Messinia

Start your small group tour at the arranged meeting point: the magnificent 13th century castle of Androusa, located in the heart of Messinia, just a 20 minute drive from Kalamata and 10 minutes from Ancient Messene. Begin with beautiful olive walks to provide as an overview of the amazing olive groves of Messinia. Witness the olive trees as the guide tells you about the history, the tradition, and the mythical stories of the castle olive trees. The olive grove is the next visit. Walk though the groves and marvel the perennial olive trees. Learn about the different varieties of olive trees in the area and discover the story of the Messinian land as recorded on the stems. In the center of Androusa Village, visit a unique olive oil press and mill, located there for more than 120 years. The fifth generation owner will explain the procedure of extraction, the storage, and standardization process of extra virgin olive oil. Next, join a tasting session, where a dining table is filled with the special blue olive oil tasting glasses ready for you to try. Taste the extra virgin olive oil of 'Koroneiki' variety and learn about its organoleptic characteristics. Learn to recognize the elements that define the extra virgin olive oil. Taste different varieties of Greek extra virgin olive oil, such us 'Manaki', 'Xalkidikis', 'Mavroelia', and evaluate their flavours. What about food? The extra virgin olive oil of different varieties is matched with traditional recipes including fruit, gourmet small dishes, as well as tzatziki, kalamata olives, olive paste, lalagia, pasto (smoked ham) and local cheeses. Enjoy a unique experience in the historic olive groves, and learn about the history, the soul, the tradition, and the gastronomy of Messinia.

Kalamata a place of history TO TELL......and folklore.... TO SCARE !!! Dragons and werewolves , Saints and Chthonic Deities, Ghosts and Vampires, Extraterrestrial visitors and miraculous icons with bloodstains of DNA unidentified. All the headlines and mysteries uncovered in science magazines and religious articles about Kalamata ..are revealed in this 2:00 hours walking night tour along the silent streets and hidden corners of the historical center. Your guide Foteini, (graduate film, media &religious studies... and well trained storyteller due to her experience as a journalist in one of the biggest tv networks in Greece ) will meet you in the heart of the historical center, in the square of "23nd of March" infront of the statues. your guide ..will stop in all the main squares of the center, sharing a dark tale with the group. Intrigue yourselves with time gates and time travelers, Learn about treasures with divine powers that have been found in sacred grounds and temples that serve as giant compasses .. Face the terror of human sacrifices in sacred mountains.. and Walk along with Spirits that refuse to cross over and remain in Messinia because they have unfinished business. The tour will end again in the meeting point. You will be escorted by your guide

Be accompanied by a local Greek guide to visit several food shops. Meet and speak with local shop owners and have the opportunity to taste traditional food and learn about the Greek food culture.  Starting from our meeting point, at Ipapanti Chruch you will taste your way through a selected route in Kalamata. During this 3 hour tour, we will visit the most charming side of Kalamata while popping in and out of selected family shops learning about tastes and traditions of our city. Listen to Greek myths and stories about food that will deepen your knowledge about this beautiful country. Taste food ranging from bread products, olives, pies, meat products, to sweets. Enjoy your lunch at a local souvlaki restaurant.

Kalamata Kitries Snorkel Tour takes about 3 - 3,5 hours. The morning hours are the best for a boat tour, start is about 9:00 a.m.. The pick up point is to the Celadon Center by the main address. You are able to park your car to one of the parkings behind water sports center. By the boat you are going to pass all East leg of Kalamata gulf, making several stops for swimming and chilling. There are small caves and tiny beautiful beaches going to be on the route, which also you are able to explore. Furthermore, there is a stop to a small port into a village Kitries, where you are able to swim or to go out to take a walk, cause it is definitely worth to. After that, the boat is passing the small light house and coming to the point of the open sea, where the water has incredible deep blue colour. There is going to be one more stop to a secret path, where is just fantastic to swim and chill. Very mediterranean, calm and peaceful trip is waiting for You!

Scroll the of kalamatas historic center following the shadowy side of protagonists footsteps of crusaders pirates, Cursed princesses , and bloodthirsty rulers Godlike heroes and spies, lovers and traitors.... that lived behind the walls of the famous buildings and shaped the fate of European history. Experience... the rich dark history of the first town that was liberated after 400 years of Ottoman rule and find out everything about the dark side of its heroes... Find out the background stories of the Mythical battles secret scandals and brutal murders, unfold through the stories of its restless dead that were written in official documents articles and diaries but kept quiet. What is the relation of the scandalous love affairs of the Russian Empress Catherine the Great with Kalamata? Which famous murder case is still filed as classified in the British Foreign Office and remains unopened? Why Kalamata had the biggest number of spies of the allied forces and what was the secret mission that determined the victory against the German Reich? At the end of this historical journey, you will see Kalamata in a new light much more intense than you ever suspected. AND THE MOST UNSETTLING THING IS THAT... IT ALL REALLY HAPPENED ....

