Kalamata / Nafplio / Athens
Energetic pace with more physically demanding activity. Longer walking/hiking tours (more than 3 hours), over uneven and possibly rugged terrain. Expect some longer days. Varying altitudes with some steep ascents/descents. Capable of standing for extended periods of time. Some days may include 5–13 km of walking over the course of the day.
Depart for Athens.
Arrive in Athens and transfer to Kalamata (about a 3 hour drive). This evening, guides welcome you and have a briefing of the walks offered during the tour.
Today, we’ll walk along one of Greece’s most well-preserved traditional cobblestone paths. Crafted by local artisans in the early 20th-century, this path connects the higher and lower villages and took over 25 years to complete. As we walk, scenes from the past come to life, with locals transporting water and goods from the fields to their homes, aided by their trusty mules
We visit the seaside town of Kardamyli, a charmingly overgrown fishing village in the Outer Mani region, just south of Kalamata. Nestled between towering mountains and the sparkling sea, the area is fed by snowmelt from the 8,000-foot peak of Mt. Taygetos. The landscape features silvery olive groves, deep limestone gorges, vibrant wildflowers, and hilltops dotted with Byzantine chapels—a true walker’s paradise!
Enjoy a leisurely day in Kalamata, where you can take a refreshing swim in the Ionian Sea, explore the historic center, stroll to the stunning local castle ruins for breathtaking views of the town, or visit the Archaeological Museum of Messina.
We will journey to the western side of Kalamata to the breathtaking Voidokilia Bay, where you can embark on one of the most beautiful and rewarding hikes in Western Greece. You’ll have the option to either explore the Gialova Lagoon, a sanctuary for over 254 species of birds, or ascend toward the remnants of a medieval castle that offers panoramic views of Voidokilia Beach and the stunning Ionian Sea.
Located in Greece’s Arcadia region, this trail spans 75 kilometers of majestic mountains from Stemnista to Lagadia, showcasing some of the most breathtaking scenery rich in history. Renowned as one of the top hiking experiences in all of Europe, we will have the opportunity to explore a section of this world-famous trail.
We continue our journey to Nafplio, one of the most picturesque towns in the Peloponnese Peninsula, where we will enjoy a two-night stay. In the afternoon, take part in a guided visit to the Venetian-built Citadel of Palamidi, which majestically rises 216 meters above the Bay of Nafplio. The tour will then lead us through the medieval old town, renowned for its charming, colorful, cobblestone streets.
From the town, we will embark on a scenic hill walk to the Agia Moni Nunnery. This Byzantine monastery, dedicated to the “Life-Giving Spring” and commonly known as Agia Moni, dates back to the mid-12th-century. Originally built by the Bishop of Argos and Nafplio, it was once a male monastery but is now home to a community of nuns. From the nunnery, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and olive groves.
This morning, we head to Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, renowned for its historical and cultural significance. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the city’s top three iconic attractions: the Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Acropolis Museum.
Today we have a guided city walk exploring Athen’s ancient wonders and modern charms.
We fly back to Canada.
You may cancel your tour up to 60 days prior to departure (90 days prior for tours requiring a visa, cruises or rail journeys) for any reason, and receive a full refund of your deposit / payment (less the $75 administration fee).
Cancellation & trip interruption insurance included!
Included in the cost of your tour is our Cancellation Insurance Policy, which provides coverage in case of emergency injury or illness (including Covid), right up to your date of departure (terms and conditions apply).
Our Manulife Out-of-Country Health Insurance Plan covers expenses related to Trip Interruption in case of emergency injury or illness. For tours within Canada, Senior Discovery Tours will cover such expenses (terms and conditions apply to all policies).
