A 10-day guided journey through the heart of ancient Greece, blending iconic archaeological sites with breathtaking hikes in the mountains and gorges of Arcadia.
Please Note: This tour is guided exclusively in French.
Embark on an unforgettable journey into the Peloponnese, a land steeped in myth and crowned with natural beauty. This 10-day tour is a curated exploration of its most iconic treasures, from the legendary citadels of Mycenae and Mystras to the dramatic gorges of Lousios and the pristine turquoise waterfalls of Polylimnio.
Each day balances accessible hiking with immersive cultural discovery. You will walk on ancient paths, explore monasteries clinging to cliff faces, visit world-renowned UNESCO sites like the Theatre of Epidaurus, and relax in charming seaside towns like Nafplio. Led by an expert French-speaking local guide, this trip offers an authentic and insightful look into a region where culture, nature, and the timeless Greek way of life converge.
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
- Arrival at Athens International Airport
- Private transport to the center of Athens and check-in at your hotel
- Depending on your arrival time, free time to explore the capital’s lively streets. Dinner at your leisure and overnight stay in Athens
Day 2: Corinth, between legends and mountain lakes
- Early morning departure towards the Peloponnese
- Impressive first stop at the Corinth Canal, this feat of engineering that connects the Aegean Sea to the Ionian Sea
- Move on to Ancient Corinth and explore it’s vast archaeological site, walking in the footsteps of apostles and ancient Greeks
- Travel to the mountains of Corinth for a picnic lunch near Lake Stymfalia, famed as the setting for one of Hercules’ labors
- Visit the stunningly beautiful Lake Doxa and the historic Monastery of Saint George perched above it
- A short hike around the lake allows you to fully enjoy this enchanting natural setting
- Hike details: Length: ~5,5km, Ascend/Descend: ~110m, Duration: ~2h
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Set out from the picturesque village of Ancient Feneos for a captivating circular hike around the serene Lake Doxa. Your journey begins on a scenic dirt road that traces the hills high above the water, providing magnificent, elevated views of the landscape below. The trail then gently descends to the water’s edge, completing the loop with a peaceful walk along the shoreline before returning you to the village
- Enjoy your dinner at a local tavern located in the village on the shore of the lake
- Check-in for the night in a charming mountain chalet
Day 3: Arcadian Gorges and Medieval Strongholds
- Morning journey to the wild heart of Arcadia with a first stop in Dimitsana, a picturesque stone village perched on the mountainside
- Visit the open-air Hydraulic Power Museum, a unique place that revives ancient pre-industrial technologies
- Hike a beautiful trail in the lush Lousios Gorge, a path that connects ancient monasteries hidden in the cliffs
- Hike details: Length: ~6km, Ascend: ~170m, Descend: ~580m, Duration: ~3h
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Embark on a breathtaking journey through the lush Lousios Gorge, following a sacred path that weaves between ancient monasteries dramatically carved into the sheer cliff faces. The adventure begins at the unique Open-Air Water Power Museum in Dimitsana, from where the trail immediately plunges deep into the verdant gorge. After crossing a series of historic stone bridges, the path begins its ascent, rewarding you with spectacular vistas at every turn as it climbs towards the magnificent Monastery of Filosofou
- After a short walk arrive to the Theologos Monastery and enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature
- In the afternoon, discover the impressive castle-town of Karytaina
- At the end of the day, arrive in the peaceful small village of Ampeliona and hike in the surrounding forest
- Hike details: Length: ~2km, Ascend/Descend: ~50m, Duration: ~1h
- Take your dinner in a local tavern
- Check in for the night in a beautiful, peaceful accommodation in Ampeliona
Day 4: Temple of Apollo and the coast of Messinia
- Morning departure for the Temple of Apollo Epicurus at Bassae, a masterpiece of ancient architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- After your visit to the temple of Apollo start a morning hike from the temple of Unesco back to the retreat through scenic landscapes
- Hike details: Length: ~9km, Ascend: ~260m, Descend: ~540m, Duration: ~3h30′
