Magnificent Mani
Magnificent Mani
Magnificent Mani
8 Days Starting and ending in Kalamata, Greece
Visiting: Stoupa, Areopoli, Kotronas, Gytheio, Kardamyli
Tour operator:
Tour code:
xxx2
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 10
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
12-80
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat
Tour operated in:
English , GermanTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Byzantine chapels, villages with ancient watch towers, and stories of lawless chieftains, this is the Mani, at the most southern tip of Greece. Here we will always cycle within view of the Taygetos Mountains, that form the spine of the Mani. Cycling along rolling hills speckled with Mediterranean vegetation such as Olive, Citrus and Cypress trees to pristine sandy beaches along sun drenched coastlines. The isolated aspect of this beautiful area, combined with the independent nature of its inhabitants, mean that some traditions are developed separately from the rest of the Peloponnese and Greece. To this day, the architecture and history of the Mani is famous for its tower houses and fortified family dwellings from the period of the Ottoman occupation of Greece. Today the Mani remains a peaceful retreat from modern day life. Most of the villages remain slow paced and sun-beat. A truly magical experience on bike.
Itinerary
Day 2 : Magnificent Mani
Location: Stoupa
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kardimili and Stoupa are one of the best kept secrets in the southern Peloponnese. Kardimili is a quaint coastal town in the centre of the region known as the Mani, which displays a lively and artsy lined main street filled with wonderful little eating establishments, cafeterias and boutiques. Beginning of May, each year, Kardimili hosts a jazz festival with musicians coming from all over the world. It is 7 days packed full of jazz music and dancing. After a coffee break we cycle another 10 km to our final destination of the day arriving in Stoupa. Once settled into our hotel, you are free to swim and sunbath at one of the 2 sandy beaches or take a hike in the foothills surrounding Stoupa. Evening meal is enjoyed at the seaside restaurant watching the orange sun disappear into the sunset.
Day 3 : Magnificent Mani
Location: Areopoli
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Areopoli is 225 m above sea level and is nestled between the gulf of Messinia and the Taygetos mountain range. For a few centuries, the Mavromichalis Family lived here and Petro Mavromichalis is still celebrated as a known freedom fighter in the war against the Ottoman Empire. Cycling up to Areopoli on a very picturesque windy road you'll pass through many small quaint villages and you will notice it's tower houses constructed with field stones, which are distinct from the traditional blue and white buildings that characterise many Greek villages. Our hotel is one of these stone structures situated right in the heart of the town square. Colourful and full of character a great place to take your camera get lost and explore these surroundings.
Day 4 : Magnificent Mani
Location: Kotronas
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kotronas is off the beat and track and hosts only 2 tavernas, but the panoramic views for us cyclists is out of this world. Skoutari also has one of the most sandy pristine beaches in all the Mani. In May, June and September, October you will not find another soul there. Pure paradise!
Day 5 : Magnificent Mani
Location: Gytheio
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is a shorter day of cycling through the hills of the Taygetos to the lively harbour town of Gythio which is situated in a beautiful bay. In close vicinity you will find many sandy undisturbed beaches, which one of them is the home to a shipwreck visible and sitting erect out of the water as well as a campers' paradise. Gythio friendly nature plays a big part in this harbour town that has many seafood tavernas who proudly display their daily catch of the day, many times you'll find Octopus hanging in front of their front doors of the restaurant. It sure leaves you with the true feeling of Greece.
Day 6 : Magnificent Mani
Location: Areopoli
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We are on the way back on this day arriving again in Areopoli, and the chance to visit the world-famous Diros Caves. Their underground waterways and caves cover an area of around 33,000 sq.m of which only 5000 sq.m has been explored. If you are claustrophobic, this may not be for you. Instead, you can explore the area further discovering quiet, colourful streets and churches that make up this exceptional Mani mountain village.
Day 7 : Magnificent Mani
Location: Kardamyli
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
It is an easier decline on this leg of the tour. "All downhill from here" leaving us plenty of time to enjoy a seaside picnic in Stoupa before carrying on to Kardimili. This town is surrounded by 6 different beaches and the older part of town includes a mediaeval castle and outworks. The skyline of Kardimili like many other Maniot towns and villages is dominated by the distinctive regional architectural variations of traditional stone towers.
What's Included
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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Fully Guided
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Meals – Breakfast Only
What's Not Included
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All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)
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Drinks with Meals
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Entrance Fees
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International Travel
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Meals – Full Board
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Meals – Half Board
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Train Tickets
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Yes, from Kalamata Airport
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
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