At a Glance
Traverse the terrain of revered Greek gods and the abode of Spartan warriors as you hike through awe-inspiring landscapes, admire snowcapped mountains, explore white sand beaches; basking in the essence of its rich history on this 6 day walking adventure through Greece’s Peloponnese.
Start your exciting journey in Athens, immersing yourself in the beauty of Greece's Peloponnese Peninsula on an unforgettable adventure. Hike through the Valley of Sparta and to the ruins of the 13th century Mystra. Take a journey to the southern Peloponnese and witness a dramatic change in scenery as you enjoy the enticing coastal scrubland and the stunning island of Elafonisos. Explore the charming fishing towns, crystal-clear turquoise seas, and immaculate, white sand beaches. Venture through the Malvasia Peninsula, taking in breathtaking views of the rolling hills and ...
Trip Highlights
|
|
What's Included
- Meals: 6x breakfast, 5x lunch, 5x dinner
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- 5 nights accommodation in premium hotels on a twin share basis
- Luggage and airport transfer
- Professional guiding: two support vans, 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio
- Park and other entry fees
- Comprehensive travel planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Itinerary
 |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: To start the trip, rendezvous with the Trip leaders outside the InterContinental Athenaeum Athens on Syngrou Avenue 89-93 in Athens, Greece at 9 a.m. Be sure to wear your hiking gear and bring your luggage along with a daypack packed with rain gear and any other necessary items for today's hike. Welcome to the alluring land of Greece! Starting in Athens, we travel to the gorgeous Peloponnese Peninsula. Following a delicious lunch, we continue on an exhilarating journey through the Valley of Sparta, passing through lush woods and taking in some of the most stunning vistas of the Peloponnese's landscape. Our destination is the magnificent remains of Mystras, a fortified castle-town dating back to the 13th century and now designated a World Heritage site. With a competent local guide on our side, we dig deep into the heart of this Byzantine fortress, uncovering its rich history and marvelling at its architectural magnificence. |
|
 |
As the day continues, we have the choice of continuing our adventure on foot or hopping onboard our convenient shuttle for a peaceful ride to our lodging. Prepare to be delighted by our home for the next two nights, Euphoria Retreat, an elegant spa resort painstakingly created to promote calm, relaxation, and regeneration. To kick off our stay, we gather for a warm welcome reception, followed by a heavenly Greek feast at the hotel's top-notch restaurant. |
Euphoria Retreat, Mystras
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Embark on an adventure of a lifetime as we shuttle out of the valley and into the majestic mountains! Our adventure starts at the foot of the towering Taygetus range, where we take a meandering path through the pine forest. Prepare to be enchanted by breathtaking waterfalls, deep ravines, and lush gorges teeming with flora and animals! We make a stop along the trip at a little mountain town where the people still gather and chop wood for a livelihood! Throughout the adjacent valleys, there are several little monasteries, some abandoned and others still in use. As you descend, spectacular vistas of Sparta and Taygetus' peak will open up all around you! We undertake a short trek back to the hotel after a hearty lunch at the foot of the mountains. But the adventure doesn't end there! If you're looking to unwind and relax, the internationally renowned Euphoria spa is the perfect place to indulge in some pampering! Alternatively, history buffs can satisfy their curiosity by exploring the ruins of Ancient Sparta, a small archeological site just a stone's throw away from the hotel. And as the day draws to a close, we feast on an exclusive dining experience - a Laconian meal, just like the Spartans used to enjoy! |
Euphoria Retreat, MystrasBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Allow the Mediterranean Sea to beckon to you and lead you on an adventure! Rise with a hearty breakfast as we prepare for our journey to the southern Peloponnese. Get ready for a dramatic change in scenery as wooded mountains give way to enticing coastal scrubland. We will be at the sea in no time, setting foot on a little island that promises to steal your breath away! Monemvasia, enchanting and fascinating, awaits you with its historic architecture and picturesque fortress town located above a cliff. Take a walk through the small alleyways and absorb in the historical and cultural atmosphere of the area. Visit the gorgeous Byzantine church before enjoying lunch on your own. |
|
 |
After recharging, stroll down the coast and through well-kept vineyards to your delightful home for the next three nights, the Kinsterna Hotel. This gorgeously restored Byzantine house estate nestled in the rolling hills has spring-fed pools, centuries-old olive trees, and great dining choices. This evening, we reconvene for a delightful modern Greek meal made with fresh ingredients from the hotel’s garden and neighbouring farms. |
Kinsterna Hotel, Monemvasia (5*)Breakfast, Dinner |
