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Heroes and Heroines Marvel at Ancient Greece
Discover Olympia, the temples at Ancient Corinth, the archaeological site at Mycenae and the crusader fortress Mystras.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Athens and the Ancient Sites of the Peloponnese
Combine the Greek capital of Athens with the mountains, coastline and fantastic ancient sites of the Peloponnese often referred to as the mythical heart of Greece. This week-long holiday has been created for anybody with a love of ancient sites in spectacular natural settings.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Visit the Mani Peninsula
Staggeringly beautiful, the Mani Peninsula boasts a beautiful coastline and mountainous terrain, with fortified towers, Byzantine chapels.
3The Freedom of Self Drive
Enjoy the flexibility of a hire car. Choose to explore Athens at your own pace, or jump straight into your car to head out to the Peloponnese.
4A Day in Athens
Explore the heart of ancient Athens on a private walking tour with your personal guide.
Why we like it
This is a Greece with a difference, focusing on the southern sites of Arcania and Ancient Athens. Outside of the cities the Greek landscape, characterised by its mountain chains, gorges and jagged coastline, provides a spectacular backdrop to the history of this mesmerizing region. Self-driving brings greater freedom and sense of discovery to this holiday which truly makes it unique to you.
Day 1
Athens
Day 2
Athens - Levidi
Day 3
Levidi
Day 4
Levidi - Mani Peninsula
Days 5-8
Mani Peninsula
Day 9
Mani Peninsula - Kalamata
Day 1
Athens
Visit Athens, the capital of Greece and the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire. The city is still dominated by 5th-century BC landmarks, including the Acropolis, a hilltop citadel.
Day 2
Athens - Levidi
Day 3
Levidi
Located in the heart of the Peloponnese countryside approximately 160 kilometres from Athens, Levidi is a traditional village at the foot of Mount Mainalon with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding fir forests and fields. Stay at Villa Vager.
Day 4
Levidi - Mani Peninsula
Days 5-8
Mani Peninsula
The Mani Peninsula is in the south of the Peloponnese, a wild, rugged region with spectacular mountain vistas down to the coastal bays. Spend time walking the exceptional trails and admiring the dramatic scenery.
Day 9
Mani Peninsula - Kalamata
More details
How To Visit Athens
If you only have a single day in Athens, let us help you plan it well. Resist the temptation to rush to the Acropolis. In busy times the line of people, often from tour buses, create a cacophony of sound and it can be overrun with visitors by nine in the morning. Either rise with the sun and be one of the first in -an hour before the groups – or why not spend the day at a more leisurely pace, after all, this is your holiday. Wait until the late afternoon to walk up to the Acropolis after having visited the must-see National Archaeology Museum and stopping for a well deserved alfresco lunch at the Plaka. The walk up and around the Acropolis Hill will prove entertaining as you walk the cobbled boulevards lined with artisans street entertainers and virtually no cars.
Now, enter the Acropolis – the city has cooled down – and there are a fraction of the people here compared to the morning. Sit over a promontory for an amazing view of the city laid beneath you as the sun lowers. Wait until the best light or until the guards politely signal you to departure – whichever comes first – as they come to secure the Acropolis for another night.
Arcadia - The Central Peloponnese
Head out of Athens to the picturesque region of Arcadia, the centre of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Levidi is a traditional town, two or so hours driving distance from Athens. It has several interesting museums and churches and a lively central square. Villa Vager is located on the highest hill in the village, and has a unique viewpoint, at the centre of the village. It serves as the perfect base from which to explore Arcadia with its ancient and mythical sites including Olympia, the byzantine city of Mistras, and Nafplion, one of the most beautiful seaside towns in Greece.
The central Peloponnese enjoys a backdrop of fir forest and farmlands and acts as a great base for activities including horseriding, rafting and even quad bike safaris with the hotel owners.
Discover the Remote Mani Peninsula
Further south in a remote corner of the Peloponnese is the Mani Peninsula. The area of Mani is well known for its beautiful lunar landscape, olive groves, rugged hills, blue waters and small seaside villages with traditional tavernas. Such a combination of gastronomy, history and beauty makes it one of the most perfect places to visit in Greece.
We have created this holiday to include a few days relaxing in the family-run, boutique hotels. Our favourites are Citta Dei Nicliani in Cita and Villa Vager Mani, overlooking the Gulf of Messinia. Explore the beautiful scenery, peppered with Byzantine and ancient monuments and enjoy opportunities to taste local food and wine with tavernas an easy walk away. See first-hand, olive oil and wine in production. We are on hand to advise you which secret cove to visit each day. Swim in turquoise waters and relax on pristine beaches from sweeping sandy bays to pretty coves. Visit Voidokiia, the most photographed beach in Greece.
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A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From $1,554 Per person
When to travel
Greece in January
In the mountainous regions of Greece, there is a possibility of snowfall during the winter months meaning travel to these regions can be difficult. However bigger cities, such as Rhodes, will be less affected and experience average temperatures of 14.C in January.
Greece in February
Travelling during February can be an ideal time to visit some of Greece’s archaeological sites with fewer crowds than during the summer months. Temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing but perhaps less suitable for sunbathing on the beach, when between May and September are the best months.
Greece in March
As the start of spring begins in Greece, it can be a great time to experience the country’s many outdoor activities, including its various walking and hiking trails. Depending on your exact location, average temperatures can differ. Travelling to Crete during March, you can expect an average of 15.C and so be pleasant for exploring the country’s largest island.
Greece in April
With temperatures averaging 19°C on mainland Greece, it can be great to explore both the countryside and the country’s well-known cites. Throughout the Greek islands, temperatures will also start to rise with more hours of daily sunshine.
Greece in May
Prior to the peak summer months, May is often classified as the ‘shoulder season’ when temperatures are on the rise but there are fewer crowds and it can be much cheaper than travelling during July and August. May will experience little rainfall, lots of sunshine and temperatures can be expected to average 24.C.
Greece in June
June can be the perfect time to travel to Greece. Depending on your exact location, temperatures will average 26.C, there will be a higher chance of daily sunshine than previous months and it will be much quieter than during August.
Greece in July
During both July and August, Greece will experience its warmest temperatures with highs of 29.C. Humidity levels can also be particularly high with daily sunshine and clear blue skies.
Greece in August
August can be particularly busy in Greece due to guaranteed sunshine and the European school holidays. Accommodation can get booked up very quickly and will be generally more expensive than the start or end of summer. Temperatures will average 30.C in Athens.
Greece in September
With temperatures averaging 27°C, very little rainfall and fewer crowds than during July and August, travelling to Greece during September can be ideal.
Greece in October
At the beginning of October temperatures can remain high and the climate like that of September. However, as the month progresses, temperatures can be less predictable with some chance of rainfall in certain regions of Greece.
Greece in November
From November through to March, Greece experiences its coldest months and there will be less guarantee of daily sunshine. Particularly on the smaller Greek islands, some accommodation will even close during the winter period. On mainland Greece and on the larger Greek islands, such as Crete, they are less likely to do so.
Greece in December
The weather can be unpredictable in December and being outside of the peak season, accommodation prices will be slightly cheaper. However, some transportation services may be less frequent and certain activities unavailable.
Looking for Greece Holiday Inspiration?
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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