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“The Greek Peloponnese - Outer Mani Trek - May 2012”

written by GeoffUrch on 07/06/2012

In common with many travellers, we have visited Greece many times over the years, always taking in a new destination. Some friends of ours who also have a love of Greece suggested that we try the Peloponnese.
I browsed the internet and came across 'New Experience Holidays'. Their website was excellent and I began to explore the possibiltity of trekking in the 'Outer Mani' area with them. I found their staff to be very patient and helpful in response to my initial enquiries, whether by email or by telephone. Eventually we decided on a two week break - the first week doing a 'self guided trek' and the second week enjoying a more leisurely time in Kardamili. Prior to leaving the UK, we received all the relevant information, ie: maps, walking routes etc.

We were collected at the airport by 'Nikos' who was to be our taxis driver for the week, taking us to the start of walks or collecting us at the end of a walk - he was brilliant, very flexible, knowledgeable and likeable. This was also the case with 'Denia', our local guide in Kardamili. It is not my intention to describe each walk in detail - have a look on the New Experience website where you can view the itinerary for your self! Suffice to say, each walk is different and by the end of the week you do feel that you have sampled enough of the landscapes that make the 'Outer Mani' such a wonderful place to explore.

Our accommodation during our stay was excellent - each hotel a little different - most had light cooking facilities in the room, so if your B&B, the option is to make a light evening meal or take in a local taverna - very flexible and ideal if you don't want to be tied to meal times.

The walking guides provided by New Experience detailing each walk, are well written and easy to follow but do bear in mind that your own walking pace may mean that you arrive at a point, sooner or later than the time specified. Also, a dirt tract may have been recently asphalted. However, generally speaking it is hard to get lost if you follow the routes closely.
There are also many references to worthwhile stopping off points, like churches to view wall paintings and frescoes.

One more relevant point to mention - we met a couple in Kardamili who had also travelled with New Experience the previous year. Their airport departure had been cancelled due to the volcanic ash emission from Iceland. A call to New Experience resulted in them being re-routed from Manchester to Newcastle airport and subsequently their holiday was saved with very little time having been lost.

So there you are - two recommendations in one review!

Geoff & Carole Urch.