Explore the historical gems of southern Greece on a private day trip from Kalamata. Discover the captivating Bourtzi of Methoni Castle and the New Castle of Pylos, as you embark on a scenic 80-minute drive in the comfort of a Mercedes van. This excursion offers the flexibility to tailor your experience, with the option to add a leisurely lunch break or a stroll through the charming towns. Unlock the secrets of Pylos and Methoni, where ancient tales and breathtaking vistas come together to create an unforgettable journey. Get ready to uncover the rich history and natural beauty that await you.
Key Points
- This private day trip from Kalamata offers transportation in a luxurious Mercedes van and self-guided tours of the historic sites of Pylos and Methoni.
- The tour includes pickup, a visit to Bourtzi of Methoni Castle, exploration of the New Castle of Pylos, and an optional break for lunch or walking.
- The trip covers well-preserved monuments and rich history, such as the Ottomans’ Castle of Niokastro in Pylos and the Venetian Bourtzi of Methoni Castle.
- The tour duration is approximately 4.5 hours, including 2 hours of site exploration, and the cost is $433.60 for up to 8 participants.
- Flexible booking, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and optional licensed guide are available for this private day trip.
Trip Overview
This private day trip from Kalamata allows visitors to explore the historic towns of Pylos and Methoni at their own pace.
Priced at $433.60 for groups of up to 8 participants, the tour lasts 2 hours, not including travel time.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and travelers can reserve now and pay later.
The trip includes pickup from Kalamata or the port, transportation in a luxurious Mercedes van, and self-guided tours of Methoni Castle’s Bourtzi and the New Castle of Pylos.
Guests can also enjoy an optional lunch or walking break during the 80-minute drive between the two destinations.
Itinerary Highlights
The private day trip from Kalamata typically begins with pickup locations at either Kalamata or the Kalamata Port. Guests will then travel by luxurious Mercedes van for about 80 minutes to reach the historic town of Methoni. Here, they’ll embark on a self-guided tour of the Bourtzi of Methoni Castle, an impressive fortified octagonal tower built by the Venetians in the 1500s. Afterward, the tour continues to the New Castle of Pylos, where visitors can explore the ruins at their own pace for another 1.5 hours. During the trip, there’s an optional break for lunch or a leisurely walk, before being dropped off at the original pickup locations.
| Itinerary Highlights | |
|---|---|
| Pickup Locations | Kalamata, Kalamata Port |
| Transportation | Luxurious Mercedes van |
| Site Visits | Bourtzi of Methoni Castle, New Castle of Pylos |
| Break Time | Optional lunch or walk |
| Drop-off Locations | Kalamata Port, Kalamata |
Historical Sites
Picturesque Pylos and its well-preserved monuments beckon visitors to explore its rich history.
Towering over the town, the castle of Niokastro dates back to 1573 when it was constructed by the Ottomans.
Across the water, the iconic Bourtzi of Methoni Castle, with its distinctive octagonal fortified tower, was a Venetian architectural marvel built in the early 1500s.
Plus, guests can marvel at the ancient Spartan fortification wall ruins from 425 BC, a testament to the region’s storied past.
These historical sites offer a glimpse into the captivating legacy of the Peloponnese peninsula, inviting travelers to uncover the rich tapestry of Greece’s past.
Transportation and Services
For this private day trip from Kalamata, pickup from your hotel or the port is available upon request. The transportation is provided by a luxurious Mercedes van with 9 seats, and the driver/leader will offer information during the travel.
Guests can choose to have a licensed guide accompany them at an additional cost if they wish to have more in-depth historical information about the sites.
The tour doesn’t include an official guide, so visitors will have the opportunity for self-guided exploration of the archaeological sites.
Entrance fees to the historical landmarks are included in the tour price, but food, drinks, and gratuities are not.
Pricing and Booking
This private day trip from Kalamata to Pylos and Methoni costs $433.60 per group, which can accommodate up to 8 participants. The duration of the tour is 2 hours, not including travel time. Travelers have the option to reserve now and pay later. Plus, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
| Pricing | Duration | Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| $433.60 | 2 hours | Free up to 24 hours |
| per group | (not incl. travel) | for full refund |
| up to 8 participants | ||
| Reserve now, pay later |
This private excursion offers a convenient and flexible booking process, allowing guests to enjoy the historical sites of Pylos and Methoni at their own pace.
Pickup and Drop-off
Pickup locations for this private day trip include Kalamata and Kalamata Port, while drop-off is available at Kalamata Port or back in central Kalamata.
Travelers can be conveniently picked up from their hotel or the cruise ship terminal in Kalamata.
The luxurious Mercedes van, with a capacity of 9 seats, will then transport guests on an 80-minute drive to the charming town of Methoni.
After exploring the historic Bourtzi of Methoni Castle, the van will continue on to Pylos, where visitors can discover the New Castle.
Tour Duration
The private day trip to Pylos and Methoni from Kalamata lasts approximately 2 hours, not including the travel time to and from the pickup and drop-off locations.
Participants can expect a leisurely and informative exploration of these historical sites. The tour includes a self-guided visit to the Bourtzi of Methoni Castle, which takes around 1.5 hours, as well as a similar amount of time to explore the New Castle of Pylos.
An optional 1-hour break is provided for lunch or a short walk. With the 80-minute drive each way, the total duration of the excursion is approximately 4.5 hours from pickup to drop-off, allowing ample time to discover the highlights of this picturesque region.
Optional Extras
While a licensed guide is available upon request at an additional cost, the private day trip allows for self-guided exploration of the historical sites, allowing participants the flexibility to discover the locations at their own pace.
This self-guided format enables visitors to enjoy the rich history and architecture of Pylos and Methoni at their own rhythm.
The tour also includes:
- Entrance fees to the Bourtzi of Methoni Castle and the New Castle of Pylos
- The option to take a break for lunch or a leisurely stroll during the trip
- Complimentary pickup and drop-off service from Kalamata or Kalamata Port
With these thoughtful inclusions, the private day trip offers a well-rounded experience that caters to the individual preferences of each participant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for this tour. People of all ages are welcome to participate. The tour is suitable for both adults and children, providing a flexible and inclusive experience for the group.
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
The tour doesn’t allow pets. The tour provider’s policy states that only service animals are permitted on the trip for the comfort and safety of all participants. Bringing a pet along isn’t an option for this private day trip.
Are There Any Wheelchair-Accessible Options Available?
The tour doesn’t mention wheelchair-accessible options specifically. However, the Mercedes van has ample space and the historical sites can likely be navigated with assistance. Customers should inquire about accessibility needs when booking to determine if the tour can accommodate their requirements.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Interests?
Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your interests. The provider is flexible and can adjust the itinerary upon request to ensure you get the most out of your day trip. Just let them know your preferences.
Will There Be Opportunities to Take Photos During the Tour?
The tour offers ample opportunities to take photos. Visitors can capture picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and architectural details during the self-guided explorations of Methoni Castle and Pylos. The tour allows sufficient time for photography at each location.
Recap
This private day trip from Kalamata offers an immersive exploration of Pylos and Methoni’s historical gems.
Guests will experience the Bourtzi of Methoni Castle and the New Castle of Pylos, with the convenience of a Mercedes van for the scenic 80-minute drive.
The 4.5-hour excursion provides ample time to self-guide through these ancient sites, and guests can opt to include a lunch break or stroll.
It’s an unforgettable journey into the region’s captivating past.
