Archaeology of the Peloponnese
Archaeology of the Peloponnese
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8 Days
From
$2357
$2239
Route Map
Archaeology of the Peloponnese
8 Days Starting and ending in London, UK
Visiting: Athens, Nafplion, Archaeological site of Mycenae, "Treasury of Atreus" or "Tomb of Agamemnon", Archaeological Museum of Nafplio, Mycenean Acropolis of Tiryns, Epidavros, Argos, Tripoli, Sparti, Mystras, Messene, Gytheio, Monemvasia, Kalamata
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BPEL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 25
Physical rating:
Medium, Moderate
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Please contact Brightwater with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$2357
$2239 (USD)
Price
History trending_down including Flights from the UK The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$118
This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
The Peloponnese is a place of timeless beauty. From the 3000 year old relics at Mycenae to the classical ruins of Epidavros and the Byzantine churches of Monemvassia, the whole region reeks of history. In the hills above Argos, for example, it takes just the tiniest leap of imagination to look out over the sparkling waters and see the Mycenaen fleet sailing for Troy. The Greeks and the Spartans fought out the Peloponnesian war here, to be followed in turn by Romans, Goths and Slavs, Franks, Turks and Venetians. Nowadays the atmosphere is one of peace and tranquillity, but the connection with the past, with battles won and civilisations lost, is inescapable.
Archaeological highlights of our tour include the Lion’s Gate at Mycenae, the most ancient piece of monumental sculpture in Europe; the 4th century BC Temple of Apollo Maleatis and the Theatre with its awe-inspiring acoustics at Epidavros; the church of Agia Sophia in the Fort City of Monemvassia; the amazingly well-preserved site at Messene and the eerie, dead city of Mystras, casting its silent gaze over the plain around Sparta.
Highlights
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Venetian and neoclassical architecture in Nafplion
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The Lion Gate at Mycenae
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The dead city of Mistras
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A time capsule at Monemvasia
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The impressively well-preserved and unspoilt site of Messene
Places You'll See
Itinerary
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Location: Athens, Nafplion
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Depart on a direct flight from London to Athens, where we are met by coach and transferred to our comfortable hotel in Nafplion, a charming little town and port, modern Greece’s first capital. Neoclassical buildings, historic squares, old churches, Venetian balconies and Turkish mosques reflect a colourful past. Dinner is included tonight.
Day 2
Location: Archaeological site of Mycenae, "Treasury of Atreus" or "Tomb of Agamemnon", Nafplion
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we depart by coach for a visit to Mycenae, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and the centre of the Mycenaen culture. The acropolis was built in the 13th century BC on a solid Cyclopean wall and its entrance, the Gate of Lions, is the most ancient example of monumental sculpture in Europe. The region was excavated by German archaeologist Henrich Schliemann, the richest discovery being the Tomb of Agamemnon. We return to our hotel in Nafplion in the afternoon. The evening is free with a wide variety of restaurants to choose from.
Day 3
Location: Archaeological Museum of Nafplio, Mycenean Acropolis of Tiryns, Epidavros, Nafplion
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast, our first visit will be to the Archaeological Museum of Nafplion, housed in one of the best-preserved Venetian buildings in Greece. The exhibitions cover a large period of time, from the Palaeolithic to the Roman Period.
We continue to nearby Tiryns with its Cyclopean walls praised by Homer, where we will tour the citadel. Besides Mycenae, Tiryns is one of the two greatest ancient cities of the Mycenaean civilisation with impressive archaeological remains.
In the afternoon we continue to Epidavros, where we visit the famous theatre in its forest setting. The theatre was built by architect and sculptor, Polykleitos, in the 4th century AD. Thanks to its clever positioning and design, the theatre has excellent acoustics, which never fail to impress the visitor.
We return to our hotel in Nafplion for our final night here.
Day 4
Location: Argos, Tripoli, Sparti
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We leave Nafplion this morning after breakfast and head south via Argos, considered to be the oldest city in the world, with an imposing though neglected theatre, and Tripoli, where we will stop for lunch (not included), to our comfortable hotel in Sparta. Dinner is included tonight.
Day 5
Location: Mystras, Sparti
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We depart this morning, after breakfast, for the Fort City of Monemvasia. As the name suggests (moni=sole, emvasia=entrance), there is only one way in and out of the city, which made it easy to fortify and defend. Nevertheless, it changed hands many times, with Normans, Venetians and Turks all having occupied the site. Today, it is a wonderful time capsule where history unfolds before you, along the narrow cobbled lanes that wind among Byzantine churches and red-tiled houses. We return to our hotel in Sparta.
