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8 Days | 7 nights
Specific Tour
64 people
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Biotopes and Ecosystems in South Peloponnese
Euripides praises Messinia as “fruitful” with plenty of running waters, pastures for cattle and sheep, lush green mountains, caves, ravines, biotopes, ecosystems, sandy coastline and splendid climate. This same beauty remains today.
We start with Pylia area with unique biotopes and ecosystems such as Pylos town, Navarino Bay, Sapienza island , Gialova Lagoon and more. Gialova lagoon constitutes one of the most important wetlands, not only in Greece but all around Europe. It is located in the Peloponnese and more specifically in the region of Messenia. Within short distance from Pylos and the legendary Nestor Palace, the lagoon is also near the emblematic beach of Voidokilia. A special place due to its evergreen charms, this entire area attracts travelers from all over the world with great fondness towards nature.
Stretching for a vast area of 6,000 acres, Gialova lagoon is home to over 270 bird species. Many of them are migratory birds, all the way from Africa, spreading to Europe and the world. As you may imagine by now, this is a place of unique ecological value and therefore it is 100% justified why it has been considered a protected area by Natura 2000. Cormorans and flamingos, seagulls and imperial eagles are just few of these spectacular birds finding shelter to the lagoon. Birdwatching is definitely on the rise in Greece and many enthusiasts choose Peloponnese and Gialova to enjoy gems of exquisite value.
Apart from birds, however, you are welcome to admire rare species of flora and fauna. One of the most precious species to find here is the African chameleon. This is indeed a blissful place, else called Divari. A wildlife habitat, whose alternative name comes from Vivarium. Vivarium is Latin and means fish catchery. Not far from the wetland, one is able to enjoy luxurious accommodation in the one-of-a-kind Costa Navarino.
Another biotope in our program is the island of Sapientza with the Greek heart-shaped island and the ancient shipwrecks!
Sapientza or Sapienza is a Greek island off the southern coast of the Peloponnese, opposite the city of Methóni .
Sapientza is the second largest island of the Messenian Oinousses, a small group island which consists of three small islands (Schiza, Sapientza and Agia Marina). Its name is of Italian origin and means wisdom. The Calypso Deep, the deepest point of the Mediterranean Sea at 5,267 metres (17,280 ft), is located south-west of Sapientza. he island has seen many shipwrecks because it is located over the main sea route between Italy and the Middle East. Some of the wrecks carried important cargo, such as a Toman wreck that carried granite columns from the peristyle of Herod’s temple in Caesarea Maritima.In the south of the island there is an important lighthouse built in 1885. Its height is 8 meters.Sapientza has lush vegetation with dense shrubland and perennial hollies, arbutus and other Mediterranean plants. For this reason, Sapientza and the other Messenian Oinousses have been included in the Natura 2000
Sapientza is known for the Treaty of Sapienza in 1209, between the Republic of Venice and the Principality of Achaea. With this treaty Methoni and Corone remained under Venetian rule and the remainder of the Peloponnese was ceded to Villehardouin. In 1354, the Venetian and Genoese fleets fought the Battle of Sapienza.
After the Greek War of Independence, Sapienza became a part of the Greek state. Nevertheless, the British claimed Sapienza during the Pacifico case, as part of the United States of the Ionian Islands.
We complete the puzzle of biotopes and ecosystems with our hikes and stay at Taygetos Mountain – villages, the imperious mountain of Peloponnese.
Taygetos Mountain is the highest mountain range of Peloponnese which combines beautiful hiking routes, picturesque mountainous villages, creeks, stone bridges and trees.
It is located between Megalopolis (Arcadia), Evrotas (Laconia) and Messinia. The top of the mountain is called “Profitis Ilias” (Prophet Elias) and is located at 2.407 meters altitude. From Taygetos begin two rivers, Evrotas River which flows in the Laconian Gulf and Nedontas River which flows in the Messenian Gulf.
The name Taygetos derives from “Taygeti” who was the daughter of Pleionis and Atlantas according to Greek Mythology. During Byzantine period the mountain was also called “Pentadaktylos” which means “five fingers” in Greek. The name was related to the 5 tops of the mountain range.
The mountain provides plenty of hiking routes which are well signposted and attract a lot of travelers during the summer period. At the winter the snow makes the climbing quite difficult and special equipment is necessary. One of the most rewarding experiences is reaching the top of the mountain with the chapel of Prophet Elias and the breathtaking view of Peloponnese.
