7 nights from £1,035pp

FULLY ESCORTED

We have marvelled at the colourful and diverse displays of plant life in Crete and Lesvos, which has inspired us to extend our spring flower tours to another spectacular region of Greece, the Peloponnese.

The southern most region of mainland Greece, the Peloponnese comprises high mountains to an altitude of 2500m and lowlands that include some of the hottest and driest parts of Europe, as well as important wetlands. Joined to the mainland by a narrow isthmus until the building of the Corinth Canal, this historic connection allowed plant migration from all over Greece. However, its relative isolation along with natural mountain barriers, which have also acted as plant refuges, has enabled it to evolve a unique and rich flora that has resulted in more than 2300 species, of which 350 are found nowhere else.
 
Our tour is focused on the remote western coast and, in particular, the Mani region, an area steeped in myths and legends that have developed from a long and turbulent past. As you travel the region you will chance upon timeless villages hidden amidst colourful hills and perched high above the coastline, where the views are breathtaking. 

The isolated location of this beautiful area, combined with the independent nature of its inhabitants meant that some traditions developed separately from the rest of Greece so that a distinct society made its mark on the landscape. To this day the architecture of the area is famed for the tower houses and fortified family dwellings from the period of the Ottoman occupation of Greece.

Our base is the pretty seaside resort of Stoupa. From here we will explore a variety of habitats to find the interesting flora in each area. Our visits will include the ancient site of Mystras, the wild Cape Teneron, the harbour town of Pylos, famous for the Battle of Navarino, the historical Methoni Castle and, the region close at hand with a visit to the beautiful town of Kardamyli and its inland villages set beneath the towering peaks of Mount Taygetos.

During our stay we expect to find a huge variety of flora including cyclamen, stachys, campanula, asphodels, phlomis, anemones, cotinus, ferula, euphorbia, limonium, muscari as well as a diversity of orchids – tongue, bee, giant, provence and naked man.

The price includes:

• Return charter flights from London Gatwick to Kalamata, (Manchester flights also available subject to availability at the time of booking - supplement applicable) including all payable taxes
• 7 nights' accommodation in standard room on bed and brakfast basis at the Lefktron Hotel, Stoupa
• Welcome dinner and farewell lunch 
• Entrance fees
• Transfers and excursions as detailed
• Tour manager and guide throughout