Menalon Trail-Leading Quality Trail - Greece

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1 S-CAPE TRAVEL - INFO@S-CAPETRAVEL.EU - TELEPHONE style : level : duration : comfort : period: code: TREKKING WALKING Selfguided 8 days Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec GRSW036 Menalon Trail-Leading Quality Trail - Greece The Menalon Trail in the Peloponnese 8 days, price from 485 Monasteries in the Lousios Gorge The Open Air Water Power Museum in Dimitsana The old stone bridge of Zarziou across the Mylaon River Hidden hermitage of Sfyrida Pure countryside in unknown areas of Greece at altitude m In this one week holiday the Menalon Trail is covered in 6 daily walks. Through the dramatic Lousios gorge, with a handful of impressive monasteries built on its cliffs, you reach Dimitsana. Dense forests surround you on the stretch via Zygovisti, across the mountain pass Bilani to the remote village of Elati. This is followed by a short but great day along the Mylaon River to Vytina, famous for its Black Marble production. The next day you wander slightly off the Menalon Trail, so as not to miss the pretty stone bridge which crosses over the Mylaon River. Back on the main trail, you continue to Valtesiniko and stay overnight in small houses overlooking the area called Mavra Lithari: Black Stone. This is followed by a long day walking through forests and along a well-hidden hermitage to Magouliana with its local cafes. Along the river Potamia you reach Valtesiniko, an amphitheatrically built village. The last day leads you through open fields with walnut trees, threshing floors and huts towards Lagkadia, where the Trail ends. Route Day 1 Arrive in Stemnitsa Arrival in Stemnitsa from Athens or Kalamata airport. You may visit the Menalon trail office in the central square of Stemnitsa for a briefing. Stemnitsa is traditionally the village of goldsmiths and still houses the Stemnitsa's Silver and Goldsmith School. There is also a nice folk museum.

2 Day 2 Through the Lousios gorge to Dimitsana (12,5 km) Departing from Stemnitsa the path zigzags down into the valley and via an old mule track you reach the Prodomos Monastery hanging on the high cliffs. After a visit you continue along the path that traverses the gorge. You may ascend to the Old Philosophou Monastery dating back to 963 before continuing to the New Philosophou Monastery that was founded in Through lush vegetation you ascend via the left bank of the Lousios River towards Dimitsana. Via the Tzani bridge you go across the river and come to the very interesting Open Air Water Power Museum. Nearby you find watermills and gun powder mills, that made the fame and wealth of Dimitsana, a town built on the ruins of ancient Theftis. Challenge: 5 hours, 12,5 km, 830m ascent, 950m descent Day 3 From Dimitsana to Elati (19 km) The section Dimitsana-Zigovisti ascends from the Lousios valley to the outskirts of the pine forest. The footpath ascends gently. From the church of St. Paraskevi you will enjoy splendid views of the median basin of Lousios river with the settlements of Dimitsana, Paliochori and Zatouna standing out in the wooded landscape. You continue via footpaths and dirt roads through old agricultural fields with remarkable threshing floors. Zygovisti played an important role in the Greek independence war of There is a big Memorial dedicated to the event. After a break at the local café the route continues and straddles the Western Menalon massif. First through a beautiful ravine to the country church of Agios Georgios and the adjacent spring. Then the tracks goes uphill through dense forests until the saddle from where you can optionally ascend the Pliovouni summit of 1643m, the highest peak of this route. After this demanding section, you descend via small roads and paths, passing fountains and chapels, to the mountain settlement of Elati. Challenge: 7 hours, 19 km, 900m ascent, 690m descent Day 4 From Elati to Vytina (8,5 km) You may visit the woodcraft workshop before descending from Elati to the riverbed of the Milaon River. You come past the Pirgaki Springs that supply Vytina with water and then the stone built Makrinou Fountain, a nice place for a short break. Further along the river the vegetation becomes even more rich with high plane trees. You walk past abandoned watermills and across a nice wooden bridge. Then you leave the valley and zigzag uphill via a path carved in rock to the Artotsi Fountain. Nearby is the Agia Paraskevi church from which you have great views over the valley and mountain. Via small roads you reach Vytina. Serving as the center village of the region, it offers all facilities and nice local food. Challenge: 8,5 km, 3 hours, 235m ascent, 380m descent Day 5 From Vytina to Nymfasia via Zarziou bridge (10 km) From Vytina you head back to the Artotsi Fountain and descend via a zigzagging path into the valley of the Mylaon River. At the pretty wooden bridge, you now follow the river in northerly direction. In the area called Zarzi, you will see the very beautiful single-arch bridge of Zarzi with 2 relieving openings on the sides. The path takes you along past a peculiar shaped limestone pillar. Gradually you ascend and come to Old Vytina. Here you are back on the Menalon Trail that leads you to Mavra Litharia, a massive limestone boulder in the riverbed of the Mylaon River, thus creating an impressive gorge. You come to a second stone bridge that once secured the connection between Vytina and the western Gortynian villages. The trail descends to a short gorge before ascending gently through a rock-and-shrub landscape. Leading through oak and spruce forests, the trail descends to Nymfasia, a small village. You follow the route towards Kernitsas Monastery and just before the monastery head to your accommodation. Challenge: 3 hours, 10 km, 400m ascent, 580m descent

