Self-drive trip to Pelion, land of the centaurs
Spend six days staying in a stunning villa in the area of Pelion, with activities such as biking, hiking, horse riding, cooking and sailing to enjoy. This is a fantastic trip for all, from couples to groups of friends and family, and includes a self-drive itinerary alongside guided tours and activities. The perfect balance of freedom and guaranteed fun!
Pelion is known in Greek mythology as the mountain of the centaurs - mythological creatures of antiquity, depicted as half-person and half-horse, who lived in the mountain of Pelion with its exquisite environment and mysterious atmosphere. Beautiful all year round and ideal for visits in winter and summer, the area is home to 24 villages and dozens of settlements. It enjoys rich vegetation and an important history, and is famous for its natural beauties as well as for its tradition in arts. See it all and more on this epic six-day escape!
Services
Included:
- Five nights accommodation in four or five-star hotels
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner as per the itinerary
- Five days car hire
- Activities & admission fees to sites as per the itinerary
- 24-hour assistance throughout your stay
- City guides with tips & suggestions
- Pre-trip Greek cultural preparation, insider information & reading lists
- Mobile itinerary app with daily schedule, restaurant map links & suggested activities
Excluded:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Any meals & drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
Optional:
- Optional activities for an additional cost
Itinerary at a Glance
Thessaloniki Airport - Pelion
Welcome to Greece
Pelion
Explore Pelion on two wheels
Pelion
Learn to cook like a local
Pelion
Feel at one with nature
Pelion
Unique journeys by boat & on horseback
Pelion - Thessaloniki Airport
Farewell, Pelion
Detailed Itinerary
Thessaloniki Airport - Pelion
Day 1: Welcome to Greece
Welcome to Greece! You will be met by a representative, who will show you to your car and provide everything for a safe drive and unforgettable trip. Hop into your hire car and drive to your hotel in the village of Lafkos, where you'll have the evening free to enjoy the surrounding villages of Pelion or the seafront city of Volos.
There's plenty to keep you entertained in Pelion! Soak up the views and stroll through the main square in the village of Makrinitsa, a protected settlement since 1980; visit Kritsa for authentic local fare, from grilled meats to pies; or head into Portaria to explore its taverns and restaurants for dinner - get your hands on a plate of spetzofai, spicy Greek sausages with tomato sauce and peppers.
Pelion
Day 2: Explore Pelion on two wheels
Today's Bike and Bites excursion is guaranteed to appeal to travellers of all kinds - even those without much experience of mountain biking to begin with. Start in Portaria and ascend to the villages of Katichori and Anemoutsa. Then, continue towards Drakia along a spectacular route with wonderful views. Across cobblestone paths, dirt roads and ancient trails, the scenery will surprise and delight you at every turn, until you end back up in Portaria. After a long ride of about 3.5 hours, you will be rewarded with a wonderful lunch, cold drinks and beer!
Pelion
Day 3: Learn to cook like a local
The traditions of Pelion are strongly linked to its cuisine. Learn more about the regional gastronomy during a special four-hour cooking class led by local women. Enjoy a warm welcome with hot mountain tea or home-made sour cherry juice, then have fun as you prepare traditional dishes and savour your creations! During this class, you will learn how to bake a famous Greek pie, from the dough to the filling made with vegetables and herbs collected straight from the farm’s garden.
As the pie bakes in a wood oven, prepare fluffy fried zucchini balls and an aromatic yogurt dip to accompany your meal, alongside a seasonal salad and wine from the local vineyard. You'll be given small gifts and a participation certificate at the end of the experience, after which you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy at leisure.
Pelion
Day 4: Feel at one with nature
After breakfast, drive into the heart of Lafkos and meet your guide at the village square at 10.30am. Your adventure starts with a tasting of Greek coffee at the oldest cafe in Greece, operating since 1875, and a visit to a traditional bakery located in a building that was intended for use as Pelion's train station.
Next, walk through olive groves to enjoy great views of the neighbouring village of Milina and the islands of Alatas and Trikeri. You'll have the chance to admire regional flora as well as the chapel of Mesosporitissa, where you'll stop for a rest and snack. Continue to Milina and the village of Chorto, followed by the Cave of Chiron the Centaur, where you can head down to a depth of 10-15m and admire its fascinating structure. If the weather permits, swim to the nearby beach of Vathospilias to enjoy a frolic in emerald waters, before returning by taxi to Lafkos.
Pelion
Day 5: Unique journeys by boat & on horseback
Today, take a boat trip to the northern, uninhabited part of Pelion, to visit the legendary sea caves and swim in crystal-clear waters! Begin by meeting your guide at the small port of Chorefto or Agios Ioannis. After a safety briefing, embark and journey across the waters for approximately 10mi. Visit unique sea caves, enjoy a swim stop, then have fun with your family and friends at one of the region's most isolated beaches.
In the afternoon, another fantastic activity awaits. Horse riding in Pelion is a wonderful reminder of the legends of centaurs, renowned for their courage, intelligence, and knowledge of herbs and healing practices. Across cobbled roads and forest trails, you'll cover an enchanting route taking you from small villages to ancient monasteries and castles. Ride for an hour and 30 minutes, soaking up mountain and sea views as you go.
Pelion - Thessaloniki Airport
Day 6: Farewell, Pelion
It's time to say farewell to Greece! Enjoy your final breakfast before checking out of your hotel and driving back to Thessaloniki Airport, to drop off your car and prepare for your flight home. There's much more to see and do in and around this fantastic region, so if you wish, speak to your local expert about extending your trip!
