Join us in the beautiful seaside town of Kardamyli for an intimate festival dedicated to literature, history and the arts. After a few days exploring historic Thessaloniki, move to the coast and spend mornings listening to scintillating talks and afternoons walking or cycling in this most extraordinary corner of mainland Greece.
- Duration
- 10 nights
- How We Travel
- Festival Talks, Electric Biking & Walking
-
Activity Level
Graded between 1 (easiest) and 5 (most challenging). Click for more details
- Price
- £6,950 (double or twin share) per person
- Group Size
- Maximum 18
- Good To Know
If you would like to book a Suite rather than a Standard room please contact us once you have booked your places.
Welcome to the Kardamyli Festival
I am delighted that we are again partnering with Bob Ramsay & Jean Marmoreo for the 2026 edition of the Kardamyli Festival. The festival 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 wonderful time.
Oli BroomFounder, The Slow Cyclist
Join Us
We invite you to spend four nights in Thessaloniki before travelling to the Southern Peloponnese, on Greece's mainland, for an intimate literary festival like no other. The beautiful small town of Kardamyli, on the Mani peninsula, was home for much of his life to the esteemed travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor and his wife, the photographer and socialite Joan. The Kardamyli Festival, which opens with a cocktail party in the home (see the cloisters pictured above) and garden they shared overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Messinian Gulf, is a wonderful celebration of literature, history and the arts.
The Festival
Since its inception in 2021, the Kardamyli Festival has grown to welcome 350 guests each year and now attracts the sharpest minds, with past speakers including journalist Anne Applebaum, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs Radek Sikorski, former UK MP and host of The Rest is Politics Rory Stewart, historian Tom Holland and author Ben MacIntyre among many others. Although the line-up of speakers this year is yet to be announced, it is certain to be stellar. With talks taking place each morning, and during some early evenings, afternoons are free to swim and relax as well as go on guided walks and electric bike rides in and around the beautiful hills above Kardamyli.
2026 Speakers
The 2026 Kardamyli Festival line-up promises a remarkable weekend of literary and cultural celebration, headlined by world-renowned novelist Ian McEwan, discussing 'Imagining our future'. The programme has been inspired by the shifting global landscape, featuring former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and ex-MI6 chief Sir Alex Younger tackling the complexities of modern conflict and intelligence. Perspectives on Europe come from the BBC’s Katya Adler, fresh from her latest documentary series, while Peter Frankopan returns to explore history through the lens of a changing climate. From Marietje Schaake’s warnings on Silicon Valley to the rewilding insights of Isabella Tree, the weekend will cover everything from geopolitics to art and philosophy.
Thessaloniki
He has resided in Athens for the past decade but Hellenophile, writer and hugely popular Slow Cyclist guide Joshua Barley is switching his city allegiance for a few days while he guides you through many of Thessaloniki's ancient wonders and introduces you to the city's fascinating history, architecture and culinary scene.
Walking & Cycling
Each afternoon during the festival in Kardamyli there are opportunities to cycle or walk although of course neither activity is compulsory. The walks will take you on ancient shepherds' paths across pastoral landscapes, through mountain villages and along dramatic coastal tracks. The terrain can be lumpy so you should be able to walk on uneven tracks up and downhill. We use Trek Allant +7 electric bikes (a mix of regular and step-through frames) for the cycling, which is almost exclusively on quiet tarmac roads. They are a cyclist's dream, with very few cars, although steep and dramatic on occasion. You should have experience cycling up and downhill and be confident of maintaining complete control on two wheels.
Swimming
The chance to swim in the crystal clear waters of the Messinian Gulf is one of the great joys of spending time in the Mani. You can be in a tiny, remote mountain village one minute and then at one of any number of beautiful swimming spots the next. Your hotel has a swimming pool and, a short distance down a cobbled path leading to the marina is a small pebbled beach with beautifully clear waters.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Saturday 26 September - Arrival in Thessaloniki
You will arrive in Thessaloniki today, where you'll be met by Joshua Barley, your guide for your time in Greece's second city. After checking in at your hotel, the grand Electra Palace Thessaloniki, we will have lunch before an afternoon at your leisure.
Day 2 - Sunday 27 September - Mount Olympus and Dion
This day will focus on Mount Olympus, home of the ancient Greek gods and the highest mountain in Greece. Driving from Thessaloniki we will visit the archaeological site of Dion: a large ancient city at the foot of Olympus, which was once the religious centre of Macedonia. We will also stop in the charming mountain village of Litochoro, from which we will walk a gorge trail to a waterfall, and – time permitting – the Byzantine castle of Platamon.
Day 3 - Monday 28 September - Thessaloniki
Josh will take us on a full day tour of Thessaloniki, including highlights such as the church of Agia Sofia (7th century) and the Rotonda monument (4th century) with its astonishing mosaics. We will have lunch in the city’s lively market, after which we will delve deeper into the city's fascinating history and visit the Byzantine museum. Tonight Josh will take us to his favourite restaurant in Thessaloniki, which exemplifies the city's vibrant food scene.
Day 4 - Tuesday 29 September - Royal Tombs of Aigai
Today you will visit the breathtaking new Museum of Aigai, guided by one of the site's Archaeologists. The museum is adjoined to the Royal Tombs of Aigai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and burial place of Philip II of Macedon, Alexander the Great’s father. It is known for its beautifully preserved murals and its astonishingly fine gold and silverware.