Traditional ecosystems in Messinian Mani..the Land of traditional stoned villages , tower stoned houses and castles, wild and untamed !!
A land of traditional seaside or mountain villages , tower houses, castles, ancient sites, Byzantine chapels, beautiful beaches and spectacular ravines in the Messinian Mani Peloponnese.
This tour is full pictures , impressions , experiences and knowlogde of the Mediterranean and Greece Nature, join us – don’t miss it.
Prices / 8 up to 14 persons
Prices / 15 up to 20 persons
Single difference for 7 nights 280,00.
You can also plan your individual road trip with us, which is adapted to your wishes and needs for you and your friends / family.
The price depends on the number of participants, activity, duration and transfer.
For less or more participants please contact us in order to offer you flexible rates.
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Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights.
Starting Point:Kalamata airport or Athens airport.
Finishing Point: Kalamata airport or Athens airport.
Group Size: 8 up to 63 persons
Ages: 4+ years and older (we can adjust the program for families with young children)
This tour is available all year,depending the weather conditions,national holidays and you can select your date during the booking process. We’ll then get back to you with the confirmation.
If you don’t find any dates that are suitable for you, just get in touch by phone or email and we’ll let you know if anything can be arranged. We always do our best to get the experience that suits you best.
Arrival at Kalamata airport or Athens airport and transfer to Pylos, a charming colourful little city, built like an amphitheater. There are many traditional buildings with charming arches, a huge square with centuries old plane trees and the castle Niokastro, built in 1572. Leisure time. Overnight.
Overnight: In a 3 star hotel in Pylos.
Total driving time: aprox. 50 minutes from Kalamata airport (55 Km) or 5 hours from Athens airport (Km 300)
After breakfast we will travel to Methoni, one of the most historical sites of Morea. It boasts the biggest and best preserved castle of the Mediterranean. To get into the castle you have to walk across a huge stone bridge with 14 arches. On the other side you can view the Venetian arms, the spear, the coat and the flag of Venice. With a small kaiki we will visit the small island Sapienza, an important biotope, being used by the migratory birds as an intermediate stop. Return to Pylos, leisure time, Overnight.
Overnight: In a 3 star hotel in Pylos.
Total driving time: aprox. 40 minutes (23 Km)
Breakfast and then we will visit the lagoon of Gialova which is the biggest aquatic biotope of Messinia. Then we will continue driving to Taygetos passing through the beautiful villages of Nedousa, Alagonia, Piges and Artemisia. Arrival at hotel in the area of Taygetos mountain. Overnight.
Overnight: In a Guesthouse in Taygetos mountain.
Total driving time: aprox. 1,45 hours (Km 90).
This is the most interesting day. We will attend and enjoy the most popular chorus, hundreds of different kinds of birds chirping together, offering the sweetest melody you ever heard. We will leave the hotel at around 05:30 to visit Taygetos, an important biotope used by the migratory birds as an intermediate stop. Ecosystems such as the woods of Elati (pine trees) are of great interest. Precipices and deep gorges, running brooks, high peaks with large fir forests, ravines, plateaus and lush vegetation. A scenery, greener than green. Picturesque villages reclined in the embrace of forests with stone houses, narrow lanes and natural springs with running water. Packed lunch at one of the villages. Return to the hotel. Overnight.
Overnight: In a guesthouse at Taygetos mountain.
Total driving time: none only walk into Taygetos forests.
Before we say good bye to Taygetos we will visit the beautiful villages of Potisona, Neohori and Dirachion, all of them are picturesque and welcoming, lost in the embrase of Taygetos. Plenty of sources with ice-cold running water, lush green scenery, fir trees, walnut and chestnut trees in a harmonic combination are offering a rare natural beauty. In the afternoon we depart for Kalamata. Overnight.
Overnight:In a 3 star hotel in Kalamata.
Total driving time: aprox. 2 hours ( Km 70).
After breakfast we will depart to discover Messinian Mani which is like entering another world. The landscape is precipitous, plunging headlong towards the sea. Wooded slopes, rugged peaks, brooks and torrents, deep gorges and high ridges. Peace can only be found near the sea. As you penetrate further into this astonishing land you want to get to the heart of it, to have fun with it. You breathe the perfumed breeze that swafts down from Taygetos, or you forget yourself swimming alone in a delightful cove. During our drive, we will pass through picturesque villages with Maniot towers, churches and belltowers, shiny rocks and fabulous caves. Kardamyli and Stoupa where "Zorbas the Greek" used to work at the mines, Kastania,Milia, Platsa and Thalames are also some of our stops. Return to Kalamata. Overnight.
