Combo MAY DAY
Authentic MANI
Light, Stone & Fragrances
AUTHENTIC MANI
01 - 03 May
18 Participants
Hiking
Duration
3 Nights
From 480€
1 - Easy
At the southernmost tip of the Peloponnese, and of Greece, Cape Tainaro welcomes us.
A place where stone dominates, the earth seems to be absent and nature is revealed in its most simple, authentic and imposing form.
Small settlements, huge battle towers and paths that cross an almost unreal landscape make up the identity of Mani.
The western side of Sangias, southern Taygetos, faces the Messinian Gulf and is the shadowless Mesa Mani, while the eastern side, towards the Laconian Gulf, is the sunny Mesa Mani, two sides of the same place, offering different images, different light and unique moments, from the first colors of dawn to the last of the sunset.
Tainaro or Cape Matapas, the “metapea akra” between two seas, is the southernmost tip of continental Europe, at the same longitude as Gibraltar.
A place full of history and myths: the gate of Hades, the psychopompeo, the necromancer of Poseidon, but also the ruins of the Agioi Asomatos which were built with materials from the ancient sanctuary. A little further on, the stone path leads to the lighthouse of 1882, a great monument that continues to stand proud at the end of the earth.
From the wild beauty of Cape Grossos, with its vertical cliff that drops 300 meters into the sea, to the stony serenity of Gerolimenas, and from the historic alleys of Areopolis, the old Tsimova that evolved into a symbol of Mani's power, to the impressive caves of Diros, Mani is revealed step by step, without embellishment, but with absolute authenticity.
Just south of Gythio in Vathi, where Mani "opens" to the world, Combo headquarters is set up. From there begins a journey that is not just an excursion, but a complete experience: images, routes, stories and moments that bring you closer to a unique place!
…and somewhere here, a beautiful Combo Adventure is just beginning.
🥾 Hiking only
🌅 Sunrises & sunsets
🌊 Seaside trails
🌿 Authentic landscapes, no filters
A FEW WORDS...
HIGHLIGHTS
🌍 Where Europe Ends
We hike to Cape Tainaro, the southernmost tip of continental Europe. Wind, stone and endless blue!
🪨 In the bowels of the Earth
Exploring the impressive Diros Caves — a natural wonder like no other!
🏘️ The authentic Mani, as you don’t easily see it
A unique tour of Mesa Mani through small settlements, stone towers and wild landscapes!
🏰 Vathia & Mani’s castle towns
Iconic images with towers perched on the hills and a view that lasts!
🥾 From wild Mani… to the serenity of Taygetos
Hiking in the Lagkadiotissa gorge, amidst green landscapes, waters and historic monasteries!
🌅 Light, aromas & moments
Sunsets, thyme, saltiness and that feeling of freedom!
🏨 Accommodation by the sea
We stay in a beautiful 3* hotel on the beach in Vathi, comfort, relaxation and sea view after every activity!
🚐 Premium transfers
Our transfers are carried out with Premium 9-seater Combo Vans, offering comfort, flexibility and a more “tied-together” group experience!
👥 Limited spots | Small group experience
Small groups, premium transfers, attentive accommodation and experiences that you really live — not just follow!
OVERVIEW
Day 1
Bank Holiday Friday 10 April🚐 Departure by Premium 9seat Combo Vans from Athens
(Detailed points & times will be sent to participants)
Route via Egnatia Odos with stops for coffee & rest.
Early Afternoon
Arrival in Paranesti
Time for a quick check-in and light lunch
Departure for our first hike. The ideal introduction to the area.
The Dance of Water and Green
Starting from the outskirts of Paranesti, the path unfolds like a green carpet next to Nestos, the "river of life" for Eastern Macedonia. Here, the noise of the city is replaced by the gurgling of water and the melodious song of birds. Sunlight filters through the dense foliage of the ancient plane trees, creating a play of shadows that enchants the eye.