THREE HIKING OPTIONS: Enjoy a hearty breakfast before hopping in a short shuttle ride through scenic countryside on winding rural roads. As we approach the gorgeous settlement, we set out on a trek that will lead us through valleys, mountains, and quaint Greek villages. Get lost in the beat of your own feet as you wander through the traditional Mediterranean greenery, and take in the breathtaking views of the rolling hills and blue sea. After working up an appetite, we stop for a delicious meal at a tavern in a nearby hamlet before continuing our hike to the Malvasia Peninsula's breathtaking coastline. As the path broadens, you'll get a taste of the ancient Greek way of life in the form of stunning sheep pastures and olive oil groves. Relax with a massage (at own expense) or study the extensive library back at the Kinsterna Hotel. Alternatively, relax with a drink in hand while soaking up the sun in the Mediterranean beside the pool. In the evening, we all meet at a nearby taverna to have a one-of-a-kind Greek meal. |
Kinsterna Hotel, Monemvasia (5*)Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
TWO HIKING OPTIONS: We set aside today to explore the island of Elafonisos, the southern Peloponnese's crown treasure. With its charming fishing towns, crystal clear turquoise seas, and immaculate white sand beaches, this enchanting island exudes a Mediterranean charm that will leave you enthralled. We take a bus through the beautiful countryside and then a quick boat trip to Elafonisos, where we hike a mellow track that offers breathtaking views of the coast. Simos Beach, one of Greece's most beautiful and renowned beaches, is where we want to complete our journey. Swim in the cool blue seas, relax under the warm sun, and have a delicious meal of locally caught fish while listening to the waves crash on the shore. We raise a glass to the incredible experiences we've had together on our trip across the Peloponnese Peninsula and to the friendships that have formed as a result. Our last night together will be spent in the hotel's restaurant, where we will have a delicious meal and toast the end of this incredible part of our journey. |
Kinsterna HotelBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
Start your day early by taking in the stunning sights from the picturesque grounds of your hotel, or choose to sleep in and indulge in a relaxed breakfast. Next, we journey back up north, making a pit stop at a winery located in the renowned Nemea winemaking region to savour a delectable lunch accompanied by wines produced using indigenous grapes. Following the meal, we head towards the fabled coastal city of Corinth, a conveniently located base to explore the neighbouring attractions like the Old Corinth Archaeological Site, the Corinth Canal, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, and Nauplia. Finally, we bid adieu at the New Corinth train station, marking the end of our journey. NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation. |
NoneBreakfast, LunchDates & Prices
Please contact us for private departures and group bookings. Single Supplement is available on request.
More Info
- The departure point is Athens
- The finish point is Corinth
- Major commercial flights provide convenient access to Athens.
The Peloponnese Peninsula enjoys a Mediterranean climate. Spring and autumn are pleasant, with the potential for sunny and hot days. Temperatures tend to be cooler on the coast and in the interior mountains, where windy conditions can cause the mercury to drop lower still. Rainfall, gusty winds and cooler temperatures are highly likely in March and April, so come prepared with some warmer clothes and waterproof breathable rain gear. Although rainfall is rare between May and October, the peninsula's interior is mountainous and weather changes can occur suddenly, so we still recommend bringing that rain gear! On most days from May onward, you'll be comfortable hiking in a T-shirt. (When you head out in the morning, you might want to wear a lightweight jacket.)
The routes on this trip are rated Levels 2-4.
Level 1, 2-5 hours, 3-8km (2-5 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 244m (800 ft)
Level 2, 2-4 hours, 6-11km (4-7 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 396m (1300 ft)
Level 3, 3-5 hours, 8-14km (5-9 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, 4-6 hours, 10-18km(6-11 miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 914m (3000 ft)
Level 5, 5-7 hours, 11-21+ km (7-13+ miles), Maximum Elevation Gain 1219m (4000+ ft)
Onlyluxe Travel acts as travel agency and work with different tour operators.
Payment Detail
All pricing is in Australian dollars and are quoted on a per person twin share basis. A supplementary price is available (see below). Bookings are not confirmed until full payment and the signed Booking Form has been received by Onlyluxe Travel.
A non-refundable 30% deposit is payable within 7 days of your booking, with the final balance due 120 days prior to departure. If a booking is made 120 days or less before departure, the full payment is payable immediately. Last minute bookings are payable before arrival. Failure to pay on time may result in automatic cancellation of a booking with cancellation penalties payable to Onlyluxe Travel. If you pay by credit card or PayPal a surcharge will be added to the total price.
