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Draft itinerary - Peloponnese to Thessaloniki

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My husband and I are planning a month-long driving trip to Greece in September. Last fall, we spent a month in the Peloponese, which we loved, but would like to extend our horizons and visit another part of Greece. We think of this trip as extending summer and want to enjoy time outside at the pool/beach, with jaunts to historical sites. We have some mobility issues (it’s all about the knees!) though husband enjoys hiking (but not up mountains) and I like to swim.

I’ve planned a route from the Peloponnese to Thessaloniki but am not happy with it - too few nights in too many places. Where would you suggest I extend - or delete? Or - are there other placers we should consider?

Or - If we headed west to Corfu from Ioannina (rather than east to Thessaloniki), where could we leave the rental car?
Here is my plan thus far, will appreciate your thoughts -

Arrive Athens
Corinth 3 nites Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth, pool/beach
Kyparissa 4 nites Messini, Monastery of Panagia Katsimikana, Peristeria,pool/beach, hiking
Olympia 5 nites loved it during previous stay - Pyros, Illida
North-west (Kyllini?)2 nites Ancient Elis, Kyllini Roman Baths, Castle of Chlemoutsi
Nafpaktos 2 nites Castle,Old Town
Ioannina 3 nites Old Town, lake, Ali Pasha Museum, Moni Filanthropinon, Dodona
Kastoria 3 nites Panagia Mavriotissa Monastery, Neolithic Lakeshore Settlement / Dispilio,
Vergina 2 nites Vergina and Aigai
Thessaloniki 4 nites the city
Return to Athens/fly home

Thank you!!

Posted by
3278 posts

Just as a comparison, we did a northern route trip in 2018 and picked up a dropped off the rental car in Thessaloniki. You could link this with Corfu, slow down the pace and add to or delete destinations that don't appeal to you:

-Thessaloniki 3 nights - Stop over in Vergina (that was plenty of time) on the way to…

-Kastoria (2)

-Metsovo (2) We really liked Metsovo.

-Ioannina (3) It’s Kale Boutique Hotel was great. Day trip to Zagori/Vikos Gorge from here and also stone bridges near Kipi.

-Afissos (4) Small village but an o.k. base for exploring the Pelion Region, Milies--16th century frescoes in Agios Taziarhis and Library with local artifacts. Drive north to Tasgarada, Agios Ioannis, Damouhari, difficult to access but beautiful coastal villages.

-Litochoro (2) For Mt. Olympus.

-Kavala (3)

-Thessaloniki (3)

Posted by
24 posts

We spent one night in Nafpaktos. Small town but a worthwhile visit. Enjoyed touring the old port, Ottoman Bath Ruins and the Castle of Nafpaktos. Views from the castle are great. You can hike to the castle from town but is a steep walk--we drove. Not much to see at the bath ruins but, since you're there, check it out along with the fountain and huge tree close by. The beach is lined with restaurants with views of the Rion Antirion Bridge off in the distance.
At Olympia, we spent one night there. Arrived in mid-afternoon (from Nafpaktos) and saw the museum that day and the sanctuary in the morning.

We thought one night in each town was enough to see the important sites. If a return trip occurs, might spend an extra night in Nafpaktos.

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