Trekking in Mani and Mt. Taygetos

We depart early in the morning from Athens and drive to Mani. On our way to Mani, we will pass over the world-famous Corinth Canal. The original excavations for this man-made canal dates back to Roman times and were completed in 1893, it succeeded to provide short cut and a safe passage between the Aegean and the Ionian seas. The significance of this canal is that it helped to establish Piraeus as a major Mediterranean port, which in turn led to the important development of the shipping industry in Greece. After a short stop, at the canal we continue towards Mani. Short stop to Kalamata and then continues driving to Kardamyli in Outer Mani. (approximately 4.30 hours’ drive). Kardamyli is a good starting point for walking as it offers a rich choice of treks. It is a lovely village, with an atmospheric old quarter, and a picturesque new village where the buildings have remained faithful to traditional styles. Settle and relax for the rest of the day. O/N in Kardamyli (L/D)

Transfer to Exohori and hike down to Proasteio village with its many little churches and then on to Kardamyli or hike down to the beautiful Foneas cove or Kalamitsi bay and enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea. (about 4 hours trekking).O/N in Kardamyli (B/L/D)

The imposing Peak of Taygetos, waiting to be conquered by active hikers. Our hike starts from the refuge (at: 1.550m) and lasts for about 6 hours going up and down the peak at 2410m. Alternatively, since Mt. Taygetos is quite high and sometimes keeps winter snow till April, we will choose another path, on the lower levels of this beautiful mountain. O/N in Kardamyli (B/L/D)

In the morning, we will head towards the town of N. Oitylo (Karavostasi) in Inner Mani. On the way to N. Oitylo, stop at the village of Langada where you will see the church of Metamorphosis, one of the largest Byzantine churches in Mani, distinguished by the decorative brickwork of its facades. From there you will follow the path that leads to Trachila, a traditional coastal village. If you wish you can rest for a while and enjoy a cup of coffee or a refreshing drink by the seaside. O/N in Oitylo(B/L/D)

Today we will pay a visit to Dekoulos monastery (built during the 16th century). Inside the monastery there is the triune church of Zoodohos Pigi as well as the churches of Saint Nikolaos and Saint Panteleimon. The monastery became famous when it was the place of signing the treaty between Theodor Orloff, the Mavromichalis family, and the rest of the people of Mani when in 1770 they initiated a revolt against the Turks, known as "Orlofika". Our hike will start today from Neo Oitylo and we will hike with beautiful views of the sea to Kelefas Castle, built on a strategic location to oversee potential invaders, serving today as a place offering magnificent views. Continue onwards to Kelefa village, where our hike descents to the canyon that will lead us back to the beach of Neo Oitylo. O/N in Oitylo (B/L/D)

In the morning drive to the town of Areopolis from where you can either walk or drive towards Diros Bay. Once down at Diros Bay you will 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. You can visit the caves by boat and admire the delicate stalactites and stalagmites. At Kita, you can visit the church of Ag. Sergios and Bacchos. The church goes back to the 12th century. Continue towards the settlement of Ag. Georgios. There you can visit the Byzantine church of Episkopi or Panagia. Projected against the rocky landscape opposite Tigani promontory, Episkopi offers visitors a breathtaking picture. The church has an impressive wealth of color in the facades, marble sculptures and wall paintings that date back to about 1200BC. Next continue to the settlement of Stavri. From Stavri starts a remarkably interesting hike of about 60 minutes to the Tigani promontory, where the Byzantine castle of Maini is believed to be. Starting from the village of Stavri, you will walk towards the village of Ag. Kyriaki, where a path starts and leads to the Tigani promontory. On your way back we will stop at Kounos and visit an olive press, where you will learn about the process of olive oil making and do some olive oil tasting. The olives and olive oil play an important role in the diet of the locals. Return to Areopolis and explore the picturesque historical section of the town, with its towers and churches. The church of the Taxiarches, the twin church of Panagia and Ag. Charalambos, as well as the church of Ag. Ioannis are interesting examples of Post Byzantine churches in Mani (18th century AD). Next descend to Oitylo via a scenic road, which offers stunning views over the Bay of Oitylo. O/N in Oitilo (B/L/D)

Drive towards Cape Tenaro, the southernmost point of mainland Greece. On your way, we will stop for a short visit to the partially restored tower village of Vathia. The basic settlement of Vathia was formed mainly after the 18th century, flourished in the 19th, and began to decline in the 20th. A little further down the coast, you will start the day’s walk. A route will take you from the settlement of Kokinoghia and along the coast to a lighthouse. At Kokinoghia there used to be a temple to God Poseidon, but it was converted by Christians into a church. At the beginning of the path from Kokinoghia towards Tenaro, you will see a decorative mosaic dated to the 1st century AD, which is from the floor of a Roman villa. After 45 mins walking from Kokinoghia, you will end up the southern-most tip of mainland Greece. There you will find a lighthouse. On the West of the lighthouse is a cave that Greek legend claims was the home of Hades, the god of the dead. As the southern-most tip of mainland Greece, Tenaro is famous for being on the migration path of birds headed to Africa. You can end the day with a refreshing swim. O/N in Oitilo (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will drive back to Athens. Short stop at the coastal town of Gythion. Next, stop at the archaeological site of Mystras. Mystras was a fortified town in Morea (the Peloponnesus), on Mt. Taygetos, near ancient Sparta. It lies approximately 8 kilometers west of the modern town of Sparta. The town of Mystras was built as an amphitheater around the fortress erected in 1249 by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin. Reconquered by the Byzantines, then occupied by the Turks and the Venetians, the city was abandoned in 1832, leaving only the breathtaking medieval ruins, standing in a beautiful landscape. In 1989 the ruins, including the fortress, palace, churches, and monasteries, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrival in Athens. O/N in Athens(B/L)

Transfer to the Airport for the Departure Flight