Day 6
Location: Messene, Gytheio
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will explore the fascinating dead city of Mystras, which casts its silent gaze over modern Sparta. On the northern part there are palaces and homes of the nobility, and houses of publicans and churches to the south. At the end of the 13th century further house and churches were built around the outer part of the city wall. A unique atmosphere pervades this somewhat melancholic but beautiful site. The afternoon is free in Sparta.
Day 7
Location: Monemvasia, Kalamata, Sparti
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Following breakfast this morning we depart for the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of ancient Messene, which was founded in 369 BC by the Theban general Epaminondas (after the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC, which resulted in Spartan defeat and the establishment of the Theban Hegemony). It became the capital of the free Messenian state following a long period (about four centuries) of occupation of the Messenian territory by the Spartans. Today it is impressively well-preserved, with examples of all the elements that make up the ancient Greek way of life (secular, religious, political/administrative, residential, and funerary). We will also visit the nearby museum which displays statues and artefacts from the site.
In the afternoon we transfer to the coastal town of Kalamata, which features cobblestone streets and traditional cafés, and visit the Archaeological Museum of Messenia which displays the antiquities of Messenia from Prehistoric times until the Byzantine era. After some free time in Kalamata to enjoy a Greek coffee or a glass of ouzo we return to our hotel in Sparta. Dinner is included tonight.
Day 8
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sadly, after breakfast, we must check out of the hotel today and return by coach to the airport at Athens for our flight back to London.
What's Included
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Accommodation
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Services of an archaeological expert as tour manager
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Comfortable coach travel throughout
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Meals - as per the itinerary
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
What's Not Included
Check out our Q&As
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Yes
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are flights included in this tour?
Yes
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Will I receive more details of the holiday before I travel?
You will receive detailed joining instructions around 10 days prior to you departure, but you are of course welcome to contact us at any time should you have any queries.
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What facilities do your coaches have?
Generally, our coaches have reclining seats, air-conditioning and toilets, however this cannot always be guaranteed as sometimes we have to use smaller vehicles. Toilets are recommended for emergency use only and regular comfort stops will be made throughout your holiday while travelling around.
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Do I have to go on the included excursions?
Absolutely not. You are more than welcome to spend the day at your hotel or exploring independently should you wish. All we ask is that you inform your Tour Manager, so they are not left waiting for you to join the group.
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Is there time to relax?
Although our itineraries may seem jam-packed, boasting access to some of the most exclusive sites across the UK and beyond, a Brightwater Holiday is just that: a holiday. Each trip will counter in more than enough free-time for you to explore places at your own leisure. And with most nights and the majority of meals being included in our tour prices, you can relax in hand-picked accommodation.
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Do I need to be an expert?
Absolutely not! Although some of our tours are specifically focused on one thing, all you need to enjoy a Brightwater holiday is interest and bags of enthusiasm! Even on our most specialist tours, we take travellers from all skill levels, from experts to beginners.
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How fit or active do I need to be for one of your holidays?
You need to be able to get on and off the coach unassisted, and most – but not all – coaches have a kneel facility that lowers the front step for ease of boarding
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Do you have self-drive holidays?
Yes, we do – tailored to your exact requirements!
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What’s the luggage allowance on your coaches?
There’s no fixed limit, but we generally say one large suitcase to go in the luggage compartment and a smaller bag that you can take onto the coach with you. For flight-inclusive holidays, we include a luggage allowance of at least 20kg.
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Where are your departure points?
UK garden holidays generally depart from London, with additional pick-ups depending on the route of the coach, while holidays to Scotland depart from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth, with Dundee, Inverness and Aberdeen sometimes included. All Eurostar holidays depart from London St. Pancras and flight-inclusive holidays depart from one or more of the main London airports, with regional flights .
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What about the company that will be kept?
For single travellers, those with a companion or even those travelling in a larger group, you'll find that the signature of any Brightwater Holiday is the company. You won't ever be travelling with a group of strangers, instead, you'll find yourself surrounded by like-minded people with a strong shared interest who will soon become your firm friends.
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What is a Brightwater Holiday?
