Mainland Greece: An Unforgettable 10-Day Road Trip

Explore Aeropoli by walking into the historical village and enjoying a delicious coffee at Aula Cafe. Relaxing and taking in the local scenery is a must. After lunch, journey out to the darling town of Limeni to swim with the turtles and delight in a pistachio gelato. Dinner at Taverna Vangelis is a great way to end the day.

Check out the Pikoulakis Tower Museum in the morning, then stroll through the local produce market. It’s wonderful to enjoy the fruits and vegetables from the village farmers. After lunch, take a short drive over to the Diros Caves and explore the impressive beauty by kayak. You will not be disappointed!

Drive to the village of Monemvasia (two hours) and discover the great Medieval Fortress Town, which sits on the east side of the Mani Peninsula. The castle dates back to the 8th century and was a stopover to the Holy Land. Spend 2–3 hours there and have a late lunch overlooking the breathtaking Aegean Sea. Then head over to the five-star resort Kinsterna Hotel and enjoy the property poolside or take in a well-deserved rest.

Enjoy a day at the resort, starting with a full breakfast on the patio overlooking the sea. Take a candle-making class, walk the vineyards, say hello to the farm animals, or indulge in a massage. This is truly a place to take in the moment. Later, enjoy lunch by the pool and dinner at the Michelin restaurant.

Journey by car to Nafplio (three hours) and begin the adventure by walking through the city, which was once the capital of Greece. The shops and markets are lovely and engaging with the locals is a delightful experience. If time allows, try and do the trail walk around the city. The views and landscape are beautiful and it's an easy walk.

Start the morning with a 40-minute drive to the wine country (Nemea). My favorite was Skouras Winery, but there are many to choose from. Reservations are always recommended. Lunch at 17 Villages is well worth the wait as locals and tourists both enjoy the experience. The afternoon is all yours as you take in another vineyard or head back to Nafplio. There is a lot to explore!

Start early and drive to Kalambaka, Greece. This is a full 5 hours and we chose to drive to take in the mainland scenery. Or you could opt for a tour group charter. Upon arrival, walk into the village for a traditional greek meal at Gkertsou Family Restaurant. It was our best meal ever! Afterwards, enjoy the town and visit the local boutiques. You may turn in early and get ready for the next day.

Rest in the morning with a late breakfast, then join a private tour for an extraordinary day of viewing the famous Monasteries. The historical monuments reach up to 300 feet in the air and are gorgeously decorated in gold, silver, and angelic paintings. There is so much history here with great stories and religious artifacts galore. Afterward, take in a local lunch and do some souvenir shopping before heading back to your hotel.

Drive the last leg of the journey to Athens. The afternoon is all yours to explore the areas of your choice. Walk to the changing of the guards and stroll the Parliament area for breathtaking architecture. Stroll the famous Ermou Street for shopping and enjoy a cappuccino. Have dinner at a Michelin restaurant called Ovio or at a place you may have discovered yourself.

Make your last day memorable by starting early. Join your tour guide for a visit to the Acropolis and the Museum. Many opt out of the Museum, but it is well worth the visit. Grab a light lunch at a nearby Taverna and continue on to the National Garden. Later, walk through Plaka and just enjoy the people, vibe, and take in the moment. Finish off the evening with dinner at the lovely Dionysus Restaurant and prepare for your departure home.