DAY 1

You meet as a group in Athens to enjoy a walk through the city, familiarizing you with the location of some of the sites and museums that you may wish to visit upon your return.

A short climb up to the Hill of Philopappus brings you to the imposing Roman period funeral monument and extensive views of Athens and Piraeus. You then descend to the hill of the Pnyx, the area used in Classical Athens as the meeting place for the democratic assembly. You enter the historical Plaka area close to the Thiseion temple, dating back to the 5th century B.C., meandering past the ancient Agora with the impressively restored Stoa of Attalus, Hadrian’s Library, and the picturesque Tower of the Winds. The route back leads up over the Areopagus, or Hill of Mars, directly below the Acropolis. Here, in 54 A.D., Saint Paul preached his Sermon on an unknown God, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. Finally, you pass the Roman period Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which is still used as a summer venue for open-air concerts and theatrical performances.

This evening you dine at one of the finest tavernas in the popular Plaka district. Here you can sample local wines and traditional fare such as stuffed vine leaves, lamb and vegetables dishes, moussaka and baklava.
Herodion Hotel, Athens

DAY 2

Leaving Athens early in the morning for the southern coast, the first stop along the way is the spectacular Corinth Canal. This afternoon’s lunch is scheduled at a pleasant harbor taverna in the port of Kalamata. On arrival in the Outer Mani a walk takes you through the village of Sotirianika following dirt trails through olive groves to the deserted monastery of Agios Nikolaos.

You continue along a mule path and impressive stone bridge over the Koskarakas Gorge and to a dirt road leading to Kambos. Here, in the church of Agia Theodoroi, are some excellently preserved 18th-century frescoes painted by a local artist, which depict an unusual combination of biblical, historical, and pagan influences. The afternoon comes to a close with a visit to a Mycenean beehive tomb, reputedly the burial place of Machaon, son of Asclepios, the Greek god of healing.

Late in the afternoon you arrive in Kardamili, a charming fishing village located on the shores of the Messinian Gulf, with views of the dramatic Taygetus Mountain range behind. You receive a warm welcome at your friendly, family-owned property with shady gardens. This evening you sit down to a delicious dinner of local food in one of the village tavernas.
Esperides Apartments, Kardamili

DAY 3

After breakfast you transfer a short distance south to the outskirts of the village of Platsa, where you catch a glimpse of the leisurely morning life of the central square. A quiet lane leads down to the village of Pigi, which takes its name from the spring that provides fresh drinking water. From here, a scenic track brings you down to the sea at Platti Ammo, a quiet sandy beach fringed by tamarisk trees, where there is a chance for a quick swim before continuing to the nearby fishing village of Agios Nikolaos for lunch.

The afternoon continues from Agios Nikolaos, one of hundreds of similarly named seaside villages in Greece, following the shoreline and onto the small resort of Stoupa. Here you have time to enjoy a drink at a beach café or browse at the grocery store for local products, such as olive oil and honey, before returning to Kardamili. There may be time to explore the village or perhaps take another swim before dinner.
Esperides Apartments, Kardamili

DAY 4

Today begins with a drive up to Exohori in the foothills of Mt. Taygetus. A short exploration of this beautiful village takes you to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the dramatic Viros Gorge, and then through the quiet streets of Hora to the beginning of your route down to Proastio. The walking for the rest of the morning is on a pleasant agricultural road with extensive views of the mountains behind and olive groves and the distant sea ahead. You pass the intriguing remains of an old stone structure and a couple of wayside chapels. Close to the second of these you take a break on a magnificent natural stone platform overlooking the tree clad Nupadi gorge. From here it is a short distance down to the abandoned monastery of Agia Theodoroi, established in the 13th century by the local Melissinous family. The larger church dates from the early 17th century.

Soon afterwards you arrive in Proastio, an unspoilt village built of honey colored sandstone. Until it was repeatedly attacked and destroyed by the Turks in the 1600s, Proastio was a large and important settlement and the seat of a bishop. This explains the unusually large number of monasteries, churches, and family chapels found throughout the village. You meander through the picturesque streets and briefly visit a modern olive oil factory before relaxing over a picnic lunch under the welcome shade of a pine tree in the village square.

After lunch you may wish to return directly to Kardamili to relax at the hotel or on the beach. Alternatively you may opt for a pleasant afternoon walk, which first goes to the ruined monastery of Agios Georgis, concealed behind high walls on a cypress-clad hilltop, and then continues through fields and olive groves to the village of Petrovouni, directly above Kardamili. From here, you can walk back to the hotel, or time and weather permitting, take the more circuitous route down to old Kardamili via the tiny village of Agia Sofia.
Esperides Apartments, Kardamili

DAY 5

This morning you depart for Areopolis, passing from the more fertile Exo (outer) Mani to the Barren mesa (inner) Mani. This is a historical route, as several of the villages along the way are mentioned by Homer and, in more recent history, many played an important role in the struggle for liberation from the Turks. In Areopolis you explore the picturesque historical section of the village before descending toward the sea.

Once down at Diros Bay you tour the impressive Glyfada sea caves. These caves, open to the public since 1963, are rated amongst the best of their kind in the world. Accompanied only by the splash of the boatman’s paddle and the dripping of water into the underground river, you glide through chambers containing curtains of delicate stalactites and serried ranks of stalagmites.