Single Supplement
All accommodation is twin share. Single guests will share with someone of the same gender. If a single room is demanded, a supplementary price of will apply. The supplementary price refers to our quotation and needs to be stipulated at the time of booking.
General Cancellation Policies
- Outside of 120 days monies will be refunded less 30% of full fee
- Within 120 days prior to arrival all monies will be forfeited
- No refunds will be given in the event of non-arrival, any unused services or unused nights due to flight or weather disruption
- We strongly recommend guests protect themselves with travel insurance and medical insurance
Please Note: Cancellations must be advised in email and will take effect from the date they are received.
Liability
The participant agrees to indemnify Onlyluxe Travel, and its servant, tour operator and agents, in relation to any liability, loss and damage which the tour operator, or its servants and/or agents may incur as a result of the participants, negligence or misconduct during the tour.
Smoking is not permitted on the bus, or in tents or in other accommodation being used by tour operator at the time that a trip is being conducted.
Child Policy
Please consult travel consultant on age limit.
Changes to Itineraries
Local conditions may necessitate changes to sightseeing, walking and driving routes, camping and accommodation locations. While every effort will be made to provide the services and experiences as offered in our brochure, on our website, and in our trip letters, we reserve the right to vary your itinerary. In the event that we are forced to change your arrangements, substitute arrangements of a similar standard will be provided. The tour operator will not be liable where interruptions to itineraries are caused by weather conditions, technical problems to transport used by the tour operator, industrial action, political or civil commotion or other circumstances beyond our control. We refer you to the conditions regarding travel insurance.
Changes in Prices
While we will do its utmost to honour its pricing unforeseen circumstances may mean that prices may be subject to change without notice.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions and Age Limits
You need to advise Onlyluxe travel and the tour operator on any pre-existing medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability that might reasonably be expected to increase the risk of your requiring medical attention, or that might affect the normal conduct of a trip and the enjoyment of other trip members. Onlyluxe Travel and the tour operator may require an assessment of your medical condition from a qualified medical practitioner. If you fail to adequately notify the tour operator of any pre-existing medical conditions and/or disability, the tour operator reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion, to cancel your participation in a trip at any time, including after the commencement of your trip, with no right of refund if your medical condition, mobility impairment and/or disability could be reasonably expected to affect the normal conduct of the trip and the enjoyment of other trip members.
Cancellation by The Tour Operator
The tour operator is at the mercy of nature in all her beauty and all her fury. The tour operator will under no circumstance knowingly place at risk the health and well-being of our guests and guides. In the case of natural threats, acts of God and the like (e.g. bushfires, impassable snow, etc) the tour operator may need to cancel a tour with very little notice. In some cases, this can occur after the tour has commenced. The tour operator reserves the right to cancel any tour up to 60 days prior to departure if the minimum number requirement is unable to meet for a tour. If the tour operator needs to cancel for any reason, the cost of the tour or any other costs associated with travel to the designated pick up point, overnight accommodation, meals, etc will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore we strongly recommend travel insurance be taken out prior to travel.
Force Majeure
'Force Majeure' means (without restriction) any event which Onlyluxe Travel or its third party providers could not, even with due care, foresee or avoid. Force Majeure covers events such as, but not limited to, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond our control. In the case of Force Majeure Onlyluxe Travel will not accept liability, and reserves the right to change and cancel trips.
Evacuations
In rare circumstances, due to injury or unforeseen illness, the tour operator may need to evacuate you from a remote part of the walk. Helicopter evacuations are expensive and in most cases will be at a cost to the customer.
In the genuine spirit of expedition travel, we encourage exploration and adventure offering flexibility in challenging environments. This itinerary is only a guide and is subject to change due to weather, sea and other conditions beyond our control.
For Australian residents, under the Australian Government Medicare Act, it is prohibited for any domestic travel insurance product to provide any financial reimbursement with regard to ambulance or air ambulance services. We therefore strongly advise our customers to take specific ambulance cover through their health insurance provider. Evacuation cost will not be covered by the Onlyluxe Travel and therefore it is also strongly recommended that our customers take out travel insurance to cover (amongst other things) the costs associated with evacuation.
Travel Insurance
In view of the heavy cancellation penalties applied to cancelled reservations in certain circumstances, we strongly recommends suitable travel insurance be purchased at the time the holding deposit is paid. We recommend insurance cover that covers any loss which may be suffered due to cancellation. We also strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance against loss of baggage and medical expenses.