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Follow in the footsteps of ancient wanderers to discover the magnificent Temple of Apollo Epicurius. From this historic site, an ancient path descends, offering breathtaking views over the idyllic, rolling landscape as it guides you down to the village of Sklirou and its quaint spring. After a brief climb, you are rewarded with the hidden plateau of Profitis Ilias, where enormous, ancient oaks create a feeling of having stepped back in time. The final leg of the journey plunges into a deep forest of colossal chestnut trees before you emerge into the charming village of Abeliona
- Enjoy a picnic lunch during a break of the morning hike
- After concluding the hike, travel towards the Messinian coast and the famous crescent shaped beach of Voidokilia
- Spend the afternoon relaxing and swimming in the turquoise waters of Voidokilia Beach
- The day ends in the charming port town of Pylos, where you enjoy dinner at a local taverna
- Spend the night in a cozy quiet hotel on the edge of the port town
Day 5: Polylimnio Waterfalls and the Ancient City of Messene
- Start your day with an excursion to Polylimnio, a true hidden paradise composed of waterfalls and turquoise pools, accessible by trail
- A short technical hike leads to these natural pools, ideal for a refreshing swim
- Hike details: Length: ~1km, Ascend/Descend: 55m, Duration: ~1h
- Picnic by the waterfalls before hitting the road again
- In the afternoon, stop and visit the Voulkanou Monastery, perched on a hill
- Visit the archaeological site of ancient Messene with a French speaking tour guide of this fascinating city, whose stadium, theater, and walls are among the best preserved in Greece
- Enjoy a warm dinner in a local taverna
- Overnight stay in the small village of Ancient Messene
Day 6: The Wild Mani: Diros Caves and Cape Tenaro
- Travel south towards the Mani Peninsula, with a first stop in Kardamyli, a charming coastal town
- Visit a tradition olive oil stone mill near Kardamyli, find out how it works and try out the extra virgin olive oil of the area
- Continue to the spectacular Diros Caves, with their colorful walls, which you’ll explore by boat
- After a picnic in Diros, drive to Gerolimenas port village, passing through many medieval castle-villages of the Mani peninsula
- Check in to your hotel at Gerolimenas
- In the evening travel to Cape Tenaron, at the southernmost tip of mainland Greece to enjoy a sunset hike to the historic lighthouse of Tenaron
- Hike details: Length: ~4km, Ascend/Descend: 120m, Duration: ~1h30′
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Beginning amidst the ancient ruins of the Temple of Poseidon, this stunning trail winds high above the coast. It meanders through the rugged landscape of the cape, leading you to the historic Tenaron Lighthouse, a beacon at the dramatic southernmost point of both the Peloponnese and mainland Greece. This is a linear route, allowing you to retrace your steps and enjoy the views from a new perspective on your way back.
- Enjoy your dinner at a traditional fish tavern in Gerolimenas
Day 7: Maniot Trails and The Byzantine Splendor of Mystras
- In the morning, hike along an ancient paved path from the village of Tsikalia to the beach of Kyparissos
- Hike details: Length: ~3km, Ascend: ~43m, Descend: 340m, Duration: ~1h
- Enjoy a morning swim at the beach of Kyparissos
- Drive along the coast to the port of Gytheio for lunch at a local taverna
- In the afternoon, transfer to Mystras and explore the fortified city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its frescoed churches and ruined palaces
- Dinner in a traditional taverna and overnight stay in Mystras
Day 8: Mycenae's Citadel & The Charms of Nafplion
- Start the day with a trip to the northeast of the Peloponnese and the legendary ancient citadel of Mycenae, home of King Agamemnon
- Visit the archaeological cite of Mycenae and explore the Lion Gate and the Treasury of Atreus on a guided tour with a French speaking guide
- Enjoy a seafood lunch at a coastal village near the town of Nafplion
- Transfer to Nafplion, Greece’s first capital and settle into your hotel
- In the afternoon explore the charming old town and hike up to the Palamidi fortress for spectacular
sunset views over the Argolic Gulf- Hike details: Length: ~3,6km, Ascend/Descend: 200m, Duration: ~2h30′