3 Day 6 From Nymfasia to Valtesiniko via Magouliana (15,5 km) You walk to the Kernitsa Bridge and ascend via a steep path to the Kernitsas Monastery, a big monastic complex surrounded by well-maintained terraced fields. After a visit you cross a dense pine forest and arrive at the Sfyrida Hermitage with a spring in front. Imagine how ascetes must have isolated themselves from the community in this mystic atmosphere. You traverse the foot of the long steep slope of Kastro. An old pathway leads you along the Gavros Spring. You enter the small settlement of Magouliana where you can find a tavern or café. Leaving Magouliana behind, you come to a point with splendid views, surrounded by stone built threshing floors. You descend toward the old sanatorium, known as the Mana Sanatorium. A good path leads you in a gradual ascend to the nice village Valtesiniko. In the center of this village, well-known for its woodcarvers, there are many nice taverns to choose from for your evening meal. Challenge: 6 hours, 15,5 km, 465m ascent, 900m descent Day 7 From Valtesiniko to Lagkadia (14 km) From the upper peripheral road of Valtesiniko Village, we have splendid views over the northern plains. Via a cement road you walk up to 1250 meter. Via a footpath you walk along the ridge where the Byzantine Fortress of Valtesiniko is nested. Then you descend through open landscape with stunning views until the church of Agia Triada. The route now traverses an extensive pine forest and you gain some altitude before going down again until the Krya Vrysi fountain. You ascend the path to the saddle and then, finally, on the western edge of this zone, you will see Lagkadia ahead. Through fields and along a small spring you come to the outskirts of Lagkadia where the Rapi Watermills are situated. The Menalon Trail ends in the center of Lagkadia, the village of the stone builders. Challenge: 5 hours, 14 km, 600m ascent, 780m descent Day 8 Departure After breakfast your arrangement comes to an end. Travel to Athens or Kalamata Airport.

