Greece

Upon your arrival at the Athens International Airport, you will be welcomed by the trip leader. Once the whole group assembles, you will head to Kalavryta (a 3-hour drive). On the way, you will cross Isthmus: the second in importance canal in the Mediterranean after Suez, and, if you wish, you can stop for a snack/coffee at the coastal town of Loutraki.

Note: Only one group transfer from the airport to Kalavryta is included in the price. Additional can be arranged at an extra cost.

Accommodation: Hotel Kynaitha (3-star) in Kalavryta, or similar.

After breakfast, you will head to Lake Tsivlou: a beautiful small lake up in the mountain, created by a nearby slope collapse that blocked the route of River Krathis. There, you will walk in the trails that surround the lake, enjoying the autumn colors, the quiet ambience, in search of mushrooms growing in the shade. You will also have the chance to circumnavigate the lake with a kayak.

In the afternoon, you will stroll in Kalavryta town, getting a taste of the local products and connecting with the friendly locals.

Accommodation: Hotel Kynaitha (3-star) in Kalavryta, or similar.

Near Kalavryta, there lies one of Greece’s best kept secrets: the Vouraikos Gorge. It is part of the Chelmos-Vouraikos National Park thanks to its lush vegetation and incredible natural diversity. Waterfalls, beautiful caves, swift crystal-clear streams, cool springs and impressive rocky cliffs, make this route an unforgettable experience.

After breakfast, you will hike through the gorge, along the trail that cuts through the protected area and is part of the long distance E4 European Trail, walking along the tracks of the most impressive attraction of this area: the “Odondotos” Rack Railway. The train’s route is often described as the most “spectacular rail route” of the Balkan area.

On the way, you will enjoy a light snack, and you will return to the starting point of the hike using the rack train.

Duration of the activity: around 5 hours.

In the afternoon, you will head to the plane forest of Planitero, to walk under the ancient trees and taste, if you want, the famous local trout.

Accommodation: Hotel Kynaitha (3-star) in Kalavryta, or similar.

After breakfast, you will head to Nafplio: a coastal town on Eastern Peloponnese with a strong Venetian ambiance.
Once there, you will hike the legendary 999-stairs to the top of the Venetian castle: one of the best preserved castles in Greece, admiring the views on the town, and connecting with some of the most interesting pages of Greece’s modern history, and you will stroll through the town’s picturesque alleys, before taking the car to head back to Athens.

Accommodation: Central Hotel Athens (3-star) or similar.

After breakfast, you will head to the hills around the famous Acropolis Rock to explore some of the most renowned history of the ancient city of Athens.

Optional: if you wish, you may choose to go up to the Acropolis and/or visit the Acropolis Museum (entrance tickets not included).

In the afternoon, you will stroll around Plaka: one of the oldest, still-inhabited neighbourhoods of Europe and walk through Anafiotika: a cluster of houses known as “the island without the city”. You will have dinner in a traditional, old tavern, with live Greek music.

Accommodation: Central Hotel Athens (3-star) or similar.

After breakfast, and depending on your departure details, you will head to the airport for your flight back home.