FEARLESS FORTRESSES: 8-Day Small-Group Medieval Journey in Greece
Embark on an 8‑day small‑group semi‑private journey through the medieval heart of Greece. Traverse ancient fortresses, towering castles, and walled cities that tell tales of knights, emperors, and legendary battles. Wander through cobbled streets, explore hidden ramparts, and admire panoramic views from historic strongholds, each echoing centuries of history. Along the way, immerse yourself in local traditions, savor regional cuisine, and uncover the stories of Greece’s medieval past on this captivating adventure—perfect for travelers seeking history, intrigue, and unforgettable experiences.
Day 1: Athens Welcome
Our Fearless Fortresses tour begins in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization. Under a starlit sky and with sweeping views of the illuminated Acropolis, you’ll enjoy a warm welcome and a delectable Greek dinner, a perfect prelude to the journey ahead.
Day 2: Corinth Canal | Acrocorinth | Castle of Argos | Nafplion
Travel to the Corinth Canal, an engineering marvel stretching 6.3 km (3.9 miles) that connects the Aegean and Ionian Seas, separating the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Continue to the majestic citadel of Acrocorinth, wandering its ancient fortifications and gates while taking in breathtaking panoramic views. Steeped in history, Acrocorinth offers a fascinating glimpse into centuries of military strategy, mythology, and cultural heritage. Next, visit the Castle of Argos, one of the oldest fortresses in Greece. Perched on Larisa Hill, it overlooks the Argolic plain and surrounding mountains. Fortified over centuries by Byzantine, Frankish, and Venetian rulers, the castle’s walls, gates, and towers tell stories of strategic battles that shaped the region. Spend the remainder of the day in Nafplion, a picturesque town of Venetian-style streets and elegant architecture. Stroll through its charming alleys, unwind at a seaside café, and soak in the blend of medieval heritage and serene coastal beauty that makes Nafplion the perfect conclusion to a day of fortress exploration.
Day 3: Palamidi Fortress | Monemvasia
Begin the day at Palamidi Fortress, the imposing Venetian stronghold dominating Nafplion’s skyline. Ascend its historic stone steps to explore bastions, gates, and towers, imagining the lives of soldiers who once guarded this strategic citadel. From the ramparts, enjoy sweeping views of the town, harbor, and the sparkling waters of the Argolic Gulf before continuing your journey. Depart for Monemvasia, the “Gibraltar of the East,” a medieval fortress town perched atop a dramatic rock island off the southeastern Peloponnese coast. Accessed by a narrow causeway, the town’s walled streets reveal a labyrinth of cobbled lanes, Byzantine churches, and medieval architecture that tells stories of knights, merchants, and centuries of history. From the fortress walls, overlook the sea and soak in the timeless atmosphere of this evocative stronghold.
Day 4: Mystras | Kalamata
In the morning, travel to Mystras, the breathtaking Byzantine fortified town near ancient Sparta. Explore its stone-paved streets, majestic churches adorned with frescoes, and the upper citadel with panoramic views of the surrounding plains. Wander monasteries, palaces, and hidden corners, imagining the lives of Byzantine nobility and monks. Continue to Kalamata, a coastal city where you can stroll along the waterfront, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, and take in the scenic surroundings—a comfortable and convenient base after a day immersed in medieval splendor.
Day 5: Koroni Castle | Methoni Castle | Pylos
Travel along the coast to Koroni Castle, a Venetian stronghold dominating the town’s skyline, where ramparts, gates, and courtyards reveal centuries of military strategy. Continue to Methoni Castle, one of the Peloponnese’s most impressive coastal fortresses, featuring massive fortifications, the iconic Bourtzi tower projecting into the sea, and well-preserved medieval structures. End the day in Pylos, a charming town with a scenic harbor, perfect for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Pylos Castle | Castle of Chlemoutsi | Patra
Visit Pylos Castle, a Venetian fortress overlooking Navarino Bay. Explore its battlements and historic structures, enjoying panoramic views of the coastline and Ionian Sea. Then travel north to the Castle of Chlemoutsi, a well-preserved Frankish palace fortress in the heart of the Peloponnese. Wander its courtyards, climb the towers, and admire commanding views of the distant sea. Conclude the day in Patra, a vibrant city providing a convenient base after a day of medieval exploration.
Day 7: Patra Castle | Rio Fortress | Castle of Nafpaktos
Start the day at Patra Castle, a Byzantine and later Venetian fortress dominating the city skyline. Explore its walls, gates, and towers with sweeping views of Patra and the Gulf of Patras. Continue to Rio Fortress, perched strategically at the entrance of the Gulf. Wander the ramparts and enjoy commanding views over the narrow strait and surrounding waters. Continue at the Castle of Nafpaktos, a medieval stronghold expanded over centuries by Venetians and Ottomans. Wander through its bastions, fortified walls, and winding inner streets before retiring for the night in Nafpaktos itself, a picturesque town where medieval charm meets coastal tranquility.