Day 5 - Wednesday 30 September - Thessaloniki to Kardamyli
Today we will be making the journey across the country from Thessaloniki to Kardamyli. We will head to the airport in the morning, catching a flight to Athens. From there, we'll transfer to your hotel in Kardamyli, arriving in plenty of time to enjoy dinner overlooking the sea.
Day 6 - Thursday 1 October - The Deep Mani
The region's clear blue waters offer a very different perspective of this dramatic coastline. This morning we will take comfortable speed boats from Kardamyli harbour, stopping to swim in lovely coves, down to the charming and chic fishing hamlet of Limeni. Lunch at O Takis seafood taverna is a perfect Mediterranean experience, sitting on the water’s edge, jumping into the impossibly turquoise waters and maybe even spotting one of the resident giant turtles. After lunch, given time, we will visit Areopolis, the charming capital of the Mani and birthplace of the Greek revolution in 1821. We will boat back in good time for the festival opening drinks party at the former home of Patrick and Joan Leigh Fermor. We will reserve tables for dinner in Kardamyli upon request.
Day 7 - Friday 2 October - Festival & Kampos Crater
Walk (up to 3 hours) or Cycle (2.5 hours)
After this morning's festival talks we will drive to lunch at our friend Thomas' restaurant in nearby Kampos. From there you have the optino of a bike ride or a walk. On a bike, pedal through olive groves and tiny villages, into the hills that rise to become the Taygetos peaks, pause at a monastery with stunning views over the deep-cut Ridomo Gorge and end up by the sea in Kardamyli. On foot, there are a number of options, all of which take in olive groves and the stunning lower slopes of the Taygetos Mountains. Back in town this evening, Joshua Barley will entertain Slow Cyclists at a Literary Dinner.
Day 8 - Saturday 3 October - Festival & Petrovouni
Walk (up to 2.5 hours)
After this morning's festival talks and a light lunch by the sea in Kardamyli, we will walk up to and 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 round to Kardamyli, enjoying spectacular coastal views and returning in plenty of time for a relaxed evening, during which we can arrange for a table at any of Kardamyli's best restaurants.
Day 9 - Sunday 4 October - Festival & Relax
After this morning's festival and a light lunch we will leave you to relax or explore as you choose. 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 10 - Monday 5 October - Festival & Kastania
Walk (up to 3 hours) or Cycle (2.5hrs, 21 kms)
After the final morning of 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 bike ride down to the sea in Kardamyli. An alternative is to avoid two wheels altogether and walk back to town. It's a beautiful walk downhill through olive groves and ever-present views. Dinner will be in Kardamyli.
Day 11 - Tuesday 6 October - Heading Home
It's the end of your time with us at the Kardamyli Festival. We have made arrangements to shuttle you back to Athens for the early afternoon flight back to Toronto. If you intend to make alternative travel plans we will be happy to assist with appropriate transfers.
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
Your first four nights will be spent at the Electra Palace Thessaloniki, a landmark in the city with views of the Thermaikos Gulf and Mount Olympus. In Kardamyli, we have chosen Diapori Suites Hotel and Opus Residences, both located just outside of the town centre overlooking the Messinian Gulf. It's a spectacular setting and a wonderful place to relax. At Diapori Suites Hotel there are two different room types: Standard and Suites. There is a supplementary charge for a Suite.
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
£6,950 (double or twin share) per person
Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Single Supplement, Standard (Thessaloniki & Kardamyli) | £935 pp |
| Family Suite Upgrade (Kardamyli) | £695 pp (double occupancy), £1,390 pp (single occupancy) |
| Superior Suite Upgrade (Kardamyli) | £740 pp (double occupancy), £1,480 pp (single occupancy) |
| Executive Suite Upgrade (Kardamyli) | £795 pp (double occupancy), £1,590 pp (single occupancy) |
- International arrival and departure transfers (1 x arrival, 1 x departure)
- Transfers for internal flight and from Athens to Kardamyli
- Guided tours in Thessaloniki and The Royal Tombs of Aigai
- TSC host & English-speaking expert local guides in Kardamyli
- Festival ticket
- Fully-supported and guided walks and electric bike rides
- Electric bike and helmet hire
- All 10 nights accommodation
- All breakfasts and lunches
- Wine and beer at meal times **
- 7 evening meals including Festival Gala Dinner and Literary Dinner
- 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
- Personal costs
- Dinner on one night in Thessaloniki and on two nights in Kardamyli
- Tips (optional, of course)
- Travel insurance
- Visas (if required)
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.
We partner with Trust My Travel so that, in accordance with travel industry regulations, your funds are 100% protected.
Flights
You are responsible for booking your own flights. They are not included in the cost of the trip. There are no direct flights from Toronto to Thessaloniki, but multiple Air Canada options connecting in Europe.
Transfers
We will provide a transfer for the group from the airport to the hotel. If other members of the group decide to take different flights, then we can arrange further transfers at a cost.
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.
Unique Experiences
Travel is so often commoditised and unimaginative. We are the antidote, taking time to create beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind experiences to places that excite us.
Community & Connection
We cherish personal relationships and friendships and seek to strengthen cross-cultural bonds, respecting and supporting those who enter our orbit. All must feel our impact is positive.
Dedication to Excellence
We design experiences with passion, flair and innovation. We seek continual improvement, to offer the best experience possible.
Care for the Planet
We travel with a light footprint and we seek ways to protect and celebrate Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystems.
Charitable Giving
Each year, we donate 1% of our revenue to a variety of causes across our destinations and in the UK, each aligning with our values.
Where It All Began...
It all began with a 28,000km cycle to Australia. Founder Oli Broom fell in love with watching the world roll by under his wheels and wanted to share that joy with others. Read more.