DISCOVER THE CENTAURS’ KINGDOM

Our day starts with a meeting-and getting acquainted with our experienced escort-followed by immediate departure for the beautiful plateau of Foloi, situated just 35 km’s from Ancient Olympia.

1)DISCOVER THE CENTAURS’ KINGDOM

Our day starts with a meeting-and getting acquainted with our experienced escort-followed by immediate departure for the beautiful plateau of Foloi, situated just 35 km’s from Ancient Olympia.
Upon our arrival at the plateau we will visit the "Workshop of Hephaestus” which is nothing more than Mr Vasilis’ traditional Blacksmiths, where a modern-day "Hephaestus”, will show us the ancient secrets of the fire and iron. The plateau is famous for is’s unique ecosystem (visit about 45 minutes) where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the unique flora and fauna of this beautiful forest-including Oaks, Chestnuts, Sycamore and Walnut trees. Our thoughts will travel to the myth of Hercules who went there and asked for help from the Centaurs to kill the Erymanthian Boar ...
Then we will visit the Museum of the Environment of Foloi, where we shall be informed on the specific characteristics of the natural and cultural heritage of the area of Foloi.. In the afternoon we shall visit a local Taverna where we can enjoy local Raki and wine, with local olives and feta offered by our agency.
Did you know that ....
The forest of Foloi is one of the rarest forests in the world-unique in the Balkans-and due to this fact, it has been included in Natura 2000.
According to mythology, the Oak forest of Foloi was home to both Centaurs and Dryad nymphs, who were happy with the rain, crying when the oak leaves died when the tree was cut. It was also where Hercules grabbed the Erymanthian boar during the fourth labour of Hercules.

2) PHOTOGRAPHIC PANORAMA OF KAIAPHA’S LAKE

Our day starts with a meeting-and getting acquainted with our experienced escort. Then we will visit the unique ecosystem of Kaiaphas’ lake which is included in NATURA 2000. Our first visit is to the famous natural hot springs of the lake which are located at the foot of Mount Lapitha. Then we will take the road around the lake and continue to the seaside town of Zaharo and make a short stop for coffee.Then, we continue on to the small island of St. Catherine, where we will visit the spa famous from ancient times and the modern water ski facilities.Finally, we move to the beautiful beach of “Kato Samikos” where we will have the opportunity for swimming and lunch.
Did you know that ...
The ecosystem of Kaiaphas’ Lake includes the homonymous lake, the Strofilia pinewood, the mythical mount of Lapitha, the hot springs and four kilometers of golden sands. The baths were known since ancient times and many beneficial and healing powers have been attributed to them. According to mythology, Kaiaphas ecosystem was the resort of the Olympian gods, and the caves were inhabited by the Anigrides nymphs.

3)LOCAL MONASTERY – LOCAL OLD WATERMILL (MONASTERY OF KREMASTI- WATERMILL "BRITZIKI")

The day starts with a meeting-to get acquainted with our experienced escort-and then we depart for the famous Monastery of Kremasti. At the monastery we will see the Byzantine Hagiographies, learn about the rich religious heritage of the area and enjoy the fascinating view. The friendly nuns will guide us around the monastery and offer us a traditional Greek sweat and coffee.
Then we shall visit the "Ravine of Aidonia", where we will visit a fully restored traditional watermill (the watermill of Smila) and will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of making bread.
Our next visit will be to the well known winery “Brintziki” where we will taste local wines produced from local varieties of grape, accompanied by local delicacies. Our return will be through traditional villages in the region of Ancient Olympia.
Did you know that ...

The name of the monastery comes from an icon of the Virgin Mary which was found by shepherds to float inside a cave. During the Greek Revolution, at the watermill Smila there was a big battle. It was there that the famous Harry Vilaetis was killed. Harry Vilaetis was chieftain, leader of the Greeks in the Ilia region and a member of “Society of Friends”( a secret 19th-century organization whose purpose was to overthrow the Ottoman rule of Greece and establish an independent Greek state).