Combined History, Walking and Biking holidays

Spring and autumn are ideal for an active holiday in Greece. In spring, wild flowers carpet the landscape; in autumn, richer colours fill it. In both, there is breeze to cool, scent to inhale. We can tailor-make an itinerary for you which can combine walking, electric biking, a boat trip around the beautiful unspoilt coast and visits to sites of historical interest guided by James Heneage who has written and lectured on all periods of Greek history and is the author of the bestselling Shortest History of Greece. We can also organise a visit to Patrick Leigh Fermor’s house just outside Kardamyli.

Ideally. the parties should number 8-12 people.

If you have a group of mixed-enthusiasm walkers, we can plan parallel itineraries, with one of us leading the more energetic and the other the more relaxed.

Or you can mix walking with cycling days. We have 14 electric bikes with an experienced guide to provide a perfect way to spend a day of effortlessly exploring the stunning mountainous scenery, reaching remote mountain villages, unspoilt tavernas or finding the perfect picnic spot to stop at. 

If you’d like to mix walking with cycling or visits to historical sites, we can plan a holiday that includes all these. We also offer free yoga classes in our beautiful yoga studio which is situated amongst the olive groves beneath our house and massages with a brilliant physiotherapist and osteopath in our yurt – a perfect way to unwind after a day’s walking, cycling or sightseeing. 

Ilias in the Mani provides the perfect base to explore the fabulous landscape of the Southern Peloponnese. Whether you want to explore ancient sites or visit remote Byzantine churches; whether you want breathtaking views of gorges, or walk ancient stone paths to remote mountain villages, there’s a walk or cycle ride to do. For a full day’s expedition we can either pack a delicious picnic, or include a taverna en route. Those who like shorter walks can have lunch at Ilias, then spend the afternoon reading in a hammock. We will tailor-make a walking holiday to suit your needs.

Costs

£2750.00 per person per week. 

Costs include all food and drink, local transport, all guiding and yoga classes but excluding flights and massages. An extra £250 per person will be charged if an overnight stay in Mystras or Monemvasia is included in the itinerary. A 30% deposit will secure the booking – non refundable and a trip cannot be rolled over to the next year. The balance will be due 6 weeks before the start date. 

Flights

Direct to Kalamata (35 minutes from the house) and we will collect you and take you back to the airport. If you choose to fly to Athens (3 hours from the house) you will have to make your own way by hire car to the house.

History/Walking/Cycling holidays usually take place in June and October. 

If you have a particular date in mind and for all enquiries about future trip dates please do contact Charlotte on charlotteheneage@hotmail.co.uk.