Secret Scenes and Rural Life in the Southern Peloponnese

Today you will be heading to Monemvasia Citadel for a private walking tour. This 16th-century castle-citadel was once a bustling town with Venetian fortifications and is a picture of beauty steeped in local legend. Wander through the citadel’s fortified archway entrance that leads to the start of the city and meander through the narrow streets, along castle walls and past churches that overflow with history. Relive the life of the legendary castle town through the stories, legends, architecture and culture of the past centuries, with the help of your local guide. Even enjoy a taste of some of the local food that is made nearby, before heading back to the hotel to make the most of the beautiful pool and stunning views.

The scenery that surrounds your hotel is breath-taking. It’s brimming with orchards, olive trees, lemons groves and vineyards. Over the next couple of days, spend some time exploring, whether that be 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.

If you fancy venturing a little further afield, hop in your rental car and cross the peninsula where you will find rocky landscapes dotted with ancient castles and sixth century dwellings. This area was at the forefront of a battle against the plague led by Hippocrates and the ancient fortress is testament to this, boasting ancient architecture that has kept its military style. Head inside with a private guide for a fascinating tour of the castle, and of the area’s history, before continuing along winding alleyways and through medieval squares. The 12th-century church of Saint Sophia is the town's main religious landmark so is worth a visit, but if you fancy ditching the history for an afternoon and indulging in something a little more creative, take part in a delicious cooking lesson in one of the town’s old oil mills.

Today you will leave the rocky Monemvasia peninsula behind and embark on a two-and-a-half-hour drive to the warm waters of Vathia, where you will spend the next three nights. Vathia’s ghost village of tower houses that perch high on the hillsides above the coast, is one of the most iconic landmarks that the area has to offer. Meander between these striking buildings which were used as lookouts in times of war and take in the area’s history. Hop in the car and head to the nearby coastal village of Marmari where you will find beautifully untouched sandy beaches as well as a bar where weary travellers can enjoy a thirst-quenching sundowner overlooking the mirror-like sea.

Over the next few days, you’ll get to explore Vathia and its surrounding scenery. Venture out on foot to discover Cape Tenaro found at the southernmost tip of the Mani Peninsula which, according to Greek mythology, is home to the mythical gates of Hades. This easy two-hour hike starts at the village of Kokkinogia and continues through the village of Vathia and its towering fortresses, to the lighthouse of Tenaro, where you’ll be able to admire the breath-taking view out over the Aegean Sea. Stop for a picnic on the rocky slopes where, in summer, wildflowers act like a kaleidoscopic blanket and the sun turns the sea a stunning shade of aquamarine. On the way back, meander through the villages of Porto Kayio and Marmari, where the crystal-clear waters will astonish even the most seasoned travellers.

For something a little more adventurous, head into to the Vlychada which boasts impressive sheets of stalactites and camera roll-filling geology. According to the Greeks, the coast and beaches of the Mani Peninsula were among the most beautiful and well-preserved in the country, so it is worth donning your boots and heading out to explore.