Vacation in a secluded villa in Mani region in the Peloponnese

Welcome to Athens, one of the oldest cities in the world with recorded history that dates back over 3,000 years. Philosophy, tragedy, comedy, history, art and architecture – all symbols of a city that is regarded as the birthplace of democracy. Your transfer from the airport to your private apartment in the centre of the city, will last approximately 40 minutes. After that you have some free time to get a feel of the city at your own pace. Athens is vibrant and lively all year round! After settling in your apartment, you can also optionally choose to have a walking food tour in the central food market of Athens, where you will learn all about Greek food and taste delicious local delicacies or have a private guided visit to the world-renowned site of the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum with an expert archaeologist who will introduce you to the secrets of Ancient Greek mythology and history. Overnight in Athens

In the morning you will pick up your rental car from central Athens to start your self-drive trip to Southern Peloponnese. First stop for the day will be the the Isthmus of Corinth where you can admire the Corinth Canal that connects the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf in the Aegean Sea. Next you will continue towards the ancient site of Epidavros where you will explore the archaeological site and the impressive theatre, one of the finest and best preserved ancient theatres in Greece with unique acoustics and a capacity of 15,000 spectators (Guided visit with a certified tourist guide available upon request). Leaving Epidavros behind you will head towards the city of Nafplio, to enjoy the ambience of this picturesque place. Nafplio was the first capital city of the newly born Greek state between 1823 and 1834 and is one of the most beautiful towns of southern Greece in the Peloponnese. After Nafplio you will drive towards the beautiful region of Mani and Kardamyli village where you will spend the next few days. Overnight in Kardamyli.

Today you might want to relax by the pool in your villa or enjoy a swim at the nearby beach. But you can also explore the noble Kardamyli, a beautiful coastal village with tiled roofs and restored towers. Walk in the settlement and visit the tower of the families Troupakis and Mourtzinos, which has become a museum. In the same village, in a welcoming environment, you can try the organic olive products of the Mani region. Overnight in Kardamyli.

Today you can have a full day tour exploring the Laconian Mani region and its beautiful villages. You can visit the traditional town of Areopolis where you can walk in the picturesque alleys and visit the Byzantine Museum of Pikoulakis Tower and taste local delicacies in one of the oldest bakeries of Greece. You can visit the spectacular Diros Caves, have a short and easy hike to the lighthouse of Cape Tenaro, explore the traditional village of Vathia and the seaside village of Gerolimenas. Overnight in Kardamyli.

Paddling at the foot of the imposing Taygetos, you will discover the wild beauty of a place that was never conquered. Sea Kayaks will give you the opportunity to explore inch by inch the rich imagery and diversity of the indented coastline of Mani. You will paddle in turquoise waters, discovering idyllic beaches sprouted between the coastal fishing villages which are rich in history and tradition. Today you will have a sea kayaking experience discovering hidden caves, cliffs with spectacular formations and unique beaches with sand or pebbles such as the well hidden beach of Foneas with the white pebbles or the beach of Kalogria with its fine golden sand and turquoise waters. Halfway you will make a relaxing stop for swimming, snorkeling and taste a snack with local products. Overnight in Kardamyli.

You can begin your day with a tasteful Greek coffee at a seaside "kafenion" (coffee place) in the coastal village of Gythion. Following you will have the chance to explore the breathtaking medieval city of Mystras, which used to be the capital of the Byzantine Despotate of Morea and the Paleologos dynasty. Built in a beautiful landscape on the slopes of Mount Taygetos, this tower city is full of old medieval buildings and Byzantine churches with impressive frescoes. Wandering through its cobbled pathways you discover its unique architecture and natural beauty. (Guided visit with a certified tourist guide available upon request) Later you can drive to Sparta and visit the interesting Museum of the Olive and Greek Olive Oil, to learn about the secrets of traditional olive oil production. Overnight in Kardamyli.

Crossing the Messinian land through fields of olive trees, you will visit today the fascinatirng archaeological site of Ancient Messene, a city built in 370 BC by the Theban Epaminondas. This city developed into an important cultural center of Messinia until 395 AD, when it was destroyed by the Goths. The Ancient Theatre, the imposing Stadium, and many other monuments testify to the wealth and size of Ancient Messene (Guided visit with a certified tourist guide available upon request). Leaving the ancient city you will head to a nearby village in Messinia where you will enjoy a semi-private (or private if you wish) Olive oil tour. Your fun and informative guided tour will start with a treasure hunt olive game at a magnificent 13th-century castle. After a 30’ olive walk inside the castle, marveling the endless Messinian Olive valley, you will visit an Olive Mill and then end up with a revealing olive Oil tasting workshop by certified Olive oil Taster in the olive mill accompanied with traditional olive oil-based dishes. Overnight in Kardamyli.

Today you can explore the castle city of Monemvasia, visit the castle and Agia Sophia church, the archaeological site and the archaeological collection. Later you can head north and discover the ancient site of Epidavros Limera. For lunch you can visit the traditional village of Ierakas and taste fresh fish by the sea. In the afternoon you can visit the Liotrivi Mansion, the house where Greek poet Yannis Ritsos has lived, a beautiful old olive oil mill full of history and tradition. You can also have a wine tasting experience at a wine bar in Monemvasia and taste exquisite local wines, such as Kydonitsa and Malvasia. Overnight in Kardamyli.

An amazing journey to Greece has come to an end. You will drive from Kardamyli to the airport of Athens to take a return flight back home!