Trekking and Rafting in Peloponnese

Trekking and Rafting in Peloponnese [5 days]
from 699 €

In the heart of the Peloponnese is the area of Orini Arcadia, a region offering amazing opportunities for to explore the Greek nature, in combination with a pleasant stay in picturesque stone villages. The area contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in Greece, with dramatic hills, stunning gorges (Lousios and Neda Gorge) and flowing rivers. This in combination with its traditional villages such as Karytaina, Dimitsana and Stemnitsa offer a unique experience of the real cultural Greece. Through our self-drive program, you will explore this area through entertaining activities and our local guides will reveal you the secrets of their homeland. After a good dose of nature and adrenaline we continue to one of the most important archaeological sites of the world, Ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. To make your return less tired and to add some more adventure we have included a final stay in the village of Kalavrita in the foothills of Mt. Helmos is famous amongst many for its cog railway.

Highlights

Vytina, Olympia, Trekking and Rafting in Lousios Gorge, Kalavrita Vouraikos Gorge

Itinerary

Athens to Levidi or Vytina

The trip starts and ends in Athens. The previous day or early this morning you will receive from our representative your folder with all vouchers and necessary documents for your trip along. Depart for your vacation. En route we recommend a visit to the impressive Cave of Kapsia (entrance fee is 4€/person) Kapsia Cave is one of the 10 most impressive caves in Greece. Situated beneath Mount Mainalon, it belongs to a complicated system of sinkholes in the Mantineia Plateau. Some of the rarest and most spectacular formations ofcolorful stalagmites in Greece are to be found in the “chamber of wonders” offering a unique exhibition of nature’s art. (Distance between Athens Levidi or Vytina 175Km or 193KM – about 2-2,5 hours drive).

Trekking in Lousios Gorge

After your breakfast, drive to the meeting point for your hiking tour in Lousios Gorge. The trek offers a beautiful combination of history with nature. We will walk amongst trails of dense vegetation going parallel and criss crossing the Lousios River. We visit monasteries that appear to be literally hanging from the cliffs and end the trek at the archaeological site of Ancient Gortys. This is one of the most stirring of all Greek sites as it is based along the rushing river known in ancient times as the Gortynios. Optional adventure fun activities archery and flying fox. O/N Karytaina or Dimitsana Villages.

Rafting in Lousios Gorge

Loussios river is where Zeus used to bathe himself! In the spectacular densely vegetated gorge and in the river’s crystal-clear waters, we invite you to enjoy rafting and discover the hidden natural paradise of the area. The descent is of 2nd degree of difficulty, starting from Lousios, continuing to Alfios River, and ending to the spectacular bridge of “Koukos”. Optional activity during summertime River Trekking in Neda Gorge. After the activity and a nice meal drive to ancient Olympia. On your way can make a small deviation to visit the ancient sanctuary of Epikourius Apollo in Vasses (a temple constructed by Iktinus - the architect of the Parthenon himself). O/N in Olympia

Explore Olympia

Explore the areas numerous historical sites, namely the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the archaeological and Olympic Games Museum, the monument of Cubertin. Late in the afternoon continue to the town of Kalavryta.Kalavryta is a mountainous town at the foothills of Mt. Helmos. Some of the essential points of interest are the Ski Resort (situated just outside Kalavrita), the Vouraikos Canyon which can be approached through the "Odontotos" (a rare example of a fully functional cog railway, offering breath-taking view), the Cave of the Lakes (close to the village Kastria of the Municipality of Klitoria, where the natural beauty of the lakes and the stalactitic decor attracts a great number of visitors), the historic monasteries as well as the beautiful mountain villages of the region. O/N in Kalavrita

Kalavrita Vouraikos Gorge (The Cog Railway Nature Trip) and back to Athens

Travel with the cog railway (The route lasts one hour, is about 22,350 m. long and at an altitude of 750 m. Crossing 49 bridges and passing through extremely beautiful landscapes, the railway has fairly been qualified as “a remarkable technical project”, with ground installations that constitute “historical monuments”) or walk (there is a hiking path (sort of) parallel to the train tracks which is very nice. The trip from Kalavrita to Athens lasts about 3 hours.

Places to visit