5-Day Best of Ancient Greece & Zakynthos Island: From Nafplio, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia to Zakynthos, Delphi & Meteora
This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Zakynthos Island, the Peloponnese, Delphi, and the Meteora monasteries. For those prioritizing experiences over things, the experience-motivated travelers!
Ideal for those looking to quickly leave Athens behind to visit amazing sites and overnight at beautiful, authentic “Greek” locations while exploring.
You’ll enjoy experiencing places, people, and authentic Greek life, food and drinks.
On this private tour of Zakynthos Island and the Peloponnese, we plan your experience, not a tour for tourists! All with great accommodation that you can’t experience in the big cities.
The locations
Firstly, on this Peloponnese tour, we will explore the UNESCO sites of Mycenae, the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, the beautiful town of Nafplio, and Ancient Olympia.
Additionally, explore the truly cosmopolitan and upscale Hydra Island. Optional extra day/night. The Peloponnese, Zakynthos Island, Delphi & Meteora tour covers multiple amazing archaeological sites but if you choose to add an extra day to visit Hydra Island you will have visited two of the most unique Greek islands.
Next, a comfortable, quick (1 hour 7 min) ferry ride will take us from the Peloponnese to Zakynthos Island, known for its striking blues, dramatic cliff backdrops, and sunsets. We’ll enjoy a boat tour to the famous Navagio (The Shipwreck) bay/beach and the Blue Caves.
Of course, we visit the “bellybutton” of the world, Delphi, with its famous Oracle. Lastly, we will be exploring the stunning Meteora monasteries. Expect this Zakynthos/Peloponesse/Delphi/Meteora tour to be about food & drinks too! It is included and is a very important part of your experience!
Key Tour Facts
Duration: 5 days – 4 nights
Language: English
Departure: 8:00 a.m. from Athens
Finally, you can book this Peloponnese, Zakynthos Island, Delphi & Meteora tour online now. The pricing shown is for 1 or 2 people (not per person).
Moreover, pricing details & options, please see the “Pricing” tab below, or Contact Us to get a quote for more than two people.
Private Tour Plan
Day 1: Corinth Canal – Mycenae – Nafplio – Epidaurus
Your private driver/guide will be at the agreed location for your 8:00 a.m. departure. On a short trip of no more than 2 1/2 hours, you arrive at the center of the Peloponnese for this “real Greece” experience. Corinth Canal is the first stop, and then on to Epidaurus, home to an ancient, beautifully preserved theater. Wander around the site & museum before hopping back in the vehicle and exploring the “old town” of Nafplio and the famous Venetian fortress of Palamidi with its 999 steps. Then head to MYCENAE, home to some of Greece’s most famous ancient ruins. We leave Mycenae to drive and arrive at Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
You can optionally add Ancient Corinth to the itinerary of Day 1 and/or the walk down the 999 steps, enjoying the most amazing views.
Dinner and overnight in Nafplio town. However, if you are the adventurous type and book early enough, we can overnight at a unique mountain village location that has all the non-touristy ingredients: authenticity, hospitality, excellent food and drink, a great evening out with the locals, and amazing views.
Day 2: Ancient Olympia & the ferry to Zakynthos island
We start from your hotel at 9.00 a.m. to visit the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the “Valley of Gods”. This is the birthplace of the most important athletic event of all time, the Olympic Games. You will have a chance to run down the original Olympic track and visit the museum.
You can walk through the impressive ruins of the area where athletes trained and ran in the ancient stadium; just as the ancient Olympians did after their victory 3000 years ago. In front of the Temple of Hera, the Olympic Flame burns during the modern-day Olympic Games. You can also visit the world-famous 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.
Tour the monuments of the archaeological site, including the former gymnasium and Palaestra (where athletes practiced before competing), stadium, hotel & crypt. Let your imagination run to the times when Greece’s finest athletes strove to honor the gods through the Olympic ideal.
After exploring the Olympia site & museum, we will head to Kyllini Port to take the ferry for an hour’s ride (1:15), and approach the port of Zakynthos Town in the late afternoon. After check-in at your hotel, you have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore and have dinner.
Overnight in Zakynthos island.
