ITINERARY:

Day 1 -  ATHENS - CORINTH - PELOPONESE PENINSULA   Meet at Hotel Philippos in central Athens at 2.00PM and board our private bus to transfer to Tolo on the the Peloponese Peninsula.  On our way to Tolo we pause at the Corinth Canal.  In ancient times the city-state of Corinth was a busy sea-port due to its location on the narrow isthmus joining the Adriatic and the Aegean.

By late afternoon we reach our hotel in the small town of Tolo.  Like most places in Greece,  legends abound here. Tolo was first written about by Homer who mentioned the Acropolis of Asine that still sits on a small hill near our hotel. It is claimed that the warriors from the Argos region set sail for the Trojan wars from Tolo. Today, it is a quiet beachfront town with the Aegean sea lapping on sandy shores. The view from the hotel balconies is stunning.

Day 2 -  THE ANCIENT PORT OF EPIDAURUS  Today we divide into two groups - the Philosophers and the Olympians (you choose). Both walks start at the small, seaside village of Palaia Epidaurus which is located on a pretty, natural cove.  This harbour has over 3500 years of history. In ancient times it was an important port and gateway used by ships bringing visitors who were coming to the famous healing centre of Asklepius located a few kilometres inland. Today one can see ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Artemis (goddess of the hunt), a small Roman theatre and a "sunken city" that lies underwater a few hundred feet from the beach.

The Philosophers walk is about 7 km of flat coastal walking mostly on a quiet road paved with cobblestone. Along the way, orange trees flourish. the sunken city and Roman theatre can be seen and one can stop for a drink in the village.

The Olympian walk is an  11 km loop wooded trail in the hills above the harbour (472 metres ascent). It starts at sea level by the ancient port and along the way one can see ruins of temples that were in use three thousand years ago.

In the afternoon we return to Tolo in time for a swim in the hotel's lovely pool or a stroll on the beach or in the town where there are ice-cream shops and bakeries. Have a drink at the outdoor pool bar or on your balcony as you enjoy the panoramic view over the sparkling Aegean.

Day 3   - COUNTRYSIDE WALKING   Choose either a relaxed "Philosophers" walk or a more energetic "Olympian" hike.  Our coach takes us a short distance to the lovely village of Karya.  This traditional village is nestled 700 metres above sea level in the foothills of the Lirkio range and is surrounded by trees said to date from the time of Menelaus (Helen of Troy's husband) in the 5th century BC.  From our village base we have a choice of two hikes on paths scented by wild thyme and oregano. The Philosophers' walk  (about 4 km) is quite flat going through Arcadian scenery where our only companions are goats and shepherds. One almost expects Pan (the Greek god of shepherds) to appear.

The Olympian walk (about 9 km with 300 metres ascent) takes walkers through a forest up the mountain overlooking the village. Along the way, we see Byzantine water mills used in medieval times for grinding cereal crops.

Both groups meet for a picnic lunch in the shade of plane trees surrounding the courtyard of a country church.  After lunch, there is a choice of another walk or a visit to a winery in Nemea where the mythic companion is Hercules (the legendary hero who performed 12 labours including slaying the Nemean Lion).  Back in Tolo, there is time for a swim or a stroll on the beach.

Day 4 - EPIDAURUS - THE HEALING PATH -  This morning both the Philosopher and Olympian paths lead through ancient olive orchards. Along the way we see wild lavender, sage and rosemary as well as ruts in the stone believed to have been from chariots.  In ancient times the healing path was walked by the afflicted on their way to the  Sanctuary of Asklepios so our mythical companion for the day is Asklepios (the god of healing).  At the end of our walk we enjoy a picnic and then have a walking tour of the amazing site of Epidaurus (UNESCO)  with an expert guide. We hear how, in the 6th century BC, the sanctuary was a temple where patients streamed from around the Mediterranean to consult the deity Asklepios. At first, the healing arts were mystic and founded in religion but, over the centuries, priests at the temple accumulated more science-based wisdom about disease so what was once just a temple became a healing centre using surgery and potions as well as holistic therapies like dreams, serpents and theatre. Word spread throughout the Greco-Roman world so Epidaurus became the Mayo Clinic of ancient times.  At the end of the tour there is a little free time to explore before returning to Tolo.

