include athletic training areas, a stadium, and temples dedicated to the gods Hera and Zeus.

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You will also visit the world-famous Olympia museum and get the chance to see some unbelievable sculptures such as the sculpted decoration of the marble temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the famous Hermes carved by the ancient Greek sculptor Praxiteles.

­OPTION2:  ANCIENT MESSENE (not Mycenae!)

In size, form, and preservation, Messene is one of the most important cities of antiquity and one that still has a great deal to offer. It boasts not only religious and public buildings, but also imposing fortifications, houses, and funerary monuments.

The spectacular remains uncovered through excavation—mainly in the last thirty years or so—have made it clear that Messene prospered until well into the Roman period.

The city has the rare advantage of not being destroyed or covered by later settlements, and it is situated in an untouched Mediterranean natural environment. This landscape combines the mountainous majesty of Delphi and the lowland riverine tranquillity of Olympia.

Yes, we can all agree that the alternative (option 1) is “Ancient Olympia” and a must-visit. However, for some, Ancient Messene is -maybe- only second best to the Acropolis and the Parthenon. But it is still even better for the visitor because of the size and the numerous findings! It is not so well-known and not visited because of its remote location, which is not an issue for this multi-day tour! You can do Messene & Olympia if you are ready for a more extended day at an extra cost.

Next, we head for the Arcadia mountain range in the center of the Peloponnese to overnight at one of its famous stone-built villages.

You can do both options at an extra cost of 120 EUR (total for 2 people) or 150 EUR (4 or more people) for the extra time and travel but also expect a longer day.

­OVERNIGHT: Arcadia Mountain Village

Breakfast at a mountain village of Arcadia and we head to another mountain range to visit the very popular Cave of Lakes which is only the beginning of a long day.

After an amazing lunch and drinks at the top of the mountains (next to a ski center), you will ride the Odontotos Rack Railway train from the top of the mountain down to the coastline through the Vouraikos River/gorge.

Our target for the late afternoon is to reach Delphi by crossing the amazing Rion Bridge which is one of the world’s longest multi-span cable-stayed bridges and the longest of the fully suspended type. It crosses the Gulf of Corinth linking the Peloponnese peninsula to mainland Greece by road.

The Archaeological Site & Museum of DELPHI, one of the most important in Greece, exhibits the history of the Delphic sanctuary with the most famous ancient Greek oracle. Its rich collections are comprised primarily of architectural sculptures, statues, and minor objects donated to the sanctuary. These reflect its religious, political, and artistic activities from its early years, in the eighth century BC to its decline in Late Antiquity.

After exploring DELPHI, we’ll finally overnight at a surprise location away from the many tourist traps of this highly touristy-spoilt area.

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OVERNIGHT: Delphi area

This is a long trip to reach the northwest of Greece and Ioannina city, the Jewel of Western Greece. There will be many locations to enjoy a coffee break and stretch your legs before arriving at Ioannina. This is an elegant town with a long multicultural history. You will immediately be captivated by the legends of Ali Pasha – the one-time Ottoman ruler of the city, by the narrow streets of the Castle district, and by the beauty of the lake.

Although the next day will be dedicated to exploring the famous Zagorochoria villages, Ioannina will be there for you to enjoy on foot for two evenings. You will spend two nights in this town and at a beautiful ideally placed boutique hotel.

Knowing the area like locals or even better, we will experience the Greek landscape, views, people, food, and hospitality that even Greeks would not know how to.

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OVERNIGHT: Ioannina Lake City

Después de disfrutar del desayuno, comenzamos nuestra exploración para viajar atrás en el tiempo y visitar la famosa Zagorochoria "donde la piedra da origen a la piedra". Se trata de los pueblos más famosos de Grecia y una visita de ensueño incluso para un griego. Se trata de un día de exploración en el que intentaremos abarcar lo máximo posible en función de tu ritmo y de lo que te guste o no.

Visitamos los pueblos que sabemos que son las marcas registradas de la zona, ¡pero también los no turísticos! Algunos grandes miradores que ver son el famoso desfiladero de Vikos, el increíble pueblo de Aristi, las Piscinas de Roca, las hermosas aguas azules del río Voidomatis, donde comienza el rafting, y luego el pequeño y gran pueblo de Papigo. Papigo, para muchos, está considerado el pueblo de montaña más bello de Grecia. Para descubrir las bellezas de este lugar único, ¡es necesario caminar por las callejuelas empedradas! Haremos una parada para comer y tomar algo en un lugar escondido para disfrutar de la cocina y la hospitalidad locales.

