Compare prices from several sites before booking

Always bestprice Travel
Guide to Tripoli
TRIPOLI · ITINERARY

Tripoli (Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece) in 7 days – Complete itinerary

7 days / 6 nights · History, archaeology, villages, nature

An itinerary based in Tripoli that is organized by area, so as to limit travel and devote each day to a different side of Arcadia. After the city center and the sites of Mantinea and Tegea, head up into the forests of Mount Mainalo and the villages of Dimitsana and Stemnitsa, before ending on the coast at Paralio Astros. A car offers the greatest flexibility; alternatively, some legs require coordinating local buses and taxis. Visits to museums, caves, and monasteries should always be checked again before departure.

Stops
4 · 4 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
394 m · 4 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 115 m · 1 min
  2. 194 m · 2 min
  3. 84 m · 1 min

Day 1 – First encounter with Tripoli

10:00–20:00 Easy walks

Get to know your way around the center of Tripoli and discover its main civic and religious landmarks.

10:00

Walk in Areos Square

Start from the main square, easy to reach on foot from the hotels in the center. Set aside about 45 minutes to take in the urban layout, cafés, and public buildings; the visit is free.

A great place to get your bearings and stop for a coffee break.

11:00

Archaeological Museum of Tripoli

Reach the museum with a short walk and allow 60–90 minutes for the archaeological collections connected to Arcadia. Admission, when the museum is open, may be free or require a small fee: check the ticket price and opening hours before you go.

Opening times may change; check ahead to confirm it is open.

13:00

Lunch in the historic center

Stop at a taverna around the square or along the central streets: it’s a practical option without needing to drive. Plan on roughly €12–22 per person for a meal with a main course and a drink.

Ask about the daily specials and dishes meant for sharing.

15:00

Metropolitan Church of Saint Basil

Visit the cathedral, one of the city’s most recognizable religious landmarks, and dress respectfully. The visit takes about 20–30 minutes and is usually free.

Avoid religious services and check for any access restrictions.

17:00

Malliaropouleio Municipal Theatre and evening stroll

Walk to the theater and admire its façade and role in the city’s cultural life; access to performances depends on the program. End with a stroll and an aperitif in the center, budgeting €4–10 for a drink.

For performances, check the local calendar.

Day 2 – Mantineia, Caves and Flavors of the Plateau

09:00–18:30 Visits and Short Transfers

Explore the Mantineia plain through archaeology, karst landscapes, and wine-making tradition.

09:00

From Tripoli to the Mantineia Plain

Drive north: the trip to the ancient site takes about 20–25 minutes. A day with your own car or a rental avoids waiting between stops; allow for €8–18 in fuel for the day’s transfers.

Bring water and shoes suitable for uneven ground.

09:30

Ancient Mantineia

Spend about an hour among the ruins and taking in the landscape of the plain, an area historically important to the ancient city. The site is explored on foot; admission may be free or subject to a fee, typically €0–8.

There are not always facilities on site: stock up in town.

11:00

Church of Agia Fotini

A short distance from the site, this contemporary church stands out for its architectural composition and references to ancient forms. Allow 30–40 minutes and check on arrival whether the interior spaces are accessible; entry is usually free.

Respect any celebrations and the community’s guidance.

12:30

Tasting at Troupis Winery

Reach the winery by car and book a visit or tasting in advance, which can last 60–90 minutes. Depending on the option you choose, expect about €10–25 per person; do not drive after tasting wine.

Confirm the address, availability, and tasting format.

15:30

Kapsia Cave

Continue on to the cave, about 25–35 minutes by car from the Mantinea area. The guided visit usually lasts less than an hour; plan on roughly €5–10 for admission and check opening times and tours in advance.

A light jacket is also useful on warm days.

Day 3 – Tegea and the Roots of Arcadia

09:00–17:30 Cultural, with breaks

Spend a day dedicated to the ancient city of Tegea and the monuments in its territory.

09:00

Transfer to Tegea

From Tripoli, you can reach the Tegea area in about 20–25 minutes by car. Set off in the morning so you have time for both the museum and the site, which may have different opening hours.

Check the archaeological museum opening hours in advance.