Day 8: Castle of Amfissa | Athens
Visit the Castle of Amfissa, a medieval fortress overlooking the town and olive groves. Explore its towers, walls, and gates while imagining its strategic role in Byzantine, Frankish, and later periods. Enjoy panoramic views of the valley and mountains before departing for Athens, returning with memories of ancient castles, fortified towns, and breathtaking landscapes.
Group Discount
| Persons | Discount | Cost per person |
| 1 - 3 | 0% | 3.900€ |
| 4 - 5 | 10% | 3.510€ |
| 6 | 25% | 2.925€ |
All-Inclusive
| PERSONAL MANAGER | |
| LICENSED GUIDE | |
| LUXURY HOTELS | |
| HALF-BOARD DAILY | |
| PRIVATE MINIVAN | |
| PRIVATE TOURS | |
| MUSEUM TICKETS | |
| TRAVEL INSURANCE | |
| CREDIT CARD FEES |
Why Choose a Small-Group Tour?
Personalized Attention: Smaller groups mean more interaction with guides.
Flexible Schedule: Explore at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.
Authentic Experiences: Gain behind-the-scenes access to local culture, food, and history.
U.S. Traveler-Friendly: Designed for Americans who want cultural depth with comfort.
Tour Highlights
Off-the-beaten-path itinerary
Explore Greece’s ancient and medieval fortresses
Step back in time at the Byzantine city of Mystras
Immerse yourself in centuries of military strategy and architecture
Discover hidden corners of historic castles and citadels
Pace Levels
Level 1: Flat route and leisurely walks
Level 2: Well-established footpaths and a few short hilly sections
Level 3: Uneven rural paths and a few sections over rough ground
A detailed description of each day’s pace level can be found under our weekly plan.
OUR ITINERARY
(Saturday) - Athens Welcome
Pace level: 1
(Sunday) - Corinth Canal | Acrocorinth | Castle of Argos | Nafplion
Pace level: 3
(Monday) - Palamidi Fortress | Monemvasia
Pace level: 3
(Tuesday) - Mystras | Kalamata
Pace level: 3
(Wednesday) - Koroni Castle | Methoni Castle | Pylos
Pace level: 3
(Thursday) - Pylos Castle | Castle of Chlemoutsi | Patra
Pace level: 3
(Friday) - Patra Castle | Rio Fortress | Castle of Nafpaktos
Pace level: 3
(Saturday) - Castle of Amfissa | Athens
Pace level: 2
TOUR INFORMATION
Traveling in a group
All hotel accommodations are in twin, double, or triple rooms, with tour pricing based on a minimum of two people per room. If you’re a group of three, we recommend booking a triple room. For families of more than three, you’ll be accommodated in a combination of the available room types, or—subject to hotel availability—you may be upgraded to a family suite. Please let us know your room preferences at the time of booking.
Traveling solo
Solo travelers are subject to a single supplement of €500.
Group Size
This tour is designed for groups of 2 to 6 people. For a private experience or larger groups, please contact us to arrange a customized tour.
Group Discount
We offer a 10% discount for groups of 4 to 5 people and a 25% discount for groups of 6 people. The discount is automatically applied when booking. If you’re booking separately as a group of friends or family, simply let us know, and we’ll manually apply the discount to your reservation. Please note that the discount does not apply to extra services (e.g., private transfers, pre/post accommodation).
Payment Methods
We offer three payment methods: online payments, payment links, and bank transfers.
You can choose to pay in up to 5 installments with any method. For online payments, we accept VISA, Mastercard, and Maestro cards.
If you pay via bank transfer, you can submit your payment receipt through your Dashboard for each installment. Each payment will undergo a verification process.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to cancel or modify your booking (departure date, passenger name, etc.), a fee may apply unless the request is made at least 60 days before departure. All requests must be submitted in writing.
Cancellation Fees (as a percentage of the total cost):
More than 60 days before departure: 0%
59–50 days before departure: 20%
49–40 days before departure: 40%
39–30 days before departure: 60%
29–20 days before departure: 80%
Less than 19 days or no-show: 100%
For full details on payments, deadlines, and cancellation policies, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
Currency Information
The EURO (€) is the official currency of Greece as part of the European Union.
Visa Information
A Greece tourist visa is required in some cases depending on your country of origin. Please check at https://greece.visahq.com/
Passport Requirements
Ensure your passport has at least six months of remaining validity. Although Greek law requires only three months beyond your departure date, connecting flights or destinations may require more. You may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds (credit cards typically suffice) and a return flight. We recommend carrying a copy of your passport and leaving the original safely stored in your hotel room.
Travel Insurance
All our packages are covered by a Travel Insurance program that covers common situations such as trip cancellation, travel delays, or the loss/delay of luggage and/or documents, as well as 24/7 medical assistance providing help in case of any emergency during the trip.