De regreso a nuestra base en la ciudad de Ioannina, visitaremos un lugar especial desde el que podrás admirar toda la ciudad, el lago y la isla que hay dentro del lago.

Por la noche debes aprovechar para explorar el Castillo de la ciudad situado justo al lado de tu hotel y tal vez disfrutar de un paseo junto al lago como hacen la mayoría de los lugareños.

NOCHE: Ciudad del Lago de Ioannina

OPTION 1: VERGINA – The royal tombs of Macedonia

We leave behind this unique area of Greece to head towards VERGINA, the royal tombs of Macedonia, stopping for coffee and mixing with the locals at the popular lively mountain town of METSOVO.

We drive on to reach Vergina (ancient Aigai) near Veria town. At Vergina, you will live the experience of a visit to the unique museum, created in the Great Tumulus covering the royal tombs of Macedonia. Admire the astonishing findings from the tomb of King Phillip II, Alexander’s father, and feel the thrill of the greatest discovery of the 20th century.

OPTION 2 [this is subject to availability]: THE BAKERY/COOKING EXPERIENCE, PERAMA CAVE, OR WINE TASTING.

Note: Option2 is our preference but it is also subject to availability.

If you've had enough of historic sites, you can skip the royal tombs of Macedonia for a "different" experience—a full day, full of authentic people, tastes, and views. All three activities are not possible!

[a] As your guests step into our warm, aromatic family bakery, they will join us for a baking and cooking experience they will never forget. Under the expert guidance of Kostas, a Master Baker and true artist/artisan who has perfected his craft over 33 years, they will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of traditional Greek recipes and discover the authentic flavors of this enchanting region while being introduced to the vibrant culture and way of life in our charming village. There is an extra cost of €55 (EUR)/person for the cooking class, with a minimum of 150 EUR.

[b] During your Bakery experience, Kostas will guide you through the intricacies of crafting authentic Greek pies and sweets exclusive to this region and his family. As participants will have a break while the last pies are cooking, they may want to visit one of the two wineries for a tour and tasting.

[c] As an alternative to wine tasting (if you are not the type), we start the day by visiting Perama Cave and admiring nature's work—a three-story palace with incomparable beauties and wonderful ornaments. It lists 19 species of stalactites and stalagmites, while in other caves, there are 6-10 species at most.

Wine tasting and cave tickets are extra, as are all tickets for sites, boats, trains, etc, of this tour.

Finally, we depart for Meteora, but we still make a quick stop to enjoy the lively mountain town of Metsovo (depending on the available time after the main activities of the day).

Metsovo is a popular winter holiday destination; this tree-shaded village retains its traditional character. It is full of life year-round, generously offering you its natural surroundings. The soothing sound of water in constant motion adds to the majestic atmosphere. Drive on to Meteora for the final overnight and hopefully a quick first visit to the monastery area.

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OVERNIGHT: Meteora

Después de desayunar en un hotel situado justo enfrente de los famosos monasterios de Meteora, conducimos sólo 10 minutos y empezamos a explorar.

Meteora ("suspendido en el aire") era el lugar donde se escondían los monjes de los romanos. Exploraremos dos (o 3) asombrosos monasterios dependiendo de tu forma física y velocidad de exploración. Conducimos por el laberinto de Meteora encontrando distintos lugares para hacer fotos increíbles y disfrutar de las asombrosas vistas. El monasterio de la Santísima Trinidad fue el lugar de rodaje de la película de James Bond de 1981 "Sólo para tus ojos" y varias otras películas también se rodaron en los monasterios de Meteora. No todos los monasterios están abiertos todos los días. Cada día uno de ellos está cerrado. Así que planificaremos en consecuencia y nos aseguraremos de que no te pierdas ninguno de tus favoritos.

Dejamos atrás Meteora para iniciar nuestro viaje de regreso a Atenas con una parada para estirar las piernas en las Termópilas, donde tuvo lugar la batalla entre los 300 espartanos y los 200.000 soldados del Imperio Persa. No dejes que nadie te diga que las Termópilas son algo más que un punto muy histórico ... en Google Maps donde sólo puedes admirar la estatua de Leónidas y dejar que tu imaginación haga el resto.

¡Regresa a Atenas!