Day 3: Explore Zakynthos by car and boat or car only (your decision)
Your tour leader will make sure you see the best of Zakynthos Island.
☼ The “color of love” at the Blue Caves runs through all the shades, from navy to turquoise and back again. You’ll know only if you visit.
☼ The Shipwreck Beach. For some … an iconic shot and priority to add it to their Instagram feed!
☼ The Zakynthos sunset from our secret spots. Expect some spectacular lunch and dinner locations!
☼ The port of Zakynthos from above.
☼ The Caretta-Caretta turtles of the Laganas hatching Bay.
We will drive towards the north side of the island, to explore and board the boat to visit the famous Navagio beach and the Blue Caves. At both locations, you will have the option of a swim. At Navagio you will spend about 45 minutes exploring and enjoying the beach whereas, at the Blue Caves, it will only be a quick stop for another optional swim. Depending on the weather/wind, the boat tour of Navagio can be replaced by a tour of the south side of Zakynthos which is equally amazing with Marathonisi island and swimming with the turtles.
The above itinerary is very flexible and you have the following options although the weather could also decide for us:
☼ Exploring the island only from the comfort of our vehicle enjoying the coastline views, OR,
☼ Join a 2-3 hour boat tour of the north or the south side of the island (depending on the weather conditions) and then explore by car for the rest of the day.
We could also be visiting the Shipwreck to photograph it from above or optionally extending our day to enjoy a sunset dinner at the cliffs on the west side of the island.
The evening is for you to relax on Zakynthos Island but make sure you get enough rest for an early start to catch our boat back to the mainland and head for Delphi and Meteora Monasteries.
Day 4: Delphi via the Rion suspended bridge
After breakfast, we will take the ferry from Zakynthos port around 05:30 am!!! to get back to the Peloponnese mainland (Kyllini port) and continue towards Delphi after crossing over the amazing bridge of Rion – Antirion, one of the biggest in Europe. At Nafpaktos, a beautiful seaside small town, we will make a short coffee stop next to the water and the Venetian Castle/Port.
[Photo: Larry W. & Ashley O. – November 2019]
On the way to Delphi, we will be next to the coastline at all times also passing next to the beautiful Galaxidi seaside town!
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. Again, great lunch on the way to METEORA.
If there are no unexpected delays, and although not part of the normal itinerary, we shall make the first visit to the amazing monasteries’ area to get a feeling of the amazing landscape with the late afternoon light. Time permitting it may be possible to even visit one of the monasteries. Overnight next to Meteora ready to explore next morning.
Day 5: Meteora monasteries & Thermopylae battlefield
METEORA (“suspended in the air”) was the hiding spot for the monks from the Romans. We explore two (or three) amazing monasteries depending on your fitness and timing. We drive around the Meteora maze finding different spots to take photos and enjoy the amazing views.
On the way back to Athens we stop for a great lunch & drinks always under the guidance of your tour leader. No fixed menu! Authentic Greek food, location, and people; away from the tourist traps.
We also stop to stretch at the battlefield of THERMOPYLAE and the famous 300 of King Leonidas of Sparta. Expect a return to Athens around 17:00 but flexible depending on your plans to follow.
Expect a very flexible and personalized tour from us, with lots of authentic experiences, and great food & drink. [© Eudaimonia Zakynthos Peloponnese Private Tour Athens Greece]
- Private tour & driver/tour-leader
- Hotel/Airbnb/cruise ship pickup and drop-off.
- Non-smoking vehicle and driver.
- Return (round trip) ferry tickets to Zakynthos island.
- Four-night accommodation (including breakfast) based on double or triple occupancy depending on your group/family. Contact us if in doubt.
- Lunch is included on all 5 days at selected locations and is part of your experience.
- Each person is allowed one normal-size suitcase and a small carry-on bag.
- In-car bottled water & information booklet.
- Flexible itinerary.
- Excess luggage is not allowed.
- Entrance to the sites.
- Tickets for the 2-3 hour boat tour in Zakynthos (approximately 25 EUR/person).
- During lunch: Seafood or fish is excluded due to variable pricing. Fresh fish is available to enjoy independently at waterfront locations in the evening.
- Professional guide (optional).
- Shopping/touristy stops unless specifically required.
- Gratuities (optional).