Day 5 - ONE DAY CRUISE a small cruise ship from Tolo goes to the small islands of Spetses and Hydra. Of course our mythical companion for the day is Poseidon, god of the sea, and often dolphins accompany us frolicking in the ship's wake.  Both islands can be explored on foot (cars are not permitted on Hydra). The history here is fascinating although it is not ancient.  Merchant seafaring was the main source of livelihood in these rocky islands and it brought prosperity - especially during the Napoleonic wars when Greek shipping magnates made fortunes working with  both belligerent sides. In 1821 Spetses was the first Greek island to raise the flag of Revolution. The wealthy sea captains who had been hoarding gold quickly dug up their buried treasure, funded the revolution and liberated the territory from the Ottomans.  One can read about the story of Bouboulina, a swashbuckling female who used her own wealth to fund a fleet during the War of Independence. She survived the war but in the end was shot and killed in a family feud. Another Greek tragedy. Today, Spetses’ quiet beauty attracts Greek billionaires plus international novelists and pop stars seeking a retreat. Huge state-of-the-art yachts are moored at the marina alongside quaint fishing boats. There are pleasant coastal walks on both islands as well as cafes and shops. The cruise returns to Tolo harbour in early evening.

Day 6 - NAFPLION - Today there is a choice of either taking a coach transfer into the the romantic sea-side town of Nafplion (15 minutes) where the Philosophers do an easy 5 km walk along the coast.  The alternative for the Olympians is a more challenging 12 km walk. The more challenging route leads to a medieval convent dedicated to the "virgin of the life-giving spring". Legend says in ancient times the goddess Hera bathed in this water to annually renew her virginity.

After free time for lunch in the enchanting town of Nafplion,  we walk through Greek history from archaic times to the present. Legend says that the town was founded by Nafplios, son of the god Poseidon. Nafplios' son Palamides fought in the Trojan War and today, his namesake, the huge Palamides castle, still stands atop the hill overlooking the town. (Olympian walkers may choose to climb the 999 steps to the top).  But there is more here than history.  Later, there is free time to browse in the shops or to relax in the cafes.  

Day 7 -  FREE DAY   Today we have a free day to enjoy the seaside village of Tolo. Perhaps visit some of the small, uninhabited islands  - Romvi with its ancient fortifications, Koronisi with its little chapel of the Agioi Apostoloi and Daskalio where, during Ottoman rule, children attended a secret school to learn their Greek language and history.  Or visit the archaeological site at nearby Asini. Here, remains of prehistoric settlements and parts of ancient city walls can be seen.  Or you can climb a hill to find the Agia Kyriaki, a picturesque church. Or just explore the shops and cafes of Tolo. In nearby Napflion you could enjoy an optional half day food tour to learn about Greek cuisine and sample local delicacies. Perhaps take a cooking class and learn the secret of making delicious portokalopita.

Day 8   MYCENAE - Today, we walk to legendary Mycenae. The 12 km Olympian route is on King Agamemnon's path where, according to legend, Agamemnon drove his golden carriage on his triumphant return from the Trojan war. Continuing on, the Olympians pass through olive and orange fields passing a strange stone building which local legend claims was a guard room to keep a watchful eye οn Hera, queen of all the gods, when she passed by en route to her temple.  The Philosophers' walk is shorter (about 7 km). We start by exploring the archaeological site of Hera which was a temple dedicated to Hera, goddess of fertility. Both walks end at Mycenae (UNESCO). According to legend, its founder was the hero Perseus, son of the god Zeus. In the second millennium BC this was one of the major centres of Greek civilization, a military stronghold which dominated the Hellenic world. At its height in 1350 BC, the town had a population of 30,000 and scholars still are puzzled about why it declined. Our guided walking tour includes the Citadel and the famous Treasury of Atreus. We marvel at the Cyclopean walls, perhaps built by giants or elephants - no one knows for sure. 

Day 9 -  After an early morning check out of our Tolo hotel we transfer by coach to Athens Airport (about two hours) to arrive about 09.30.  For those staying on, the bus will then continue into central Athens.

OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS
Full day tour from Athens to Delphi (operates daily)
Two night hotel stay in Athens
Overnight tour from Athens to Delphi and Meteora. (operates Mon, Wed, Thurs, Sat )