Peloponnese: Day Trips and Tours from Athens

The Peloponnese is one of the most popular mainland destinations in Greece, thanks to its legendary archaeological sites and dreamy coastline.

Travel back in time to the lands of the ancient Greeks, and gaze in wonder at the towering mountains, lush green valleys, and endless beaches.

Want to find out more? Then take a day trip from Athens to the Peloponnese and see history unfold right before your eyes.

How to get to the Peloponnese from Athens?

Located on the southern tip of Greece, the Peloponnese region is easy to access on a day trip from Athens.

From Athens to the Peloponnese by car

If you want to explore independently and have a rental car, then visiting the Peloponnese from Athens is a piece of cake.

Take the National Highway west along the coast to the Corinth Canal, and then head south on the E65 to visit the main sites.

From Athens to the Peloponnese by bus or ferry

The journey to the Peloponnese from Athens by bus is relatively straightforward. Connections between the capital city and many of the peninsula towns are good, with regular departures from Kifissos KTEL Bus Station in Athens.

You can also take the ferry from Piraeus (near Athens) to the ports of Ermioni and Porto Heli in the eastern Peloponnese.

Guided tour to the Peloponnese from Athens

Want a stress-free adventure without having to worry about transport logistics? Then take a Peloponnese day tour from Athens and enjoy round-trip transfers and visits to the most popular locations.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Peloponnese from Athens?

Most day trips to the Peloponnese from Athens begin with a hotel pick-up, right after breakfast so you can make the most of your time. Travel is in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan or car, giving you great views of the scenery as you drive around the peninsula.

After crossing over the Corinth Canal, you’ll begin your sightseeing, stopping at multiple archaeological sites. Some Peloponnese excursions include guided tours while others let you explore at leisure.

Lunch is usually enjoyed at a traditional restaurant, sometimes with a beautiful sea view! Then there’s time to check out a few more sites before returning to Athens in the evening.

What kind of tours are available to go to the Peloponnese?

There are lots of day tours around the Peloponnese, with each one offering something different. Hotel transfers are generally included so you don’t need to worry about transport.

Guided tour to the Peloponnese from Athens

The most popular Peloponnese day trips from Athens visit the peninsula’s top sites in a single day. This is a great choice for those who want to see a lot in a short space of time.

These tours are shared with like-minded travelers so you can keep costs down.

Private tour to the Peloponnese from Athens

If you enjoy personal attention and would like a say in the itinerary, then opt for a private Peloponnese jaunt.

You will have a car and driver to yourself, which will help you avoid the crowds and give you flexibility and freedom.

Private wine tour around the Peloponnese Peninsula

Enjoy a few glasses of cheer on this wine-themed Peloponnese day trip. As well as stopping at some of the ancient ruins, you will visit the vineyards of Nemea and learn the secrets behind the delicious local wines.

Private 2-day tour to the Peloponnese from Athens with Kalavryta Railway, Kapsia Caves, & Nemea

Get off the beaten track and discover the hidden gems of the peninsula on this exclusive Peloponnese excursion from Athens.

Accommodation is included so you don’t need to organize a thing.

Private 5-day tour to the Peloponnese from Athens with Nafplio, Olympia, Mycenae, & Epidaurus

Explore some of Greece’s most famous sites on this epic 5-day Peloponnese adventure.

You’ll spend time in Nafplio, see where the original Olympic Games were held, and visit Agamemnon’s tomb in Mycenae.

6-day sightseeing tour to the Peloponnese from Athens

This trip takes you on a whirlwind adventure across some of the most iconic classical sites in Greece.

You will see ancient temples, visit crumbling castles, and learn about the legends that put the Peloponnese on the map.

How much does a tour to the Peloponnese from Athens cost?

Shared Peloponnese day trips from Athens cost from €100 per person, with transfers provided. Entrance fees and lunch are usually extra.

Private Peloponnese tours start at €150, including an exclusive vehicle and guide.

The private wine tour around the Peloponnese Peninsula is €550 for an 8-hour excursion with up to four passengers. A winery tour is included, but tastings are at your own expense.

Private 2-day tours to the Peloponnese from Athens are €586, with accommodation provided. Meals are extra.

For the private 5-day tour to the Peloponnese expect to pay €2118. This includes hotels, breakfasts, and lunches during the trip.

The 6-day tour to the Peloponnese from Athens costs €1586 and includes accommodation and breakfast.

What will you see and do in the Peloponnese?

Olympia

Sports enthusiasts will love Olympia, which was founded in the 8^th Century B. C. in the western Peloponnese.

This is where the very first Olympic Games were held, and you can still see the training areas and stadium. There are temples and statues to admire as you walk in the footsteps of ancient athletes.

Mycenae

Mycenae is one of the most historically important sites in Greece. Discovered in the 19^th century, this ancient military town is the resting place of legendary King Agamemnon.

You can stroll around the avenues and explore ruined buildings, imagining what life was like back in the day. Don’t miss the citadel walls, which are said to have been constructed by the one-eyed Cyclops.

Epidaurus

The star of the show at Epidaurus is the old theater. It’s a popular stop on Peloponnese day trips from Athens and is famed for its acoustics.

In summer, performances of classic Greek dramas are staged here, against one of the most beautiful backdrops in the country.

Nafplio

The coastal city of Nafplio is frequently included in Peloponnese day tours. It’s one of the prettiest towns on the peninsula, with medieval castles and historic walls everywhere you turn.

Wander the cobblestone streets and photograph the Neoclassical mansions with their foliage-filled courtyards.

Corinth Canal

The famous Corinth Canal is a highlight of most day trips to the Peloponnese from Athens. Separating the peninsula from mainland Greece, the waterway connects the Ionian and Aegean Seas.

Keep your eyes peeled for ships navigating the narrow passage.

When is the best time to visit the Peloponnese?

The Peloponnese peninsula is beautiful at any time of year, and the weather remains mild throughout.

Visit in spring for the floral blooms or come in fall for colorful foliage and fewer other tourists. It can get quite hot during summer when the popular sites are at their busiest.

Travel tips

Book your Peloponnese day trip from Athens online so you can compare prices and secure your preferred dates.

Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for exploring uneven ground at archaeological sites.

Check if lunch is included on your tour. If not, then you can take a picnic with you, or purchase food during the day.

Carry a water bottle so you can stay hydrated as you explore the exposed sites. Most of them have little shade during summer.

Remember to charge your cell phone or camera before leaving the hotel – the Peloponnese is very photogenic!