Peloponnese round trip: ancient sites, harbours and mountain villages

This is where your trip begins. After landing, you collect your rental car and drive into the city.

The city's landmark, with the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Propylaea, sits high above Athens. From the rock you get sweeping views over ancient and modern Athens alike. Early morning or late afternoon is more pleasant and less crowded.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Centrally located mid-range hotel on the edge of the Monastiraki district, with a rooftop terrace and views of the Acropolis. Plaka, markets and tavernas are all within walking distance.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Modern museum at the foot of the Acropolis, displaying the original finds from the rock, including the Caryatids. The glass floor reveals an ancient excavation below. A great way to put yesterday's Acropolis into context.

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The winding old-town lanes beneath the Acropolis are perfect for a stroll, with antique shops, street musicians and tavernas. At the Monastiraki flea market you'll find all sorts of bric-a-brac. In the evening, plenty of restaurants invite you to sit down and eat.

The narrow canal, cut deep into the rock, links the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf. From the road bridge you look down around 80 metres onto the slender ribbon of water. A brief but striking photo stop right on the route.

The citadel of the Atreid dynasty, with its famous Lion Gate and beehive tombs, is one of the most significant Bronze Age sites. The Treasury of Atreus and the wide views over the Argolis make the stop worthwhile. The small museum puts the finds into context.

Elegant hotel on the harbour at Nafplio with views of the Bourtzi fortress. From here you can reach the old town and the waterfront promenade on foot.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The ancient sanctuary of Asclepius is famous for its remarkably well-preserved theatre with legendary acoustics. Stand in the middle of the orchestra and you can be heard even in the topmost rows. A walk through the extensive healing centre rounds off the visit.

Small, clear swimming cove near Palaia Epidauros with tavernas by the water. Ideal for a lunch break with a dip in the sea and fresh fish. The spot is quiet and family-friendly.

You can reach the Venetian fortress above Nafplio via around 900 steps or comfortably by car. From the bastions you get a magnificent all-round view over the town, bay and mountains. A must for castle and history fans.

The elegant old town, with its neoclassical houses, marble-paved lanes and Syntagma Square, was the first capital of modern Greece. Boutiques, ice cream parlours and tavernas invite you to linger. In the evening, people stroll along the harbour promenade.

The Byzantine clifftop town clings to a massive rock in the sea and is reached via a narrow causeway. Car-free, you wander through narrow lanes between stone houses, churches and the upper town with its far-reaching views. A place that feels as though it has slipped out of time.

Charming hotel in historic stone houses within the fortress town. The rooms look out over the sea, and you'll be staying right in the middle of the car-free Kastro.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

A steep path leads up to the abandoned upper town, with the church of Agia Sofia perched on the cliff edge. The view over the sea and the lower town is magnificent. Sturdy footwear and some fitness are needed.

Quiet pebble beach north of Monemvasia with clear water and a taverna. Ideal for cooling off after the climb and spending the afternoon by the sea.

The Byzantine ruined city climbs a slope on the Taygetos mountains, with churches full of frescoes, palaces and a fortress crowning the top. You walk through an entire abandoned townscape, from the Kastro down to the lower town. One of the most impressive medieval monuments in Greece.

Small, stylish boutique hotel in a restored stone house in the village of Mystras. Quiet location at the foot of the ruined city, with a cosy atmosphere.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The mountain village clings to a slope above the Lousios Gorge, with far-reaching views over the mountains of Arcadia. Narrow cobbled lanes, stone houses and the open-air water power museum make the place special. A good starting point for hikes in the Menalon range.

On the edge of the village, the museum displays old water-powered mills, a tannery and a gunpowder mill in an idyllic setting on a stream. The restored installations are still partly working. An illustrative, family-friendly stop.

Traditional stone guesthouse in the village centre with cosy rooms and mountain views. Warm hosts and regional cuisine make the stay special.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

In a wooded gorge near Kalavryta, water cascades over several tiers into clear pools. A short path leads to the falls, with shady rest spots along the way. Refreshing on a warm day.

The birthplace of the Olympic Games includes the Temple of Zeus, the palaestra and the ancient stadium, where you're allowed to run across the start line yourself. The museum houses the famous Hermes of Praxiteles. An extensive site shaded by pines and plane trees.

Hotel set quietly on a hill above Olympia, with a garden, pool and views over the valley. A pleasant base after visiting the excavations.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Long, fine sandy beach on the northwest coast with gently sloping water and dunes behind it. Ideal for a thorough final swim and lunch at a beach taverna. Quiet and spacious.

Beach hotel near Corinth on the Saronic Gulf, convenient for the last night before heading back to Athens. With a pool and sea views to round off the trip.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

One last look at the impressive canal before you leave the Peloponnese. On the way back, a short stop at the bridge fits perfectly into the schedule.

Return the rental car at the airport and fly home. This is where your round trip through the Peloponnese comes to an end.