Athens – Ancient Mesini – Kalamata [5days]

The natural beauty of Messinia with the indented shores, sandy beaches, forested mountains and fertile valleys, coexists with significant archaeological monuments. Kalamata, the capital and central port of Messinia, is situated at the site of ancient Farai. The point of reference par excellence in the city of Kalamata is the legendary “castle of Isabeau” where the renowned International Dance Festival takes place annually. No less beautiful is the exquisite Palia Poli (Old City) at the foot of the Castle. The area is the hotspot for the city’s youth, for it is the beating heart of the nightlife in Kalamata and by no means will it be still!

Overnight in Kalamata.

Ancient Messini is one of the most important excavated cities of Greece. The ancient city is well preserved due to the fact that it was never destroyed or covered by a newer settlement.

Picturesquely situated on a hillside below the village of Mavromati and still undergoing excavation, the site comprises a large theatre, an agora (marketplace), a sizeable Sanctuary of Asclepius and one of the most impressive Ancient Greek stadiums.

The layout of Ancient Messini was made according to the so-called Hippoda-mian system, where all buildings have the same orientation and the space is divided into horizontal and vertical axes. The Theatre of Messini is the first monument that the visitor meets in the archaeological site. Between Theatre and Agora of Ancient Messini, they discovered the Fountain of Arsinoe who was the daughter of the legendary king of Messinia Leucippus, and mother of Asclepius. To the east of the fountain there are the market boundaries of Ancient Messini, a huge square surrounded by Stoas. Asclepieion was the most famous place of Ancient Messini area as center of public life in the city along with the market. There are more than 140 pedestals of bronze statues of mostly political persons and five plat-forms surrounded the Doric temple, whose foundations dominate in the center of Asclepieion. Stadium and Gymnasium are among the most impressive building blocks because of their good condition.

Overnight in Kalamata.

After breakfast we start our journey back to Athens.

Overnight in Athens.

According to your flight schedule transfer to the Airport for the departure flight.