DESTINATIONS GREECE & CYPRUS |ROAD TRIPS


tips TOP


E When visiting churches and monasteries, remind clients to dress modestly and check before taking photos, as some religious sites prohibit photography.


E Ensure car rental packages come with comprehensive insurance – including damage waivers – for total peace of mind.


E As the internet connection can be patchy in remote areas, adding a satnav to car hire is a smart choice.


CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Meteora monastery in Thessaly; typical Greek taverna


in Makranitsa; church in Kardamyli PICTURES: Shutterstock/Vera Petrunina, Nataliya Nazarova


among deep forests is said to mark the entrance to Hades’ underworld. Heading back towards Kalamata, suggest a pit stop in seaside Kardamyli to cool off. Should clients want to continue their adventure, a detour north leads to Olympia, where the Olympic Games began in 776BC – and where the modern Olympic flame is lit. Another option is to visit the beautiful city of Nafplio, and if clients are feeling adventurous, they can clamber up 857 steps to the castle for stunning


views of the Argolic Gulf. Book it: Inntravel offers the 12-night Peloponnese Journey with Olympia from £1,810 per person based on two sharing. Includes breakfast, car hire and flights to Athens from London for departures in October. inntravel.co.uk


INLAND ADVENTURE Just over 100 miles from Athens on the spectacular roads of Mount Parnassus, the archaeological site of Delphi has an aura of intrigue. The sacred precinct was home to the Pythia, a female oracle who delivered prophecies believed to


42 10 APRIL 2025


Agios Stefanos,


Meteora’s only nunnery, features 14th-century frescoes and a perfect viewpoint for sunsets


come from the god Apollo. Suggest a full day wandering the ruins, from the ancient theatre to the stadium, while soaking in the views of the olive tree-strewn valley below. The drive from Delphi to Pelion, the next stop, is three and a half hours, and drivers will need a head for heights to navigate the sheer, cliff-edge roads. Suggest plenty of breaks and photo stops en route. On arrival at the Pelion peninsula, there is plenty to see: start with Makrinitsa, a village 610m above sea level known as the ‘balcony of Pelion’ and suggest refuelling with a thick, milky trahana (fermented grain and yoghurt) soup


for a tasty, traditional energy boost. No journey through the Greek mainland is complete without visiting Meteora, where monasteries stand atop towering sandstone formations. Agios Stefanos, Meteora’s only nunnery, features marvellous 14th-century frescoes and a perfect viewpoint for sunsets. Clients can spend a night in the valley after a day’s hiking or driving between monasteries.


Heading west into the Pindus mountains, Metsovo is the capital of Greece’s Aromanian population – an ethnic group centred around this highland terrain. It’s as charming in winter as in summer, all wooden chalets and cobbled streets, while local delicacies include batzina (courgette pie) kefalograviera (smoked cheese) and red wines. Metsovo is also a gateway to the Vikos Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons. For a refreshing dip after days of exploring, recommend driving to the coastal village of Sivota, which boasts seafront tavernas, hidden


coves and crystalline waters. Book it: Audley Travel offers a


10-night trip from £2,470, based on two sharing. Includes breakfast, car hire, accommodation, excursions and flights, based on a September departure. audleytravel.com


CAREFREE CYPRUS For travellers new to road trips, a Cyprus itinerary offers a beginner- friendly alternative to the Greek mainland. Driving on the same side as the UK makes taking the wheel less daunting, while the island’s compact size means clients can swap long drives for daily outings. The Paphos region is a convenient base, combining plentiful accommodation and key sites such as Aphrodite’s Rock. Within an hour’s drive is the buzzing city of Limassol, the verdant Troodos Mountains and a handful of world-class swimming spots, including Coral Bay. Also within one hour are the ancient ruins of Kourion, which provides a glimpse into the island’s ancient Greek and Roman past, featuring bathhouses and breathtaking sea views


² travelweekly.co.uk


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