The path moves parallel to the riverbed, allowing us to see up close the power of the water that sculpts the banks. At every turn of the path, the scenery changes: from narrow passages between bushes, to open glades where the river widens and calms down. It is a place where the sense of time is lost. The tranquility of the landscape invites you to stop, breathe the cool air of the river and feel the absolute connection with the ecosystem.
This path is not just a hike; it is a therapeutic walk. The green of the lush vegetation and the blue of Nestos compose a living painting that remains indelible in the memory of every visitor.
Key Points:
The Riparian Forest: A rare "gallery" forest of plane trees, willows and alders that hug the banks.
Viewpoints: Wooden benches and platforms above the river for rest and observation.
Birdlife: Opportunities for birdwatching, as the area is home to herons, cormorants and rare birds of prey.
📊 Trail Stats
Distance: 7.85 km
Altitude: +22m
Duration: ~2:30
Difficulty level: Easy
Type: Circular
Ideal for getting into a rhythm and getting a feel for the place.
Evening
Epitaphio (quiet, authentic)
Dinner at a local tavern
Excursion & hiking briefing
Day 2
Bank Holiday Saturday 11 April
Fraktos Forest
The Long Route
Kalyvia Hatzichristou – Achladorema – Waterfalls – PanoramaThe Path of the Senses
The adventure begins at the stone construction site, where the silence of the mountain is interrupted only by the rustling of leaves. Descending the marked path, the air becomes cooler and the vegetation more lush. Soon, the Txaki Rema appears on the left, leading you deeper into the kingdom of beech and spruce.
The heart of the route beats at Achladorema. There, water has been carving the rock for centuries, creating the famous waterfalls. The climb next to the running water is a rite of passage: the smell of wet soil and the sound of falling water accompany you until you reach the impressive "Megali Sara".
Continuing towards the Panorama location, the landscape changes. The forest thins out and gives way to bare peaks and alpine meadows. Once there, fatigue disappears; before us will spread the vast greenery of Fraktos, an ocean of trees that seems to never end, reaching the Bulgarian border. On the way back, the passage through the abandoned Krusovo will add a touch of nostalgia, reminding us that once this wild place was home to people who lived in complete harmony with the mountain.
Main Points
Tzaki Rema: The first contact with running water and the entrance to the dense beech forest.
Achladorematos Waterfalls: The route passes by three impressive waterfalls. The first is easily accessible, while the third and largest reaches 70 meters in height.
Panorama Point: The highest point of the route offering a 360-degree view of the Rhodope Mountains and the Virgin Forest.
Ruins of Achladochori (Krousovo): A stop full of history among pear trees and stone ruins.
📊 Trail Stats
Distance: 16.62 km
Altitude: +803m
Duration: ~6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Circular
The day of essence. The day of initiation. The most powerful day of the four-day hike!
♨️ Stop in Thermia: The “Slum” of the Thermal Baths
Descending from Kalyvia Hatzichristou, we make a stop that feels like a journey through time. In Thermia, we discover an eerie settlement of stone and wood, built on ancient springs that gushes out steaming water at 50°C. It is a moment of absolute serenity, where the water vapor mingles with the forest mist, offering an experience of primitive relaxation before our return to our base in Paranesti.
In the evening: Resurrection in the village & a resurrection table.Day 2
Bank Holiday Saturday 11 April
Fraktos Forest
The Long Route
Kalyvia Hatzichristou – Achladorema – Waterfalls – PanoramaThe Path of the Senses
The adventure begins at the stone construction site, where the silence of the mountain is interrupted only by the rustling of leaves. Descending the marked path, the air becomes cooler and the vegetation more lush. Soon, the Txaki Rema appears on the left, leading you deeper into the kingdom of beech and spruce.
The heart of the route beats at Achladorema. There, water has been carving the rock for centuries, creating the famous waterfalls. The climb next to the running water is a rite of passage: the smell of wet soil and the sound of falling water accompany you until you reach the impressive "Megali Sara".
