Join us in the beautiful coastal town of Kardamyli for an intimate festival dedicated to literature, history, politics and the arts, spending mornings listening to scintillating talks and afternoons walking or cycling in this most extraordinary corner of mainland Greece.
- Duration
- 6 nights
- How We Travel
- Festival Talks, Electric Biking & Walking
- Price
- From £3,595 per person
- Group Size
- 14 guests
- Good To Know
Attendees at the festival will number around 350. In your party there will be 14 and The Slow Cyclist will also be welcoming another 16 guests from Canada.
Welcome to the Kardamyli Festival
I very much hope you'll consider joining us for this wonderful festival which has, it's fair to say, been my cultural highlight for each of the past few years; a chance to sit beside the sea and listen to some of the world's greatest minds talk on their chosen subject. Then, after the brain has been stimulated each morning, to head into the hills behind Kardamyli and enjoy cycling and walking in this verdant paradise. In this brochure you will, I hope, find lots of information that will help you decide if it's something for you and I hope, if you do join us, that you have a fantastic time.
Oli BroomFounder, The Slow Cyclist
The Festival
Since 2021, the beautiful village of Kardamyli has been the setting for a festival that attracts the sharpest minds from across literature, history and the arts. We have taken Slow Cyclists to the festival every year since its inception, and look forward to returning again in 2025. Our journey incorporates exploration of the wild Peloponnese by bike and on foot, from hilltop villages to crystal-blue waters. This area was once the home of the esteemed travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor and his wife Joan; you'll soon see why they fell in love with the place.
The Speakers
Although festival speakers have not yet been announced, there is always a fantastic mix of writers, scientists, politicians, academics and more. In previous years we've particularly enjoyed author Victoria Hislop on modern Greek history, journalist Jonathan Freedland discuss democracy in the USA and politician turned podcaster Rory Stewart on the Middle East.
About Kardamyli
The charming seaside town of Kardamyli was home to Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor for much of the 20th and early 21st century. It is an area associated with great artists and writers and the perfect backdrop to a festival that celebrates literature and culture. The town is our base for the week, and from here we will cycle and walk through the southern part of the peninsula, as well as attending festival talks and events. Known as the Deep Mani, it is a remote and rocky land with a spectacular jagged coastline, authentic fishing villages, ancient cities and charming tavernas.
The Walking & Cycling
Your time on the move will be spent on electric bikes and on foot. The walks take you on ancient shepherds' paths through pastoral landscapes, mountain villages and along dramatic coastal tracks. The cycling is almost exclusively on quiet tarmac roads. They are a cyclist's dream, with very few cars. The Taygetos Mountains run like a spine north to south along the Mani peninsula. They are steep and dramatic, and there are a few long hills – both up and down – along the route. That said, you will always have time to experience village life and to gaze at the magnificent views. Whether you are a novice or experienced cyclist, our guides are skilled at spotting your ability and level of confidence and reacting accordingly.
Swimming
The chance to swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Messinian Gulf is one of the great joys of travelling through the Mani. You can be in a tiny, peaceful mountain village one minute and then at one of any number of beautiful swimming spots the next. Kardamyli too is a great spot for swimming and your villa is just a few minutes away from a very inviting pebble beach. We provide swimming towels but do make sure to pack your swimmers!
Food & Drink
Over the years many of our guests in the Mani have commented on how well they have eaten while with us. The local cuisine is simple, fresh, delicious and the very definition of organic. Locals grow their own vegetables and rear their own animals. Seafood is a staple, often grilled on an open fire. Local cheeses and extra virgin olive oil are plentiful. Traditional puddings of home-preserved fruits and sweet pastries are served alongside thick yogurt. Local wines are some of the finest in the country.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Wednesday 1 October - Arrival in Kardamyli
There are direct flights into Kalamata and Athens today. When you arrive in Kardamyli we will be there to greet you and ensure you're settled at your accommodation, Salvia. We will take you for dinner in Kardamyli this evening.
