Roundabout of Peloponnese with 4×4 scouted routes

Tour along scenic routes and forest roads, crossing inaccessible paths, we follow the routes of the ancient Greek traveler and geographer Pausanias (2nd century AD) to visit the points mentioned in the myths of Greek Mythology, the ancient temples and the cities that have been preserved till this day, but also the traditional settlements that played a decisive role in shaping the modern history of modern Greece.

We walk through gorges, cross rivers, cool and swim in waterfalls and lakes, see caves – nature miracles and climb to high peaks. Routes in the dense forests of the Peloponnese mountains, the ancient olive groves and its seaside coastline.

Come to discover and explore the fascinating, well-known and unknown Peloponnese region with the 2,500 year history.

Day 1: The lakes of Corinthia

Leaving Athens at 80th km of Athens-Corinthos National Highway we see the Corinthos Canal, the channel that defines Sterea Hellas with the Peloponnese. Entering the Peloponnese, we follow provincial streets to the plateau of Stymphalia’s mythical lake.
Then we head to the valley of Zireia in one of the most beautiful mountainous landscapes of the Peloponnese, with the villages of Kastania and Goura to end up in an off-road route to the artificial lake Doxa. Piknik’s stop on the banks of Lake Doxa overlooking the imposing peaks of Helmos and Zireia. A scenic dirt road in the dense fir tree forest to the village of Planitero, and then we drive under the ancient plane trees, among the dozens of streams of running water, to visit the Cave of Lakes, for a trip in time, to the palace of the fairies of Helmos. Dinner in the historic city of Kalavryta.

160 km highway and national roads
40 km dirt-road and off-road
Night spend in Kalavryta or camping.

Day 2: Helmos & historical Kalavryta

Morning tour of the city of Kalavryta and the surrounding attractions: we visit the historic monastery of the Great Cave, built in a rock where by the tradition was found the icon of the Virgin Mary that was painted by the Evangelist Lukas, the historic Saint Lavra Monastery and the picturesque station of the cog railway.
Departure from Kalavryta following a mountain route under the shadow of the dense forest. We visit the ancient vineyard of Pausanias, then off road by river and the artificial lake of Ladonas, with destination to the forest of Foloi and the village of Lampeia where we spend the night.

65 km paved road
25 km dirt-road and off-road
Night spend in Lampeia or camping

Day 3: From the oak forest of Centaurs and the labors of Hercules to the sanctuary of Zeus

Departure from the scenic village of Foloi and tour to the unique oak forest of Greece. Route Off-Road and crossing through the river Erymanthos, so early in the afternoon we are in ancient Olympia, to visit the museum and the sacred venue of the Olympic Games of antiquity.

30 km national road
15 km dirt-road and off-road
Night spend in Olympia or camping

Day 4: The tradition, the nature & the history of Western Peloponnese

From ancient Olympia, off-road alongside the Alfios River to the picturesque stone-built villages of Arcadia, Andritsaina and Karytaina. Route to the gently sloping mountain slopes of Mount Mainalo to the village of Kolokotronaioi where we visit the house of the great chieftain of the Greek Revolution of 1821. Then there is the gorge of Lousios River, where Zeus was bathing in mythology. On its steep sides we will admire the two historical monasteries of Philosoph and John Prodromos, built opposite to the steep cliffs of the gorge and the monastery of Emialoi, which dominates as a fortress. Stop at the tradional village Dimitsana, one of the most beautiful mountain villages of Arcadia. Accommodation in Stemnitsa, one of the most picturesque stone villages in the Peloponnese.

65 km paved road
25 km minor dirt-road and off-road
Night spend in Stemnitsa or camping

Day 5: In the routes of olive tree, the antiquity & the Nymphs

Departure from Stemnitsa to the village of Andritsaina with its stone-built mansions to climb to the ancient temple of Epicurus Apollo. After visiting the archaeological site, next stop at the unique Neda gorge, to walk up to the waterfalls and the lakes that are formed. Then we pass to the gentle landscapes of Messinia, the area that is famous for producing excellent quality virgin olive oil with the smooth hills and olive groves to head to ancient Messina passing by the ancient Arcadian Gate – as did the ancient – to go south to the seaside medieval Pylos in the bay of Navarino.

120 km paved road
45 km dirt road
Night spend in Pylos or camping near the beach

Day 6: Stone towers, silent villages & boating in the bush

We leave Pylos and Sfaktiria and then after passing the area of Kalamata we enter Messinian Mani. Landscapes in particular, separate. Stone tower houses. Mountains, beautiful beaches. These are some of the features that make up the beauty of the picture in the Messinian Mani! Going to Itilo and after visiting the cave of Diros, we return to picturesque Itilo for accommodation and dinner.

70 km national road
10 km minor dirt-road
Night spend in Itilo or camping

Day 7: From Taygetos to mountain Parnonas – Holy mountain of Saturn

From Itilo we cross Mount Taygetos, the largest mountain in the Peloponnese with its dense forests and we descend to the valley of Evrotas to cross its river. Through provincial roads we ascend Mount Parnon.
A tour of the monastery of Elona, built on the steep cliff, and off road trips on the slopes of Parnonas to reach the mountainous village of Kosmas with the lush trees covering the whole village.

60 km national road
25 km minor dirt-road
Night spend in Kosmas village or camping in alpine landscape

Day 8: From wooded Parnon to the coastline & the plain of Argolis

A scenic route to the green of Parnon to Agios Petros, the mountainous village with its cobbled streets, the traditional houses and the gourd springs, to descend the provincial road that leads us by the sea. The landscape changes by crossing the plain with citrus trees to visit the archaeological site of Mycenae. The route ends in the first capital of the Greek state, Nafplion, one of the most beautiful cities in Greece.

60 km national road
25 km minor dirt-road
Night spend in Kosmas village or organized camping

Day 9: From the old capital to the new

After breakfast, visit to Palamidi Castle to admire the island of Bourtzi from above and then we head east to visit the theater of ancient Epidaurus. Before the return to Corinth for Athens, we have lunch at the beach, in old Epidavros.

160 km highway

Definitions

Organized Camping: All amenities
Basic camping: Camping with WC and shower
Free Camping: No amenities