Bursting with enthralling, educational and enlightening itineraries, a Brightwater Holiday, by its very nature, is packed with bucket-list-worthy destinations, behind the scenes passes and expert-led experiences. From creating bespoke quality garden and special interest tours for groups and individuals alike, we have made it our business to make our guests' travel dreams come true.
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Why is there a single supplement?
Unfortunately, single room supplements are charges that are often imposed on us as a company when we book rooms for group holidays. However, most hotels do charge less for single occupancy, and we always pass this saving on to our solo travellers in the form of a modest single supplement.
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How much are your optional excursions?
Prices start from as little as £20, but please contact our friendly team for questions about specific itineraries or excursions.
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Can I pre-book my coach seats?
Yes, you can. In the case of front seats, guests with limited mobility are given priority. Please get in touch with our friendly team to discuss any requirements you may have.
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How to get there? Easy!
With a Brightwater Holiday, the journey is just as important as the destination and we make getting you to your tour start point easy. From organising group flights and individual travel plans, to offering accessible local departure and pick-up points, we go out of our way to ensure that your journey is as convenient and hassle-free as it can be.
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Do I need to have travel insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all overseas holidays and is also strongly recommended for UK holidays – primarily to protect yourself against cancellation charges should you be unable to travel.
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Reviews of this Operator
Brightwater Holidays offers great value
I would highly recommend Brightwater Holidays. It offers excellent service and value for money. This was my first tour as I normally arrange holidays myself, but this tour - which was to the gardens of Kent and Sussex - was a very pleasant change of pace.
Feefo Trusted ReviewsMy experience with Brightwater Holidays
The tour was well managed, the sites visited were all interesting and linked to the theme of the Picts and their place in history, the hotel was comfortable and the coach journeys were well paced. I have been with Brightwater before and will certainly travel with them again
Feefo Trusted ReviewsWe were on the Tour...
We were on the Tour of the Outer Hebrides. We had a great experience, in no small part due to the excellence of the tour manager and driver.
Wonderful experience with brilliant information
The most important factor was an amazing guide in Alastair Walker whose knowledge and care for clients was fantastic. The whole trips are superbly organised
Feefo Trusted ReviewsNoted a comment on taking...
Noted a comment on taking coaches on A814 by a local person who didn't know the facts: When the A82 was blocked and the POLICE divert you onto that road you do as instructed not what a you know are tight roads but they only way to your destination as intructed by officials. We know this route is not suitable for large vehicles but the driver does as instructed by someone in authority.
Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday...
Recent (September 2023) Scottish holiday not so good. Various 'issues' to do with scheduling and organisation. I'm happy to report however that - after an interval - a letter expressing disappointment brought a full response - including a generous refund. So - with fingers slightly crossed - we'll be booking with Brightwater again in due course.
The recent tour in Northumberland...
The recent tour in Northumberland turned out to be a shambles. Our South London driver took us to Newcastle, but no guide to meet us. Next day still no guide and the bus driver attempted to salvage the tour the best he could despite having no knowledge of the attractions. Fortunately one of the passengers Googled the tides for Holy Island. No holiday guide ever showed up. Coach and hotel were fine. Do these people only offer self guided tours? Take Shearings next time.
Been trying to get a...
Been trying to get a reply from them for over a week. Booked Xmas tour, confirmation said pick up subject to numbers, they never said anything when booking and theyve been paid in full. Would not recommend!
I had heard this company...
I had heard this company was a nightmare to deal with, but thought I'd give it a go. Signed up for a tour, then emailed them about how to pay off the balance. No response to 3 emails. I've never encountered a tour company that ignored questions on how to pay off a balance. Looked into other reviews and found many complaints about cancelled tours and refusals to refund deposits.
Two of your tour busses...
Two of your tour busses used the A814 from Garelochhead to Arrochar on 24th July 2021. This route is not suitable for large vehicles and your drivers should not have taken the huge coaches that way. There are clear signs at both ends of the road indicating it is not suitable for HGV's. Our car had to go off into the soft verge to allow your coaches to pass. Please amend your routes to avoid this road in future.
Dates & Availability
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Monday - Monday
Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$118 (USD)
Including UK Flights
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Brightwater Holidays allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform brightwater holidays, 25 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Brightwater Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of brightwater holidays charges.
At 40 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Not what you're looking for?
People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
Cultural tours in Greece Cultural tours Tours in Greece Sailing tours History tours Ruins-Archaeology tours Art Galleries & Museums tours Walking tours