Peloponnese Explorer

Sapfo was an exceptional tour leader, friendly and approachable, broadening our knowledge of Greece and the Peloponnese. The hotels were dated in some towns but I was always impressed with their location and proximity to the centre of town. I far prefer a slightly older hotel in a good location compared to a modern hotel further away. Our group was terrific from the UK & Australia. Our bus driver “George” from Kalamata was a lovely man and a safe driver. Again Sapfo led the way and we are still in communication as our adventures continue. Would travel with Explore again

I cannot recommend this Peloponnese tour highly enough. From the very start, the pre-trip notes were excellent: clear, detailed, and genuinely useful in setting expectations. The itinerary was exactly as described, with no hidden surprises other than the pleasant kind — the kind that make you feel you’ve stumbled onto something special. The level of fitness required was accurately flagged, so nobody felt over- or under-prepared, and the accommodation throughout was comfortable, well-chosen, and in keeping with the character of the region. Particular praise must go to our outstanding trip leader, Sapfo and bus driver, Giorgios. Both went well above and beyond: not only in the smooth running of the journey itself, but also in steering us toward local tavernas and eateries where we enjoyed the full spectrum of Greek cuisine. Their knowledge, humour, and quiet efficiency made the trip feel effortless for us, while delivering memorable meals and experiences that would have been impossible to arrange on our own. Finally, as every seasoned traveller knows, group dynamics make or break a tour. In this case, the 12 of us got very well. The camaraderie, shared laughter, and easy rhythm of the group amplified everything else that was already first-rate. In short: a perfectly balanced mix of planning, professionalism, and personality. A tour I’ll be recommending wholeheartedly to anyone considering Greece. One or two of the hotels weren't as modern as some, but their exquisite locations proved more than adequate. Two places that will stay close to my heart are Nafplion (the perfect day trip from Athens for those already booking ahead) and Monemvasia. The climb up to see the beautiful Byzantine frescoes in the second and the view from there will reward all who make it down safely and a refreshing swim afterwards is the perfect tonic (remember your cossies). Bravo Explore! Bas

Sapfo was an excellent guide. I liked the slower pace of this trip. Still got to see a lot.

90 percent of the places on the itinary were great, apart from the the hike on the mani penisular to the southern most part of europe , and light house. this was across a barren exposed headland. you were walking on uneven rocks all the way, it was no pleasure more a punishment march, and to be honest this was a part of the itinary, and should have been an option. i like long walks myself, but not over a never ending rockery. the mani penisular is the most boring part of the peloponnese. we should had some rest time on the stunning beaches around pylos , such as golden beach or most definately the stunning voidokilia horse shoe beach one of the best in greece, next to a latin crusader castle paleocastro.. what annoyed me about this was explore tantalised you with getting there and i really would have liked to have gone there. they should have hired a replacement driver to go there. there is a car park next to the dunes so you can get there. this should have been on the itinery .or a definate option. methoni was great but if you had had the van you could have fitted both in.. one other issue not explores fault , at the hotel victoria, nafplion, there was a extreamly upsetting and annoying group of american studendts, who for 3 nights, were loud and disruptive, all the way to eleven oclock at night, deliberately trying to stop people from sleeping, the tutors with them would not control them , but the hotel should have remonstrataed with the iresponsable tutors and they did not, black mark against the hotel victoria.

A very good tour and the Springtime is the best time of year to do it as warm temperatures (early 20s) and all the flowers are out, so making it look more lovely. Somethings need rearranging as the tomb of Ano Anglianos is closed on a Tuesday, so is impossible to do on the tour even though it is in the trip notes. The only other problem is that due to the Greeks closing everything down for May Bank holiday, was unable to see Temple of Apollo or any of the museums when we got back to Athens. Need to make people aware of this first. The app doesn't put the hotel in the right place and can send you seriously off course. The optional tours were very good.

Amazing trip. Great trip for people interested in the history and culture of Greece. Many UNESCO sites were visited and excellent local guides provided. Yorgos (George) did a great job as a tour leader. He was very knowledgeable and very helpful in planning free time. We got very lucky in Pylos where we watched from our balcony the re-enactment of the sea battle of 1827. I would highly recommend this trip for history and culture lovers.

The addition of a winery tour was great as unfortunately the castle we were scheduled to visit was closed. Accommodations were all fine with no problems. Our trip leader George was very good, although he had only done this trip once before.

A very good tour of Greece and the Peloponnese peninsular October a good time of year to go, as not to busy. George, the guide, was very conscientious and made sure we were enjoying the trip. He was knowledgeable about the area and what we would see. The driver George was also very good and we enjoyed being with him. Hotels were fine, though some should sort out their showers. We had good views in some. Breakfast room in Athens had a great view and convenient for the sites.

Byron was a Great Tour Leader !

Byron was an excellent tour leader, knowledgeable and attentive. The driver was also very good and a nice guy. I've said the accommodation was average mainly because it was inconsistent in quality. Eg the hotel at Olympia was great, however the hotel at Pylos was substandard. Overall, a very enjoyable experience but a different hotel in Pylos is required.

A delightful well-paced trip with so many different parts of Greek history. As well as our tour leader we had excellent guides who brought the history alive. There was plenty of free time too. Our leader made sure we had a variety of eating experiences at different types of restaurant. There are a lot of steps on this trip (Greece is mountainous, of course!) so only do it if your knees are up to it!!