Dietary Needs
Our tours emphasize authentic local Greek cuisine, which is a key part of the overall experience. However, if you have specific dietary needs, we are happy to provide vegetarian options. If you have any questions or special requests regarding food, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Physical Demands
While the itinerary includes downtime, this is still an active trip with considerable walking. If you have mobility concerns, please contact us ahead of time to determine if this trip is right for you. A detailed description of each day’s pace level can be found under our weekly plan.
Accommodation
In Athens, our guests enjoy a one-night stay at the Royal Olympic Hotel, a modern 5-star property in the heart of the city, offering stunning views of the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Throughout the rest of Greece, accommodations are in carefully selected traditional 4 or 5-star hotels, except in Monemvasia, where guests enjoy a truly unforgettable stay inside a castle dating back to 1540 AD, offering an experience of a lifetime.
Meals
Each day, we offer a traditional Greek breakfast, as well as lunch or dinner, prepared with authentic recipes at top-tier restaurants, wineries, and hotels. For more details, please refer to the daily itinerary of our journeys. While our menus offer a wide selection, additional dishes may be ordered at an extra cost. Please note that drinks are not included.
Museum Tickets
All museum tickets are included in our trip packages.
Guide
Your tour will be led by an English-speaking licensed guide, authorized to conduct private tours in museums and archaeological sites. With deep expertise in both Ancient and Modern Greek history, they offer insightful and engaging commentary throughout your journey.
For tailor-made trips, you can request a guide who speaks your language.
Transportation
For our group transportation, we provide the most modern fleet of minivans. Our highly experienced staff is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of service and safety. All minivans are fully air-conditioned, equipped with comfortable seating, and feature large panoramic windows for an enjoyable journey.
Luggage
Please avoid oversized luggage. Due to frequent changes in destinations and the potential need to manage your own bags, we recommend packing one normal-sized bag and a smaller one, both of which should be more manageable.
Hygiene Measures
Our vehicles are thoroughly sanitized before the start of each tour and we will be cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces daily. Furthermore, we offer hand sanitizer throughout the whole tour. All our accommodation and restaurant partners follow hygiene protocols, and appropriate physical distancing of tables, in the lobby, and other public areas. All museums and sites we will visit during the tour fully comply with the hygiene standards.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is not allowed inside our vehicles, the archaeological sites, museums, and restaurants we visit. Generally, it is also not allowed on hotel premises but you can smoke on your balcony.
Weather
Before you pack for the trip please check the average weather conditions and bring the appropriate clothing with you.
What you Should Bring
Here is a rundown of what items you may want to pack:
Lightweight, layerable clothing
Long-sleeved shirts
Sweaters or a fleece jacket
Casual wear, plus one or two smart-casual outfits for select restaurants
Bathing suit
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat or sun visor
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Compact umbrella
Electric converters/adapters (Greece uses types C and F sockets, 230V/50Hz)
A copy of your prescription if bringing medication
Arrival Information
When booking your flight to Athens, please note that the tour begins on Saturday at 8 PM in the lobby of the Royal Olympic Hotel (Athanasiou Diakou 28, Athina 117 43), with a welcome meeting followed by your first Greek dining experience. Check-in is available from 3 PM, but if you arrive earlier, you can store your luggage in the hotel’s storage room—just ask the front desk for assistance. Early check-in before 3 PM is subject to hotel availability. If you encounter any issues upon arrival, please call our emergency number: 0030 6972026519 (available 24/7).
Departure Information
When booking your return flight, please note that the tour concludes on Saturday at 5 PM upon our return to Athens. Since it takes approximately an hour and a half to reach Athens International Airport, we recommend booking a flight for 9 PM or later. Alternatively, you may choose to stay an additional night in Athens. If you need hotel recommendations, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Transfer from/to the airport
You always have the option to add our private airport transfer service between Athens International Airport and your hotel. If you wish to include this service, kindly provide your flight details (including flight number and schedule) when booking one of our trip packages, or email us at least two days before your arrival. Our professional driver will meet you at the arrivals gate, holding a placard with our company logo and your name. To ensure a smooth pickup, please make sure your phone is turned on and connected to the airport’s free Wi-Fi.
Communication
During our introduction meeting, we will set up a WhatsApp group to send important updates if necessary and to facilitate communication among group members and tour leaders during the trip.
Safety and Medical Information
Our staff will have a first aid kit and medical information for each participant. We take every reasonable precaution to ensure the health and safety of all participants. Emergencies will be handled with due urgency and care. Of course, an emergency may incur additional costs to the participant which are beyond our control.
Traveling with children
To ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience for all, our tours are designed for guests aged 16 and above, in accordance with some hotel policies. If you’re traveling with children, we can arrange customized trips for your group—please reach out with your request.
Traveling with pets
No pets allowed.
Reviews
You may leave a review describing your personal experience after completing one of our trip packages by logging into your account, which helps us protect our website from fake reviews.
Tipping Information
If you are pleased with our services you can tip your tour guide and your manager separately at the end of the trip.