The pricing shown for this tour is €5,000, which is the total for 2 (two) people and includes the sites mentioned in the itinerary plus accommodation/breakfast and lunch/drinks.
Discounted pricing: We offer alternative payment methods (family rates, solo travelers, small booking payments, pay on the day of the tour, etc.). Please contact us for the best rate based on your payment method, number of people, and age.
PS. Payments made by PayPal are subject to an additional cost of 5%-6% (the approximate fee that PayPal charges on all transactions), and prices by Amex are subject to an additional 2.80%-3%, which the client must pay to Eudaimonia on the day of the booked tour. There is no extra charge if you pay by any other credit card.
© Eudaimonia Zakynthos Peloponnese Private Tour Athens, Greece
From your Athens hotel, Airbnb, cruise ship (Piraeus port), or a pre-arranged meeting point very near to your location. For other starting locations please contact us.
Many thanks to:
Rocher Bros for the great video footage of the amazing Meteora monasteries.
METEORA MONASTERIES
Extend your plan by one day to create a more relaxed experience exploring and enjoying some of the following:
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- Winery visit & wine tasting OR Ouzo tasting (day 1)
Please contact us for details and pricing. Not all add-ons can be included in all tours either because of time limitations (daylight time, closing times of sites) or because of the time of the year (swimming, olive press), etc.
These are reminders and additions to things you have already read in other sections.
All our tours include lunch and drinks, and all multi-day tours include quality accommodation. Professional guide, dinner (on multi-day tours), and all kinds of tickets (sites, trains, boats, etc) are not included. You can read more about What is included & excluded in our tours and why! from our FAQs-not-4-DUMMIES.
☼ To keep our vehicles fresh and comfortable, we ask that guests avoid eating or drinking (except water). Water is always available, and we’ll stop along the way as needed if you need to snack.
☼ Fish and seafood are not included in our budget, as their costs cannot be estimated with sufficient accuracy in advance. Pescatarian guests are invited to enjoy our delicious vegetarian cuisine during the tour. In the evenings, we’ll recommend the best spots for fresh seafood so you can experience it at your leisure. Got allergies, several restrictions, or foods you don’t enjoy? Tell us in advance, and we’ll do our best to please you!
☼ After you book, we will ask for some of the following: any food allergies, a single passport number (required by local authorities), names of all passengers, luggage details, pickup/drop-off locations, and a WhatsApp number, which is very helpful during the tour.
☼ Luggage is typically not included on day tours. In other situations (multi-day tours or transfers), we expect a maximum of one checked bag per person [65x40x25 cm or 26x16x10 inches] and a carry-on or backpack. We do not allow luggage on the vehicle’s seats or in your laps to protect both our passengers and our vehicles. If you have additional luggage, please let us know in advance. We can arrange for a larger vehicle or help you store part of it. We may have to cancel if you ... surprise us!
☼ If you are too tall or heavy, we need to know in advance! If we have advance notice, we can arrange the appropriate vehicle. Please use 225 lbs (105 Kg) as the maximum weight you need to inform us of. If in doubt, please let us know your weight and height before you book, and we'll get back to you. It’s not a personal question, but for your own comfort! We can use a larger vehicle if we have advance notice.
☼ An adult must always accompany children (minimum age is 8 years). Please let us know if anyone gets car sick! Greece is not flat!
☼ Due to uneven surfaces, most tours are not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. We apologize for this, but if the sites don't or can't accommodate people with mobility issues, we can't help.
☼ We are flexible on tour duration, so there is no rush during the tour. We also expect you to be reasonable and respect your driver/tour leader's efforts. Sometimes there are specific restrictions (like not missing the sites' closing times during the off-season or catching a train, boat, etc.) which will "dictate" our itinerary/timing and require your full cooperation!
‘Eudaimonia’ is the trading name of Eudaimonia Private Tours & Experiences Private Company (IKE), a tour provider officially registered under the Greek National Tourism Organization (G.N.T.O.) with number/MH.T.E: 1245Ε70000034300, and Business Registry License Number (EUID): ELGEMI.181573613000.
The ‘client’ is the person or persons who have made a confirmed booking with “Eudaimonia Private Tours & Experiences Private Company“.