Continuing towards the Panorama location, the landscape changes. The forest thins out and gives way to bare peaks and alpine meadows. Once there, fatigue disappears; before us will spread the vast greenery of Fraktos, an ocean of trees that seems to never end, reaching the Bulgarian border. On the way back, the passage through the abandoned Krusovo will add a touch of nostalgia, reminding us that once this wild place was home to people who lived in complete harmony with the mountain.
Main Points
Tzaki Rema: The first contact with running water and the entrance to the dense beech forest.
Achladorematos Waterfalls: The route passes by three impressive waterfalls. The first is easily accessible, while the third and largest reaches 70 meters in height.
Panorama Point: The highest point of the route offering a 360-degree view of the Rhodope Mountains and the Virgin Forest.
Ruins of Achladochori (Krousovo): A stop full of history among pear trees and stone ruins.
📊 Trail Stats
Distance: 16.62 km
Altitude: +803m
Duration: ~6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Type: Circular
The day of essence. The day of initiation. The most powerful day of the four-day hike!
♨️ Stop in Thermia: The “Slum” of the Thermal Baths
Descending from Kalyvia Hatzichristou, we make a stop that feels like a journey through time. In Thermia, we discover an eerie settlement of stone and wood, built on ancient springs that gushes out steaming water at 50°C. It is a moment of absolute serenity, where the water vapor mingles with the forest mist, offering an experience of primitive relaxation before our return to our base in Paranesti.
In the evening: Resurrection in the village & a resurrection table.
TIPS
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXCURSION
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If on any day you do not wish to follow the daily program, please inform us so that we can provide you with an alternative
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If necessary, the program can be modified depending on weather conditions
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EQUIPMENT FOR HIKING
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Hiking or Trail Running Shoes
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Hiking Poles (Optional)
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Weather-Suitable Clothing Such As Quick-Drying Fabric, Shorts, Leggings, Hiking Pants, Vest, Light Jacket, Fleece, Windbreaker, Etc. (We Will Be Informed About The Weather A Few Days Before The Organized Excursion)
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Waterproof (Always Necessary)
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Backpack
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1 Lt Water Bottle Or 1.5 Lt Water Bottle
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Snacks Such As Sandwiches, Cereal Bars, Pastries, Nuts, Fruit, Dried Fruit Etc.
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Tissues, Wet Wipes
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Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
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Swimsuit (For Those Bold)
Useful Tips For Hiking Equipment, Based On Our Many Years Of Experience, Read Also Here
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WHAT IS INCLUDED
All Transportation With Exclusive 9-Seater Combo Vans, Tolls & Fuel
2 (Two) Nights With Breakfast At Belle Helene Hotel 3★ With Accommodation Taxes
ComboRide's research, design and route support
Leader - Attendant With Certified Emergency First Response Knowledge
The Hikes
VAT
Photographic Coverage With Our Own Professional Equipment
Group Organized Pharmacy
Third Party Liability Insurance Coverage
Anything Else Unseen Required To Make The Trip Happen
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Personal Expenses
Food and Drink
Entrance Fees to Visited Archaeological Sites, Museums and Anything Mentioned in the Program as Optional
COST
Participation Cost:
In a Double Room: Price per person €255
In a Triple Room: Price per person €240
In a Single Room: Price per person €345 (Limited availability)
To reserve a place, you must first press the orange "BOOK NOW" button on the page by filling in the form with your details.
Immediately after that, a deposit of 150 euros must be made
The deposit can be paid at the club office at Agias Theklas 13, Psirri (4 minutes walk from Monastiraki metro station)
or via bank IBAN
For Combo Loyal Members, immediate reservation of a place and payment at comboBus
Click HERE to see how you can become a Combo Loyal Member
Participation applications until Thursday 16 April. After this date you will need to contact us for availability.
REDUCTION
- € 50 for those who come with their own car
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellation and refund right until Thursday, April 14
Space is limited, so first come first served
Payment will be made during the tour
PHOTOS
