Mythical Peloponnese
Discover the hidden treasures of Greece in this action packed small group adventure. Hike above the tree line of the highest mountains in the Peloponnese and paddle around the turquoise waters of Mani peninsula. This is the perfect option for anyone looking for a holiday which combines the very best of the land and sea of Greece. Scale the heights of Mount Taygetus and explore Vyros Gorge amongst ancient Spartan trails. Take a boat-trip to one the most captivating caves in the world, then walk and swim around Cape Tenaro the stunningly scenic, southernmost point of mainland Europe.
HIGHLIGHTS
Itinerary
Day 01 - Arriving in Athens
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)
Day 02 - Stemnitsa
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.
Day 03 - Kardamyli
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)
Day 04 - Kardamyli
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)
Day 05 - Kardamyli
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.
Day 06 - Trip end
Transfer to Athens International Airport (3:30 hours)
Meals: B
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
TRIP INFORMATION
How to book
By clicking the 'Book now' button above, you will be asked to pay a deposit of 20%. This is to secure your booking with us.
On receipt of your booking we will send you full written confirmation of your booking, together with your trip invoice, which is usually due for payment 8 weeks prior to departure. The date payment is due will show on the invoice. The confirmation will include personal details, flight information (if booked), joining instructions, visa application advice, a kit list and a copy of the trip notes. It will also include a checklist to ensure you get everything ready for your holiday. The joining instructions will explain how to meet up with others in your group and include a contact number should you be delayed. We will not send out any further information prior to travel. However, we will inform you of any changes to your joining arrangements.
The remaining amount is settled 60 days before the trip.
Please read our Cancellation Policy and Terms & Conditions for further information. Alternatively you can call us to secure your booking on +30 2152151629
Arriving in Athens / Our first briefing
Most flights from Europe arrive in Athens by 3:00 pm. Alternatively, you will need an additional night in Athens on the day before the trip. Our tour leader and our driver will be at the Athens International Airport at 2:45 pm to welcome you and lead you to our van. The trip departure time is 3:30 pm.
If your flight arrived earlier please wait for the group departure at the arrivals hall A or if you are already in Athens city please arrange your own taxi transfer to Athens International Airport at the arrivals hall A.
Group size
Minimum guests: 2
Maximum guests: 14
Accommodation & Single supplement
We will spend 1 night in Stemnitsa village in Arcadia/Peloponnese and 4 nights in Kardamyli seaside village, in traditional stylish village accommodations with en-suite facilities. Guesthouses have rooms in which we sleep on a twin share basis. In such case of solo travelers booking a room on their own, there is a single supplement charge applied (230€).
Tour leader & Activities guides
Our tour leaders are qualified, native Greek professionals, fluent in English, with excellent organizational skills and vast knowledge of the regions visited. Our sea-kayak and mountain guides are qualified local professionals.
Meals
Breakfasts are taken in the hotel or the guesthouses and may include tea and coffee, orange juice, marmalade mage of local fruits, cereals, occasionally eggs, plus bread with jam, honey or cheese. Lunches and dinner are taken at a traditional taverna, depending on the schedule of the day, with a choice of food or we may have a set meal with vegetarian and meat options. Picnic during the hikes includes a sandwich and fruit snack.
Fitness level
In order to better appreciate the uniqueness of your holiday we advise you to be in good physical condition. Participation in all the activities is optional. Our guides will be happy to recommend alternatives should you wish to skip a scheduled activity.
Mount Taygetos summit trek
Mount Taygetos summit trek is optional as it is more demanding in terms of fitness requirements and experience. We wake up at 5.00am and after breakfast we jump on our van for a 90 minutes' drive to the starting point at 1600m elevation. Most of the drive is off-road. Your expert mountain guide will take you to one of the most breathtaking ascents in Greece. It is no coincidence that one of Greece's most prominent writers, Stratis Myrivilis named Mount Taygetos 'The male mountain'.
Mount Taygetos trekking activity is not included in the main itinerary. The cost is 100€/person including transfers, guiding & snack.
Travel Insurance
If you have not already arranged appropriate insurance cover, please contact our recommended Travel Insurance providers. It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with Personality Journeys that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment.
Min and Max age limit
Trip participants must be at least 15 years old. Guests less than 18 years old must be accompanied by their parents.
What to bring
• Hiking boots or hiking shoes
• Hiking trousers & socks
• A pair of shoes that will get wet
• Swimming suit and beach towel
• Base-layer shirts (long sleeved and short sleeved)
• T-shirts and/or casual shirts
• Windproof jacket or similar
• Sunhat
• Eye wear - sunglasses
• Daypack (30 - 35 litres)
• Headtorch
• Sun protection (including for lips)
• Water bottles 1 Litre
• Antibacterial handwash
• Small padlock
• Basic First Aid Kit including: Antiseptic cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters (band-aids) and blister treatment, insect repellent.
OPTIONAL:
• Trekking poles (recommended)
• Trainers or sandals
• Shorts
• Camera and batteries
• Penknife (for taking a fruit snack during trekking)
Weather
The weather in the Peloponnese during spring, summer and autumn is characterized by warm days and occasionally chilly evenings. Water temperature is relatively cool during spring and warm during summer and autumn.
Make this trip private
Adjust this itinerary to suit your preferences. You can choose your preferred dates and we will plan a custom multi-activity adventure for you and your friends.