Greece Foodie Adventure in the Peloponnese: Plus
Hike, E-bike, kayak and swim your way around Greece's gorgeous peninsula, with sumptuous food and wines galore
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with local, expert, English-speaking guidesAccommodation
5 nights in boutique 4 star hotelsMeals
5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenEquipment
All your cycling, kayaking and snorkelling gearSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
…
What's it like?
Hike and E-bike along the Peloponnese's famed Menalon Trail through ancient forested paths, stone bridges and tucked-away villages on one of Greece’s most scenic hiking routes
Paddle and snorkel above a sunken city submerged beneath crystal-clear waters, explore an ancient Greek theatre at Epidaurus and dive into the glistening Aegean at gorgeous beaches
Taste your way through Greece’s foodie heartland, sampling award-winning olive oils, sip wines in the vineyards of Nemea and whip-up traditional recipes for a farewell dinner at a hands-on Greek cooking class with a local chef
Explore the Peloponnese from two beautiful boutique hotel bases, nestled in the mountaineous charm of the stone-built village of Dimitsana and at the coastal gem of Nafplio, Greece’s first capital
Key Information
Day 1
From Athens to Arcadia
Your adventure begins with a group transfer from Athens Airport, swapping city bustle for the mountainous heart of the Peloponnese. A two hour drive winding into the pine-covered hills of Arcadia eventually reaches Dimitsana, a postcard-perfect village perched above the Lousios Gorge. Your base for the next two nights is the Mikri Arktos Hotel, a cosy hideaway tucked into the stone-built charm of Dimitsana. With sweeping views over the valley, warm hospitality, and traditional decor, it’s the ideal place to grab some downtime after your journey here. As the sun dips behind the mountains you’ll gather for a welcome dinner at a local taverna for some classic Greek dishes and local wines – a perfect way to toast to the days of adventure ahead.
Day 2
Hike the Menalon Trail
Hiking
Tuck in to a traditional Greek breakfast this morning to fuel you up for a full day hiking along the Menalon Trail, one of Greece’s most celebrated long-distance hiking trails. You'll begin in Vytina, a mountain village known for its alpine vibe and fresh air. The first stretch is a 6km walk to Nymfasia, crossing over the elegant stone Tzavarenas Bridge and following the serene Mylaon River. After a short rest here you'll continue through dense fir forests and across the dramatic Mavra Litharia gorge to reach Magouliana – the highest village in the Peloponnese. With crisp air and panoramic views in every direction, it's well worth your efforts to reach this point of the hike. You'll wrap up the day back in Vytina with a well-earned late lunch at a traditional taverna, then return to Dimitsana for a free evening to wander its cobbled lanes, sip a mountain tea in a café, or just relax at your base.
Day 3
E-biking, wine tasting and a feast on the coast
E-bike
Trade hiking boots for e-bikes as you set off on two wheels along a different stretch of the Mainalon Trail. You'll roll past sleepy villages, shady forests and sun-dappled hills – the perfect mix of effort and ease with the help of your electric steed. In the afternoon, dive into the world of Nemean wine, visiting a local winery to taste Greece’s most famous red, Agiorgitiko. You’ll learn how these bold wines have their roots in ancient myth and sip your way through a variety of local vintages. The day finishes in the elegant seaside town of Nafplio, your home for the next three nights at the stylish Castellano Hotel. Blending neoclassical beauty with modern comforts, it's set just steps from the old town and harbour. Dinner tonight is in one of Nafplio’s buzzing tavernas – seafood, sunsets, and chilled local wine await.
