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Small Group Tours

Join our small group tours to experience the beauty and the authenticity of Peloponnese like a local. Our groups are usually up to 8 persons (and 16 for family tours) so we can keep the personal treatment and high quality of our services. Our guides are locals and are ready to share their pation for Peloponnese with you.

DAY 1: Arrival – Corinth Canal-and Welcome. We welcome you at the Athens National Airport ‘El. Venizelos’. Appointment with the other participants of the group and transferto our base, Tripoli, which is less than 2-hour drive.On the way we will stop at the Corinth Canal of Isthmos, one of the most famous world’s 19th century engineering masterpieces in history (the first attempt to build the canal was in 602 B.C). Arrival at the hotel with a welcome homemade dinner by us with Greek local food and drinks.Overnight Tripoli. DAY 2: Ancient Tegea – Alea – Kapsia Cave – Wine Tasting This will be a guided tour in ancient Tegea and Alea(optionally you can take this route on a bicycle). The tour will start from the ancient city of Tegea (ancient Tegeatis), one of the most developed and important cities of ancient Greece with the byzantine church built exactly above the ancient Greek theatre of the city. Our tour will continue with the visit in the village of Alea with the ancient temple of Alea Athena, the second biggest temple in Peloponnese after the temple of Zeus in Olympia, and the brand new museum. The tour around Tripoli will continue in a lighter way concerning archaeology to the Kapsia Cave, a true masterpiece for the eyes of the visitor under the earth, aged over than 3.000.000 years! And finally, visit to a local traditional winery to taste the Greek wine made of local varieties accompanied with delicacies. The afternoon will be free. You can take a walk around Tripoli to see the centreof the city with the cafes and the shops, the Areos square which is one of the biggest squares not only in Greece but also in the Balkans, and the statue of the local and national hero of the Greek revolution, Theodoros Kolokotronis. You can also visit the Archeological Museum of Tripoliif you want with its important antiquities.In addition, we can arrange for you a half-day trip in the seaside village of Astros to spend some time on the beach and walk around the picturesque dock.Overnight Tripoli. DAY 3:Dimitsana – Hydromovement museum – Monasteries in Lousios Gorge This day includes a tour through the magical Lousios gorge with the hidden monasteries built among the rocks. In this place, natural beauty meets history in a combination that only a place like Peloponnese can offer! Taking our minibus we arrive in another traditional village, Dimitsana in mountainous Arcadia. Firstly, we will visit the Hydromovement Open Air Museum, which is unique in the Balkans, to see how the locals were using the energy from the power of the water. The museum complex includes the renovated buildings of a watermill, a tannery and a powder shop, along with their original machinery and equipment. Each of these old, restored buildings houses an exhibition related to its formerindustrial use. Then, we will move on to the byzantine Filosofou monastery and if you are in a mood for a little bit of walking we will visit the ancient Filosofou monastery or “secret school” which is the oldest and most historical monastery in Arcadia and one of the oldest Greek Byzantine sites. Our next stop is the Prodromou monastery, which played a significant role during the Greek revolution in 1821 against the Ottomans, being used as a shelter for the Greek fighters. Finally, the tour ends in the findings of a 2500 year old city, ancient Gortys, from where the Spartans passed ontheir way to Olympia to participate in the Olympic Games! The best part is left for the end, as the program includes picnic and relaxation next to the river under the trees! Overnight Tripoli. DAY 4: Mycenae – Epidaurus – Nafplio. Excursion and guided tour in Mycenae, the center of Mycenaean world, 3500 years ago in the Bronze Age. You will be guided through the remains of the Acropolis of the city, pass through the Gate of Lions going up to the Palace of the king Agamemnon, the greatest king of Mycenae. You will also visit the great vaulted grave of Atreas, also King of Mycenae and father of Agamemnon and the unique museum with all the important findings of the area. Our next stop will be Epidaurus, the medical centre of antiquity that Asclepius had founded and the famous ancient theatre. You will walk in the orchestra and then you can have a seat in the “kilon”. You will be amazed by the acoustics of the theatre; it is a masterpiece of architecture even today. In the afternoon there will be free time in Nafplio where you can swim and rest on the beach, taste the local cuisine and visit the Venetian castle, Palamidi, with its 999 steps ascent to the top, for the daring. Return