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PELOPONNESE & IONIAN ISLES + GREEK CAIQUE CRUISE

Trip code:

 ex-gx

Trip length:

 21 days

Group size:

 maximum 18.

Transportation:

 Ferry - Local Bus - Exploratory Vessel - On Foot - Boat

Trip Overview

After exploring Athens and ancient Mycenae we travel down the dramatic east coast of the Peloponnese to one of the most unusual places in Greece - the Mani Peninsula. Remote and little known, its topography consists of rugged high sea cliffs, mountains and fortified villages. Here family vendettas were rife and houses were built with ever higher fortifications. We spend a couple of days in the region, roving the jagged coast to secluded coves and tiny villages set below wild, unforgiving mountains. Our journey takes us first to the evocative ruins of Mystras, then to the old Homeric harbour of Pylos and the beaches and grottoes around Methoni. Also along our route lies the site of Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games (776 BC) and shrine to Zeus. By local ferry, we head for the tall cliffs of Kefallonia, the largest island in the Ionian group - and continue to Itháki. This small rocky isle lies adorned with the whitewashed houses of Vathi, nestled cosily at the head of a deep bay. Sailing by caique along the coast, we reach the picturesque fishing village of Frikes. After swimming and relaxing in tranquil coves - and perhaps hiking up to the ruined village of Anoghi for some splendid views - we return to the quaint delights of Vathi. As we make our way back towards Athens, we also discover the legendary Temple of Apollo at Delphi and absorb the landscapes believed by the early Greeks to be peopled by supernatural beings: Mount Parnassos (2459m), its ’dazzling rocks’ rising 300m sheer above the Delphic plateau.

Itinerary & Departure Dates

Day 1 Join Athens.
Day 2 In Athens. Morning walk in Plaka area.
Day 3 Drive to Aeropolis on Mani Peninsula via Mycenae and Nafplio..
Day 4 & 5 Exploring the Mani Peninsula; optional visit to Diros caves and tower-house villages, Gerolimenas and Porto Kagio.
Day 6 Drive to Pylos via Mystras.
Day 7 In Pylos. Optional trip to Methoni Fortress or Nestor’s Palace.		 Day 8 Drive/ferry to Kefallonia via Olympia.
Day 9 On Kefallonia; ferry to Ithaki; caique to Frikes.
Day 10 Optional walks at Frikes.
Day 11 To Vathi; walk.
Day 12 Drive/ferry to Delphi.
Day 13 Optional walk. Bus to Athens.
Day 14 Join Caique at Porto Rafti. 		Day 15 Cruise to Kithnos.
Day 16 Cruise to Kea.
Day 17 Cruise to Marmari.
Day 18 Cruise to Panagia.
Day 19 Cruise to Eretria.
Day 20 Cruise to Porto Rafti.
Day 21 Drive Athens airport where tour ends.

Look below for departure dates.

Accommodations

Hotels (13 nights). Shared cabin on caique (7 nights).

Meals

Breakfast.
2004 DEPARTURE DATES
Sep 5 - Sep 18
Sep 19 - Oct 2
2005 DEPERTURE DATES
May 1 - May 14
May 15 - May 28
May 29 - Jun 11

Please contact us for a detailed trip dossier, free brochure, availability and prices.