Description

We invite you to join us for a rich range of spring bulbs in the wonderful landscape of the Peloponnese!

We invite you to join a brand new, unique, and exclusive spring botanical tour to the Peloponnese Peninsula in Greece.

The focus of the holiday will be on finding and photographing a fine range of spring flowering bulbs, including orchids, plus other plants. We will also enjoy the rest of the natural history found in beautiful landscapes, as well as soaking up the local culture. We shall also take in several historical areas on our travels and plant finding excursions, such as Epidavros, Ancient Corinth, and Ancient Sparta.

We believe you won’t find a better option for a visit to the region. We are locals, being either Greek nationals or naturalised in this amazing country. Thus, we have knowledge of many locations for particular species, as well as the ability to adapt to any situation regarding seasonal variation, which is becoming a significant factor these days.

We are also part of a wider network of local naturalists, who trust and willingly share their knowledge and up to date news with us about flora and fauna of the areas we visit. With our extensive experience & genuine passion, you will gain an equally extensive overall experience of Greek local traditions, culture, history and even gastronomy.

Location information

The Peloponnese is a peninsula that covers an area of some 21,000 square kilometres and constitutes the southernmost part of mainland Greece. It is connected to the mainland by the narrow Isthmus of Corinth. It is said to derive its name, Peloponnesus, or the island of Pelops, from the mythical King of the region.

The area is also steeped in history; this is the land of Mycenae, Sparta and Olympia; the Greek war of independence started here in 1821. The Mycenaean civilization, mainland Greece’s first major civilization, dominated the Peloponnese in the Bronze Age from its stronghold at Mycenae in the north-east of the peninsula.

Loutraki

Nestled at the foot of the Geraneia Mountains, the coastal town of Loutraki lies about 4 km from Corinth and 84 km from Athens. Renowned for its natural mineral and healing springs, Loutraki is a favoured destination for tourists seeking relaxation and wellness. In ancient times, the area now known as Loutraki was home to the village of Thermae (or Thermes), renowned for its therapeutic springs. The healing waters were under the protection of the goddess Artemis Thermia.

Ancient Corinth

Nestled within a modern village lie the sprawling yet compact ruins of this ancient city, largely shaped by Roman influence. Once home to the legendary Jason of the Argonauts—famed for stealing the Golden Fleece—Ancient Corinth also welcomed notable figures like the Roman traveller Pausanias and St. Paul, who preached the gospel here. Walk in their footsteps as you explore the Temple of Apollo, the Peribolos of Apollo, the ancient theatre, and other remarkable landmarks.

Epidavros

In its time, Epidavros was renowned across the Mediterranean as a sacred centre of miraculous healing. Pilgrims journeyed from afar to the serene Sanctuary of Asclepius, the god of medicine, in hopes of finding a cure. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for its remarkably well-preserved ancient theatre, which still hosts performances of Classical Greek drama during the Athens & Epidavros Festival—just as it did over 2,300 years ago.

Ancient Sparta

While few structures remain from Sparta’s golden age, wandering through this hillside site still offers a powerful sense of history. Once home to the acropolis and agora—the religious and administrative heart of the city from the 8th century BC through the Roman era—it features the remnants of an ancient theatre, the Sanctuary of Athena Chalkioikos, stoas, the intriguing ’round building,’ and later Byzantine churches.