AGS Peloponnese 2022 Tour

This region is one of the great treasure houses of Greece with some of its most famous and fascinating archaeological sites like Mycenae and the tower houses of Vathia.
Scenically diverse, the area offers the greatest selection of autumn-flowering “bulbs” than anywhere else in the Mediterranean region: crocuses, colchicums, cyclamen, narcissi, scillas and even a snowdrop and an onion. Participants will be staying in delightful and picturesque towns like Gythio and Monemvasia.
Upon arrival in Greece a day will be spent exploring the region of Mt Hymettos on the outskirts of Athens. Enjoy the delightful Greek autumn and the joys of eating at local tavernas. Travel will be by a small coach with an English-speaking driver (maximum number 16). Flights and accommodation (with breakfast) included in tour price. Lunches and dinners not included in price.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Sat 29 Oct
Land in Athens in the early afternoon. Visit Hymettos mountain. First sightings for Cyclamen graecum, Sternbergia lutea, etc. Hotel in Athens

Day 2 – Sun 30 Oct
Drive into Peloponnese & Visit Langada Gorge for Galanthus reginae-olgae. Hotel in Sparta

Autumn flowering Galanthus reginae-olgae

Day 3 – Mon 31 Oct
Visit Taygetos Mountains and environs. Hotel in Sparta

Day 4 – Tue 1 Nov
Drive south to Gytheion. Visit Dimitrios wreck and nearby colonies of autumn-flowering Cyclamen graecum, Anemone pavonina and Narcissus tazetta. Hotel in Gytheion

Famous Dimitrios shipwreck near Gythio

Day 5 – Wed 2 Nov
Drive to Cape Tenaro & Mani peninsula. Look out for Narcissus obsoletus, Crocus niveus, Spiranthes spiralis, etc. Hotel in Gytheion

Autumn-flowering plants on the Mani peninsula

Day 6 – Thurs 3 Nov
Drive to Ariopolis, Stoupa, etc. Hotel in Gytheion

Day 7 – Fri 4 Nov
Drive to Monemvasia, stops on Malea peninsula, etc. Hotel in Monemvasia

Day 8 – Sat 5 Nov
Day trip around Monemvasia at various sites where Crocus goulimyi, Colchicum cupanii and Crocus boryi abound. Hotel in Monemvasia

Floral gems from around Monemvasia and on the less explored Malea peninsula

Day 9 – Sun 6 Nov
Drive Nafplio & Visit Mycenae. Hotel in Nafplio

Archaeology and botany go well together. Searching for Sternbergia sicula at Mycenae

Day 10 – Mon 7 Nov
Drive to Athens airport.