|
Peloponnese - Nafplion - Monemvassia - Kalamata - Olympia - Kalavrita |
|
|
Athens airport – Corinth-canal – Nafplion, 160 km/100 miles.
Drive directly from the airport through the new motorway “Attiki Odos (Attica Road)” which leads you to the Corinth-canal, after just one hour drive. Make your first stop at the river bank – at Istmia – and study the old bridge, which sinks into the bottom of the canal, every time a ship is crossing…
The 6 km. long canal, which was consecrated in 1893, makes the journey between Patras and Athens 200 nautical miles shorter and the seafarers save a daytrip round Peloponnese, going through the canal. Continue through Argos, the most beautiful and fertile part of Peloponnese, through valleys full of fruit orchards and the known and acknowledged wine district Nemea. Last, but not least, some of the biggest cultural treasures are located in Argos: the Royal Tombs and the “Lions Gate” at Mycenae and the ancient theatre in Epidaurus with the cult of Asklepios with the holly snake, which symbolizes the art and practice of medicine.
It’s in the middle of this nature- and cultural richness that Nafplion is placed. The city was the former capital of Greece, and is one of the prettiest cities in Europe. Small, but with a tremendous charm, you find the old part of town leaning up against the Akronafplio-hill with the impressive Venetian castle Palamidi on the top.
Life here can be enjoyed in full. Either by walking in the small and narrow streets between the neo-classical houses with the finest architectonic details, or sitting at one of the many cafes or restaurants along the harbour, enjoying the sea and the landmark of the city: the Burtzi, the little island with the famous fortress. Right behind the city you can find a fine small beach. If you wish to visit a bigger beach area, you can find this in Tolo, just 12 km. from Nafplion.
First and second overnight: Nafplion.
Nafplion – Sparti (Mystras) – Monemvassia, 215 km/135 miles.
The journey continues south via Tripoli to the mountain village of Sparti. From here you can visit the unique Byzantine state of Mystras. Mystras occupies a steep foothill on the northern slopes of Mount Taygetos, 5 km. from Sparti. The castle on the top of the hill was founded in 1249 by the Frankish leader William II de Villeharduin. The whole area of Mystras is an open-air museum. A reminder of a glorious era of power and culture. Many of the small churches are still in function today.
Leaving Mystras behind, driving south-east, you arrive to Monemvassia.
It’s a “must” to visit this place and (un)fortunately this place is well hidden, and not many tourists come here… The distinctly shaped great rock - "capsized ship" according to the Greek poet Yiannis Ritsos - rising from the sea, only a few meters from the coast is often referred as the "Gibraltar of Greece". A thin strip of land links it with Gefyra (= bridge), a fishing village on the main land. It takes 15 minutes to walk from Gefyra to Monemvassia.
The Fort city of Monemvasia, with the one and only gate as its name suggests (Moni=sole, Emvasia=entrance), turns a dream into reality. Old stone built mansions, now used as inns and hotels, arcades and local shops are creating an environment of superb beauty.
Third overnight: Monemvassia.
Monemvassia–Gythion–Diros caves–Mani–Kalamata, 155 km/97 miles.
From Monemvassia you head to the beautiful fishing village of Gythion. We strongly recommend that you make a stop here and enjoy a plate of Kalamares in one of the countless “Ouzeri’es” along the harbour. The trip continues and after one hour via Areopolis, you reach the known ”Diros Caves”, which were discovered in 1895. Some people insist that they stretch all the way to Sparti. When you enter the caves you will walk down a stairway to an underground lake where there are boats waiting. You are given a life-vest and then each boat gets a guide who uses poles to journey through the caverns and tunnels, which are eerily lit and adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, many with interesting names.
After a visit here, you continue through the bare and rocky landscape of Mani. The population in this area has through the time been known for their desire of liberty. Until the War of Liberation was won, the Maniots were constantly in fights with one another, fighting for the limited, but fertile soil in this area. They were living in stone houses and the area has kept its original building tradition.
Along the way small picturesque villages shows up. In one of them, Thalernes, you can buy local products such as delicious marmalade, wine
and olive oil.
Make a stop in Stoupa and Kardamili, two of the most charming villages, and enjoy life among the locals. You can find an excellent choice of fish-taverns and very nice beaches here.
Reaching Kalamata let’s not forget to mention the rich selection of handicraft and specialities, that one shouldn’t miss: the known Kalamata olives, wine, figs, ”pasteli” made of nuts and honey and raisins. Kalamata offers also a delicious sausage with orange, which is served and enjoyed with ouzo or raki… The area of Mani is a joy for the eye and the taste!
Fourth and fifth overnight: Outskirts of Kalamata.
Kalamata – Methoni - Pylos – Olympia, 180 km/113 miles.
Go back in time!
Experience the time of the crusades and visit the Venetian castles of Koroni and Methoni. Methoni is one of the riches areas of wine production in the southern part of Peloponnese. According to the Greek poet Homer, Methoni has been given its name from he donkeys that were - and still are - used at the wine harvest… In Greek the word ”Onoi” means donkey and ”Methoun” means to get drunk. Simply the donkeys got drunk by the flavour and smell of the grapes during the harvest period…!
From Methoni you drive north the theatrically build fishing village of Pylos. Make a stop at the small harbour and enjoy cool refreshments. Going a bit further north, you reach Olympia. The place where the Olympic Games were born and the athletes meet for the first time in 776. Visit the museum and the ancient stadium, where the Olympic Flame is still lid every fourth year and spread out to the world. This place has an aura, which you won’t find anywhere else.
Sixth overnight: Olympia.
Olympia – Tripotama – Kalavrita, 120 km/75 miles.
Departure from the peaceful Olympia via the mountain villages of Lalas, Tripotama and Kleitoria. If you did not visit the “Diros Caves”, here is another chance to live an extraordinary experience. At the “Cave of Lakes” at Kastria. It contains of 13 lakes and is unique throughout the world with its area of
20,000 square meters, of which only 2,000 has been explored.
Continue up to Kalavrita, which is found in altitude 750m on the Helmosmountain. A village with many historical memories. Visit the beautiful monastery of Agia Lavra, constructed in 961 at an altitude of 961m; it once also had 961 monks. It was here, from the present building dating from 1689, that the call for "freedom of death" first rang out in 1821, commanding Greeks to defend their heritage and throw off the Turkish oppressors. The revolutionary banner was raised in the garden under the historic plane tree. Apart from the revolutionary banner, the findings include a very old Gospel, a gift of Catherine the Great; gold crosses; reliquaries and a valuable collection of early Christian and ancient objects.
In Kalavrita you will find a huge selection of local spices, mountain tea, pasta, honey and wine.
Seventh overnight: Kalavrita.
Kalavrita – Athens airport, 200 km/125 miles.
Along the northern highway crossing the Corinth canal, back to Athens airport.
|
|
|
Individual travelling |
| Peloponnese
|
| Saronic islands
|
|
|
Excursions and individuals |
| Argolis
|
| Athens
|
| Corinth
|
| Delphi
|
| Meteora
|
| Saronic Islands
|
| Sounion
|
| Tours
|
|
|
|
Contact us |
|
Almos Travel Ltd.
99, 3rd September Street, 104 34
Athens, Greece
Tel-1. +30 210 88 125 87
Tel-2. +30 210 88 18 434
Fax. +30 210 88 19 187
e-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
|
Join us in Facebook! |
 |
|
Follow us on Tewitter! |
 |
|
Athens Getaway |
 |
|