back and overnight Tripoli. DAY 5: Sparta – Mystras. Excursion and tour in Sparta and in the byzantine city of Mystras. Sparta is located just 57 km from Tripoli, on the foot of mountain Taygetos, the highest mountain of Peloponnese. There, we will visit the byzantine city of Mystras, with its fortified castle and the many churches. The most important and complete site from the byzantine age, as the whole city still exists, and many of the monasteries are still alive! You must be willing to explore and definitely have a bottle of water with you especially in the summer months if you wish to walk in the whole city as there are lots of steps and there are plenty of things to see. After a small stop for charging our batteries, our tour continues with the visit of the statue of Leonidas (king of Sparta, and the legendary 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae), and then the acropolis of the city with the theatre, one of the biggest ones among those of all the ancient Greek cities! Our guide will talk to you about the history of the place and make you imagine the Spartan way of living and fighting. According to the program the afternoon is free. Overnight Tripoli. DAY 6: Ancient Olympia. Today we pack our luggage in the morning as there is no other overnight in our base, Tripoli. We head to ancient Olympia where we will have a guided tour to the place where the Olympic Games originated. There, you will step in the ancient Olympic Stadium putting yourselves in the position of the athletes of the ancient times. You will be able to feel the grandeur of the games and imagine them competing. You will be browsed in the ancient buildings of the city; the great Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the ancient gymnasium and the Palaestra and to the workshop of Phidias where the great sculptor crafted the gigantic chryselephantine statue of Zeus, listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The sightseeing tour also includes a visit to the Museum of Olympia. The brilliant Hermes of Praxiteles, the Nike of Paionios and the pediments of Zeus temple are just some of the exhibits that everybody should see at least once in his life! In the end of the tour you will have some free time in Olympia where you can have a drink or lunch. Our trip continues north, driving on the Rio - Antirio Bridge, to Galaxidi, a beautiful seaside village close to Delphi. Overnight in Galaxidi. DAY 7: Delphi. After a good breakfast at the hotel head to Delphi for our guided tour.Delphi was the most important oracle of the ancient Greek world and according to mythology the center of the earth and nowadays a monument of Global heritage of Unesco. During your visit you will have the opportunity to admire the temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, the Stadium and also the spectacular view among the rocks. The tour will end with the archaeological museum of Delphi, one of the best in Greece, with great findings from the oracle and the area.Free time in the afternoon in Galaxidi.Overnight Galaxidi. DAY 8: Free day in Galaxidi – transfer to Meteora. Today you have a free day in Galaxidi. Galaxidi is a small port situated on a natural double harbor surrounded by mountains. The main harbor provides docking facilities for yachts and is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops. The smaller harbor is called Chirolaka. On the rocky shoreline by the side of the larger harbor, is a pine forest planted by school children in the early 20th century. You can explore the town, relax by the beach or take part in any of the activities that the area offers(hiking, scuba diving). You will surely enjoy yourselves doing whatever you want in this beautiful place. In the afternoon, our trip continues to the world known site of Meteora. Overnight in Meteora. DAY 9: Meteora Today you will visit two of the unique Meteora Monasteries, with the breathtaking view. The Metéora is a formation of immense monolithic pillars and huge, hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area.Metéora means "suspended in the air" and describes in an excellent way the monasteries there. The monasteries are included in the Monuments of world cultural Heritage, because they are a unique harmonious matching of Byzantine architecture and natural beauty.It is the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries in Greece, similar in importance to Mount Athos. The six monasteries are built on natural conglomerate pillars. Meteora is near the city of Kalambaka at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains, in central Greece. Meteora is a great place to experiencea spectacular landscape and byzantine monasteries that house priceless artifacts and wall paintings. Today only six monasteries are active with a small number of monks or nuns who reside there. The Great Meteoron, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorfossis - Transfiguration of Christ, is a