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Hiking Menalon & Lousios Gorge: Explore the First Certified Trail in Greece
4.7
6 Ratings
Νέα Μονή Φιλοσόφου
Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the first certified trail in Greece, Menalon Trail. Discover the stunning landscapes of Arcadia, from rugged valleys to deep gorges and bare peaks.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Νέα Μονή Παναγίας Φιλοσόφου - Meet your guides at the new Philosophou monastery and get briefed about the hiking trip. Start venturing into the Lousios Gorge, to the venerable old Philosophou Monastery, founded in 963 AD, nestled in the serene expanse of the forest. This monastery stands as one of the oldest Byzantine monuments in Greece, offering stunning views of the gorge below. Venturing deeper into Lousios Gorge, the path reveals ancient hermitages, ancient mills, and natural springs, crossing the majestic Lousios River where, according to legend, the god Zeus was bathed as an infant. The hike includes a visit to the Prodromou or St. John the Baptist Monastery, an architectural jewel of Greek Orthodox design, precariously situated on the edge of a cliff and dating back to the 16th century, showcasing historical fortitude and spiritual serenity. A significant rest is taken midway to enjoy a delightful homemade snack. The trail takes you to the Ancient Gortys a city erected beside the river, linked with Asclepius, the god of healing. Here is the end of our hike. You may not miss the chance to heal your feed into the cold waters of the river before our guide drives you back to the starting point.
What's Included
- Variety of snacks included
Additional Information
The Lousios Gorge, nestled at the west slopes of Menalon mountain in the heart of the Peloponnese is a natural marvel steeped in history and beauty. This rugged canyon, through which the Lousios River flows, is famed for its wild landscapes, ancient monasteries perched precariously on its cliffs, and the rich biodiversity that thrives within its depths. Our Hiking Lusios Gorge hike here is a passage through time. From the cliff-hanging Prodromou Monastery to the ancient and new Philosophou monasteries, every step is a story etched into the stone.
Location
Νέα Μονή Παναγίας Φιλοσόφου
Panagias Filosofou
Parking of New Moni Panagias Filosofou
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(6 Ratings)
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Chen
Aug 23, 2023
Hike in menalos trail - Great hike. Nice views and culture experience too .
Expect for long decent and long assent.
Over 1000 m down and up .
We visited monasteries on the way.
In the end you can visit the hydro museum.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vgemc
Aug 20, 2023
A lovely guided hike in the countryside - Very beautiful hike in the Lousios gorges, on part of the famous Menalon Trail, with our guide Dimitris whom we would like to thank again.
We left from the Monastery of Philosophou towards the Monastery of Prodromou to ancient Gortys, passing from one bank to the other of the mythical river Lousios. Final picnic provided by Dimitris at the edge of the river, with a short swim possible for those less cautious.
A lovely time spent with family!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Myriam
Aug 8, 2023
Worth seeing! - A fantastic tour with a great guide. Ευχαριστούμε πάραπολύ @Δημήτρης!
You need a 4x4 to get there. Please don't try with a camper! The roads are very bad.
The monastery is... indescribable. A fascinating place.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X3718xrkathys
May 16, 2022
Great hike through gorge and monestary - My husband and I hiked the gorge with Fotis. We are experienced hikers, but the day was so much more enjoyable having a guide to help navigate the trail and give us the history behind the sites. Fotis was very friendly, informative and professional. He even brought a picnic lunch that included olives and oil from his trees. This day is one of the highlights of our trip and I would very much recommend this company.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edith
Jul 31, 2024
Nice walk at a leisurely pace - Friendly guide who tells you about what you see along the way. Alternative walk walked past monasteries and through gorge.
Slow pace. Tasty picnic with products from our guide's farm.
Feet bathed in freezing healing water. Too bad the site does not indicate that you can bring swimwear.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kylie_h
Aug 17, 2023
Monestry - The monasteries were amazing to see and our guide Dimitri was very friendly and knowledgable - he graciously answered all the many many questions from our chatty group. Thank you
Review provided by Viator
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