Peloponnese - Colors of the Mani
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8-day study & walking tour - Colors of Mani - Messinia & Lakonia
The sea is dark blue, smooth and flat. The gray rock of Taygethos, awakens to new life. Slowly the eternally sublime sun covers the plain with its golden robe. Pours out its power, 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 significant Byzantine art and architecture, with feuds, fasts, dirges. The cultural heritage of Mani is priceless.
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kalamata.
Overnight stay in the outer or inner Mani.
Day 2: Hike. We start our easy circular walk (about 6 km) from Old Kardamili, one of the most beautiful villages of the outer Mani. The hike will take us through the inland villages of Petrovouni and Proastio. Amidst this landscape, with the view of Kardamili, the Laconian/Messinian Gulf, olive groves and the Taygetos Mountains, one quickly becomes aware of the incredible beauty that nature has produced here. On our route there are many small churches and chapels of the Byzantine era, where we will have a quiet look at the architectural achievements of that time with the impressive murals (frescoes). We spend the afternoon on the beach, or stroll through the picturesque Kardamili, where time seems to have stood still. (ca.14km, walking time ca. 5 hrs. altitude difference +/- 500m, demand: easy)
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Day 3: Caves of Dirou/ Cape Tenaron: The journey shows us the villages of the inner Mani, which with their fortress-like residential towers shape the character of this region. In this scenery one feels transported into another world. With small boats we cross today on underground channels the stalactite cave of Dirou. 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. Not only the remains of the temple of Poseidon are located here, according to Greek mythology, it also goes down to the underworld (Hades).
Day 4: Hike. Now our daily program consists of probably the most beautiful hike in this area. On old donkey trails this full day tour starts in Sotirianika at an olive press, which we do not miss to visit. This traditional stop is only today's foretaste of what the outer Mani has to offer via the Kambos gorge all the way back to Kardamili. (Walking time approx. 5 hrs.) Fortresses, fortified towers, churches, stone bridges, gorges, mountain and coastal landscapes.
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Day 5: Messinia: Across from us is the area of Messinia. A day of leisure & time to "unwind" Optional one day sail 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 round trip will take us past frescoed churches, monasteries, palaces to Frankenburg. The round trip continues through the fishing town of Gythion.
Day 7: Hike/Live Music: The pretty fishing village of Agios Nikolaos is the starting point of our circular hike through vast olive groves and wild maquis. A small local herb tour! From Platsa we have a magnificent view over the surrounding coast. Tonight we will end the evening in a taverna in an old, typical village with Greek music and grilled meat from the spit. Folklore dance!
Day 8: Departure - transfer and farewell at the airport.
Dates:
by arrangement
Program
Prices on request and depending on group size
Notice:
Subject to change due to unforeseen reasons.
Entrance fees are not included.
Hiking equipment recommended.
Travel Guide:
* Our guides all live and work in the Peloponnese for many years.