CANCELLATION POLICY FOR TOURS, TRANSFERS, AND SERVICES
(a) Cancellation Policy for day tours, half-day tours, and transfers:
☼ Cancellations made more than 60 days before the scheduled tour date will be fully refunded, minus service fees, as outlined below.
☼ Cancellations made between 60 and 30 days before the scheduled tour date will be refunded 75% of the agreed total tour fee minus service fees.
☼ Cancellations made between 30 and 7 days before the scheduled tour date will be refunded 50% of the agreed total tour fee minus service fees.
☼ Cancellations made 7 days or less before the scheduled tour date will incur a 100% charge.
EXPENSES: Additionally to the above but only after the 60-day whole refund period, all of Eudaimonia’s expenses agreed upon through the email exchange of communication concerning or are part of the day or half-day tours or transfers, such as site tickets, train/boat tickets, or any other bookings for the client (wine tasting, restaurants, etc) will be deducted from the amount to be refunded.
SERVICE FEE: Finally, a service fee of 9% (of the total amount agreed) will also be deducted from any refundable amount, including the 60-day full refund case. This corresponds to the time spent on the client’s booking.
(b) Cancellation Policy for multi-day tours (at least one night stay/overnight or more):
☼ Cancellations made more than 90 days before the scheduled tour date will be fully refunded, minus expenses and service fees as outlined below.
☼ Cancellations made between 90 and 60 days before the scheduled tour date will be refunded 75% of the agreed total tour fee minus expenses and service fees.
☼ Cancellations made between 60 and 30 days before the scheduled tour date will be refunded 50% of the agreed total tour fee minus costs and service fees.
☼ Cancellations made 30 days before the scheduled tour date will incur a 100% charge.
EXPENSES: Additionally to the above, but only after the 90-day whole refund period, all of Eudaimonia’s expenses agreed upon through the email exchange of communication concerning or are part of any multi-day tour, such as site tickets, train/boat tickets, hotels booked for the client, or any other bookings (wine tasting, restaurants, etc), will be deducted from any amount to be refunded. This will be approximately 25%-30% of the total tour cost.
SERVICE FEE: Finally, a service fee of 18% of the total amount agreed will also be deducted from any refundable amount, including the 90-day full refund case. This corresponds to the time spent on the client’s booking.
(c) Special client-specific arrangements/agreements & cancellation policy:
There may be client-specific payments & bookings (full or partial) agreed upon through e-mail communication mentioned -for example, as “non-refundable” or different from the main cancellation policy “refund dates”. Then, these client-specific agreements will take precedence over any interpretations of this main cancellation policy. Therefore, it is the specific written (email) agreement between each client and Eudaimonia that can only precede this main cancellation policy -if it is different- and determines the cancellation policy for each client.
(d) Other issues:
Eudaimonia reserves the right to make subtle changes to tour itineraries. Eudaimonia reserves the right to substitute vehicles and/or drivers should they arise. Eudaimonia reserves the right to change or cancel your booking without penalty, except by offering a full refund. Should change and/or cancellation prove necessary we will give you -if possible- reasonable notice & where available, offer you a comparable alternative. If an alternative is unavailable or unacceptable, you will be entitled to a full refund.
Eudaimonia encourages all clients to communicate as early as possible concerning cancellation issues, which could allow the agency to offer a better refund – partial or complete- to a client despite the standard cancellation policy described in this document. This is a decision not to be discussed with or disputed by the client, and will be made entirely by Eudaimonia to serve the client better, if possible.
Eudaimonia itineraries are flexible, and if possible, the requirements of clients will be facilitated. Eudaimonia reserves the right to vary, modify, or cancel any itinerary, either partly or wholly. Itineraries published are sample itineraries only and may be amended without notice. Eudaimonia also reserves the right to use alternative vehicles to those advertised.
Eudaimonia is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or rescheduling of any tour departure.
Bookings can only be used by the client (s) to whom the booking was initially arranged; no other person may use the booking under any circumstances.
The client will be asked to provide a valid photo and/or passport number for identification, which is required both for our documentation and for local authorities during random police checks.
