I am trying to figure out the best way to tour the mainland for our trip in September. I am currently playing with the idea of renting a car and driving. Our itinerary might be something like this:

Day 1 - Drive Athens to Delfi. Tour Delfi. Drive to Meteora.
Day 2 - Tour Meteora
Day 3 - Drive from Meteora to Olympia via Patras and bridge.
Day 4 - Tour Olympia
Day 5 - Drive to Naphlio stoping in ancient Corinth.
Day 6 - Tour Mycenae, Epidaurus.
Day 7 - Return to Athens.

This is just an idea and looks like too much driving to me. How far is it between these places? I'm from Canada so driving long distances is not a problem as we're used to it! However, I'd rather not see Greece from behind a window of a car.

We will definitely be going to Meteora (this is a must) but I'm not sure if Olympia is worth it.

Thanks for any suggestions.

For distances, routes and estimated driving times, see www.viamichelin.com or www.mappy.com

Best wishes,

Rex

Rex thank you so much. That is exactly what I was looking for.

For those who are interested here are the distances and travel times for the various legs of our journey.

Athens - Delfi - 2h23 and 185km
Delfi - Meteora - 3h38 and 240 km
Meteora - Olympia - 6h19 and 471 km
Olympia - Nafplio - 2h47 and 211 km
Nafplio - Athens - 2h and 153km

Routing - it seems that to go from Meteora to Olympia we have to go all along the western coast. For those with experience - is this to go around the mountains?

Thanks so much for posting these distances. We are planning a two week April-May 2006 trip to Greece with FF miles.
We have driven in Germany, but that is it as far as Europes goes. Anyone in the know think we would be better off using public transportation? It sounds like there is a decent bus/train system to the major archeaological sights (our primary in interest).

Anyway, thanks again!

From everything I've been reading the bus and train system is very good. But it only takes you to the modern towns, not the archeological sites which can be quite a distance from the towns. Also in rural areas the buses can be a bit of a hassel with multiple connections and some of the buses only going once a day, so if you miss it your out of luck. This applies on the Delfi - Meteora part of our trip.

Another variation I was thinking of was to take train/bus for some parts of it and rent a car locally. For instance take the bus to Naphlion and pick up a car there to explore the area.

I just can't make up my mind at this point. However watching the couples driving in Chile-Argentina on the Amazing Race I'm starting to think that maybe my boyfriend would do just fine in Greece. Just so long as it's not me! gt;

We did much of this trip last year and you are talking some difficult driving. There are some serious mountains between Athens Meteora. Also from Meteora back to Olympia. The first 4 days appear to be the most difficult part of your trip. Allow extra time. But absolutely go to Meteora. It is one of the most amazing places I have ever been. From Nafplio back to Athens is mostly highway driving. That part is pretty easy and very scenic

You're very welcome.