Wild Flowers of the Peloponnese Escorted Tour

Offering a rich culture and an inherent natural beauty, the Peloponnese bursts into life in spring, its landscapes awash with colourful wildflowers. Explore areas steeped in myth and legend with botanical guide Graham Kendall, seeking out some of the over 2,300 species of flora, found here amongst the historical sites and lush scenery. 

As the Peloponnese is such a vast area, our tour is designed as three-centre to avoid very long drives on our days out, as well as to provide the opportunity to explore a variety of flora habitats. All hotels have been carefully chosen with each providing a comfortable and convenient base for our stay.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly to Athens and transfer to Sparta
Fly from London Gatwick to Athens. Transfer to and overnight at the Menelaion Hotel, Sparta. Group dinner in a local restaurant.

Day 2: Mystras
Our botanising begins in and around the beautiful ruins of Byzantine Mystras built in 1249. The tumbling and compelling ruins, today a UNESCO listed site, cover the hillside and provide an atmospheric setting for our botanising today. Usually flower filled at this time of year, we will take our time to explore around the ruins and in areas close to the site. Overnight Menelaion Hotel, Sparta.

Day 3: Langada Gorge
Today we head into the dramatic Langada Gorge, situated just above Sparta, discovering the typical flora that resides in this type of landscape. Then it's on to the south and seaside Gythio where we check into our next hotel, the well-located Pantheon Hotel, where we stay for three nights. Evening at leisure. There are plenty of good restaurants within easy walking distance of the hotel. Overnight Pantheon Hotel, Gythio.

Day 4: Gerakas and Monemvasia
Our botanising today takes us further south again, our destination the medieval town of Monemvasia. Enroute we will stop at the village of Gerakas where we will explore around mudflats before following a trail outside the village that we hope will reward us with a good variety of spring flora. At Monemvasia there will be time to explore the old streets of this pretty town. On our return, we will roadside botanise if we find something of interest. Overnight Pantheon Hotel, Gythio.

Day 5: Gythio
Today we will botanise in the vicinity of Gythio, visiting Kranai Island, which is joined to Gythio by a small causeway, and then around the village of Mavrovouni, where we hope to be rewarded with a host of orchids and other wonderful plants. Overnight Pantheon Hotel, Gythio.

Day 6: The Mani 
Today we head into the colourful and unique Mani region of the Peloponnese following a coastal route that offers exceptional views and plenty of colour, both with the sea views and the flora. We will botanise in various places with our ultimate destination Kardamyli,  where the English writer, scholar, soldier and polyglot, Patrick Leigh Fermor built his home, and you will understand why when you glimpse this lovely location. We will have the opportunity to see some of the typical ‘tower houses’ of this area, remnants of times gone by, as well as some picturesque Byzantine churches. Check-in and overnight at Vardia Hotel, Kardamyli.

Day 7: Kardamyli
Our final day is a relaxed one botanising close to Kardamyli, an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate this exceptionally picturesque part of the Peloponnese.  Then it’s on to an included lunch by the sea in the little village of Agios Nikolaos before returning to our hotel. Overnight Vardia Hotel, Kardamyli.

Day 8: Departure
Transfer to Kalamata airport for return flight to London Gatwick.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager’s discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 18 passengers.

INCLUDED

• Flights from London Gatwick to Athens, returning from Kalamata to London Gatwick
• Two nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the three-star Menelaion Hotel, Sparta, based on sharing a twin/double room
• Three nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the three-star Pantheon Hotel, Gythio, based on sharing a twin/double room
• Two nights' accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the traditional Vardia Hotel, Kardamyli, based on sharing a twin/double room
• One dinner and one lunch
• Entrance fees
• Transfers and excursions as detailed
• Tour manager and local guide throughout 
  
  

NOT INCLUDED

• Single room supplement - £275
• Holiday Insurance
• Meals other than those stated 
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc.
• Porterage and gratuities 

HOTELS

Menelaion Hotel, Sparta - 2 nights
Centrally located in Sparta, this comfortable hotel in a perfect location to ensure we get the best out of our visit to the sprawling site of Mystras. Hotel facilities include wi-fi, lounge café, bar, restaurant and pool (seasonal). Bedrooms have en-suite bathroom facilities, TV, air-conditioning/heating, triple glazing and hairdryer. Dinner isn't included at this hotel, but a choice of restaurants are available within very easy walking distance.

Hotel Website

Pantheon City Hotel, Gythio - 3 nights
Pantheon City Hotel is a comfortable and conveniently located hotel in the centre of Gythio, a coastal town in the southern Peloponnese.

Hotel Website

Vardia Hotel, Kardamyli - 2 nights
Perched gracefully above the charming old town of Kardamyli, Vardia Hotel offers guests an authentic escape into the heart of the Mani Peninsula. Built with local stone and wood, the hotel’s architecture harmonizes seamlessly with its natural surroundings, providing a serene and picturesque setting.

Hotel Website