Peloponnese Family Adventure

Welcome to Athens!

Depending on your arrival time, you have the day free to explore Athens, one of Europe’s most important cities. Your hotel is conveniently located downtown, allowing you to take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque neighborhoods of Plaka, Monastiraki and Thisio. You can visit the UNESCO site of the Acropolis with the Parthenon, explore the Acropolis Museum, pass by the Parliament House and wander through the National Gardens. A walk up the Philopappou Hill offers superb views of the Acropolis and the city.

In the afternoon*, get ready for an exciting treasure hunt game around Athens! Look for findings, bind them, follow the guidelines…At the end of this adventure, you will get the opportunity to dive deep to the Greek history and mythology. At the same time, you will enjoy yourselves, while discovering small and big secrets hidden in the city. A great welcome activity for the entire family, introducing you to Athens and the fascinating week that awaits for you! Activity duration approx. 2.5-3 hrs.

Once the game is over, you will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant and get a first taste of the Greek cuisine.

* Depending on the time of the year you book this adventure, the meeting time varies with the earliest being 13:00 – 13:30 in the winter months and 15:30 – 16:00 in the summer months. Therefore, we advise a morning/noon arrival in Athens.

**Optional activities can be arranged for this morning in case you are already in Athens, such as a guided walking tour of the Acropolis, an e-bike tour to explore the city’s major highlights, or even a food tour etc., depending on your preferences.

  Welcome Dinner                                                  3* Hotel in Athens city center

Today you will board our minibus and depart towards the Peloponnese peninsula. First stop from Athens will be the Corinth Canal (Isthmus of Corinth, 1 hour drive), a narrow sea passage that connects the Ionian Sea with the Aegean Sea and separates mainland Greece from the Peloponnese.

We’re moving forward in the interior of Peloponnese, ascending the slopes of Mt Helmos, enjoying the panoramic views above the Corinthian Gulf, before reaching the scenic Tsivlos Lake (at 700m altitude). This beautiful blue-green lake, set amongst forest hills, is one of the youngest natural lakes in Europe. It was formed in 1913 by a landslide and it took its name after the village of Tsivlos, which was partially destroyed by the landslide.

Upon arrival at the lake, you will enjoy an easy circular walk around the lake, which lasts approximately 1 hour. You will enjoy the unique natural landscape and lush pine forest around you, as well as the tranquility of the area. We will afterwards head to the kayak base and meet our instructors. You will be given all the necessary equipment and a full safety briefing, so you can enjoy canoeing on the calm waters of Lake Tsivlou (1hr activity duration). This is an ideal activity for the entire family to experience the peacefulness of the surrounding environment.

Total hike duration: 1 hour / Total activity duration: approx. 3 hrs/ Hiking Distance: 2km / Elevation gain/loss: +/- 90m / Difficulty Level: easy

After lunch, you will be transferred to the mountainous village of Zarouchla at 1.050m. altitude, which is where you will spend the next 2 nights (30 min. drive). The afternoon is free to enjoy it the way you wish! The kids can have fun at the hotel’s playground or go for a fun train ride through the woods and meet the animals of the farm: ponnies, horses, ducks, their wonderful dog and cats. During the summer they can cool down by bathing in the kiddy pool!

*Optional afternoon hike to Mesorrougi waterfall: short drive to Mesorrougi village, from where the hike starts. This time we will move higher on the footsteps of Mt. Helmos to take a wonderful route against the current of the river. A delightful and refreshing hike through intense vegetation (black pine, chestnut trees, plane trees, fir trees), alongside the crystal clear waters of the river. Total hike duration incl. stops: 2 hours / Hiking Distance: 2.5km / Elevation: +/- 60m / Level of difficulty: easy

Evening on your own to stroll around the stone paved streets of the village with the chestnut trees, pass by the old tower houses and the byzantine churches, enjoy the stunning mountain views and enjoy dinner at one of the family run tavernas.

Breakfast                                                          3* Hotel in Zarouchla

Today, after your homemade breakfast, you will enjoy an exciting day, full of diverse activities!