male monastery, the oldest of all the monasteries there. It is built on the greatest rock of the complex, the Platys Lithos. It was founded around 1340 by Saint Athanasios Meteorites, a scholar monk of Mount Athos. The Varlaam Monastery is named after the first monk who built the first church on the rock. This was in 1350 and Varlaan built three churches, a room for himself and a water tank. Unfortunately no other monks joined him and after his death the site was abandoned for 200 years. In 1517, two monks from Ioannina, Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades, re-founded the monastery. Nowadays the monastery is reached by a bridge. You should visit the small museum inside the monastery which exhibits impressive 16th century paintings. The Rousanou Monastery, today run by Nuns, was built in 1545 by Maximos and Ioasaph of Ioannina, it is unclear who the actual monastery is named after, but it is dedicated to St.Barbara andit was looted during the Second World War. This monastery is also reached by a bridge that has some dramatic drops. St. Nicholas Anapafsas monastery was founded in the 14th century. This Monastery is most famous for its frescoes by the famous artist Theophanes Strelitzas in 1527, which include the passion of Christ and the Virgin Mary praying. The monastery was completely abandoned from 1900 to the 1960’s when the Greek government repaired it. After visiting these magnificent monasteries, we head off to Thermopylae, which is a world-famous spot for the battle that took place there between the Greek forces (notably the Spartans) and the invading Persian forces, commemorated by Simonides in the famous epitaph, "Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here obedient to their laws we lie." After a quick stop, we leave for Athens. Overnight in Athens. Day 10: Cape Sounio - Lake of Vouliagmeni – Athens Riviera The most popular excursion nearby Athens, not only for its great archaeological interest but for the scenic drive along the coastal road of the Saronic Gulf, as well. On your way towards the cape you will pass through the Athens Riviera, the southern suburbs of Attica Glyfada, Varkiza & Vouliagmeni where the urban landscape gives its place to blue waters and organized beaches. At cape Sounio, the ancient Greek temple of Poseidon dominates, perched on the craggy rocks offering to its visitors, magical sunsets over the Aegean Sea, as viewed from the ancient ruins. The location’s unique energy has inspired many myths in the ancient years. On the way back we will make a stop to the Lake of Vouliagmeni, a hidden natural treasure in an idyllic scenery, labyrinthine underwater tunnels and rich vegetation. The Lake of Vouliagmeni is integrated into the National list of NATURA 2000.At the end of your tourwe will stop in Athens Riviera, to relax and have the farewell lunch by the sea. Overnight Athens. DAY 11: Half Day Walking Tour of Athens In the morning we take a good breakfast and get ready for our appointment with the guide. Starting from Syntagma square where you can see the ruins that sprang from the depths of the earth during the construction of the subway in 2004. Continue to the impressive House of Parliament and get to witness the famous change of the Presidential Guards done by the imposing Evzones in front of the tomb of the unknown Soldier dedicated to all those who lost their lives for this country. Walking through the vivid street of Ermou with its modern stores, you reach the colorful and full of life Flea market in Monastiraki and enter the old town o Athens. Through Plaka’s alleys, you will step in the cradle of Ancient Greece where Greeks used to gather to trade but mostly to discuss political, philosophical and social issues thus creating the notion of Democracy. Stop at a small tavern and have a taste of the traditional Greek cuisine before taking of for the rest of your journey. Follow your guide along the beautiful paved walkway to the fabulous Acropolis Museum, walk on the glass floors which enable you to see the excavations under your feet and reach the entrance of the museum. Through the information provided by your guide and the 4,000 Acropolis masterpieces you will travel through time and have the chance to really grasp the myths behind the history. Your tour will be concluded on the Holly Rock of the Acropolis with its beautiful and unique monuments such as: the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea gateway, the Erechtheion and of course, the most famous archeological monument, the astonishing Parthenon. From the top of the hill and between all those breath taking marble temples you will feel closer to Zeus who will surely blink back at you!! DAY 12: Departure This Tour comes to an end and. Your luggage is full of memories and souvenirs from all these places you have visited. We the Greeks don’t like to say goodbye. Instead we prefer to say «Ειςτοεπανιδείν» which means ‘we hope to see you again’!