Explore the ancient city of Messene, cradle of fierce resistance, founded in the 4th century BC by Epaminondas of Thebes. Discover the remains of a rich and complex civilization that combines the history, culture and way of life of ancient Greece. With our audio guide, start your tour at the Gate of Arcadia, then visit the museum before exploring the archaeological site. Imagine an ancient city, magnificently preserved, where every step reveals a piece of history. That's what you'll discover when you visit ancient Messinia, cradle of a fierce resistance founded in the 4th century BC by Epaminondas of Thebes. The city of Messene embodies the struggle for freedom after centuries of Spartan domination, and thanks to the intervention of the Thebans, they were finally able to rebuild their city. Messene quickly became a symbol of resistance for its independence. Its meticulous urban planning, with its agora, theater, and fortifications, testifies to the determination to build a prosperous and enduring city. Despite the efforts of its inhabitants, Messene lost its independence over time with the Roman and then Byzantine domination, and was finally abandoned during the Middle Ages. Rediscovered by archaeologists in the 19th century, Messene today reveals the remains of a rich and complex civilization that blends the history, culture and lifestyle of ancient Greece. Marvel at the layout of the buildings and the water distribution network, evidence of an urban structure that was remarkable for the period. Discover the theater, capable of holding thousands of spectators, and appreciate the importance of sport in ancient Greece by exploring the gymnasium complex, with its well-preserved stadium where Messene athletes trained and competed. You will visit the Agora, the central square where the citizens used to gather for commercial exchanges and political debates. The Asclepion, the administrative center of the city, was also dedicated to the worship of numerous gods. Private houses, the Sarapis sanctuary of Egyptian gods, where archaeological excavations have unearthed numerous remains, offer a glimpse of daily life in the ancient city of Messene.

Navarino Bay lies in front of the town of Pylos. It is a natural harbor where the island of Sphacteria stands as a wave breaker, protecting the bay from winds of the open Ionian Sea. The bay offers ideal conditions for Sea Kayaking trips, especially for beginners. The bay itself is a place of incredible natural beauty, with an impressive landscape, warm, crystal clear, waters and golden sandy beaches where sea turtles often return to lay their eggs. Sea kayaking here is a must definitely do without a doubt. Meet your guides at Divari beach just a few kilometers away from the charming village of Gialova. Your guide will brief you on paddling techniques, safety measures, and equipment. Soon we shall hop on our kayaks for a trip around the Navarino bay like never before. Heading west we paddle towards Sfaktiria, the island located at the west side of the bay. Here, we jump out of our kayaks, stretch our legs and walk to the island’s viewpoint for taking pictures of an idyllic landscape and for story-telling. A few minutes later we shall make a stop at a secluded beach for swimming and snorkeling, and why not some cliff diving for those who feel more adventurous. Here we shall also taste our homemade picnic of local delicacies and relax under the sun. After this energy pumped stop, we will paddle back to the starting point to end an amazing day in the tranquility of Navarino Bay.