Overnight:In a 3 star in Kalamata.
Total Driving time: aprox. 4,30 hours (Km 155).
Breakfast and today you will enjoy a half day tour of the Capital City of Messinia, Kalamata. Your first visit the Cathedral the church of Ipapanti,in the north part of the city, the Monastery of St. Konstantine and St. Helen, where the nuns make silk table cloths and handkerchiefs by using the traditional way, the loom.in our panoramic tour you will have the chance to see also the square of 23rd of March and the church of St.Apostles, the Pantazopouleion culture centre, the town hall, the Benakeion Arhaeological museum, the Art Gallery, the main square of Kalamata, the main pedestrian commercial street Aristomenous,the marina of Kalamata, the beautifull sea side street of Kalamata with the coconut trees. At the end, free time to explore the historical center of Kalamata end enjoy shopping, before your return to your hotel.Overnight.
Overnight:In a 3 star hotel in Kalamata.
Total Driving time: aprox. 1-2 hours (Km 10).
Transfer to the airport of Kalamata or Athens airport to get your return flight back to your country.
Total Driving time: aprox. 20 minutes for Kalamata airport (Km 11) or aprox. 4 hours for Athens airport ( Km 250).
Shoes suitable for walking.Second pair is optional.
Suitable clothing depending on weather conditions and season (change of clothes) for 8 days.
Sunscreen,sunhat,sunglasses.
Your medications and medical treatment.
Βαckpack for daily use.
Swimsuit and towel.
Enthusiasm and good mood.
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Starting Point: Kalamata airport or Athens airport.Meeting time according your flight arrival.
Finishing Point:Kalamata airport or Athens airport.
Group Size: 8 up to 63 persons
Ages: 4+ years and older (we can adjust the program for families with young children).
Meeting time according to your flight arrival.
Basic physical condition.No touring experience required.
If you have any food ingredient allergy or allergy on other natural sources like eg bees, please let us know.
Children need to be accompanied by an adult.
Participants should feel comfortable in walking and able to walk in order to access the sights mentioned in our package.
This tour has a lot of routes using minivan, minibus or big bus transfers and clients must feel comfortable to travel by these kinds of vehicles. All kind of vehicles are brand new , late models and equipped with luxury and quality.Our drivers are our best asset as they are proffesionals with a lot of years experience in road trips and travels generally.
Before you travel, we encourage you to learn about the region you'll explore while on a tour. From local weather conditions to information on geography, local history and culture, all are essential in order to make the most out of your tour, while minimizing the possibility to face unexpected,unpleasant circumstances.
Greece in general has warm and humid summers lasting from May till October. In May and October weather can be less predictable with some rain and chilly temperatures being possible especially in the
Greek mainland. Greek summers are generally hot, with temperatures rarely getting lower than 25 degrees Celsius in most of our destinations, while temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius during the
day are not unheard of in July and August. In the open sea, weather can be tough to predict all year round, but in the summer the seas are generally calm and ideal for sailing. Generally, cool temperatures
and occasional rainfalls occur especially at night, especially in the mountains, a fact that you have to take into account when packing for your adventure.
Being as light as possible is always important on an Multi-Day tour.Our travelers are expected to bring with them a normal suitcase as well as a daypack for personal items and valuables.
Travel documents: Passport, visa if required, valid travel/activity insurance.
Personal health care items: personal medication, sunscreen, insect repellent, travel sickness tablets,
sunglasses, insect bite gel.
Clothing/walking/swimming gear: fleece/soft-shell jacket, waterproof and windproof jacket, sun hat,long trousers (wearing shorts is not permitted in monasteries and churches), shorts, swimming costume, extra towels for swimming, t-shirts, hooded tops, trainers/walking shoes, waterproof hiking shoes/boots, personal mattress,umbrella or raincoat.
Cancellation received more than 30 calendar days before the tour , full refund.
Cancellation between 29 to 15 calendar days will incur a penalty of 50%.
Cancellation between 14 to 6 calendar days will incur a penalty of 70%.
Cancellation received within 5 calendar days will incur a penalty of 100% per person.
Pls kindly read our CANCELLATION POLICY where you can find at our COMPANY details at the bottom of our home page.
All customer touchpoints are frequently cleaned.
Social distancing is maintained in vehicles up to 65% of the total capacity per vehicle ( taxi-minivan-minibus-bus).
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds.
Masks are required, please bring your own..
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