We depart Athens, heading towards Arcadia, a land steeped in myth—home to gods, nymphs, heroes, and the legendary god Pan. With its dense fir forests, rugged ridges, deep river valleys, plateaus, and barren summits touched by human activity, Arcadia stands as an outdoor paradise. our initial stop is at the Open-Air Water Power Museum showcasing the importance of water-powered techniques in local society across the ages.
Our accommodation rests in the medieval village of Dimitsana. After check-in and a satisfying lunch, we journey to the secluded Prodromos Monastery, an awe-inspiring sight carved into the rock. Alongside the Lousios River, a trail winds through a steep gorge, leading to Ancient Gortyna, once a healing sanctuary of Asclepius.
Overnight in Dimitsana in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 4 km / Hiking Duration: 1 hr 30 min
Driving distance:
Athens to Dimitsana 230 km / 2 hr 45 min
Dimitsana to Monastery of Prodromos 15 km / 30 min
Today, our journey takes us towards Olympia, where we'll immerse ourselves in the world of a honey farm. This establishment, once the livelihood of Klio's grandparents and now the foundation of her own agricultural pursuits, epitomizes the essence of Greek hospitality.She will reveal the secrets of honey production and later on we will taste traditional sweets infused with honey from her bees, prepared right before your eyes with the assistance of her mother.
In the afternoon we will continue onwards Ancient Olympia, where alongside with your guide, you will walk through the impressive ruins where Olympic Games were held every four years beginning in 776BC. The Olympia Museum is also a must visit, as it includes some of the most important works of Classical art such as the sculpted decoration of the temple of Zeus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the famous Hermes of Praxiteles.
Overnight in Olympia in a 4* hotel
Breakfast included
Driving distance:
Dimitsana to Olympia 77 km / 1 hr 35 min
In the morning, on our way to Kalamata we'll make a delightful pitstop to kick off our olive oil tour within the walls of a city wall. Here, we'll not only explore the fascinating world of olive oil production but also partake in a mini cooking lesson. Get ready to roll up your sleeves as we craft a mouthwatering pie and perfect tzatziki, introducing ourselves to the art of the Greek culinary traditions.
Subsequently, we'll make our way to the captivating city of Kalamata. Renowned for its exquisite Kalamata olives, our goal is to procure a bottle of exceptionally high-quality extra virgin olive oil following our delicious tasting experience. Later in the afternoon we'll leisurely wander through the bustling main square and delve into the historical charm of the city's quarter.
Overnight in Kalamata in a 4* hotel
Breakfast and lunch included
Driving distance:
Olympia to Kalamata 115 km / 1 hr 35 min
This morning, we will drive to Kardamyli. Hiking has become it’s greatest drawcard, as the hills behind the village are crisscrossed with an extensive network of cobblestone paths, hidden among the coastal flora. Our path starts at the old quarter of Kardamyli and soon passes the so-called Tombs of the Dioscouri, the alleged burial spot of Castor and Pollux. The two rock-cut tombs are probably Mycenaean in origin. A half-hour uphill finds us by the church and the outskirts of the village of Agia Sophia. The views from here back down to Kardamyli are more than worth the effort. Walk through stunning landscapes of villages, olive groves and wildflower fields all the way down to the small village of Proastio.
Overnight in Kalamata in a 4* hotel
Breakfast and lunch included
Hiking distance: 4 km / Hiking Duration: 2 hr 45m
Elevation gain & loss: 372m & 372 m
Driving distance:
Kalamata to Kardamyli 35 km / 50 min
Kardamyli to Kalamata 35 km / 50 min
The fortress town of Mystras with the captivating ruins of churches, libraries, strongholds, and palaces is another Peloponnese UNESCO World-Heritage listed site. Lying on a hill as if it was spilled from a spur of the Taygetos Mountain, Mystras is overlooking the city of Sparta. Among the most important historical sites in the Peloponnese, here is where the Byzantine Empire’s richly artistic and intellectual culture made its last stand.
Visit the site, have lunch in the tiny village of Mystras and then drive towards Monemvasia, a Gibraltar-like rock, which forms a small island linked by a bridge, with a medieval village at its base. The village is enclosed within the walls of a castle, with narrow, cobbled streets, flanked by winding stairways that weave between a complex network of stone houses.
Overnight in Monemvasia in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, and lunch included
Driving distance:
Kalamata to Mystras 105 km / 1 hr 15 min
Mystras to Monemvasia 90 km / 2 hr
As we set out for Nafplion in the morning, we'll take a moment to appreciate the rich winemaking heritage of the region. Our journey includes a wine stop at the hillside vineyards encircling the charming village of Nemea, a place with a winemaking tradition that spans centuries. While they now successfully cultivate various leading grape varieties in Europe, it is the aromatic Agiorgitiko grape that has earned Nemea international acclaim.
After our tasting, we will drive to Nafplio, the town where Greece meets Italy. Built with stepped streets overhung with balconies dripping bougainvillea, handsome neoclassical buildings and enticing shops and restaurants, it is the most charming town in the Peloponnese.
Overnight in Nafplio in a boutique hotel
Breakfast included
Driving distance:
Monemvasia to Nemea 230 km / 3 hr
Nemea to Nafplion 43 km / 45 min
Epidaurus, is the best-preserved theater of Ancient Greece, and the place were Aeschylus, Euripides and Sophocles presented their tragic poets. Every single summer people still return to see the same plays, a genuine testimony of the Greek culture that it is still alive. We will spend the morning visiting the archaeological site, which was also famed and revered as a place for miraculous healing. After that, we will drive to the World heritage-listed Mycenae, one of the most ancient places in Europe, and as you walk through the 13th-century BC Lion Gate, it’s easy to sense that the ancient Greek myths have a strong connection with reality.
During your free afternoon, you can choose to explore either the Palamidi Castle or the Bourtzi Water Fortress. For dinner, we will relax in a special place and a chef will cook for us. We will discuss with him about the tastes, raw materials and food and wine pairing. A unique experience with a menu based on our special needs and likes.
A perfect dinner is waiting for you
Overnight in Nafplio in a boutique hotel
Breakfast and dinner included
Driving distance:
Nafplio to Epidaurus 23 km / 40 min
Epidaurus to Mycenae 40 km / 1 hr
After breakfast we will return to Athens. In case you wish further exploration, you can use the option of extending your trip by three more days and visit the islands of Poros and Hydra.
Breakfast included
Driving distance:
Nafplio to Athens 139 km / 2 hr
We are constantly updating our unique itineraries based on new information and experiences available. The walks, accommodations, and visits listed may be adjusted. The itineraries presented are subject to modification and change by Tripin Adventures. We reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in our judgment, conditions warrant, or if we deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants, anything not mentioned in above program.