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Explore Nafplion with a beautiful hike that blends history with panoramic views. The route starts in the charming Old Town, passes through the traditional Pronoia neighborhood, and ascends via the old Venetian path to the fortress entrance. After touring Palamidi’s eight bastions, your descent via the 999 steps will reward you with an unforgettable view over the entire city and the Argolic Gulf
- Dinner in a restaurant at Nafplion
Day 9: The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and Return to Athens
- Morning hike to the Trees of Arna, the site with ancient oak trees
- Hike details: Length: ~2km, Ascend/Descend: 50m, Duration: ~2h30′
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Discover a place of ancient tranquility on this wonderful morning hike. Beginning at the cave-church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa, the route ascends a gentle dirt road before joining a trail that leads into a magical oak forest at an altitude of 950m. There, among the ancient oaks, you will enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Epidavros and the iconic ancient theater
- Enjoy an early picnic lunch at the scenic site of Arna trees
- The day continues at the UNESCO-listed Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus, a center of ancient medicine
- A hike along an ancient trail that leads to the ancient theater of Epidaurus, a masterpiece of antiquity renowned for its perfect acoustics
- Hike details: Length: ~6,4km, Ascend/Descend: 200m, Duration: ~2h
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Beginning from the archaeological site’s parking area, this route immediately immerses you in history by first approaching the grand Propylaea of the Asklepieion. Your tour through these sacred grounds continues, leading you to the legendary ancient olive tree of Hercules. The dirt path then guides you past an ancient cistern and the quiet church of Agia Anna on its way toward the Sanctuary of Apollo Maleatas. From there, the trail completes its circuit, looping back to your starting point. This is a journey that connects sacred sites with enduring myths, offering a unique perspective on a timeless landscape
- Enjoy a final Peloponnesian lunch at a traditional tavern at Epidaurus
- Afternoon trip back to Athens
- Check-in at the hotel and dinner at leisure in the lively downtown neighborhoods of the Greek capital
Day 10: Departure
- Enjoy a final breakfast in Athens
- Free time depending on your departure time
- Conclusion of tour
Highlights
⭐ Hike in the Spectacular Lousios Gorge: Discover ancient monasteries built into the cliffs of Arcadia’s most stunning gorge
⭐ Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Walk through the legendary citadel of Mycenae, the Byzantine ghost-city of Mystras, and the sanctuary of Epidaurus
⭐ Discover Natural Wonders: Swim in the turquoise pools of the Polylimnio waterfalls and stand at Cape Tenaro, the southernmost point of mainland Greece
⭐ Experience Authentic Arcadia: Visit Dimitsana, Karytaina, and hike to the Temple of Apollo Epicurius
⭐ Charm of Nafplio: Explore the enchanting old town of Nafplio and hike up to the Palamidi fortress for breathtaking sunset views
What’s Included
✅ International flights from Paris to Athens and back in economy class
✅ Airport taxes from Europe
✅ Airport-hotel transfers on Day 1
✅ Ground transfers necessary for the trip as described, in air-conditioned vehicles
✅ 9 nights’ accommodation in 3/4-star hotels & charming guesthouses
✅ Full board from breakfast on Day 2 to breakfast on Day 10
✅ Lunches are typically picnics on hiking days
✅ Expert, French-speaking local guide for the entire tour
✅ Specialized licensed guides for the sites of Messene and Mycenae
✅ Entrance fees to all mentioned archaeological sites
✅ Olive oil tasting experience & Diros Caves visit
✅ Climate tax on accommodation
Not Included
❌ Airport transfer if you booked the flight yourself or if you arrive or depart on a different day from the rest of the group
❌ Lunch on days 1 and 10
❌ Dinner on days 1, 9 and 10
❌ Airport transfer on Day 10
❌ Travel insurance
❌ Drinks and beverages
❌ Entrance fees for optional visits (e.g., Acropolis in Athens)
❌ Gratuities for the guide (optional)
Difficulty Level
Moderate – Suitable for active travelers with some hiking experience. Daily hikes range from 2 to 9 km, with moderate elevation gains.
Pricing, Dates and Number of Participants
- 25 April 2026: 2625€ per person
- 9 May 2026: 2695€ per person.
- 26 September 2026: 2595€ per person
The minimum number of participants required to confirm a trip is 4 people
The maximum number of participants is 8 people
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