Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Greece - Kalamata - Monemvasia - Vathia
100% customisable for you
Your epic Greek adventure begins today. Head to the airport and hop on a flight to Kalamata, which takes around three hours and 40 minutes. Upon arrival, collect your hire car and hit the road for a three-hour drive to Monemvasia (also known as Malvasia) where you’ll spend the next four nights nestled in the mountains just south of the town.
Today, head to Monemvasia Citadel for a private guided walking tour. This 16th-century castle-citadel was once a bustling town with Venetian fortifications and today, it’s a picture of beauty steeped in local legend. Wander through the Medieval citadel’s fortified archway entrance and meander through its narrow streets, along castle walls and past churches overflowing with history. With the help of your local guide, relive the life of the legendary castle town through the stories, legends, architecture and culture of the past centuries. Sample some delicious local food before heading back to the hotel to make the most of the beautiful pool and stunning views.
Brimming with orchards, olive trees, lemons groves and vineyards, the scenery surrounding your hotel is breathtaking. Over the next couple of days, spend some time exploring on foot, by bike or on horseback. Take some time to relax, enjoy a dip in the crystalline sea, taste wine from the beautiful estate and try your hand at baking fresh bread.
When you’re ready to explore further, why not head to Elafonisos? This tiny Greek island is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning beaches, especially Simos and Sarakiniko, where soft white sand and shallow seas make for perfect swimming. Drive around 45 minutes to the port and hop on the fast ferry to spend the day relaxing on the shore, snorkelling over vibrant seagrass beds, enjoying fresh seafood in the harbour village, or taking short hikes to quiet coves.
Today, leave the rocky Monemvasia peninsula behind and embark on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Vathia, where you’ll spend the next three nights. One of the most iconic landmarks in the area is Vathia’s ghost village, featuring tower houses perched high on the hillside above the coast. Take in the region’s history as you meander between these striking buildings used as lookouts during the war.
Fancy a dip in the sea? Hop in the car and head to the nearby coastal village of Marmari to find untouched sandy beaches and a bar where weary travellers can enjoy a thirst-quenching sundowner overlooking the mirror-like sea.
Over the next couple of days, explore Vathia and its spectacular surrounding scenery. Venture out on foot to discover Cape Tenaro at the southernmost tip of the Mani Peninsula, which, according to Greek mythology, is home to the mythical gates of Hades’ Underworld. This easy two-hour hike starts at the village of Kokkinogia and continues through Vathia to the lighthouse of Tenaro, where you can admire the breathtaking view over the Aegean Sea. Stop for a picnic on the rocky slopes that, in summer, are carpeted with kaleidoscopic wildflowers. On the way back, meander through the villages of Porto Kayio and Marmari, where aquamarine waters will astonish even the most seasoned travellers.
For something a little more adventurous, head into the nearby Vlychada Cave to marvel at impressive sheets of stalactites. Then, discover some of the Mani Peninsula’s coast and beaches – renowned as some of the most beautiful and well-preserved in the country.
After a final delicious Greek breakfast (and one last dip in the crystalline sea if you’re quick), set off on the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Kalamata airport where you’ll return your hire car and board your return flight home. The journey back to the UK takes around three hours and 40 minutes – plenty of time to start planning your next getaway.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