12-Day Archaeology Holidays in Greece

If you are a fun of archaeology this tour is suitable for you!

Price(from):

Duration:

€1690p.p

12 days

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DAY 1: Arrival – Corinth Canal - and Welcome. We welcome you at the Athens Airport El. Venizelos. Appointment with the other participants of the group and transfer to our base, Tripoli, is less than 2 hour drive. On the way we will stop to the Corinth Canal of Isthmos, one of the world’s 19th century engineering masterpiece’s history (the first attempt to build the canal was in 602 B.C). Arrival at the hotel with a welcome homemade dinner by us with Greek local food and drinks. This is what we eat at home! Overnight in Tripoli. DAY 2: Cycling to Ancient Tegea – Alea – Kapsia Cave – Wine Tasting Today, our guide will take you for a leisurely 20 Km tour with your bikes in the Tripoli plateau, through the villages. During your ride, you will also pass from the ancient city of Tegea, the most important city of Arcadia in antiquity. In Tegea, you will see the byzantine church of the city built exactly over the ancient Greek theatre and the Agora, which is found and saved by the archaeologists. You will also pass and visit the ancient temple of Alea Athena in Alea settlement. This temple was the biggest in Peloponnese after the temple of Olympian Zeus in Olympia. Burnt in about 395 BC and restored in 340 BC by the sculptor Scopas, it housed the ivory statue of Athena. The net biking time is about 2, 5 hours and the route is very easy for anyone with a minimum level of fitness. The tour around Tripoli will continue in a lighter way concerning archaeology in the Kapsia Cave, a true masterpiece for the eyes of the visitor under the earth, aged over than 3.000.000 years old! And finally, visit to the local traditional “Kalogris” winery to taste the Greek wine made of local varieties accompanied with the homemade pies of the family. The afternoon will be free. You can take a walk around Tripoli to see the centre with the cafes and the shops, the Areos square which is one of the biggest squares not only in Greece but also in the Balkans, and to the statue of the local and national hero of the Greek revolution, Theodoros Kolokotronis. You can also visit the archeological Museum if you want with its important antiquities. In addition, we can arrange for you a half-day trip in the seaside village of Astros to spend some time on the beach and walk around the picturesque dock. Overnight in Tripoli. DAY 3: Hiking in Lousios Gorge - Dimitsana – Hydromovement museum – Hidden Monasteries This day includes a tour in the magical Lousios gorge with the hidden monasteries built among the rocks. In this place, natural beauty meets history in a combination that only a place like Peloponnese can offer! Taking our minibus we arrive at another traditional settlement, Dimitsana in mountainous Arcadia. Firstly, we will visit the outdoor Hydromovement Open Air Museum, the unique in the Balkans, to see how the locals were using the energy from the power of the water. The museum complex includes the renovated buildings of a watermill, a tannery and a powder shop, complete with their original machinery and equipment. Each of these old, restored buildings houses an exhibition related to its former industrial use. Then we will move on to the byzantine Filosofou monastery and if you are in a mood for a little bit of walking we will visit the ancient Filosofou monastery or “secret school” which is the oldest and most historical monastery in Arcadia and one of the oldest Greek Byzantine sites. Our next stop is the Prodromou monastery, which played significant role during the Greek revolution of 1821 against the Ottomans, being used as a shelter for the Greek fighters. Finally, the tour ends in the findings of a 2500 year old city, ancient Gortys, from where the Spartans where passing on their way to Olympia to participate in the Olympic Games! The best part is left for the end, as the program includes picnic and relaxation next to the river under the trees! Overnight in Tripoli. DAY 4: Mycenae – Epidaurus – Nafplio. Excursion and guided tour in Mycenae, the center of Mycenaean world, 3500 years ago in the Bronze Age. You will be guided in the remains of the Acropolis of the city, passing through the Gate of Lions going up to the Palace of the king Agamemnon, the greatest king of Mycenae. You will also visit the great vaulted grave of Atreas, also King of Mycenae and father of Agamemnon and the unique museum with the all the important findings of the area. Our next stop will be Epidaurus, the medical centre of antiquity that Asclepius had founded with the famous ancient theatre. You will walk in the orchestra and then you can have a seat in the “kilon”. You will be amazed by the acoustics of the theatre; it is a masterpiece of science even today. In the afternoon there will be free time in Nafplio where you can try the local cuisine and visit the Venetian castle, Palamidi, with its 999 steps ascent to the top, for the daring. Return back and overnight in Tripoli. DAY 5: Sparta – Mystras. Excursion and tour in Sparta and in the byzantine city of Mystras. Sparta is located just 57 km from Tripoli, on the foot of mountain Taygetos, the highest mountain of Peloponnese. There, we will visit the byzantine city of Mystras, with its fortified castle and the many churches. The most important and complete site from the byzantine age, as the whole city still exists, and many of the monasteries are still alive! You must be equipped with appetite for exploration and water especially in the deep summer if you wish to walk in the whole city as there are lots of steps and there are plenty of things to see. After a small stop for charging our batteries, our tour continues with the visit of the statue of Leonidas (king of Sparta, and the legendary 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae), and then the acropolis of the city with the theatre, one of the biggest ones among those of all the ancient Greek cities! Our guide will explain to you and make you imagine the Spartan way of living and fighting. Overnight in Tripoli. DAY 6: Ancient Olympia. Today we pack our luggage in the morning as there is no other overnight in our base, Tripoli. We head to ancient Olympia where we will have a guided tour to the birthplace of the Olympic Games. There, you will step in the ancient Olympic Stadium putting yourselves in the position of the athletes of the ancient times. You will be able to feel the grandeur of the games and imagine them competing. You will be browsed in the ancient buildings of the city; the great Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Hera, the ancient gymnasium and the Palestra and to the workshop of Phidias where the great sculptor crafted the gigantic chryselephantine statue of Zeus, listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The sightseeing tour also includes a visit to the Olympia museum. The brilliant Hermes of Praxiteles, the Nike of Paionios and the pediments of Zeus temple are just some of the exhibits that anybody should see at least once in his life! In the end of the tour you will have some free time in Olympia where you can have a drink or lunch if you wish. Our trip continues north, passing by the Rio- Antirio bridge, up to Galaxidi, a beautiful seaside village close to Delphi. Overnight in Galaxidi. DAY 7: Delphi. After a good breakfast at the hotel we pack our luggage and head to Delphi for our guided tour. Delphi was the most important oracle of the ancient Greek world and according to mythology the center of the earth and nowadays a monument of Global heritage of Unesco. During your visit you will have the opportunity to admire the temple of Apollo, the ancient theatre, the Stadium and also the spectacular view among the rocks. The tour will end with the archaeological museum of Delphi, one of the best in Greece, with great findings from the oracle and the area. Our today’s trip continues to Arahova, a mountainous top destination, where we will have a stop. You can have lunch in nice taverns with local-traditional food, enjoy your coffee in the main square or just explore the town wondering through the small streets. Departure to Athens and overnight there. DAY 8: Acropolis – Acropolis museum - Departure In the morning we take a good breakfast and get ready for our appointment with the guide. The tour includes of course, both Acropolis, the masterpiece of the ancient Greek engineering, and the New Acropolis Museum with the impressive heritage that our ancestors left to us. When tour is finished, we transport you to the airport. We the Greeks don’t like to say goodbye. Instead we prefer to say «Εις το επανιδείν» which means that we hope to see you again some time!

