Welcome to one of the most historic regions in Greece! The Peloponnese Peninsula is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, the homeland of the Trojan War heroes, the playground of the ancient gods, and the place where the foundations of modern Greece were laid.
This hiking tour through the mythical Peloponnese transports you to a world brimming with contrasts: rugged, untouched mountainous terrain lies alongside a coastal indented with numerous, picturesque bays, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Medieval mountain villages, charming harbour towns, and awe-inspiring archaeological sites scatter the region.
As it would be impossible to discover the entire peninsula in just one week, we have selected the region’s greatest highlights for this tour: Starting in Athens, we first visit the region of Arcadia, where we discover the Menalon Mountains and the enchanting Lousios Gorge. From there we continue to the Mani Peninsula, a scenic jewel home to unique tower houses and an incredible coastline. The remoteness of the region often engenders a feeling that you have arrived at the end of the world.
The island of Kythera with its fantastic, well-developed network of hiking trails is our next destination. After enjoying the island idyll, we travel to the equally picturesque and impressive medieval bastion of Monemvasia. A visit to the former Greek capital of Nafplio is a must, as is a hike through the ruins of the Byzantine monastery town of Mystras. On the way back to Athens, two of the most exciting ancient sites in Greece, Mycenae, and Epidauros, are on the programme.
Individual travel dates are available on request for groups of 4 or more.
Following a 2.5-hour transfer, we arrive in the region of Arcadia, where we head out on our first hike. We start at the isolated monastery of Prodromos which clings to the side of a cliff, a truly incredible sight.
We follow the glistening Lousios River, which flows down the steep gorge, whose rock walls tower above us. Just before reaching our destination, Dimitsana, we stop at the Hydropower Museum, where we gain an insight into the importance of hydropower for those living in the mountains.
Overnight stay in the village of Dimitsana.
Hiking is the biggest attraction here, with an extensive network of cobblestone paths criss-crossing the hills behind the village. Our hike begins in the old town of Kardamyli and soon leads past the so-called Tombs of the Dioscuri, the supposed burial place of Castor and Pollux. The two rock-hewn tombs are believed to be of Mycenaean origin.
A half-hour ascent takes us past the church and the outskirts of Agia Sophia. The view from here down to Kardamyli is more than worth the effort! On our way back down to the sea, we pass through breath-taking landscapes scattered with idyllic villages, olive groves, and fields of wildflowers.
The afternoon is free to spend as you please. Perhaps swap your hiking boots for swimming gear and take a refreshing dip in the sea! Overnight stay in Kardamyli.
Today we walk through the fields and olive groves that surround the peninsula’s capital, Aresopoi, named after the Olympian god of war, Ares. Along the way, we come across many of the famous Maniot towers, military landmarks of a glorious bygone era.
The highlight of the hike is a visit to the Diros Caves, some of the most extraordinary caves in Greece. The spectacular stalactites shimmer in a multitude of colours from pink, green, amber, and black to blood red and violet. Overnight stay in the Mani.
In the afternoon, we hike from the village of Kapsali to Chora, the capital of the island. Chora is one of the most beautiful villages in the Aegean, with a striking mix of Cycladic, Venetian, and Cretan architecture.
We explore the whitewashed alleys as we continue to the Venetian castle with breath-taking views of Hyrta, the rock that, according to legend, was the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. Our hike ends in Kapsali, where we spend the night.
Our hike begins at the village square. We follow the river down the gorge, passing numerous waterfalls and the ruins of several wheat mills. Today’s destination is the castle of Kato Chora, one of the most important monuments on the island, built by the Venetians in 1565 AD.
Inside, you can still admire the foundations of what were once two-storey houses, sections of the fortress walls, and a large number of Byzantine churches. Overnight stay on Kythera.
The picturesque village is enclosed by the walls of a mighty castle. Narrow cobbled streets and countless stairways wind through the intricate complex of magnificently preserved stone houses. In the afternoon, we explore the medieval village, hike around the rocky hill, and finally climb up to the town’s citadel.
From there we enjoy the unparalleled view down to the red-tiled roofs of Monemvasia and far out across the sea to the mountains of the Mani Peninsula. Overnight stay in Monemvasia.
Mystras is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for good reason too! We walk from the tiny village of Parori, located on the eastern slopes of the Taygetos, to the church of Panagia Zagouna, located in a large cave.
From there we walk to Faneromeni Monastery and then head down the dramatic Langadiotissa Gorge. Here a rocky path winds its way to the cave church of Panagia Laggadiotissa with its 14th-century frescoes and on to the village of Parori.
In the afternoon we head to Nafplio, a city where Greece meets Italy. Flower-lined streets, pretty neoclassical buildings, and charming shops and restaurants as well as an elaborate fortification system, make Nafplio the most picturesque town in the Peloponnese. Overnight in Nafplio.
Here you will find the best-preserved theatre of antiquity with incredible acoustics and seating for 14,500 spectators. We then round off our Peloponnese tour exploring the ‘Golden Mycenae’.
Mycenae is a World Heritage Site and one of the oldest sites in Europe. As you step through the Lion’s Gate, dating back to the 13th century BC, the great Greek myths almost become reality.
After visiting the hometown of the legendary King Agamemnon, we return to Athens (approx. 2.5 hours), where our journey ends.
If you would like to stay a little longer in Greece’s capital, we would be happy to book one or more additional nights for you in Athens.
On this trip we stay in carefully selected boutique hotels and charming guesthouses where tradition meets comfort. The friendly staff ensure you want for nothing. Every day begins with a rich and varied breakfast. WIFI is available around the clock in most hotels.
As is typical of Greek culture, our groups usually eat together. This allows us to try a wider variety of dishes and enjoy each other’s company. However, there is no obligation to do so.
If you would like to eat vegetarian or if you have food intolerances, please let us know before the start of the trip. Unfortunately, we cannot offer vegan meals on this tour. Please also note that alcoholic drinks are not included in the price.
We reserve the right to make changes to the published itinerary if, in our opinion, weather conditions warrant it or the safety of participants can no longer be guaranteed.
Participants should have hiking experience, be sure-footed and in good physical condition, and be able to walk for 3-5 hours.
We mainly follow hiking trails and mountain paths, and although the trails are usually well maintained, there may be some stony and rocky sections.
As this Peloponnese tour starts in the morning, we recommend arriving in Athens a day early. We can arrange a transfer from the airport to your hotel in the city centre on request.
We also recommend packing as light as possible, as heavy luggage can quickly become a burden.
2,500 € per person in a double room
4 days/3 nights
Apr – Oct
Easy
Santorini
Santorini
Persons: 2+
Age: 14+
8 days/7 nights
May – Nov
Moderate – Demanding
Kalamata
Kalamata
Persons: 2+
Age: 15+
4 hrs
All Year Round
Moderate – Challenging
Athens
Athens
Persons: 2+
Age: 12+
8 days/7 nights
May, June, September
Moderate – Challenging
Naxos
Naxos
Persons: 4+
Age: 14+