(e) Force Majeure
It is only at Eudaimonia’s discretion to refund fully, partly, or not at all if a customer cancels under certain conditions, including even “Force Majeure”, medical, etc. Disputing credit card or other means of payment is not permitted. Eudaimonia strongly recommends that the client purchase travel insurance.
Responsibility Clause
Eudaimonia Private Tours, shall not be or become liable or responsible for any loss, injury, or damage to person, property or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation, or other services resulting directly or indirectly, from acts of God, danger, incident to the sea, fire breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of Government or other authorities, de jure or de facto, wars, thither declared or not, strikes, riots, customs regulations, delays or cancellations, or change of itinerary of schedules.
Baggage is at the owner’s (client’s) risk throughout the tour. Small articles, coats, wraps, cameras, phones, and other hand baggage are entirely under the passenger’s care, who is cautioned about the risk of leaving them in conveyances.
Clients wishing to join a tour or transfer are requested to arrive at the agreed departure point no later than 5 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This applies to all tours and transfers.
The client accepts that certain activities and aspects of Eudaimonia tours are weather-dependent and that under no circumstances can Eudaimonia be held responsible for weather conditions. The client will be informed by email of any potential weather issues and will be asked to decide, in agreement with Eudaimonia, whether to proceed with the tour. In this case, if the tour is completed or attempted, the client will not claim a refund. Rain or even snow is not considered a reason to cancel. Strikes can be grounds for cancellation if they really prevent the tour’s route. Windy weather and port authorities not allowing a boat to run are also reasons to cancel a day tour (but only in the case of a day tour), which is 100% dependent on the boat. A multi-day tour that includes a boat tour will not result in the cancellation of the whole tour, but only in an adjustment or an alternative option to replace the boat tour.
Passport Number
A valid passport must be carried by at least one client when traveling with us. This should be the lead traveler or the person who made the booking/communication, or payment.
Special Requirements and Conditions
At the time of booking, it is the customer’s responsibility to advise us of any special requests and circumstances, such as the need for a child car seat, mobility requirements, passengers who are much taller or heavier than average, food issues, car/boat sickness, excess luggage, etc. Then, we will notify the client in advance if we can accommodate their needs (larger vehicle, alternative options, etc.) and any possible extra costs.
Luggage is not allowed inside the vehicle; it must be stored in the trunk. Even backpacks need to be in the trunk, and it is the passengers’ responsibility to hold them on their laps and avoid scratches to the vehicle’s interior. We ask passengers to “keep their feet on the car’s mats” and not make a mess of the interior, which is kept in excellent condition, as you will see at the start of the tour.
For safety and a comfortable experience, we ask that you let us know in advance the approximate weights/heights of all passengers, as well as the corresponding luggage. This information is used only for vehicle allocation and will remain confidential. Failing to let us know can be grounds for canceling a tour, even when we meet.
Client Behavior
Eudaimonia reserves the right to terminate the transfer if a client’s behavior or conduct is disruptive towards the driver or any of our service providers (hotels, restaurants, etc).
Our drivers/tour leaders are carefully selected individuals who are genuinely polite and well educated. We expect you to treat them with respect. They will be there for you even after their typical 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but please do not take advantage of our “under-promising but over-delivering” attitude. They need their personal time and rest, plus some reporting to us and planning for the following days.
Passengers are forbidden to consume food or any drinks (except water) in our vehicles. Any costs incurred by you or your party due to damages on a tour or transfer must be paid by you (the passenger) or your party at your destination, and we or the supplier will not be liable for these costs.
Eudaimonia operates a strict no-smoking policy on all its vehicles and tours.
Liability
Eudaimonia has no liability for any tour or transfer arrangements, and in particular, for any illness, personal injury, death, or loss of any kind, unless caused by our negligence. Any claim for damages for injury, illness, or death arising from your use of the transfer services must be brought against the operator of the transfer services and will be under the jurisdiction of Greek Law. Eudaimonia operates under a Civil Liability insurance policy as required by Greek Law.
Validity & Disputes
Any disputes will be resolved by the Greek legal system and its laws without the need for any arbitration. If a client is unsuccessful in any legal action instituted against us, the client agrees to pay all our costs, including, but not limited to, legal fees.
The Client agrees to all the above when booking any of Eudaimonia’s tours, transfers, or services.
As of December 1st, 2025