You will be transferred to the west side of Mount Helmos, towards the famous Kalavryta town and a little further south to explore some of the area’s hidden gems! Crossing the UNESCO Geopark of Helmos and passing by the Kalavryta Ski center, we will reach the mythical cave of the lakes at Kastria village (approx. 1hr drive). Once there, you will enjoy a guided tour of the cave and learn more about the cave’s history and its microclimate. At the museum, you will see the exhibition of the palaeontologic findings like fossilized human and animal bones, including a hippopotamus too! At a glance inside the Cave, you will be impressed by its bizarre morphology and its large capacity. This cave is considered as a unique geological phenomenon, because it is divided into three sections reaching 2km in length with 13 tiered lakes in a total surface of 20.000 m2. The water sometimes floods in winter and remains stagnant in other seasons. It is also characterized as morphologically and hydrologically active.

After the cave tour, a short drive will take us to Planitero village (700m. altitude); a beautiful landscape dominated by walnut and plane trees and the rushing waters around the springs of Aroani river! The area of ​​Planitero is included in the Natura 2000 “Mount Helmos and Stygos waters”. It is at the crossroads of the European hiking trail E4 and features a lush forest of over-perennial plane trees, watermills – one of which is still working – and the springs of Aroani river where the water gushes through the rocks. You can enjoy lunch at a local tavern by the river. Don’t miss the chance to taste the local dish – trout!

*Optional Hike: After the cave tour, we could visit Planitero village via a hiking path from Kastria village. That would be 6 km hiking +90m / -300m, duration 2hrs.

In the afternoon, we will head to the charming town of Kalavryta (40min drive). Kalavryta is a popular winter destination for the Greeks, mostly due to its ski center resort, but also because of its great history. You can enjoy a short walk and a coffee break at one of the picturesque cafes. We won’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous rack railway station of Odontotos which covers the 22km Kalavryta – Diakopto route. The ride starts from Kalavryta, crossing the Vouraikos gorge perfectly harmonized with the surrounding nature and ends at the Corinthian Gulf shore.

You can end your day with a delicious dinner at one of the family run restaurants in Zarouchla village, once we are back there.

Breakfast                                                    3* Hotel in Zarouchla

Early breakfast and we depart from Zarouchla village to our next destination!

Today’s program includes a wonderful rafting adventure in one of the best rivers for rafting in Greece! We’ll be transferred to the base of operations, near the village of Karitaina (approx. 3 hrs away). There, our local instructors will give you all the necessary instructions and equipment before we board our rafting boats!

Total activity duration: approx. 4 hrs, in the water 2hrs/ Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

After this refreshing experience, you will have free in Karytaina village for lunch. Don’t miss the chance to walk all the way up to the castle and enjoy the beautiful views.

In the afternoon, we will drive for almost 45min to Dimitsana village, where you will spend the next 2 days. Dimitsana is a beautiful mountainous village at 1.000m altitude and was the cradle of the War of Independence against the Turkish in 1821. After check in to our hotel, we will visit the open-air Waterpower Museum in Dimitsana and find out how the power of water was used in the traditional, pre-industrial societies for the production of various goods. We can also walk around the narrow paved streets of the village and admire the magnificent views over Lousios gorge. Dinner at a local restaurant.

Breakfast                                                  3* Hotel in Dimitsana

This morning, after breakfast, you will hike through the impressive Lousios gorge! This area is one of the most beautiful in the Peloponnese, as it combines dense nature with great history.

Starting from the new monastery of Philosophou, we will hike to the Old Philosophou monastery, literally hanging from the cliffs. This is where the “Secret School” (krifo scholio) is located, hidden inside the monastery, which, as indicated by its name, used to serve as a school during the Turkish occupation. A descending trail reaching the riverside will then take us to Prodromou monastery. Once there, we’ll take a break for coffee and a light snack (usually the monks there invite us to local treats). We will then continue towards Ancient Gortys and the Temple of Asclepius, built in the 4^th BC century, where our hike ends.

Hike duration: approx. 3 hours / Distance: 4 km / Elevation gain +450 m /- 400m / Level of difficulty: moderate

Next stop is the picturesque village of Stemnitsa, where we will stop for lunch and a visit. Back to our hotel in the afternoon. Free evening.

