Trekking in the remains of the Byzantine Empire

The central finger of the southern Peloponnese is dominated by the massive Mt.Taygetus which rised at 2404m, cutting the access to the Mani peninsula. The area has been protected from many invaders, resisting sea threats in fortified villages and mansions on the hills. The history of the area speaks of pirates and vendettas, patriotism, pride and faith. Not only architecture but also nature fits with this tradition. A combination of rugged hills and deep blue sea, rocky slopes, hidden gorges, olive groves in terraces and peaceful fishing villages all with the massive background of Mt.Taygetus, covered with snow until early June. From Kardamyli, a pretty fishing village on the western side of Mt. Taygetus, we explore the Outer Mani with it’s semi ruined castles and scenic sea scapes. We then get to Amavriti from where we explore the hills and gorges above the Spartian plain.

Day 1- Arrival in Athens.
Meet at the airport with your English speaking Trekking Hellas guide. There is one major transfer from the airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" to the hotel, which is conveniently located in the heart of Athens. Settle to the hotel. In the evening meet with your guide for a short walking tour of Athens and enjoy dinner in a traditional Greek tavern in the old part of Athens, in Plaka.

Day 2 From Athens travel to Kardamyli.
After breakfast, half day sightseeing tour of Athens, the hostess of the next Olympic Games in 2004. Visit Acropolis, the Parthenon and Panathinaikon Stadium, the stadium where the first Olympic games were held in 1896. Lunch in a tavern. Early in the afternoon, transfer to Kardamyli (5 hours). Arrive in Kardamyli, settle to our guesthouse. Dinner. Spend the night in Kardamyli.
Optional: If we arrive early in the afternoon, we may walk up to Petrovouni village, St. Sofia 11th-century church and back (mule path, 2 hours).

Day 3 Viros gorge and villages (5 hours)
Transfer to Exohori village (30 minutes). We then walk down into the dry Viros gorge, with views up to the Taygetus peaks, and up a winding mule path to Tseria village for a coffee break and afterwards another stop for a light picnic lunch. Afterwards we walk via Pedino village to Kalives hamlet before descending back into Viros gorge and along it to Kardamyli (on partly overgrown paths and stony riverbed between high cliffs). Spend the night in a hotel.
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Day 4 "Castles and churches" walk (6 hours)
Transfer to Sotirianika village (45 minutes). We walk past the deserted monastery of St. George, across a stone bridge over the Koskarakas gorge, and past the nunnery of Evangelistria to reach Kambos village (3 hrs, dirt road and paths). Here we visit a Mycenaean grave tomb, a 19th-century mansion and (½ hr walk) the 15th-century Zarnatas castle and private chapel of Zoodohou Pigis with its unusual and well-preserved frescoes; picnic lunch here. We continue via Malta village, the Koumoundourakis castle and follow the coastal mule path back to Kardamyli (3 hours). Overnight in Kardamyli.

Day 5 Loop walk around Mystras (5 hours)
Transfer to Mystras (about 2 hours drive). Walk around the remains of the ruined Byzantine city of Mystras. (3 hours easy walk). Return to Mystras through the ravine (45 minutes walk). Dinner in a tavern. Overnight in Mystras.

Day 6.
We transfer to the village of St. George, our departure point for today's trek. We take the old kalderimi (mule path) up to the village of Anavrity. We continue on dirt road and path and after a picnic halt in the beautiful tranquil village of Soha, we then descend to the plain on a spectacular mule path giving excellent panoramic view. The trek ends at Kalivia Sohas for a transfer back by car or taxi at Mystras.

Day 7 Return to Athens
After breakfast transfer back to Athens. (Duration of transfer approximately 4 hours. If time allows, we may visit ancient Sparta or alternatively the ancient theatre of Epidaurus. End of the trip.

INCLUDED:
-7 days/6 nights
-Accommodation in double rooms in B/B basis in hotels and/or guesthouses.
- English-French speaking guide.
-Full board as mentioned in the program, (light lunches during the activities, dinners
In local taverns)
-Transfer from/to Athens on first and last day.
-All local transfers in the Peloponnese.
-Entrance fees to Mystras.
-Half-day sightseeing tour of Athens.
-Professional guide during sightseeing.

NOT INCLUDED:
-Personal expenses
-Drinks.
-Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff.

LAND COST PER PERSON in Euros: 1750 (participation 4-5 persons)
1520 (participation 6-8 persons)
1350 (participation 9-11 persons)
1200 (participation 12-16 persons). Two Trekking Hellas guides.
Single supplement: 170
Triple reduction: 80

Dates: April 26- May 2, May 17-23, June 7-13, July 26- August 1, August 23-29
September 20-26 , October 18-24

Accommodation and food
We spend one night in Athens, three nights in a clean, well-kept pension (A category) in the fishing village of Kardamyli (twin rooms with private facilities). We spend two nights in the Hotel Vyzantion (twins and triples with private facilities; B category). Vegetarians can be catered for, if we are advised beforehand. Lunches are light tavern meals (salads, dips, bread, cheese, maybe greens or chips) or simple picnics taken at a scenic spot en route according to the walking programme.

Walking
Our trips are designed for active people who enjoy trekking, even going up steep hills. We expect participants to be in good physical condition. The walking is on a mixture of dirt tracks, well-constructed stone mule paths (sometimes overgrown) and one riverbed. There is also one stretch of narrow trail in the gorge above Parori, which vertigo sufferers might find uncomfortable but not dangerous. Although there is relatively little up- and downhill (maximum climb 800m on day 7, maximum drop 800m on day 3), the terrain is stony and you may find a stick useful to take pressure off the knees.

Transport
We travel from Athens to the mainland and between the villages by A/C mini bus (depending the size of the group). Our baggage travels by bus. The trip starts and ends in Athens. There is one major transfer on the first day arranged to fit the majority of the clients, therefore clients are requested to book a flight that will arrive in Athens airport no later than 16:00 o'clock. It usually takes about 40-50 minutes to clear Customs and collect the luggage. A guide will be waiting for you, outside the exit of your gate. If you arrive earlier than the others you will be asked to wait at the airport and will be given directions from your guide on the spot.

Leadership and group size
Your tour leader will be with you throughout the week to guide you along the route, help organise and interpret in the villages and assist the group in any other way possible.
Our leaders are fluent in English and Greek as well as often-another language, and have walked in the area before. They will try and give you a real insight into the local way of life and, for those interested, will happily give some basic Greek lessons while walking or over evening drinks. Although not specialists, they are interested in the area's flora and fauna and usually carry field guides. They always have maps and a compass. We expect to run this trip with a group of 4-16 participants.

Money
All meals, accommodation, site entrance fees and transport (as per itinerary) are included in the tour cost; personal expenses including drinks are excluded. You will not be charged for any hidden extras. We suggest that you bring a minimum of €100 or $100 with you to pay for any drinks or snacks and souvenirs or unexpected items. There is good shopping and limited banking/postal facilities in Kardamyli, but nothing other than a basic store in Anavriti.

Grade 1: Relatively easy walks (average 4-5 hours per day), good start for a first trekking holiday. The walking is on a mixture of dirt tracks, well-constructed stone mule paths and one riverbed.