Welcome to Athens, a vibrant city brimming over with striking ancient landmarks at every turn! Meet your tour leader at Athens International airport and hop into our van traveling to lush Arcadia, through Dimitsana village where we will visit the unique Open Air Water-Power Museum. The museum includes a restored gunpowder mill, as Dimitsana was one of the country’s most important bases of revolutionary fighters during the Greek War of Independence. Check-in and refresh yourself at a lovely family-run cottage. Next, it’s time for dinner in picturesque Stemnitsa village, perched on the lush hillside of Mt Mainalon, where you can unwind as you choose for the rest of the day. The village was where revolutionary leader Theodoros Kolokotronis was based, and in more modern times was known for its people’s traditional know-how in the art of silver-smithing and other crafts. Overnight: Stemnitsa Accommodation: Family run traditional guesthouse Meals: B D Activity: Water power museum of Dimitsana (optional)

After breakfast, we will walk to the starting point of our first hike towards the impressive Prodromos Monastery, one of the oldest in Arcadia, where we will see 10th Century murals and enjoy stunning views and luxuriant vegetation around the breathtaking Lousios river. We will end our hike in ancient Gortyna where our journey continues to Kardamyli, which oozes quaintly old-fashioned, traditional charm, with landmarks such as antique monasteries and medieval tower houses that stand out in landscapes of dazzling cobalt-blue seas, sheer cliffs carpeted in many shades of green and deep olive groves beneath towering Mt Taygetos. The area, beloved to ‘explorers’ like the legendary author Patrick Leigh Fermor and his friend Bruce Chatwin, now attracts a larger variety of eclectic visitors from around the world for its rich history, natural beauty, welcoming locals and exceptional ambiance. Overnight: Kardamyli Accommodation: Family run traditional guesthouse or 3* hotel Meals: B, L (picnic) Activity: HIking 4 hours Ascend 320m Descend 800m.

After breakfast, set off on a hike of the Viros gorge, in the heart of Messinian Mani. Descending from the foot of Mt Profitis Ilias and disgorging itself into the sea at Kardamili, Viros is known as an area of unparalleled beauty. The hike, following well-marked paths among tall cypress trees, will take you past pretty villages with stone houses and historic churches such as Moni Lykaki, the interior walls of which are covered with antique, richly colored frescoes. The hike concludes in ancient Kardamyli. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing and rewarding dinner at a fantastic taverna serving fresh and delicious local food, looking out at the horizon and an outstanding sunset. OPTIONAL HIKE: MOUNT TAYGETOS SUMMIT For the experienced hikers the summit of stunning Mount. Taygetos – Prophitis Elias – at 2407m. awaits! Follow our expert guide on an off-road drive to the starting point of today’s challenge. Mount. Taygetos is the highest mountain in the Peloponnese, stretching more than 100km, one of the largest alpine routes in the country, known as Pentadactylos, offering panoramic views which reach even Crete on a clear day. A great part of the mountain is covered by ‘black’ pine trees. There are also cypresses, junipers, oaks, evergreen maples, Eurasian smoke-trees and more. After our descent, we will transfer back to Kardamyli for dinner and some serious relaxation. Overnight: Kardamyli Accommodation: Family run traditional guesthouse or 3* hotel Meals: B L Activity: Trekking 3-6 hours Ascent/Descent: 700m (Vyros Gorge hike) Ascent/Descent: 1600m (mount Taygetos hike)

Today we will take an amazing half-day sea kayak tour around the stunning landscapes of Mani peninsula. Paddle to secret spots such as hidden caves and experience diving in hot water pools. Continue paddling to a beautiful sandy beach and take a swim break followed by a refreshing fruit snack prepared on the spot by our guides. The rest of the day is yours to unwind as you choose. Overnight: Kardamyli Accommodation: Family run traditional guesthouse or 3* hotel Meals: B L Activity: Sea Kayak, swimming. (4 hours)

Road trip day today! Visit the magnificent Diros cave on a half hour boat ride along the underground lake, taking in remarkable natural sculptures created by the stalactites and stalagmites over millions of years ago. Explore Vathia village to see its impressive towers, churches, and houses built during the 16th century. Most of the ghostly-looking village was abandoned by the late 20th Century. Later on, walk the trails of Cape Tenaro the stunningly scenic, southernmost point of mainland Europe. On the path there, see the ancient ruins of Poseidon’s oracle of the dead. At the tip of Cape Tenaro is the legendary sea cave that is said to be ‘the gate to Hades’. Tenaro was once a vivacious Roman city. At the end of the walk, there is a restored lighthouse from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Cretan sea. Overnight: Kardamyli Accommodation: Family run traditional guesthouse or 3* hotel Meals: B L Activity: Road-trip, culture, swimming, walking (1.30 hours) Ascent/Descent: 70m.

Transfer to Athens International Airport (3:30 hours) Meals: B