Day 2 - Thursday 2 October - Kampos Crater
Morning Cycle 25 kms - Afternoon Cycle 25 kms
Your time in the Mani begins today with a wonderful bike ride taking in some of the region's most incredible landscapes. We climb towards the Ridomo Gorge, arriving for lunch in a meadow with our friend and local restaurateur Thomas. In the afternoon we will pedal through olive groves and tiny villages amid the foothills that rise to become the Taygetos peaks. We'll pause at a monastery with stunning views over the deep-cut gorge before turning for home with a long descent to Kardamyli. This evening the festival opens with drinks at the former home of Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor on a cliff above the sea. We have not included dinner this evening but will happily book you a table at any of Kardamyli's best restaurants.
Day 3 - Friday 3 October - Festival & Relax, Walk or Boat
Afternoon Walk 2.5 hours
After this morning's festival talks, and lunch in Kardamyli, you have a few options. The first is to walk with us up through the ruins of Old Kardamyli before climbing up on an ancient Spartan track, past tiny chapels, the majestic Taygetos mountains unfolding ahead of us. We will loop back around to Kardamyli, enjoying spectacular coastal views. Alternatively you may wish to relax and explore Kardamyli, or make use of a speed boat and captain who can show you some of the best secluded swim spots in the area. Whatever you choose to do, we will make sure you are ready for dinner in Kardamyli because Hellenophile, musician and translator Joshua Barley will entertain the festival's Slow Cyclists at a Literary Dinner this evening.
Day 4 - Saturday 4 October - Festival & Kastania
Afternoon Cycle 21 kms
After this morning's festival talks we will drive you to the tiny hill-top village of Kastania - home to 11 Byzantine churches - for lunch in a family-run taverna. From there, it’s an easy and incredibly beautiful ride down to the sea in Kardamyli. We have not included dinner this evening but will happily book you a table at any of Kardamyli's best restaurants.
Day 5 - Sunday 5 October - Festival & Relax
After this morning's festival talks we will leave you make your own arrangements for lunch at one of the town's charming restaurants before an afternoon of relaxing or exploring. We will be on hand to provide shuttles to nearby beaches, although the town's pebble beaches are superb too. This evening is the festival's Gala Dinner, hosted in previous years on a jetty in the centre of town, during which a stellar cast of festival speakers will entertain us into the night.
Day 6 - Monday 6 October - Festival & Malta
Afternoon Walk 2.5 hours
After this morning's festival talks you will be transferred to the hamlet of Malta for lunch in the home and olive oil press of sisters Artemis and Corinna. From there it’s a gorgeous 2.5 hour walk, close to the coast and back to Kardamyli, picking up ancient tracks and with extraordinary views over the Messinian Gulf. Dinner will be in Kardamyli to celebrate your last evening in the Mani.
Day 7 - Tuesday 7 October - Heading Home
It's the end of your time with us in Kardamyli. Again, we have not included an airport transfer but we will be happy to assist with any travel arrangements.
Practical Information
Guiding & Support
Our attention to detail sets us apart. You will be accompanied by a member of The Slow Cyclist team from the UK who will act as your host and will be able to help with any questions or issues you may have. In addition, of course, you will be guided by our local team on walks and bike rides in the hills behind Kardamyli. They are all fluent in English and knowledgeable and passionate about this special place. A support vehicle will be on hand (although never too close) in case you need a lift at any time.
Accommodation
You will stay all six nights at Salvia, located just outside of the town centre overlooking the Messinian Gulf. It's a spectacular setting and a wonderful place to relax. There is a fabulous pool and also a short path leading to the port, should you prefer swimming in the sea.
Bikes & Safety
We take your safety seriously. Although there is no requirement to cycle with us at the festival, if you do you must wear a helmet. We cannot accept bookings from anyone unwilling to do so. The bikes you'll be riding with us are electric bikes. You will be given a brief lesson in how to use them effectively before we start cycling. If you have any technical issues during your time with us, from squeaky brakes to punctures, please let us know and we’ll fix it. And finally, please don’t worry if you feel you are too slow or too fast for others in the group; we have a guide at the front and one at the back precisely for that reason.
