Peloponnese is home to a wonderful variety of activity for outdoorsy types and a paradise for thrill seekers and adventure-lovers, set against the backdrop of some of Europe’s most beautiful countryside.
Peloponnese offers an endless choice of land sports and activities: Mountaineering, climbing, trekking, mountain biking, spelunking (caving), canyoning, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, etc, are just a few of the sports that you can enjoy in Peloponnese throughout the year as the climate is ideal for outdoor activities and sports. And this is not to mention the water sports and fascinating scuba-diving and snorkeling adventures that open a whole new window of opportunity for exploring the region’s marine life.
Travelers who are fans of nature, of the mountains and the sea, as well as adrenaline junkies will find what they need in the Adventurous Peloponnese experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Athens – Transfer to Nafplio
Upon arrival to Athens airport, we depart from the new capital of Greece, Athens, to the first one, Nafplio. On our way we have a small stop at the 6km artificial Corinth Canal. Upon our arrival in Nafplio we check in in our hotel and we visit the most important spots of the city, searching for traces of the Franks, Venetians and Ottomans in its architecture.
Day 2: Sea Kayaking over Ancient Sunken city
Departing from the beach of Palaia Epidavros we follow the coastline and we paddle over the Ancient Sunken City built in 1200 BC, also known as Argolida’s Lost Atlantis which is still preserved under the sea. Then we paddle to a pristine, isolated beach to have our homemade picnic. After some snorkeling or sunbathing, we take the way back. Then we continue to the Sanctuary of Asclepius-the benevolent God of Medicine and visit the Theatre- considered one of the purest masterpieces of Greek architecture. Finally we return back to Nafplio for rest and overnight stay.
Day 3: Scuba Diving & Sunset Hiking tour
Today get an unexpectedly amazing experience as you dive into Argolic gulf. Cover the basics, from scuba theory to breathing techniques, during a safety briefing with a PADI qualified instructor, discover the full of secrets sea world and get up close to colorful marine life. In the evening we follow a coastal path having on the right side the Argolic gulf and on the left side the emblematic castle of Palamidi and we reach the 2km sandy beach of Karathona for picnic. On our way back we are accompanied by the breathtaking sunset, overlooking the changing sky colors on the sea.
Day 4: Hiking at Mainalon Trail
After breakfast we are transferred to Arcadia. Starting from Stemnitsa, we depart for the first stage of hiking in Mainalon trail. An hour and a half later and after visiting the church of the Transfiguration of Christ, we cross the river and we ascend to the Old Philosophou Monastery dating to 963 and then to the New Philosophou Monastery who was founded in a less restricting place in 1691. Then we visit Dimitsana and the Open Air Water Power Museum, where the big headwaters at Agios Ioanis are. We spent a few hours in Dimitsana and go back to Laggadia for the rest of our day.
Day 5: Rafting in Lousios River
In between the mountains of Arcadia you can find one of the most beautiful rivers in Greece, Lousios ideal for rafting throughout the year Lush vegetation, small waterfalls, arched bridges, canyons and birds are just a few of what one can admire in the two hour trip on the inflatable boat. On the arrival at the end point enjoy a one hour hike through dense vegetation, ending up to a wonderful waterfall. After having a traditional picnic we drive back to our hotel.
Day 6: Hiking at Mount Kalathi
After our early departure, we arrive to Kalamata and we start our hiking tour to Mount Kalathi by following the cobbled path ascending west to the village of Ano Verga. We discover an authentic traditional Greek village lost among walnut, mulberry and chestnut and belted with numerous chapels. Outside the village on the old threshing floors we stop for rest and a picnic with tastes from local traditional delicacies and fruits, before we continue ascending to the top of the mountain, leaving behind us the last terraces with orchards and pastures. Our evening is free at leisure to enjoy swimming or resting.
Day 7: River Hiking and Archery
After breakfast we depart to the central Messinia, where next to the village of Haravgi, well hidden among the hills is the gorge of Polilimnio. The presence of olive groves and vineyards in the surrounding area does not reveal the existence of this small green paradise whose streams create consecutive ponds and waterfalls composing an unexpected dreamy sight. This riverside walking tour through the gorge is combined with an archery contest at the end of the trail which makes everybody really excited. We walk next to the river, we play with the archery, we enjoy our local and homemade picnic and we take the way back to our hotel.
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast and according to the departure flight you will be transferred to Athens airport. Time at leisure until your flight.
Highlights
Relax at the romantic city of Nafplio and mix up with locals
Coastal Hiking tour next to Argolic Gulf
River side hiking next to waterfalls
Enjoy stunning views as you cruise down the river of Lousios
Discover the local nature beauties of Messinia
The Corinth Canal
The ancient Theater of Epidaurus
The mountainous with lush vegetation Arcadia
When you are on holidays, you should get exactly what you want. Are there extra things you want to do or see that are not included in our current itinerary?
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