dossier

Day 1: Arrive in Athens
We meet you and take you to your hotel below the floodlit Acropolis in time for dinner.

Day 2: Exploring Athens
We visit the Acropolis this morning, before a walking tour of the ancient Plaka district. Narrow streets are alive with colourful markets and dotted with Medieval ruins. We’ve left the afternoon free for independent exploring: the National Gardens, Temple of Zeus, Olympic Stadium, Roman Agora (market), and chic Kolonaki Square are easy to find. 

Day 3: Athens to Dimitsana
Over the Corinth Canal to Ancient Corinth, (1hr 45min), once a supremely wealthy city controlling trade in the region. The Roman Forum and mosaics of the Labours of Hercules are fascinating. After lunch we drive into Arcadia to walk in the Louisos Valley, before heading on to enchanting hilltop Dimitsana - home for the next two nights.

Day 4: Loissos Gorge and Ancient Gortys 
First stop is the C16 Prodhomou Monastery, still inhabited by monks. After a picnic lunch, the early afternoon is spent exploring the Loissos Gorge where the Prodhoumou Monastery clings vertiginously to the rock face.  Our final stop is ancient Gortys - fallen capitals lie amid sweet smelling meadows next to the clear Loissos River.

Day 5: In Olympia
We leave the mountains for the lush valleys of Olympia. According to legend Oxlyus, the founder of the Olympic Games, led Dorian invaders away from this valley to keep it for himself. You can see why: pine clad hills, orange groves, mimosa decked streets. We walk in the foothills before descending to the site to visit the gymnasium, stadium, and statues of Nike and Hermes. Afterwards perhaps take a dip in the hotel pool before dinner.

Day 6: Olympia to Mystras
On the way to Mystras we walk from Linistina village up farm tracks past holm oak, bright poppies, wild pear and walnut trees to sea views as we near the 2,400 year old Temple of Apollo at Vassae. One of the best preserved classical monuments in Greece, we picnic in the grounds and explore the site before moving on to the pretty village of New Mystras:  beautiful views of the ancient town and the Tagyettos Mountains.

Day 7: In Mystras
Hugging the steep flank of Mount Taiyettos, Mystra is an almost complete 13C Byzantine city. Once home to 42,000 people, we explore its winding alleys, intact monasteries and palaces radiant with frescoes - even a cathedral! Violets, bougainvillea and fig trees thrive in the narrow streets, and we picnic under shady plane trees with valley views. We return to Mystras for dinner.

Day 8: Mystras to Nafplio
We visit Sparta’s Archeological Museum full of mosaics and figurines from The Temples of Athena and Artemis then drive to Nafplio - an old Venetian style fishing village where chic pastel houses crowd under the castle walls. Lunch in a seafront taverna, then we follow a coastal path back to the harbour. Soak up the atmosphere in the main square before dinner below the castle.

Day 9: Mycenae
We drive 20 minutes to Prosimna then walk through olive groves on a Mycenean road to a saddle between two limestone mountains which shelter 3,500 year old Mycenae - founded by Perseus and ruled by Agamemnon. Beyond the Lion Gate we explore tomb complexes and enjoy views over distant villages before returning to Nafplio in time for dinner.

Day 10: Epidavros
A 30 minute drive past whitewashed villages to Epidavros, an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, God of Healing. The ancient theatre is a site par excellence - 54 tiers of white limestone seating 14,000 with near perfect natural acoustics. We continue to Palea Epidavros, (20 minutes), to walk along the harbour and lunch by the sea. We then explore Nafplio’s Palamidi fortress, before our final dinner in the beautiful old town.

Day 11: Nafplio
Morning at leisure before we take you to the airport (90mins) for your return flight.

NOTE:  While our guides remain at our client's disposal during the tour, local laws in Greece forbid them to guide groups in historic city centers including museums and galleries.  On all days, the timings are given for the actual walks, rather than the complete day trip.

Walking Details:

Most walks are on farm tracks and country paths with occasional sections on stony trails and uneven cobbles at some of the sites.  Walking boots are essential.