Packing & Reading
Well in advance of your travels we will send you an online Information Pack including various details you need to know in advance. This will include a suggested packing list but also a reading list, should you wish to soak up the island's literary history before you arrive.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Pricing & Booking
Price
From £3,595 per person
Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Single Occupancy Supplement, 6 nights | £990 |
| Upgrade to Superior Room (2 available) - SOLD OUT | £415 per person (twin or double share), £830 per person (single occupancy) |
- TSC host & English-speaking expert local cycling and walking guides
- Festival ticket
- Fully-supported and guided walks and electric bike rides
- Electric bike and helmet hire
- All 6 nights accommodation
- All breakfasts and 4 lunches
- 4 evening meals including Festival Gala Dinner and Literary Dinner
- Wine and beer at meal times **
- 100% financial security
- Donation to a cause that is aligned with our Values
** excellent Greek wine is chosen and provided by us at each meal although you are welcome to “upgrade” and buy your own
- Flights & Transfers
- Personal costs
- Lunch on your arrival day (if needed) and on day 5
- Dinner on two nights in Kardamyli
- Tips (optional, of course)
- Travel insurance
- Visas (if required)
For private groups a 30% deposit is required from the group leader and, thereafter, from each member of the party. A minimum of 50% of the party are required to book and pay their deposit within one month of the group leader. The balance is due 8 weeks before the departure date.
If you are travelling on one of our Scheduled Journeys, we require a 30% deposit on the core trip price (i.e. not on any extras) at the time of booking. The balance is due 10 weeks before the departure date.
Please make sure you are familiar with our Standard Terms & Conditions before booking.
You will receive two emails shortly after booking. First, a payment receipt, then a second email explaining next steps. Within two working days you will then be contacted by a member of our Guest Services team who will look after and advise you in the lead up to your travels.
All of our experiences are covered by Trust My Travel who protect our travellers their payments
Flights
You are responsible for booking your own flights. They are not included in the cost of the trip. On 1st October there are flight options from London to Kalamata and Athens. On 7th October there are options from both Kalamata and Athens too.
Transfers
In previous years we have found that our festival guests fly into/from an array of Greek airports over a number of days. So we have not included airport transfers. However, as the festival approaches we can help arrange road transport to/from Kardamyli and if there are other festival-goers happy to share the costs we can make this happen.
Protecting the Planet
We are thrilled that increasing numbers of our guests are choosing to travel by train and boat, often for environmental reasons. We understand that this may not be practical, but urge you to consider doing so if you can make it work. Bahn.com is a good place to begin your research on trains. Greece has a fantastic ferry service to the islands and far-flung corners of the mainland. Alternatively Travel Counsellor Liz Rees will organise your journey for you.
Kardamyli is the perfect setting for a festival celebrating history, literature, politics and the arts, with its place in ancient history cemented by Homer as one of the seven cities that Agamemnon promised to grant Achilles in order to placate him after the extortion of Briseis during the Trojan War. But quite apart from this, Kardamyli's position beneath the imposing, snowcapped Taygetos Mountains and beside the Messinian Gulf make it, quite simply, an incredible location in which to spend a few days. In 2018 The Slow Cyclist began welcoming guests to the Mani, on 6-day journeys taking in the hills around Kardamyli and the moonscapes and hidden bays in the arid south. In doing so we worked with historian and author James Heneage and his wife James Heneage, who hosted our guests at their home in the hills. When James asked if we would like to be involved in a festival he was planning, we jumped at the opportunity. So in 2021 the festival welcomed 70 guests, 25 of whom were Slow Cyclists. Since moving to a new site directly beside the sea, the festival has grown so that it now welcomes 350 guests each year and attracts an array of fantastic speakers.
Exceptional Quality
Our passion for creating exceptional shared experiences in places we love is reflected in the journeys we design. We don't rest on our laurels, seeking continued improvement and innovation so that you, our guests, are enriched around every bend in the road.
Community Driven
The Slow Cyclist was born as an antidote to mass tourism. All stakeholders, from our guests and team in the UK to our local guides, from food producers we work with to the communities whose lives we touch, must feel our influence and impact is positive.
Future Focused
We travel with a light footprint but that’s not enough. We can always do more. We are part of a generation that must act responsibly in business and in tourism; one that begins to restore our planet's biodiversity and delicate ecosystems.