After a picnic lunch on the beach you also have a chance to visit the small, but fascinating, museum of artifacts from the Neolithic period that were recovered from the adjoining Alepotrypa (Foxhole) cave system.

This afternoon’s walk offers superb views and interesting traditional architecture as you walk from the outskirts of Pirgos Dirou through the village of Haria. Rejoin the bus for a short journey down to our home for the next two nights, the Limeni Village hotel.
Limeni Village, Areopolis

DAY 6

Today’s first highlight is a visit to the partially restored tower village of Vathia, without a doubt the most photographed sight in the region, and still a powerful reminder of the local inhabitants’ chronic struggle to survive in this desperately poor land. A little farther down the coast, beyond the bay of Marmari, you begin the day’s walk overlooking a dramatic seascape located a short distance from the most southerly point of mainland Greece and the second most southerly point in Europe. Today’s more challenging option is to hike to the lighthouse via Mianes, an isolated village high above the sea, still without electricity, telephone, or running water. The lower route, and easier option, will take you past the settlement of Kokinoghia and along the coast.

Both groups meet at the lighthouse, which stands proudly on the rocky promontory at Cape Tenero. Here you enjoy a picnic lunch before returning to explore the remains of the ancient settlement, which once played an important role in the history of this area. You end the day with a refreshing swim or a cold beverage before returning to the hotel, where there is time to relax before dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Limeni Village, Areopolis

DAY 7

After breakfast you depart Areopolis for Gythion. According to mythology, this town was founded by Heracles and Apollo and was an important port in ancient times. Today, it serves as a commercial center for surrounding villages. You can stretch your legs during a brief stop before heading north, bound for the eastern foothills of Taygetus. From above the village of Agios Ioannis, you begin a walk along an ancient mule path to Anavriti (a 1½-hour gradual ascent). This once populous village is blessed with dozens of different fruit and nut trees and endless fresh running water. After a lunch in the village taverna you continue to the monastery of Faneromeni, occupied by one lone monk.

After a brief rest in the monastery garden you may choose to either board the bus and travel down to Sparta, where you will be able to explore the scant remains of this famous ancient city, or walk down to your hotel through the quiet village of “new” Mystras, following a scenic track with magnificent views.

This evening you enjoy another authentic Greek dinner in a local taverna.
Hotel Byzantion, Mystras

DAY 8

After breakfast this morning’s walk leaves right from the hotel. This route offers an ideal vantage point from which to view the entire ruined settlement and to gain an excellent impression of the size of this once glorious and important Byzantine city. You climb up through the city on the original cobbled streets, visiting several of the most important churches along the way, which miraculously are still adorned with beautifully executed frescoes, some dating back to the 13th century.

You exit the city via the upper gate, and this final walk proceeds down through a tree-clad gorge below the castle back to Mystras. Here you lunch al fresco in a garden taverna before beginning the four-hour drive back to Athens, which includes a brief stop in Ancient Corinth.

The venue for the final dinner is a taverna in the heart of the bustling Saturday night Plaka. It is here where you can celebrate your amazing journey through Southern Greece and where you say farewell to your traveling companions.
Herodion Hotel, Athens

DAY 9

Departure is on your own anytime today. This is an ideal day to take advantage of the many attractions on your doorstep in Athens—visiting the Acropolis, a museum, or shopping in the Plaka.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual activities, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 8

Herodion Hotel
Athens, Greece

A tastefully refurbished, family-owned hotel conveniently located in the Acropolis district of Athens.

Nights 2, 3 & 4

Esperides Apartments
Kardamili, Greece

Family-owned, charming studios with private balconies.

Nights 5 & 6

Limeni Village
Areopolis, Greece

Traditional stone-tower style hotel overlooking the sea with private balconies, a seasonal swimming pool, and evocative architecture.

Night 7

Hotel Byzantion
Mystras, Greece

A newly renovated hotel, located in the tranquil town of Mystras. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, beautiful gardens, and all rooms have views of the Byzantine castle.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Ruth Hackney

Raised near Manchester in northern England, Ruth Hackney has always been a passionate hiker and a history enthusiast. She majored in Oriental Studies at King’s College, Cambridge, then taught in India for 2 years, followed by a year in Australia on a Rotary Foundation Scholarship. She has lived in southern Greece since 1987, initially teaching English to Greek teenagers before she found her perfect vocation as a tour guide. On our Greek trips she loves to share her deep affection for the history and culture of her adopted homeland, while each summer she returns to her roots in the UK and guides our Scottish tours.

Diana (Konstantina) Plutis

Diana was born in the United States to Greek immigrants, although she spent many summers as a child visiting her family on the island of Ikaria. After graduating from The University of Tampa, Diana traveled abroad to teach English in Korea and Greece. Preferring the Greek lifestyle, Diana has been living in Athens for the past seven years working in tourism. She guides travelers throughout the mainland region of Greece and also loves to take her groups to the islands. A connoisseur of Greek food and wine, Diana loves to sample delicacies from all over the region. She also has an adventurous side and she enjoys scuba diving, kayaking, and sailing the Aegean Sea.