09:30

Archaeological Museum of Tegea

Allow about an hour for the collections that place the history and finds from the area in context. Admission may be free or ticketed, at roughly €0–8; opening hours for small museums can vary.

Ask at the ticket office whether a site map is available.

11:00

Ancient Tegea Archaeological Site

Take your time exploring the archaeological area, linking the remains to the visit you have just completed. Allow 60–90 minutes; if there is a ticket, budget around €0–8.

In summer, bring a hat: the exposed areas offer little shade.

13:00

Lunch in the Alea area

Stop at a tavern in the surrounding area before continuing: for a simple lunch, budget €12–22 per person. This range avoids having to return to Tripoli during the middle of the day.

The choice of places to eat may be limited outside the peak season.

15:00

Church of Koimisis Theotokou

End with a visit to the historic church of Palaia Episkopi, reached via a short local drive. Allow 30–45 minutes for the building and the village setting; admission is generally free, but may depend on religious services.

Check on site whether the interior is open.

Vytina and the forests of Mainalo
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 4

Vytina and the forests of Mainalo

08:30–18:30 Active but flexible

Discover the mountain landscapes of Mainalo and the traditional villages along the road to Vytina.

08:30

Departure for Vytina

The trip from Tripoli to Vytina usually takes 45–60 minutes by car, depending on the road and conditions. Have breakfast before leaving or buy something in town; allow €8–18 for fuel for the day’s drives.

In winter, check road and weather conditions.

09:30

Stroll through the center of Vytina

Spend an hour exploring the village streets, shops, and square, with a stop for coffee for about €2–5. The center is easy to explore on foot and does not require a ticket.

Ask locals which shops and workshops are open.

11:00

Path of Love

Follow the tree-lined trail known as Path of Love, choosing a section suited to the group's time and pace. Allow 45–90 minutes for the round trip; the walk is free.

After rain, the ground can be slippery.

13:00

Lunch and transfer to Elati

Have lunch in Vytina or along the way with an estimated budget of €12–22 per person, then reach Elati in about 15–20 minutes by car. The short drive lets you enjoy the scenery without turning the day into a long transfer.

Book a table on weekends and during holiday periods.

15:30

Elati and Mainalo Ski Center

Take a stroll through the small village of Elati, then consider a stop at Mainalo Ski Center, about 20–30 minutes away by car depending on the route you choose. Access to the area may be free, while lifts and activities, if operating, have variable costs: roughly €0–30.

The ski center operates depending on snowfall and the season.

Dimitsana and the Lousios Valley
Foto: Wikipedia

Day 5

Dimitsana and the Lousios Valley

08:30–18:30 Cultural and moderately active

Discover Dimitsana's architecture, the history of water, and the monasteries of the Lousios Gorge.

08:30

From Tripoli to Dimitsana

Reach Dimitsana in about 60–75 minutes by car, on a scenic mountain road. Set off with enough water and fuel: services are more concentrated in the villages.

Check the weather before setting out on trails in the gorge.

10:00

Walk around the village of Dimitsana

Explore the sloping streets, stone houses, and scenic viewpoints on foot, allowing about an hour. The visit is free; a coffee break can cost roughly €2–5.

Shoes with good grip help on the cobbled lanes.

11:30

Open-Air Water Power Museum

Spend 60–90 minutes at the open-air museum, which tells the story of water’s role in the area’s traditional activities. Consider an indicative ticket price of €5–10 and check opening hours before you go.

The route includes outdoor sections and some changes in elevation.

13:30

Lunch in Dimitsana

Head back to the village for lunch at a taverna, with an estimated cost of €14–25 per person. Leave time for the meal: the next transfers take place on mountain roads and trails.

In high season, booking ahead is recommended.

15:30

Philosophou Monasteries

Drive to the monastery area and visit New Philosophou Monastery only if it is open; for Old Philosophou Monastery, note that access may require a demanding walk. Allow at least 2 hours in total and check accessibility, dress code, and opening hours; any donations or entrance fees may be free or just a few euros.

Do not attempt the descent to the old monastery if the path is wet or if you are short on time.