Day 4
Sunken cities and ancient Greek ruins
Kayaking
Snorkelling
After breakfast, it’s time to swap Peloponnese's interior for the Aegean Sea as you head to the calm waters near Epidaurus. Here you’ll hop in a sea kayak to paddle your way along the coast and across glassy bays to reach the submerged ruins of a sunken city. Paddling over ancient stone walls and columns submerged beneath clear Mediterranean waters is a surreal experience, and you'll get even closer to the ancient city as you hop out of the kayaks to snorkel around this hidden wonder. In the afternoon, Ancient Greek culture takes centre stage with a visit to the Epidaurus Theatre – one of the best-preserved classical theatres in the world. You'll hear firsthand why its acoustics are considered legendary and walk in the footsteps of ancient Greek audiences. Back in Nafplio, your evening is free tonights – perhaps for a rooftop drink overlooking Palamidi Fortress or a stroll along the palm-lined promenade.
Day 5
Olive oil tasting, sea swims and a Greek cooking class
Kick off the day with a visit to a boutique olive oil producer, where you’ll taste your way through Greece’s liquid gold and learn about the ancient methods still used today. From grassy and peppery to smooth and buttery, each oil tells a story of sun, soil and tradition. Then it’s time for some well-earned downtime as your host takes you to one of Nafplio’s stunning beaches. Swim in crystal waters, relax under the Mediterranean sun, or enjoy a coffee at a beachside café. In the afternoon, you'll gather for a hands-on Greek cooking class with a local chef. Roll up your sleeves to prepare classic dishes – mezze, mains, and sweet treats – using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Sit down together to enjoy the feast you’ve prepared, ending the day with full bellies and big smiles.
Day 6
The adventure concludes
After one last breakfast in beautiful Nafplio, it’s time to return to Athens. We’ll depart after breakfast for a group transfer (around two hours), so be sure to book any return flights for after 16:00. As you head home, take with you the scents of mountain herbs, the taste of sun-ripened tomatoes, and the memories of trails, coastlines and culinary delights shared in good company.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Athens International Airport
13:00 on Day 1
Ends
Athens International Airport
14:00 on Day 6
Transfers
On Day 1, meet your host at 14:00hrs at Athens Airport to join the included group transfer to Dimitsana, approximately 2.5-3hrs away on the Peloponnese peninsula. On Day 6, your host will drop you back off at Athens Airport at approximately 14:00hrs. You should book an onward flight departing from 16:00hrs or later. If you are already in Athens, you can either head to the airport to meet the group transfer at 13:00, or your host can pick you up from Chalandri metro station on the Blue Line. The exact times for this collection will be confirmed by the host for each departure depending on requests.
Travel options
Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main hub for Greece with multiple direct flights arriving daily from the UK, Europe and elsewhere. North American travellers have many direct options to Athens, including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Boston and Toronto amongst others.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 6
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
This is a trip for those who like their adventures served with a generous helping of local flavour. Greek food is all about simplicity, seasonality and sharing – and on this journey through the Peloponnese, you’ll get to savour it all in tavernas, wineries and olive groves.
Breakfasts at your hotels will include fresh bread, local honey, handmade preserves, Greek yoghurt with walnuts, seasonal fruit, cheese pies and eggs cooked to order. Lunches vary between late afternoon taverna feasts in traditional mountain villages and light bites after tastings or morning adventures. Expect well known and lesser known Greek classics, including gemista - stuffed peppers and tomatoes - wild greens pies and freshly baked bread served with tangy feta, olives and sun-dried tomatoes. Dinners are relaxed, sociable affairs at carefully selected local tavernas by your host. Think meze platters with tzatziki, dolmades, saganaki and Greek salad, with mains such as grilled sea bream and oven-baked moussaka. Meals are often shared, encouraging you to try a bit of everything – just how the locals do it. You’ll also delve deeper into Peloponnesian food culture through three special experiences:
Wine tasting in Nemea –visit one of Greece’s most famous wine regions, where you’ll sample the bold reds of Agiorgitiko and learn how ancient terroirs and modern techniques meet in your glass. Expect a guided tasting of 3–5 wines, paired with local nibbles and insights from the winemaker.
Olive oil tasting – join a local producer to explore the secrets of extra virgin olive oil, from grove to bottle. You’ll learn to taste for pepperiness, fruitiness and balance while discovering how this ‘liquid gold’ shapes Greek cooking.