A memorable, private and personalized experience exclusively for you and your beloved ones, because, once booked for the day no other guests are added in the experience! Where You will visit one of the most beautiful coastal cities of the Peloponnese: Kalamata, in Messinia region. When The olive oil tour and tasting experience is available all year round either in the mornings or in the afternoons. Greek official holidays are excluded. Meeting point Maria, our passionate food lover and local host, will be waiting for you in front of the Port Authority Offices in Kalamata with her vehicle; you will follow her with your own vehicle and start the olive oil tour experience. The Olive oil Experience If you want to get to know all about the unique features of olive oil or simply wonder what an olive-oil tasting seminar involves, this activity is right up your alley! Part 1: Visit and Walking tour in a Traditional Organic Olive grove Traditional Organic Olive grove (available all year round) You’ll walk through the perennial olive trees and experience a relaxing stroll through a traditional organic olive grove located just 10' away from Kalamata. During your walk, you’ll get acquainted with different varieties of olive trees in all shapes and of all ages and learn the long history of the olive tree, the olive oil from the Neolithic era until today and all about olive oil harvesting! Part 2: Visit at a certified Olive oil Mill (available all year round-depending on season) Then, very close to the Olive grove, you will make a visit at a certified and open to the public Olive oil mill where you will learn all about the extraction process, from the olive grove to bottling. And if it is the olive harvesting season, you’ll get to taste fresh extra virgin olive oil, during our olive oil tasting experience! Part 3: Olive Oil tasting experience The third and the most exciting part is the olive oil tasting experience! After the Olive oil mill, we will go together in the historic center, in one of the oldest Olive oil shops of the city. Along with our professional and certified olive oil expert, you’ll learn about the queen of Greek olive-oil varieties, Koroneiki, as well as other just as superb Greek extra virgin olive oil varieties. You’ll discover their key aromas, flavours and tastes, and will learn which olive-oil variety to pair with your favourite food. Part 4: Light or Full lunch (optional & upon request) If you wish to conclude your olive oil experience with a delicious light or full lunch, full of Messinian flavours, in one of the most welcoming family restaurants in the heart of Kalamata’s historic centre, just let us know and we can arrange it for you!

Tour Kalamata with a unique and fun mode of transportation: via sea kayak. Hop in your kayak and take a coastal tour of the seaside village east of Kalamata. Cut through the turquoise waters on your way to some off-the-beaten-path spots. Learn about the history of the area, acquire some valuable kayaking techniques and eat a hearty lunch. Start with a 30-minute preparation time, then paddle for 2 to 2.5 hours. Take a break for a picnic and some free time for relaxation, snorkeling, swimming, diving, and other activities. Enjoy a picnic with fruits and traditional delicacies. Take home photographs from the activity. After the tour, return to your original meeting point.

Part 1: Meeting Point Maria, our passionate food lover and local host, will be waiting for you at the beautiful central square of Kalamata, Vasileos Geogiou Square, (Πλατεία Βασιλέως Γεωργίου) in front of the 3 Statues (Agalmata) of the Messinian war Heroes of 1821. Part 2: Visit to a Traditional Workshop and tasting of Local Home-made products Many times, you can find the tastiest local products in the most unlikely places of a town you visit, where you’d never think to look. Together we’ll discover a traditional Workshop, literally hidden in the tiny alleys of the city. The local women working at the Workshop will show how to make two of the oldest delicacies of Messinia and Mani, using the simplest of ingredients, flour and olive oil. Part 3: Tasting of Spoon Sweets, Corinthian Raisins & other Greek super food In the heart of the historical city centre, you will visit one of the most well known local shops in Kalamata. Upon entering the shop, the aroma of the exquisite herbs and spices wafting through the air will transport you to the top of Mt. Taygetos, the local mountain. You’ll get to taste homemade glyka tou koutaliou (spoon sweets), black Korinthian raisins and other products of the Messinian and Greek land. Part 4: Greek Coffee Tasting at Local Coffee Micro Roastery It’s time for your morning coffee! And what’s better than a hot traditional Greek coffee prepared by Panagiotis or Giorgos, who’ll reveal the secrets to its proper preparation. You’ll find out all about the origins of this type of coffee, how it got its name and how it has become a part of the Greek tradition and temperament. Part 5: Visit to a Shop with Local Wines & Traditional Spirits – Short wine tasting Find out all the local varieties, including Fokiano, Roditis, Malaguzia and Moschofilero, as well as how they are combined with foreign varieties to produce excellent white, rose and red wines through a short wine tasting along with Mr. Giannis. Part 6: Visit to an Olive Oil Shop & short Olive oil tasting Whether this is the first or umpteenth time visiting Messinia, olive-oil tasting is a must, given this is the birthplace of olives and olive oil. You’ll take part in a quick yet fulfilling olive-oil tasting with a professional and certified olive-oil connoisseur. You’ll find out all about the Koroneiki variety and its unique features, and will taste different varieties of extra virgin olive oils. This tasting will be enough for you to realise just how superior this extra virgin olive oil is from the common olive oils in the market. Part 7: Light Lunch with Mediterranean or Messinian Dishes and Local Wines A light yet filling lunch will conclude your gastronomic experience and spoil your senses, in one of the cosiest family ouzo taverns in the heart of the city. You’ll also get to taste a classic Messinian dish and find out its interesting history, but we won’t spoil the surprise. Join us to discover it first-hand!