THE PELOPONNESE
AN ARCADIAN SPRING
Strabo, a Geographer in Ancient Greece, compared this southermost part of mainland Greece to a plane leaf in shape with mountain chains forming the midribs and attached to the mainland by its stalk across the Gulf of Corinth.
This convoluted geography has produced a landscape that has been renowned for its great beauty since ancient Arcadia inspired the poets. And within is a marvellous variety of fauna and flora. Wonderful displays of scarlet Anemones, red and orange Tulips and white Asphodels form striking bands of colour against the green mountains of the Peloponnese's peninsulas as they drop to ultramarine seas. Sheets of Crocus sieberi flower by snows high on Mount Chelmos while by Pilos's beautiful harbour are rare Greek Mazarine Blues and beautiful Southern Festoon butterflies. Pink Cyclamens and black and green Widow Irises adorn the magnificent Taygetos Mountains whilst by the perfect lagoon at Geraka we'll see fields of Gladioli and abundant Southern Swallowtails. Orchid buffs are in for a treat. Filling out the magnificent displays of Pink Butterfly, Four-spotted and Sparse-flowered Orchids are some very fine Bee Orchids. With the immaculate Horseshoe Ophrys and bright pink, blue and maroon-brown Ophrys spruneri are such local specialities as Ophrys attica lovely delphinensis and 'eyed' argolica. Greece's ancient and mediaeval heritage will not be forgotten. We'll enjoy the flowers of magical Mycenae and the churches of fabulous Mystra in its rivetingly beautiful landscape and of course there'll be plenty of time to sample some excellent Greek food during this holiday.
INFORMATION
Focus
Flowers (especially Orchids), Birds, Butterflies, Reptiles and Landscapes.
Leaders
Ian Bennallick , Phil Benstead
Walking
Relaxed and easy. Up to three or four miles a day, usually less, and always at a slow pace, perfectly suited to flower and butterfly photographers.
Included in the Price
All flights. All transport, meals and accommodation in Greece. Services of your leaders. Please note: drinks, tips and items of a personal nature including insurance, are not included.
Group Size
The minimum is 5 and the maximum is 15. Only one leader will accompany a group of 6 or less.
Accommodation
We start with a night in the Isthmia Prime Hotel near Corinth and then four nights at the comfortable and welcoming Pramataris on the mainland opposite the imposing rock of Monemvasia. Next are three nights in the lovely Hotel de la Plage just outside Koroni near the southern tip of Messinia. Next is a single night at the Filoxenia in Kalavrita on the slopes of Mount Chelmos and the remainder of the holiday will be at the very pleasant Chris Paul Hotel in Diakofto. All rooms on this holiday have en suite facilities.
Climate
Generally warm and sunny with some showers and occasionally more prolonged wet weather.
How To Book
Download a booking form (or contact us and we will send one to you)from the Booking Information section. Complete and send to us. You will receive confirmation of your place and then a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. Orchid, bird and butterfly checklists are available.
