Arrive in the mountain village of Stemnitsa in the heart of the Peloponnese peninsula, positioned on the slopes of Mount Mainalo and surrounded by forests of fir. Stemnitsa is a traditional settlement known for its silver and gold metalwork, producing diverse wares including jewellery, crosses, domestic kitchenware, religious icons and candlesticks. The School of Silver and Goldsmiths here continues this long tradition, with students taking inspiration from their beautiful natural surroundings as well as the local folklore and art. With its stone-built houses and cobbled alleys, arriving here feels like stepping back into history. Depending on your time of arrival, pay a visit to the Menalon Trail office where you can collect your welcome package including your Menalon Trail map, and ask any questions you may have for your week ahead. You can also stock up on some trail supplies before enjoying a delicious meal at a traditional local restaurant tonight.

Waking rested after a peaceful night's sleep in the tranquillity of the mountains, tuck into a delicious breakfast of Greek specialties to fuel up for your first day of walking. Your path leaving Stemnitsa descends into the wooded valley via a zig zagging mule track. Entering the dramatic gorge of Lousios, the astonishing Prodromos Monastery reveals itself, built into the sheer sides of limestone cliffs and dating back to the 16th century. It is possible to pay a visit to the monastery before continuing your hike through the gorge. As you walk through the lush valley, you will encounter further monasteries, from the remains of the Old Philosophou dating back to 963, to the relatively more recent New Philosophou, founded in 1691. Ascending the gorge on a track shaded by forests of pine, holm, oak and fir, you will emerge through terraced fields by the small hamlet of Paleochori on the outskirts of Dimitsana. The excellent Open Air Water Power Museum here is worth a visit, telling the history of the region's pre-industrial past, when the power of water was harnessed to operate fulling mills, flour mills, as well as gunpowder mills that used to produce gunpowder for the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman occupation in 1821. Arriving to the mountain village of Dimitsana, you can freshen up at your cosy guesthouse before choosing a local taverna for your evening meal tonight.

Your second day on the Menalon Trail begins with a gentle ascent from the Lousios valley to reach the edge of the alpine forests that shroud the flanks of Pliovouni, the high point of the area. As you continue your climb, winding your way across the stunning mountain landscapes, you will gain splendid views over the gorge where you will be able to pick out the villages of Dimitsana, Paliochori and Zatouna amongst the green tree tops. Reaching the high point of your week, the saddle between Pliovouni and Fargovouni at 1560m, you have the option to ascend further to the summit of Pliovouni (1643m) before you descend through mystical woods to reach your next stop: Elati. Arriving to the village, make your way to your welcoming guesthouse and experience ebullient Greek hospitality, and perhaps learn a little more about life in the Arcadian mountains.

Feeling rested and refreshed, you will be treated to a mouth-watering traditional breakfast of Greek specialties to fuel you up for the day. This morning, you might like to visit the quirky woodcraft workshop in Elati before taking the wooded path that descends into the valley of the Mylaon River. Today's walk is predominantly downhill, following a tranquil route snaking along the riverbed, passing burbling streams and peaceful wooded glades reminiscent of fairy tales, with watermills and wooden bridges adding to quintessentially charming woodland scenes. It won't be too long before your path leaves the Mylaon River, and you climb switchbacks carved into a steep rocky slope toward the village of Vytina. Along the way, you can take a break at the church of Agia Paraskevi and have a moment of reflection in its tranquil surroundings, before making a final push to reach the village and your home for the night. After your more challenging hike yesterday, today's shorter walk makes for an easier day for the legs, and it is feasible to arrive in Vytina for lunch and spend the rest of the day relaxing in this charming village. There are a number of cafes and restaurants available here, and the main square is a perfect location to sip a coffee and enjoy a spot of people watching. You can also explore the church of Saint Tryphon that dominates the main square, built with the black marble found in the area and beautifully decorated with frescoes inside. There are also a number of traditional art galleries and local markets for you to while away a relaxed afternoon.

Returning to the valley of the Mylaon River this morning, you will follow the river in a northerly direction, immersed in lush greenery and fresh mountain air. Among the plane trees and cedars, you will soon come across the handsome old stone bridge of Zarziou, an important link across the Mylaon for the communities for Vytina and Magouliana. Following the trail markers, with craggy limestone formations accompanying you on your way, your route takes you to the Tzavaraina Stone Bridge that served as a key link between Vytina and the Gortynian villages to the west. The trail descends to a short gorge before ascending gently through scrubby landscapes, then re-entering the shade of the forest to emerge at the small village of Nymfasia. You will continue your walk a further short way toward Kernitsas to reach your guesthouse accommodation tonight, located in a tranquil and secluded spot surrounded by forest, with wonderful views over the valley below.

More tranquil forest paths and soul-enriching mountain scenery is in store for you on the Menalon Trail today. Setting out from your guesthouse this morning, you have the chance to visit the Kernitsas Monastery, an impressive monastic complex perched atop a prominent rocky outcrop. Considered the oldest monastery of Arcadia, it is said to be founded in the 12th century and is now a nunnery. Tucked in a seemingly inaccessible spot among the dense forests of fir, you will find the Hermitage of Panagia Sfyrida. Built into a shallow cave, the rooms of the church merge with rock faces, and are decorated with notable frescoes. Its location and natural supply of spring water enabled the hermitage to serve as a hideout and a stronghold during the Greek Revolution. Today it is easily accessible via stone steps and its elevated position offers fantastic views of the surroundings on a clear day. Walking on ancient trails, you will reach the small settlement of Magouliana, a good spot for a rest and perhaps some refreshments, before a gently undulating path takes you to the mountain village of Valtesiniko. With a wealth of natural agricultural and pastoral farming resources, this isolated village thrived despite the hardships experienced in the region. Its relative wealth is evidenced in its ten churches, with many decorative and ornate elements showcasing the fine art of wood carving that developed in this village. You will be spoilt for choice for dinner tonight from the many lovely local tavernas available here.

Your day starts with a climb out of the village, giving you lovely views over the wide expanse of the northern plains. The Byzantine Castle of Valtesiniko is positioned on a hill top overlooking the village; it is possible to make a detour to visit the remains of the medieval fortress before continuing on your way. As you traverse the open terrain of the ridge, you can enjoy the sumptuous views of the surrounding mountains on your approach the church of Agia Triada. The path soon drops into dense forest where you can drink in the enchanting scenes of woods and streams as the track undulates across the mountain side. Emerging from the forest trail, the landscape becomes open again and on reaching the saddle of Tsipournia, you can spot the village of Lagkadia, your final destination for the day. Your descent takes you through agricultural fields and past the Rapi Watermills, a complex of around thirty fulling mills and watermills, to reach the end of the Menalon Trail in the centre of Lagkadia. Famed as the birthplace of Greek Revolutionary heroes the Deligiannis brothers, this mountain village was also known as the village of the stone builders. Local craftsmen were reputed to be the best in the Peloponnese. You can see their skill evidenced in the beautiful stone buildings, bridges and towers that can be found not only in this village, but also the wider Arcadia and the rest of Greece. Check in to your hotel, freshen up and enjoy a celebratory meal in town at your pick of local restaurants, perhaps with a glass of Greek wine or even a glass of ouzo to toast to your sublime week of walking on the Menalon Trail.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your onward journey. It is possible to arrange additional nights accommodation if you would like to extend your stay in this idyllic area. Please speak with one of our sales team for further details.