Day 1 From Athens to Nafplio We are leaving the lively city of Athens behind with destination Nafplio. A short stop at the Corinth Canal, the six-kilometer waterway connecting the Ionian and Aegean seas. Nafplion, considered one of the prettiest towns in Greece, is the first capital after independence and a major port since the Bronze Age. Take your time to enjoy a stroll in the alleys of the town and climb the 999 steps to Palamidi fort to enjoy a panoramic view. Overnight in Nafplio. Distance: 135Km about 2 hours drive
Day 2 Mycenae – Epidaurus and Sea Kayak We start our day with sightseeing to Mycenae and Epidaurus. Mycenae, a place intrinsic in the works of Homer, a 9th century BCE poet. Enter the Mycenean citadel through the Lion's Gate and wander through the remaining ruins. Admire the enormous Cyclopean walls - still a wonder how they were created- and enter the imposing Lions gate to the site that dates back to 1350-1200BC. Just outside the walls, do not forget to visit the Vault-shaped tombs of Lions, Aegisthus, and Clytaemnestra, and the Treasury of Atreus. Continue our visit to the third-century theater of Epidaurus, one of the best-preserved classical Greek structures renowned for its superb acoustics. Epidavre site was set up in honor of the God of Medicine, Asklepios, son of Apollo and Coronis enjoy the wonderful location of the shrine which is on the Unesco World Heritage list. Time for some action with a refreshing sea kayaking tour paddling from the first capital of modern Greece, with different fortresses in our view. We visit the famous fort of Bourtzi, built in 1473, on a tiny inlet right in front of the port. then we paddle towards the old town of Nafplio, under the cannons of the Old Town’s 1st line of fortification, while the UNESCO World Heritage fortress of Palamidi dominates the view right above it. As soon as we exit the port, we paddle along the ancient road of Nafplio, under the Akronauplia fortress, and are rewarded with the breathtaking views of the dominant cliffs covered in succulent vegetation with the fortress as its crown at the top. Overnight in Nafplion.
Day 3 Trekking in Lousios Gorge and travel to Ancient Olympia Early in the morning, we continue to a less touristy but very inspiring mountainous region in central Peloponnese, renowned for its rich history of villages like Dimitsana, Stemnitsa, and Karytaina. Today we will hike in the inspiring Lousios Gorge. The hike offers a beautiful combination of history with nature. We will walk amongst trails of dense vegetation going parallel and crisscrossing the Lousios River. We visit monasteries that appear to be literally hanging from the cliffs and end the trek at the archaeological site of Ancient Gortys. This is one of the most stirrings of all Greek sites as it is based along the rushing river known in ancient times as the Gortynios.
We enjoy a traditional Greek picnic lunch, and then we continue our journey to Olympia. Overnight in Olympia (B/L/D).
Distance: 80km, about 1,5 hours drive.
(optional activity instead of hiking is rafting)
Day 4 Ancient Olympia and drive to Delphi The site of Olympia is one of the largest and most beautiful sites in Greece.
We walk with our guide through the valley of wild olives and plane trees to the Ancient Ruins. Walking under the frame of the great temple columns we feel the awe of the Olympian history. We visit the Sanctuary of the Olympian Zeus and the Museum.
As this is one of the most important historical sites in Greece, we spend a comprehensive guided tour, and some free time enjoying the ambiance of the sight. In the afternoon we head towards Patra and drive through the impressive bridge over to western Greece via the “Little Dardanelles” from Rio to Antirio. Once we cross over we drive through the picturesque town of Nafpaktos and finally arrive via a beautiful coastal route to Delphi.
Overnight in Delphi
Distance: 240Km’s, about 3,5 hours drive.
Day 5 Delphi Hike on the Ancient Footpath and Archaeological Site Visit – Meteora A historic and inspiring hike that combines the magic of nature with the mystery of ancient temples! We follow the ancient footpath, from the slopes of Mt Parnassos in a forested route to the village of Delphi.
The same footpath that took Pan’s worshippers up from the ancient temples of Delphi to the Corycean Grotto to celebrate rites, which is now a part of the E4 European trail. We start at the Livadi plateau at an altitude of 1200m.
We descend to Delphi sanctuary overlooking the olive trees valley and the Corinthian Gulf, whilst the mountains of the Peloponnese complete our picturesque scenery. We stop, en route, for a picnic in a traditional sheep barn, near the cave of Pan. We reach Delphi, and visit the actual archaeological site and museum, a world heritage monument according to UNESCO, with a professional guide.
Amongst others, we visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo, and the museum which contains masterpieces such as the Bronze Charioteer and the image of the famous athlete Aghias. We drive through the wide Thessalic plain to Kalambaka, the small town at the foot of Meteora rocks. In this far-off corner of Thessaly, there is a strange and magnificent region that is justly famous as one of the wonders of the East. Just above Kalambaka stand the famous Meteora Monasteries, glued to the sides of the rocky pinnacles.
Overnight in Meteora
Distance: 230Km’s, about 3,5 hours’ drive.
Day 6 Trekking in Meteora (optional rappel / abseiling) and drive back to Athens or other destination We hike amongst the gigantic rocks of Meteora rising perpendicularly 250-300 m from the point where the Peneus river emerges from the deep canyons of the Pindos range. We swing between the sky and the earth, unworldly, mysterious, bearing a unique religious ecstasy.
We walk around western Meteora, following the same old paths the monks used to use, which wind their way amongst the tall rock - towers.
These paths go up to the rocks and take us to the cliff-top monasteries, the high places of the Greek - orthodox spirituality. We visit the world-famous monasteries of Meteora, Megalo Meteoron, and Agios Stefanos.
After lunch, we return to Athens.
Distance: 350km, about 4 hour's drive.
Greece.6 days €2,860.00
