Southern Greece: Hike, Bike & Kayak

Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins in Athens with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. There is a lot to do and see in one of the world's oldest cities, so you may wish to arrive a few days early to allow time for exploration. Visit some of the historic sites, including the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the original Olympic Stadium, or see the changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square. After your meeting there’s an optional welcome dinner with your fellow travellers, where you can sample some of Athens’ finest fare.

An early start will see you on the road to Dimitsana. A quick pitstop in Tripoli will break up the drive, and here you have the option of going on a rafting tour of the Lousios River. The tour will see you glide along water that Zeus himself bathed in and through a gorge dense with greenery, finishing with a dip under a waterfall. Then, it’s on to your accommodation in Dimitsana. Perched prettily on a mountain slope, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the numerous nooks of this medieval village. Walk the winding streets and marvel at the restored stone-built mansions, or visit the Open-Air Water-Power Museum for a glimpse at traditional village life. (B)

Today, you’ll embark on an incredible hike through the Lousios Valley. Fuel up on pastries from a local bakery before you start walking, then follow the trail until you encounter the ‘new’ Philosophou Monastery. Maybe indulge in some Greek coffee and lokoumi offered by the resident monks, before making your way to the old Philosophou. Dramatically carved into the vertical rockface 200 m above the valley floor, the monastery educated many of Greece’s finest minds. Explore the ruins and gaze at the view across Lousios Gorge, then continue toward the striking sight of Prodromou. Clinging to the edge of the gorge and dating back to 1167, the bullet holes on the door of the monastery hint at the history of Greece’s fight for independence. The trail finishes at Ancient Gortys. Tour the remnants of the rumoured healing grounds before a transfer takes you back to Dimitsana, where the evening is free for you indulge in local taverna food. (B)

After saying farewell to the delights of Dimitsana, a morning drive will take you to Olympia. Both a centre of worship for Zeus and birthplace of the Olympic Games, your leader will show you the main stadium, gymnasium, wrestling school, priest houses, Temple of Hera, Temple of Zeus and the hippodrome. There’ll be free time for some lunch, before you continue to Kyllini then catch a ferry to Kefalonia. Transfer to your accommodation, then have a free evening to explore Argostolion. Walk along the waterfront promenade of the small seaside city, pop into Platia Vallianou, the lively town square, and be sure to sample the seafood or a Kefalonian meat pie. (B)

Suit up for a cycle around Kefalonia! Starting from Sami and via the coastal road on the east side of the island cycle to a traditional fishing village with a beautiful small harbour, Agia Efthimia. From there cycle into the mountains pedaling through typical villages such a Drakopoulata and Makryotika. Stop for a coffee break and enjoy one of Kefalonia’s most stunning panoramic view. Continue the journey decending to Divarata, close to the world -famous Myrtos Beach. On the way back to Agia Efthymia pass old Venetian pastel-coloured houses and the remains of an old Roman villa. Back on the coastal road heading to Sami for the final 10 kilometers, visit one of today’s highlights: Old Vlachata. This authentic town was destroyed by the earthquake that shook the island in 1953, forcing the surviving residents to leave and move to Karavomylos. Cycle back to the port of Sami, to enjoy some cold refreshments. The evening will be yours to either rest up or continue pounding the pavement around Argostolion. (B)

Swap the pedals for paddles as you embark on a sea kayaking adventure. Starting from Argostolion Lighthouse, ease your way south along a coastline pockmarked with caves, natural arches and rock gardens. At Paliostafida Beach there’ll be a stop for a swim and a snack of fresh fruit, before you continue past Makris Gialos Beach. You’ll notice a change in the coastal terrain as dramatic limestone cliffs begin to tower overhead, occasionally broken by remote white sandy beaches. Maybe swim or snorkel in the quiet bay – this is also a great spot for lunch. After landing at Minies Beach, maybe grab a cold drink to toast your efforts and then head back to your accommodation. (B)

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end in Kefalonia. If you’d like to extend your stay in Greece, just speak to your booking agent. (B)