4 Accommodation All hotels of this trip are carefully selected because of their location, atmosphere and/or unique services. All rooms are en-suite. Below you find the standard hotels of this trip. If a hotel is fully booked, we book a similar alternative for you and inform you about the alternative booked. Extra overnight: You can book additional night(s) at any of the accommodations along the way. We can also book a hotel in Athens city or in Kalamata for you before and/or after the trip. Xenonas Stemnitsa (Stemnitsa) The guesthouse is situated in the center of the village Stemnitsa and has only a few comfortable rooms. Mrs. Garifalia offer a good home-made breakfast. The local tavern is just a footstep away. Guesthouse Theonimfi (Dimitsana) The traditional guesthouse is a manor house of 1850 which had been abandoned and is now completely refurbished, combining traditional and modern elements. The owners Thefi and Irini offer genuine hospitality. The four rooms in the house are spacious with earthy and warm colors, traditional windows with interior wooden shutters. The baths have whirlpool bath or hydro massage cabin with steam bath place, hairdryer and amenities. Anagnostou Home Stay (Elati) In the tiny remote village Elati, you will stay in the private house of the family Anagnostou. Mrs. Vana will pamper you with traditional hospitality and make sure you will have a careless sleep after your walking day. She speaks English and this is an opportunity to get to know the local life in the Arcadian Mountains. Aiora Suites (Vytina) The small guesthouse offers 12 spacious rooms and a large public living room with beautiful fireplace and large windows offering panoramic views. The breakfast is excellent with many local delicacies and fresh products. Agropoli (Nymfasia) The Agropoli gueshouse consists of 8 separate houses, each offering a one or two bedroom apartments. The breakfast is being served in the central building and is prepared by the family. The views from the complex are breathtaking and because it is located outside the village of Nymfasia, you really experience the peacefulness ot the countryside. Tholos Guesthouse (Valtesiniko) The Tholos guesthouse consists of a two-storey stone house and separate building around. The main feature is the stone dome construction of 1860, an old cellar of his era, which today houses the wellness area. The guesthouse offers 8 rooms and a breakfast area. It is built at the highest point of the village, offering panoramic views. It is built utilizing local natural materials such as carved stone and wood, respecting the tradition of this area. Kentrikon Hotel (Lagkadia) Hotel Kentrikon belongs to the well-known Maniatis family in Lagkadia. The family runs a tavern as well. The hotel is built in modern style and offers smooth services and an extensive breakfast buffet. It is conveniently located in the center of the village near the central square and crafts

5 shops. Practical info This trip can be booked all year round starting on any day of the week Because of the altitude of the trek (between m), the best spring period is after 20/04 until end of May. Also June, September and October are very suitable periods for this trip. July & August average temperature is 32 Celsius. It is also a great winter destination.

6 ARRIVAL AT ATHENS AIRPORT You can travel by public transport from Athens Airport to the KTEL bus station Kifissou with a direct Express Bus. There is direct bus from Bus station Kifissou to Tripoli, app. once per hour. Information: or (KTEL Arkadias) From Tripoli Bus station to Stemnitsa: DEPARTURE FROM ATHENS AIRPORT From Lagkadia to Tripoli Bus station: There are 3 public buses daily: 08:00, 15:00 and 19:10 hrs. From Tripolis Bus station to Athens is a long distance bus, app. once per hour ARRIVAL AT KALAMATA AIRPORT You can travel by public transport or taxi from Kalamata Airport to the KTEL bus station Kalamata. There is direct bus from Bus station Kalamata to Tripoli, app. 5 times daily. Information: (KTEL Messinias) From Tripoli Bus station to Stemnitsa: DEPARTURE FROM KALAMATA AIRPORT From Lagkadia to Tripoli Bus station: There are 3 public buses daily: 08:00, 15:00 and 19:10 hrs. From Tripolis Bus station to Kalamata is a long distance bus, app. 5 times daily. We can send you GPS tracks of this trip upon request and after booking.

7 Included Included Accommodations on bed & breakfast basis Luggage transfers as mentioned in the program Detailed road book, GPS tracks and maps in English Original map of the region, Anadigit 1: Euro per booking contribution to the non-profit organization of the Menalon Trail A souvenir from the Menalon Trail Not included Tourism tax Optional Services (to be booked in advance, net rates) Transfer from the airport of Athens to the bus station Kifissou (dep. buses to Tripoli) or versa Transfer from Tripoli bus station to Stemnitsa Transfer from Lagkadia to Tripoli bus station