River Trekking and Rafting in the Peloponnese

Program Overview:
In the heart of the Peloponnese is the area of Orini Arcadia, a region offering amazing opportunities for exploration of the Greek nature, in combination to a pleasant stay in picturesque stone villages. The area contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in Greece, with dramatic hills and stunning gorges (Lousios and Erymanthian Boar’s Gorge) and flowing rivers. This in combination with its traditional villages such as Karytaina, Dimitsana and Stemnitsa offer a unique experience of the real cultural Greece.
The program is self drive, we will provide hotel bookings, activities and trip dossier with hints and places of interest. The activities will be handled by our local Trekking Hellas base.

Trip highlights:

• Temple of Apollo in Vasses
• Rafting in Lousios River
• River Trekking in Erymanthian Boar’s Gorge
• Ancient Olympia

Itinerary in brief & tour highlights:

Day 1: Athens to Karytaina
The trip starts and ends in Athens. The previous day or early this morning you will receive from a Trekking Hellas representative your folder with all vouchers and necessary documents for your trip along. Depart for your vacation. (Distance between Athens – Karytaina 221Km – about 3 hours drive).
O/N Karytaina (Pelasgos Hotel http://www.pelasgoshotel.gr/ or similar)

Day 2 – Rafting in Lousios Gorge
Loussios river is where Zeus used to bathe himself! In the spectacular densely vegetated gorge and in the river’s crystal clear waters, we invite you to enjoy rafting and discover the hidden natural paradise of the area. The descent is of 2nd degree of difficulty, starting from Lousios, continuing to Alfios River, and ending to the spectacular bridge of “Koukos”.
O/N Karytaina (Pelasgos Hotel http://www.pelasgoshotel.gr/ or similar)

Day 3 – Visit Temple of Apollo in Vases – arrive to Olympia
Today depart for Olympia via the village of Andritsaina. On your way can make a small deviation to visit the ancient sanctuary of Epikourius Apollo in Vasses (a temple constructed by Iktinus - the architect of the Parthenon himself). Arrive and O/N in Olympia (Hotel Europa http://www.hoteleuropa.gr/ or similar)

Day 4 – River Trekking in the Erymanthian Boar’s Gorge
Today’s trek starts from the village of Panopoulo in the Peloponnese, only 41 km from the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia. From there we will trek in one of the most beautiful places in the Peloponnese, the Gorge of the Erymanthian boar. We will have the opportunity to discover a unique landscape that constantly changes: the river passes through the famous oak forest of Foloi, it then becomes narrow and disappears into caves and then reappears again.  We will end todays trek near the village Karya.
The river trekking lasts 5 hours and is considered as moderate. Previous experience is not necessary, just a relatively good physical condition
O/N in Olympia (Hotel Europa http://www.hoteleuropa.gr/ or similar)

Day 5 – Ancient Olympia and return to Athens
Explore the areas numerous historical sites, namely the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, the archaeological and Olympic Games Museum, the monument of Cubertin. Late in the afternoon we return back to Athens. (Distance between Olympia – Athens 342Km – about 4 ½ hour drive).

Price / person for 4 participants: 275 € /person on double room basis

Price includes:
•    Accommodation in local guesthouses and/or hotels in double rooms with breakfast for 4 nights
•    River Trekking in Erymanthian Boars Gorge
•    Rafting in Lousios Gorge
•    Trip dossier: with map of the area, and information about your trip

Not Included:
•    Car Rental
•    Meals (lunch & dinner)
•    Drinks, beverages, refreshments
•    Guiding and entrance fees to sites and Museums of Vasses and Ancient Olympia
•    Personal Expenses
•    Personal Accident Insurance
•    Optional gratuity tips to local guides and staff.

If you require car rental, please contact us.

Indicative prices for a 5Day car rental:
•    Cat C car (HYUNDAI ACCENT 1.3 A/C or VW POLO 1.4 A/C) : 55 € /day for 5 Days Rental
•    Cat D car (OPEL ASTRA 1.4 A/C or FORD FOCUS 1.4 A/C or CITROEN C4 1.4 A/C or NISSAN NOTE 1.4 A/C) : 60 € /day for 5 Days Rental