Day 6 – Stemnitsa and the gorge trails

08:30–18:00 Hiking, adaptable

Visit Stemnitsa and reach the historic sites of the Lousios Gorge with a hike tailored to the group’s conditions.

08:30

Departure for Stemnitsa

From Tripoli, allow about 60–75 minutes by car to Stemnitsa. The roads are winding: take it slowly and plan for a short break before starting your visits.

Bring water, snacks, and hiking shoes.

10:00

Stemnitsa and Stemnitsa Folk Museum

Spend about an hour in the village and the ethnographic museum, if open, to learn more about the local craft traditions. Entry to the village is free; for the museum, budget roughly €0–6 and check the opening hours.

The museum may have limited opening hours on weekdays or outside the peak season.

12:00

Hike to Prodromou Monastery

Drive to the trailhead and continue on foot only after checking the signage and conditions. The route takes time, involves elevation gain, and requires sure footing; set aside at least 2–3 hours for the walk and visit, with no fixed entry fee but possible donations.

If you don't have hiking experience, choose a short section or a local guide.

15:30

Ancient Gortys

After a break, drive to the Ancient Gortys area and visit the accessible remains without rushing your return. Allow 45–60 minutes; access may be free or require a small ticket, around €0–8.

The visit depends on road conditions and whether the site is open.

17:00

Return and dinner in Stemnitsa or Dimitsana

Head back to the village you chose for an early dinner, or continue on to Tripoli, depending on how tired you are and the road conditions. For dinner, estimate €15–28 per person; the drive back takes about 60–75 minutes.

After the hike, avoid driving if you're tired: consider spending the night in the area.

Day 7 – Astros and the Sea of Arcadia

09:00–19:00 Relaxed, with car transfer

Wrap up the trip by alternating archaeology, monastic architecture, and a walk along the coast.

09:00

From Tripoli to the coast of Astros

Reach the Astros area in about 50–65 minutes by car, depending on traffic and the location chosen. Plan for a flexible day: cultural visits have varying hours, while the seafront can be explored freely.

Bring a swimsuit and sunscreen in the warmer months.

10:15

Monastery of Loukou

Visit the monastery and its historical setting, allowing about 45–60 minutes for the stop. Admission is often free or donation-based; check access and dress code before you go.

Respect religious hours and any restricted areas.

11:45

Archaeological Museum of Astros

If open, spend about 45 minutes exploring the area’s archaeological collections. Expect an indicative fee of €0–6 and check opening hours, which may be reduced or seasonal.

If the museum is closed, use the time for a stroll through the village of Astros.

13:00

Lunch in Paralio Astros

Choose a taverna on the harbor or by the sea and try the catch of the day, with an estimated budget of €18–35 per person. After lunch, walk to the beach or the castle, with no further long transfers.

Ask for the price of the fish by weight before ordering.

15:30

Paralio Astros Castle and beach

Stroll up to the castle ruins for a view over the harbor, then head down to the beach for a swim or a break by the sea. Allow 1.5–2 hours in total; access is generally free, while sun loungers and umbrellas may cost around €8–20.

Check the route to the castle and do not enter restricted areas.

Estimated budget

Accommodation in Tripoli or in the villages, per double room per night€55–130
Meals and drinks per person per day€25–55
Rental car, per day€35–75
Fuel and parking for the entire itinerary€70–140
Entrance fees, museums and guided tours€15–60 per person
Wine tasting at a winery€10–25 per person

The local currency is the euro (€), so travelers from Italy do not need to exchange money. All prices are indicative ranges per person, unless otherwise stated; they may vary depending on season, availability, type of accommodation, consumption, and time of day. Estimates do not include travel to reach Greece or personal expenses.

Practical tips

  • For excursions outside Tripoli, especially toward Mainalo, Dimitsana and Stemnitsa, a car is the most practical option; always check road conditions and the weather.
  • Check opening hours and accessibility directly with museums, the cave and monasteries: some openings are seasonal or subject to religious celebrations.
  • Bring shoes with good grip, water and sun protection: archaeological sites and trails can be exposed and have uneven surfaces.
  • In summer, book accommodation, tavernas and tastings in advance; in the mountain villages, the choice of services and places to eat can be more limited outside peak season.