This 7 day programme covers approximately 100 kms from Kalamata down to the Exo/Messa Mani border at Diros Pirgou. The walks compliment the single centred programme but are linear and you will stay at a different pension (guest house) or small hotel each night. Dinner and breakfast is provided at each stay with the exception of Stoupa. Your main baggage will be taken ahead each day leaving you to walk in your own time with a small day-pack.

Day 1. Arrive at either Kalamata airport or coach station. Taxi transfer to hotel in middle of town. Time permitting, a chance to wander around the capital city of Messinia; visit a couple of historical museums, walk up to the Frankish castle, or simply enjoy a volta (stroll) along the sea front.

Day 2. The trail commences some 30kms south of Kalamata on the main road to Cape Tenaro. The path winds up to the small village of Sotirianika before dropping into the Koskaraka Gorge and climbing through olive groves and tiny hamlets to the elegant village of Kambos, famed for its Byzantine church of Aghios Theodoris and the smallest chapel in Messinia. The trail continues up to 300 metres with magnificent views of the Messinian Bay and the bohemian village of Kardamili where you will stay the night.

Day 3.Today you tackle the wonderful trek through the Viros Gorge up to the hill-side village of Exochori (450 metres) where you will stay in a new purpose built walkers hotel with stunning views down to sea level. Serenity is all around. You won't want to leave.

Day 4. An easier walk today as you meander around the contours of the hills, through the early Bishopspric of Proastio (240 metres) and gradually down to the bustling sea-side resort of Stoupa. Slightly more commercial than anywhere else en-route you will stay at a comfortable pension close to all facilities. You will cater for yourself this evening and arrange your own breakfast.

Day 5. The next stretch follows the coast from Stoupa to the pretty harbour village of Aghios Nicholaos(known locally by its slavic name of Selinitsa). The track climbs steeply to the hamlet of Kotroni and onwards up to Platsa with its beautiful neo-classical houses at a height of 380 metres. The spectacular views down to the coast are magnificent. Down through the chocolate box village of Pigi and a night in a small hotel overlooking the sea.

Day 6. The penultimate walk follows the seashore along via Aghios Dimitriousto the idyllic time-forgotten fishing village of Trachilla. The route then starts its ascent up to Thalames, famed for its slightly quirky Mani Museum & Morea Olive Oil Stone Mill and finally along the kalderimi to Laghada for a viewing of the wonderful 10th/11th century church of Aghios Sotiros. Late afternoon taxi transfer to the seaside hamlet of Nea Oitlyo.

Day 7. The final walk climbs up an ancient donkey trail to the historical town of Areopolis and onwards to a fitting end to the week's programme; the world famous underground caves at Dirou Pirgos. If you feel like slowing down you can opt instead to enjoy the quiet seaside ambience of Nea Oitylo, explore the old town of Areopolis or take a short taxi ride to the caves and a 25 minute punt underground through 3 miles of floodlit caves in a flat-bottomed boat. Late afternoon taxi transfer back to Kalamata.

Day 8. A chance to see the sights you were unable to fit into day 1 or maybe a little shopping for souvenirs in the old part of town; silk scarves, large black Kalamata olives, virgin olive oil, pasteli (peanut & sesame seed bars covered in honey) are particularly recommended. Finally, taxi transfer back to Kalamata airport or coach station.