In my Forgotten Greece tour, I aim to show you a different, more atypical side of the country we all think we know. I wanted it to be about different perspectives and interpretations of its history, culture, and people : about local pride (and much prejudice), atavistic folly, fatal stubbornness, heroic desperation and often, abject abandonment. But it will still be about Greece, nevertheless – or at least the aspects of it that are not as well advertised. We will look for the difficulty, the indigestion in Greek history, culture, and reality – and through this process, perhaps we will arrive to another understanding, and a different appreciation of the country as it emerges today. To this end, I have created an alternative itinerary through the rugged southern region of Peloponnese : it’s a part of the country I am very familiar with, and my natural choice to explore and showcase. I have also put together a riveting narrative, that will touch upon both classic and modern aspects of its history and culture – some of it palatable, most of it not, and all of it bewildering. It will be a search for Greece’s true, and often contradictory, nature. It will be about the stories left untold - until now.. Fairytale castles. Derelict factories. Ship graveyards. Secret bunkers. Abandoned train stations. Places of death, darkness and memory : Sounds interesting? Come and see The price includes : - 4 nights accommodation - All meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner - All entrance tickets and fees - Transport/Petrol/Road Toll What's not included : - Flights - Airport Transfers - Personal expenses such as additional services, shopping, gifts or souvenirs - The pre-trip overnight. An additional night(s) accommodation can be arranged near the meeting point
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Trip Itinerary
1
Corinth
Day 1-2
Corinthia : war, madness, and grit We will depart for the gritty town of Eleusina in the morning, and visit its industrial zone and ship graveyard. We will talk about its machine age ambition and eventual decline towards post-industrial decay, and reveal the character of the social and political problems that emerged along the way in a gritty suburban backdrop. We will continue toward the magnificent Isthmus of Corinth, a feat of engineering that predates the Panama Canal. We will discover the connections between forgotten ancient trackways, fading rock carvings, and an abandoned Roman villa. Afterwards, we will fast forward back to the 20th century visit the forts, bunkers, and tunnels around Isthmus, recounting heroic, personal stories from the Fall of Greece during WW2. At sunset, we will be offered the opportunity to join a memorable boat ride (additional cost), before retiring to a most stylish roadside motel with an astonishing story. This day is ideal for photographers. There will be sensational locations at one of the most stunning - and least privileged - areas of Greece, and we'll make sense of its secret stories as we explore the what ifs of a nascent Greek state juxtaposed with modern reality.
2
Patras
Day 2-3
Achaia : exploring nature and humanity We will drive to the town of DIakopto, to catch a train ride ride on a historic 19th century mountain railway. The tracks will take us through a gorge of unparalleled beauty towards Kalavryta, where we will visit the site and memorial of the most notorious crime against humanity performed in occupied Greece during World War 2. We will then double back for a memorable lunch in one of the minuscule villages inside the gorge, where we'll sample local delicacies such as Mountain Goat Stew, or Stuffed Gourgette Flowers among others. We will recharge our batteries with a spot of trekking in the fresh mountain air. In the afternoon, we will retire to the city of Patra, where we will explore its derelict industrial zone a sprawling 4 sq km region with abandoned factories, large machinery, and plenty of interesting spaces to discover and photograph. We will focus our discourse on the industrial history of the city, from its heyday to its demise, and up to the present day's social and political issues revolving around the zone. For those who prefer so, however, this can be a free afternoon to explore the gritty, lively city of Patras independently, or just relax. Towards the evening, we will dine at a small alternative eatery, enjoying the seaside, and even the occasional live music event !
3
Filiatra
Day 3-4
Messenia : farming, folly, and faith In the morning, will set off for the rural town of Kyparissia. where we will check into an alternative farmhouse for our next overnight. There, we will enjoy local hospitality in a surprising and tranquil setting, and attune to local lore and philosophy. Later we we will then make our way to Methoni to search for its lost, early Christian catacombs, and see evidence of the secret rituals and burials that took place there. There will be some light trekking and botany, as we take in the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside. On our way back, we will visit the strange Fairytale Castle and its associated monuments. It is one of the regions most fantastical and divisive landmarks. We will hear the story of its eccentric benefactor and find out about the importance of myth and folly in culture. We will be at a seaside tavern for lunch, where a variety of home cooked tapas and bites will be laid on the table for us. There will be free time for relaxation in the afternoon, while he adventurous can opt for a bit of urbex at Kyparissia's abandoned train station. In the evening, we will head to the town's hilltop castle for a finger licking dinner of delicious gournopoula, the region's renowned whole roasted suckling pig. Those who wish to, can enjoy some free time at the upper town's bars and cafes later, or continue the evening with drinks back to our farm stay.
4
Megalopolis
Day 4-5
Arcadia : Power, terror, and devotion The first stop of the day will be the Well of Meligalas, site of an infamous, and still divisive, civil war atrocity. We will recount the dramatic events of the Greek Civil War in an original setting, as well as the painful and divisive history of this dark location. We will approach old Spartan territory through the Arcadian Gate of Ancient Messene, and spend some time exploring this incredible site, where we will become familiar with the history and dark culture of Sparta, as well as the downfall of this terrifying ancient state. We will then visit the black lignite fields of the imposing, smoke-spewing power stations at Megalopoli. Its an industrial location of grand scale and abject beauty, where we will be navigating the intertwining concepts of electric and state power, as well as their cultural and environmental consequences. We will also stop by the weirdly eclectic church of Agia Fotini in Mantineia. It is the work of the architect Kostas Papatheodorou - a humble genius, and a man who abandoned career and mortal comfort to deliver this inspired project with grace. We will hear the astonishing story of this unique building, the folklore techniques utilised and a glimpse of the character and mindset of the architect. Returning to Athens, we will get the chance to relax or explore for a few hours until our evening farewell dinner at a home style cooking restaurant.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel & Bed & Breakfast
5 days trip
Corinth, Patras & 2 more
Transportation
Other
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