Greece Hiking & Kayaking Adventure

Arrive in Athens

Arrive in the capital of Greece today and check into the hotel. Gather in the evening for a short walking tour of the city and a welcome dinner in a traditional Greek tavern in Plaka, the old part of Athens.

Explore Landmarks in Athens & Head to Mystras

After breakfast, head out for a guided tour of the Acropolis, the ancient citadel that stands on a hilltop, presiding over Athens as one of the world's greatest monuments. Continue on to Panathinaikon, the stadium where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896, and the striking new Acropolis Museum. After lunch, drive to the Peloponnese peninsula and the UNESCO-listed archeological site of Mystras, showcasing medieval ruins — the fortress, palace, churches and monasteries in a stunning landscape.

Walk to Parori in the Taygetus Foothills

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for a gentle hike into the Taygetus foothills, rich in history and culture. Through magnificent landscapes, discover the gorge of Lagadiotisa and the monastery of Zigouna. Finish the day enjoying splendid views of Sparta from the shade of the plane trees in the ancient village of Parori.

Summit Profitis Ilias

Start the day with a short transfer to the trailhead. Ascend through spectacular alpine landscapes towards the summit of Profitis Ilias at 7,897 feet — the highest peak in the Taygetus Massif. The climb to the pyramid-shaped summit takes just under 3 hours. On a clear day, enjoy amazing views as far away as Crete. Hike back down and transfer to Kardamyli, our base for the next two nights. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the mountain air.

Take a Loop Hike in Vyros Gorge

Enjoy a loop hike to the springs of beautiful Vyros Gorge, a deep river gorge that runs from the foot of Profitis Ilias to Kardamyli. Walk along the dry riverbed to the ancient monastery of Lykaki, where you can see frescoes dating from 1783. After visiting the monastery, return to Kardamyli.

Kayak from Kardamyli to Agios Nikolaos

The picturesque fishing villages and dazzling coastal landscape of the western Mani region offer a chance to slow down and discover Greece's hidden treasures. Starting from Kardamyli, hop in a kayak to explore sea caves, underwater springs, and the famed golden beach of Kalogria. End the journey in the pretty village of Agios Nikolaos, and from here transfer to the hotel in Limeni.

Sea Kayak in Oitylo Bay

Wake for breakfast and set off on a comfortably paced paddling adventure around Limeni, one of the most picturesque coastal villages in the region. Explore Oitylo Bay and head north to visit the natural salt ponds, where locals collect salt flowers by hand. Stop for a relaxing swim and enjoy a picnic with freshly baked bread, organic fruits and vegetables, and local olive oil and cheese. Once the lunch stop is over, paddle back to Limeni for an evening in town.

Hike Cape Tenaro, Visit Vathia & Return to Athens

Drive to Cape Tenaro, the southernmost point of mainland Greece, stopping on the way to visit the old tower village of Vathia. Today's 2-hour hike follows a route from the settlement of Kokinoghia, along the coast to a lighthouse. Look out for the decorative Roman mosaic near the start of the path. West of the lighthouse is a cave that Ancient Greek legend claims was the home of Hades, the god of the underworld. After lunch we return back to Athens, where you can connect to your homebound flight. Those who depart from Athens the following morning will be delivered to the Hotel Sofitel Athens Airport located directly across the road from the international terminal.