Should you choose to take a break from walking, there are many outings that can easily be planned using local transport. The buses are regular and there are connections for all the following suggested excursions. Your hosts will be happy to discuss each one in detail and help with arrangements. If you choose to hire a car, please remember to bring your driving licence with you. 

Guided hike to peak of Profitis Ilias. This tour does not appear in our programme as it can only be undertaken in July and August when the weather is at its best. Often, even when the temperature on the coast is in the high 20’s conditions at the apex can be at freezing point, or even less. The ascent is to 2404 metres, the highest peak in the Taygetos Mountains.  You would take a 140kms drive (3.5hrs) over mountains via Sparta to Panagari. From the asphalt road it’s a further hour’s climb on a minor road to the start of the trail. The walk itself is around 90 - 120 minutes up and slightly less returning. Drive back via the port of Gythion, Areopolis and Limini (good fish supper). The return journey is about the same time and distance as the trip out. There is also a route up from Exochori but this is not recommended. 

Sightseeing trip to Kalamata. The capital city of the county of Messinia. Shop in this vibrant city, visit the ancient Kastro (castle), stroll through the Thursday & Saturday morning markets, wander round the folklore and archaeological museums and photograph the old steam trains in the park.  

Olympia. Within a comfortable day’s drive by car or coach, this is one excursion you should make if you have never visited before one of the most famous sites in the world; the ancient ruins of the original Olympic Games.  If you are really in the mood you could consider exploring further afield the only other comparable archaeological sites close by, at Delphi and Mycenae. 

Visit Dirou Pirgos. The largest underground caves in Europe. These breathtaking sea caves are well worth a visit with over 1000 metres of floodlit stalactites and stalagmites to explore by flat bottomed boat. Just south of Areopolis. 

Mystras. Explore the jewel in the Byzantium crown. The medieval ruins of the hill-side town, one-time capital city, still evoke a wonderful feeling of bygone times.  Start at the top and wander down through the ruined houses, churches, castle, admiring the beautiful frescoes, ending up at the gorge. This trip also gives you the chance to stop off at Sparta, look around the city and admire the statue of Leonidas, the famous Spartan warrior. 

Museum of the Mani. At Thalames, a private house at the side of the road, converted to a small museum with many exhibits from outside the Mani, related to Lord Byron, the Greek War of Independence (1821 – 1829). 

Boat trip. Many to choose from but the trip from the ferry port at Gythion to the ‘Australian’ island of Kithara (mid-point to Crete) is particularly rewarding. This is not a one day trip. 

Greek dancing and costume at a traditional restaurant in nearby Stoupa offering an evening’s entertainment of local traditional dances. This is seasonal and always depends on demand. 

Rembetika at a local taverna in Kardamili. An entertaining evening of live guitar and bouzouki music playing a selection of traditional songs.