Optional afternoon visit: Vytina, the fir-covered village of Menalo Mountain.

Just 20km away from Dimitsana lies the mountainous settlement of Vytina built at an altitude of 1.033m on Mount Menalon. Vytina stands out for its traditional architecture, its exceptional local products and for its dense forest with pine, fir, and chestnut trees surrounding it.

Breakfast                                              3* Hotel in Dimitsana

Today you will say goodbye to the mountainous region of Arcadia and head further south towards the city of Kalamata. Next destination is the picturesque coastal town of Kardamyli (approx.. 2.5 hrs drive). It is considered as one of the prettiest villages of Mani located between the blue waters of the Messinian Gulf and the imposing Mount Taygetos. On our way to Kardamyli, you will enjoy a guided tour of Ancient Messini, one of the finest and best restored, yet still relatively unknown, archaeological sites in Greece! Lying in a fertile valley below Mount Ithomi, the site was first inhabited during the Late Neolithic or early Bronze age. You will visit the ancient theatre, the agora, and the Asclepeion. The stadium and the gymnasium are among the most impressive and well restored complexes in Ancient Messene. After the tour, you can have lunch near the site at a local tavern which offers spectacular views of the site.

Messinia is the land of olive oil and over the centuries it never lost its sovereignty. While heading to Kardamyli village, we will make a stop at the settlement of Malta, a medieval village. We will enjoy a unique olive oil tour and tasting in a traditional family run olive stone mill. It is situated on the top of a hillock and has been operating since the Turkish domination, in 1765. The history of the site is quite rich and the scenery around the village keeps Messinia’s folklore and tradition alive.

Transfer to Kardamyli to check in to our hotel. Evening on your own.

Breakfast                                          3* Hotel in Kardamyli

Today you will enjoy a scenic sea kayak experience along Kardamyli’s beautiful coastline.

Before departing, our guides will brief you on trip details, kayak paddling techniques, and safety measures.   You will then be ready to explore the coast at a relaxed paddling pace and learn more about the legends of the area. Each little cove hides a special surprise such as hidden sea caves, rock gardens, and cliffs with spectacular formations! From your kayak you can see through the crystal-clear water the sea life and if you are lucky a sea turtle swimming under you! Our guides will take us to the Blue Cave – a spectacular natural phenomenon where sunlight passing through a crack in the cave reflects on the seafloor an aquamarine color. Halfway we shall have a refreshing break at a beach for swimming, resting, and tasting homemade picnic lunch with fresh local delicacies –freshly baked bread, handpicked vegetables, extra virgin olive oil dips, local cheese, and seasonal fruits. After lunch, we will paddle back to the starting point to end a remarkable day along the coastline of Mani.

Hike duration: approx. 3 hrs / Distance: 5km / Elevation Gain/Loss: +550/ -500m/ Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

Back to our hotel for relaxation.

• Old Kardamyli – Lykaki Monastery – Cheronitsovo – Agia Sophia

In the afternoon we will enjoy a short hike around the ancient paths of Kardamyli and explore coves, old churches & towers. The hike starts from the old neighborhood of Kardamyli, with the church of Saint Spyridon and the medieval tower of Troupakis – Mourtzinou.  Then we enter the gorge of Viros and continue hiking until the Lykaki monastery, following the ascending path of Cheronitsova (= place of acorns in Slavic ). The route leads to the waterless spring and the cobblestone road next to Agia Sophia church. Return back to Kardamyli, enjoying the endless views over the Messinian Gulf. Dinner at a local tavern.

Total hike: 5km / Hike Duration: 2hrs Elevation gain/loss: +/- 360m. / Level of difficulty: Moderate (circular hike)

Total hike: 5km / Hike Duration: 2hrs / Elevation Gain/Loss: +/ -3600m/ Level of difficulty: Moderate (circular hike)

Breakfast, Picnic lunch, Farewell dinner   3* Hotel in Kardamyli

Breakfast at your hotel and check out. This is the last day of a hopefully memorable family adventure! We will drive you back to Athens, which is approx. 3.5-4 hrs away. Depending on your travel plans, we can either transfer you to the airport or you may extend your holidays in Greece.

Breakfast                on your own