OLYMPIA

Travel to Ellis along the west coast of the Peloponnese before arriving at Ancient Olympia - the field of dreams. This ancient site set the scene for the first Olympic Games nearly 3,000 years ago. The setting is beautiful and an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity pervades as you wander among the ruined temples and buildings. The museum displays some wonderful artefacts dedicated to the ancient gods over the centuries that the games were held and this includes the famous statues of Hermes and Apollo.

MYSTRAS

Travel through the beautiful Taygetos mountains and situated on the lower slopes near Sparta, you will find the ruined Byzantine city of Mystras. Dominated by the Frankish Castle built in 1249, the ruined buildings and beautiful churches of the walled city spread out on the slopes with panoramic views of the valley below. The Palace of the Despots is being restored to former glory but the only inhabitants are the few nuns who still live and worship in the famous Pantanassa Monastery.

MONEMVASIA

Situated on the edge of the southeastern Peloponnese coast, the proud citadel of Monemvasia clings to its formidable rock. A single gate in the city walls is the only entrance to the narrow cobblestone streets that exclude all traffic except the donkeys and mules that still supply the needs of the inhabitants. Enjoy lunch in one of the tavernas overlooking the tiled roofs and Venetian chimney pots and on to the wide expanse of the Aegean. Long flights of worn marble steps lead to the upper level with the beautiful church of Agia Sophia and stunning views of the walled lower city.

DIROS CAVES

ATHENS

An unforgettable trip to one of the most important cities in Western culture. En route you visit Corinth and take a boat ride through the world-famous canal followed by lunch alongside the canal.

You then drive on to Athens where you stay in a hotel and your afternoon and evening is free to explore places such as the Plaka and Monasteraki. In the morning you visit the Acropolis crowned by the Parthenon temple - the most copied building in the western hemisphere. A guide will show you around and explain the site and its long history. From here, you go to Sintagma (Constitution) Square and watch the changing of the guard in traditional Greek dress in front of the monument that commemorates those who have died in the many wars of Greece's long history. Lunch is at Loutraki on the Gulf of Corinth and then you return to your respective resorts.

Bob Barrow's MANI

A trip to explore the Mani Peninsula guided by Bob Barrow who has made extensive research into all aspects of Mani history, tradition and culture. It includes Vathia - the famous towered village and Areopolis - the 'capital' of Mani and lunch at the small fishing harbour of Gerolimenas.

ANCIENT ITHOMI

A visit to the historical site of the old capital city of Messinia. The site is spectacular with 9kms of city walls surrounding the ancient temples, market place, stadium, gymnasium and other major buildings and the museum. Excavation is ongoing and the site gains importance every year as more is exposed.

TASTES of MANI

A spectacular coach trip high above the resorts takes you to see and hear about local honey production with the chance to buy honey, honeycomb, Royal Jelly etc. Lunch is at Voreio by the beautiful Rindomo Gorge and then you visit a traditional Olive Oil press, taste the product and buy some of the excellent oil, olives and local wine.

MOUNTAIN LIFE

Travel to Kariovouni and then Milia to explore the villages and visit a Byzantine church before moving on to Platsa to explore this village and have a light 'meze' lunch at the taverna with wonderful views of the coastline far below.

COOK, WINE and DINE

An evening trip to Platsa where you are given a demonstration of how to prepare various Greek dishes before sitting down to enjoy traditional food and watch the glorious sunset over the Gulf of Messinia. Local musicians provide bouzouki and guitar renditions of Rembetika and other styles of Greek music.

Results from questionnaires in 2006