Greek cooking class and farewell meal – in the kitchen of a local chef, you’ll roll filo pastry, stuff vine leaves, and simmer sauces from scratch. This hands-on experience ends in a celebratory sit-down meal on the last evening of the trip, where you’ll eat the dishes you’ve prepared, along with a glass or two of wine.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form.
What is the accommodation like?
Dimitsana
Your Wow Stay of the trip, nestled in the heart of Dimitsana, a village steeped in history and perched high above the Lousios Gorge, the Mikri Arktos Hotel is a boutique mountain retreat full of traditional charm. Set within a beautifully restored stone-built mansion dating back to the 19th century, the building once served as a family home and now offers a warm, authentic base to explore the Arcadian highlands. The guesthouse retains its heritage character – wooden-beamed ceilings, cosy furnishings, and hand-carved details – while offering modern comforts throughout. Each room is unique, with views stretching across the valley or into the winding village lanes outside. You'll stay in twin-share rooms with an ensuite bathroom.
Nafplio
Set in the heart of Nafplio’s charming old town, the Castellano Hotel is a stylish boutique base that blends neoclassical elegance with modern comfort. Housed in a beautifully restored mansion, it’s just a stone’s throw from the waterfront, with cafes, markets, and Venetian-era architecture right on your doorstep. Rooms are bright and airy, with high ceilings, soft linens, and thoughtful details throughout – perfect for unwinding after a day of sea kayaking or olive oil tasting. Breakfasts here are a highlight, featuring homemade pastries and local delicacies to set you up for the day ahead. From relaxed evenings on the balcony to early morning strolls along the promenade, Castellano offers the ideal coastal retreat. You'll stay in twin-share room, with an ensuite bathroom.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, a private room can be booked for an extra charge – see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
This trip has been rated as Easy
Although the itinerary is quite busy to make the most of the time in the Peloponnese, all activities will be conducted at a leisurely pace and are not particularly challenging. Hiking will mainly follow interior and coastal paths where a few hills can be expected - you should be comfortable hiking up to 4-5 hours, sometimes in hot weather in Spring and Autumn. No previous cycling experience is needed, only an average level of fitness and a fondness for being outside most of the day. No kayaking or snorkelling experience is needed, but if you are happy in the ocean and able to swim that will help you enjoy the coastal parts of this trip to the fullest.
The trip includes a scenic ride on e-bikes – bicycles with battery-powered assistance that comes via pedalling. The route will include some uphill sections and is mostly along easy gravel paths with the odd quiet road section in a rural part of Greece. No previous experience is needed, but you must feel comfortable on two wheels.
What if i need to skip an activity?
You are welcome to skip any activity you like and relax at the bases if you're not feeling up to any of the adventures on this trip.
What will I need to carry?
Your larger bag suitable for all your belongings can remain in your hotel bases throughout the trip, transported between both bases for you. You'll just need a small rucksack to carry personal items during each day of activity.
The Peloponnese is known for its sunny and warm weather. We run this trip in April, May, September and October: the best months to visit this part of Greece. The average temperatures during these months are typically in the mid- to high-20s Celsius (70s-80s Fahrenheit) during the day and in the low- to mid-20s Celsius (60s-70s Fahrenheit) at night. The months of July and August are more crowded and the temperatures can reach uncomfortable highs, so we don't currently offer trips in the Peloponnese during these months.
We’re still waiting to collect any reviews from other travellers on this trip. However, all our hosts go through an extensive vetting process to ensure that your adventure is awesome.
