Peloponnese - Colors of the Mani
Wundertravel Travel" Colors of the Mani"
8-day study & hiking tour - Colors of Mani - Messinia & Laconia
The sea is dark blue, smooth and even. The gray rock of Taygethos awakens to new life. Slowly, the eternally sublime sun covers the plain with its golden robe. Pouring out its power, it prepares the Mani for a new day. It is a land of caves, churches and strange towers, with fortified villages on bare mountain slopes, with rich and important Byzantine art and architecture, with feuds, fasting and lamentations. The cultural heritage of Mani is priceless.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kalamata.
Overnight stay in the outer or inner Mani
Day 2: Hike. We start our easy circular walk (approx. 6 km) from Old Kardamili, one of the most beautiful villages in outer Mani. The hike takes us through the inland villages of Petrovouni and Proastio. In the midst of this landscape, with views of Kardamili, the Laconic/Messinian Gulf, olive groves and the Taygetos Mountains, you quickly become aware of the incredible beauty that nature has created here. On our route there are many small churches and chapels from the Byzantine era, where we can take our time to admire the architectural achievements of the time with their impressive wall paintings (frescoes). We spend the afternoon on the beach or stroll through picturesque Kardamili, where time seems to have stood still. (Approx. 14km, walking time approx. 5 hours, difference in altitude +/- 500m, difficulty: easy)
Ancient Bzyantine frescoes & murals. The cultural heritage of the Mani.
Day 3: Caves of Dirou/ Cape Tenaron: The journey takes us to the villages of inner Mani, whose fortress-like residential towers characterize this region. In this setting, you feel transported to another world. Today we cross the stalactite cave of Dirou in small boats on underground canals. A very special experience! We hike to Cape Tenaron (approx. 45 min.), which, with its imposing lighthouse, is one of the southernmost points in Europe. According to Greek mythology, it is not only the remains of the Temple of Poseidon that can be found here, but also the descent to the underworld (Hades).
Day 4: Hike. Our daily program now consists of what is probably the most beautiful hike in this area. This full-day tour starts on old donkey tracks in Sotirianika at an olive press, which we don't want to miss out on visiting. This traditional stop is just a foretaste of what the outer Mani has to offer via the Kambos Gorge back to Kardamili. (walking time approx. 5 hours) Fortresses, fortified towers, churches, stone bridges, gorges, mountain and coastal landscapes.
Discover the old connecting paths of the Messinian mountain villages with Wundertravel Greece
Day 5: Messinia: The Messinia region lies opposite us. A day of leisure & time to "let your soul dangle" Optional one day sailing over to Koroni. Sunbathing & swimming and the "wind in your hair"
Day 6: Mistras (UNESCO World Heritage Site): A day trip to Mistras near Sparta. Drive via Kalamata and the very impressive pass road through the Taygetos Mountains. Our circular walk takes us past frescoed churches, monasteries and palaces to Frankenburg. The tour continues via the fishing town of Gythion.
Day 7: Hike/live music: The pretty fishing village of Agios Nikolaos is the starting point for our circular hike through vast olive groves and wild maquis. A short local herb tour! From Platsa we have a magnificent view over the surrounding coast. We end the evening in a taverna in an old, typical village with Greek music and grilled meat from the spit. Folklore dancing!
Guests are taken care of, it's time to dance! Oopah...
Day 8: Departure - transfer and farewell at the airport.
Dates:
by arrangement
Program
Prices on request and depending on group size
Please note:
Subject to change for unforeseeable reasons.
Entrance fees are not included.
Hiking equipment recommended.
Travel guides:
* Our guides have all lived and worked in the Peloponnese for many years
