Hiking Tour Mythical Peloponnese | Walking tour of Greece | blumovo

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Hiking on the Mythical Peloponnese & Kythera Island

Experience Diversity in the Land of Myths and Legends!

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.


Highlights

  • A visit to Agamemnon: Experience the ‘Golden Mycenae’
  • Archaic landscape: Enjoy the mountainous landscape of Arcadia
  • Spectacular landscape: Experience total seclusion on the Mani Peninsula
  • Delicious delicacies: Sample the variety of local cuisine
  • Travel back in time: Stroll through Momemvasia


8 days/7 nights
May, Sep
Moderate
Athens
Athens
Persons: 4+
Age: 14+

Included Activities

  • Guided hiking tours as per itinerary
  • Visit to Diros Cave on Mani
  • Visits to the archaeological sites of Mycenae, Epidauros, and Mystras
  • Tastings of Greek specialities

Dates

  • 28 May-4 Jun 
  • 10-17 Sep 

Individual travel dates are available on request for groups of 4 or more.


DAY 1
Athens – Lousios Gorge – Dimitsana (8 km / 5 mi. / 3 hr) | Individual journey to Athens. As this tour begins in the morning with a transfer to the Peloponnese Peninsula, we recommend arriving in Athens a day before the tour begins and booking an extra night in the city centre.

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.

DAY 2
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.

DAY 3
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.

DAY 4
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.

DAY 5
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.

DAY 6
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.

DAY 7
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.

DAY 8
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.

Traditional Guesthouses and Boutique Hotels

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.

When can I do this tour?
This tour takes place on two fixed dates in May and September. Between May and September, you can request your desired dates for groups of 4 or more.

What are the age requirements for this tour?
This tour is not suitable for children due to the length and difficulty of the hikes. In our opinion, teens 14+ with very good physical fitness and hiking experience should be able to take part on this tour.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is conducted exclusively in English.

What meals are included in the basic tour price?
The tour price includes full board catering consisting of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This begins with lunch on the starting day and ends with lunch on the day of departure.

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.

Are changes to the tour itinerary possible?
We are constantly updating our unique itineraries based on new information and experiences. The hikes, accommodations, and visits listed are therefore subject to change.

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.

How difficult is this tour?
The moderately difficult hikes require a certain basic level of fitness. The tours include occasional steep climbs.

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.

How do I get to Athens?
Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is about 27 km / 17 mi. east of Athens. There are direct flights to Athens from various cities in Europe, North America, and Asia.

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.

What should I pack for this tour?
Greece has a temperate climate. It is a good idea to dress in layers so that you can always take a layer off or put a layer on if it is too warm/cold.

We also recommend packing as light as possible, as heavy luggage can quickly become a burden.

BASIC TOUR PRICE

2,500 € per person in a double room

INCLUDED SERVICES

  • 8-day hiking tour on the Peloponnese and the island of Kythera 
  • 7 overnight stays in guesthouses and boutique hotels (double room)
  • Hotel taxes and service charges
  • Full board
  • Transfers and luggage transport during the trip
  • Ferry tickets as per itinerary
  • Guided hikes and sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Entrance fees & guided tours in Mycenae, Mystras, Epidauros
  • Entrance fees to Hydropower Museum and Diros Cave
  • English speaking tour guide throughout the tour

NOT INCLUDED

  • Journey to/from Athens
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Entrance to individually visited sights
  • Tips for guide and transfer driver

ADDITIONAL BOOKABLE SERVICES

  • Single room (only possible with hotel accommodation)
  • Airport transfers in Athens
  • Additional nights in Athens

Trip

Tour Extensions