Itinerary Activities
- Guided hike along the Menalon Trail
- Guided e-bike ride along Menalon Trail
- Visit to award winning olive oil producer with tastings
- Visit to vineyard in Nemea for a wine tasting experience
- Guided kayaking and snorkelling at the sunken city of Epidaurus
- Visit to the ancient ampitheatre of Epidaurus
- Traditional Greek cooking class with local chef in Nafplio
Guides
- Expert, English-speaking local guides
Accommodation
- Two nights at a beautiful boutique hotel in Dimitsana
- Three nights at a laid back and luxurious boutique hotel in Nafplio
Meals
- 5 breakfasts at your hotel bases
- 1 hearty lunch at a traditional taverna in Vytina
- 1 packed lunch during your day kayaking at Epidaurus
- Welcome dinner at your first base in Dimitsana
- 1 dinner at a local taverna in Nafplio
- Greek cooking class and farewell dinner on the final night
- House wines are included during the lunches and dinners on this trip
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Athens Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Athens Airport on Day 6
- All transfers during the trip
Equipment
- Hardtail E-bikes and helmets
- Sit-on-top kayaks, paddles and safety vests
- Snorkel and mask
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Meals
Two dinners are not included in the trip cost, one in Dimitsana and one in Nafplio. This is to allow you to explore the options around these two beautiful bases at your own pace, with recommendations form your host.
We recommend you budget about €25 for each dinner not included.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
Personal expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional food and drinks, shopping and laundry.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
What's included?
- E-bike & helmet
- Sit-on-top twin-berth kayaks, life vests and paddles
- Snorkel and mask
What do I need to bring?
BAGS
- Soft overnight duffel bag or rucksack
- Daypack (20-30 litres)
CLOTHES
- Light waterproof jacket
- Light waterproof trousers
- Fleece jacket or similar for chilly evenings in the shoulder months of April and October
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts
- T-shirts
- Underwear and socks
- Swimwear
- Sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Sleepwear
- Hiking boots or trail runners (worn-in)
- Sandals
OTHER
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- Insect repellent
- Suncream
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Reusable water bottle x1 litre (or x2)
Double/Twin room in Athens
Payable Before Departure
Double/Twin room in Athens
… Per night
Single room in Athens
Payable Before Departure
Single room in Athens
… Per night
Optional Private Room Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room Upgrade
…
Private airport transfer - each way
Payable Before Departure
Private airport transfer - each way
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 122kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Your host is a Greece adventure travel specialist with years of experience guiding all over the country. If conditions at any stage of the trip affect the ability to undertake an activity, your host will pivot to or rearrange activities in response to the factors on the ground.
You'll have one main tour guide who will guide the hikes throughout the itinerary. You'll have additional guides join the group for the cycling and kayaking activities. If the group size is 9 or above, an additional main tour guide will join the group throughout.
You can leave your main luggage in your hotel room at each base.
The drinking water in Greece is perfectly safe, so you'll be able to fill up at your guesthouse and at refill points during the hikes. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle or bladder with you.
On the Peloponnese coastline you'll be paddling in two-person sit-in kayaks.
The kayaks used on this trip have a maximum combined weight capacity of 550lb/250kg/39st. If you weigh more than 120kg or are over 2m tall, please check with us before booking this trip as we'll need to ensure that the kayaks and equipment provided is suitable for your comfort and safety.
You'll be riding a an electric hardtail bike, with suspension at the front. You'll be fitted with the correct size bike and given instruction on using an e-bike if this is your first time.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influences the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and heat stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Explore our range of over 200 worldwide adventures
We've got your back
Guaranteed to run
All Much Better Adventures trips are now guaranteed to run. Once you’ve booked your spot you can immediately make your travel arrangements, no uncertainty, no hanging about (excludes 'request to book' departures). Full details
Flexible payments
Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details
Happiness Guarantee
We’re so confident you’ll have an amazing time we’ll put our money on it. Full details
Full financial protection
To give you complete peace of mind Much Better Adventures is backed by ABTOT, ABTA and ATOL memberships. Full details
Tried & Trusted
Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.
Connect before you go
You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details
DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday 18th April 2026
to Thursday 23rd April 2026
New Trip Offer - Next 2 spots available at 10% off
