The Ultimate Two-Week Peloponnese Itinerary

Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

Steeped in history and almost unbearably romantic, Nafplio is one of the most picturesque seaside towns in Greece. Nafplio's dramatic fortresses, neoclassical mansions, and nearby ancient ruins narrate the town's diverse history, a pivotal moment of which was when Nafplio became the first capital of modern Greece. While in Nafplio, you can take long seaside walks, savor authentic cuisine at quaint traditional restaurants, and visit UNESCO-listed archaeological sites, only a short drive away.

A stranded rock in the Aegean Sea, a medieval castle town, and endless tales of conquerors and merchants render Monemvasia a true fairytale destination in Southern Greece. Often nicknamed The Gibraltar of The East, Monemvasia Castle is one of the finest examples of defensive architecture, offering travelers the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend the night within the walls of a sleepy yet exciting fortress where time seems to have stood still. From walking along dramatic ramparts to sipping local sweet wine on a terrace overlooking the deep blue sea to waking up to the most majestic sunrise, Monemvasia will make you feel as if you're stepping inside a dream.

Under the shadow of the majestic Taygetus Mountain and touched by the glistening waters of the Messinian Gulf, Kalamata is a city that vibrates with life and boasts centuries of history. Known throughout the world for the top-quality - and delicious - Kalamata olives, the city is the perfect base from where to embark on a fascinating road trip across the region of Messinia and beyond. A short drive from Ancient Messini and a handful of medieval castles, Kalamata is also surrounded by captivating natural landscapes. Whether you're a foodie, a history enthusiast, or an adventurer at heart, Kalamata won't disappoint.

The birthplace of the Olympic Games, Olympia is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Greece. The UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Ancient Olympia was where people from all over Greece met every four years to take part in the famous games that helped shape the identity of the Greek nation. History aside, Olympia boasts a unique location in the heart of Western Peloponnese, an authentic region where you can sample the divine products the Greek land yields, such as honey, olive oil, and wine, in a setting of unparalleled natural beauty.

Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.