Dimitsana – Kardamyli (10 km / 6 mi. / 3 hr) | Our day begins with a drive to Kardamyli (approx. 2.5 hr). The small settlement is located on the southern coast of the Peloponnese, nestled in a wonderful landscape between the blue waters of the Messinian Gulf and the imposing Taygetos Mountains.

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.

Kardamyli – Mani Peninsula (8 km / 5 mi. / 3 hr) | After a one-hour drive, we reach our nextdestination, the Mani peninsula, a wild, mountainous, sea-washed stretch of land. Here, the wilderness often leaves you feeling like you have reached the end of the world.

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.

Ferry to the island of Kythera – Hike from Kapsali to Chora (3 km / 2 mi. / 2 hr) | The island of Kythera is located at the junction of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, off the southern tip of the Laconian Peninsula. With a population of less than 4,000 spread across 40 villages, Kythera is an untouched island of lush valleys, deep gorges, crystal clear waters, and medieval settlements.

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.

Kythera Island – Mylopotamos round hike (8 km / 5 mi. / 3 hr) | The mountain village of Mylopotamos is one of the most beautiful medieval villages on the island and is famous for its nearby waterfall.

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.

Ferry to Neapoli – Monemvasia (3 km / 2 mi. / 1.5 hr) | In the morning we take the ferry back to the Peloponnese Peninsula before heading towards Monemvasia. The medieval bastion is spectacularly situated on an island surrounded by the sea, connected to the mainland by a bridge.

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.

Monastery town of Mystras – Nafplio (approx. 10 km / 6 mi. / 4 hr) | Today we leave Monemvasia for the Byzantine monastery town of Mystras, where fascinating ruins of churches, libraries, fortresses, and episcopal palaces await us.

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.

Epidauros – Mycenae – Athens | Even though our journey is slowly drawing to an end, two more Peloponnese highlights await us before our return to Athens: We first visit the famous sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidauros, an ancient healing site considered the birthplace of modern medicine.

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.