Archaeology Activity Holiday in Greece

Combine an activity experience along with visiting the top archaeological sites of Peloponnese.

Price(from):

Duration:

€1390p.p

8 days

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DAY 1: Arrival in Athens-Corinth Canal-Epidaurus Meet your guide at the Athens airport or arrange a pick up from your hotel sometime in the afternoon. Our first stop will be at the Corinth Canal, the engineering masterpiece that separates Peloponnese from the mainland. Completed in the 1900 by a Greek, it changed completely the sea transportation of the area. We continue in Epidaurus, an UNESCO world heritage site where we will visit the ancient Greek theatre with its famous acoustics and the Asklepeion. Arrival in the town of Nafplio. Overnight in Nafplio DAY 2: Mycenae – Nafplio In the morning we head to Mycenae, the ancient kingdom of the Bronze Age which the king, Agamemnon, led the Greeks in the Trojan War. Returning back to Nafplio we have the time to explore this magnificent town. We visit Palamidi, the Venetian castle at the top of the hill, Bourtzi the island fort just in front of the harbor and we will visit the traditional ouzo distillery to find out the secrets of this Greek drink. In the afternoon you will have free time to get lost in the small streets of Nafplio, walk around Arvanitia and or go for a swim at the beach. The evening is yours to relax and enjoy Greek specialties in the local taverns or an ice cream by the harbor. Overnight in Nafplio. DAY 3: Kapsia Caves – Vytina – Dimitsana We leave the coast in the morning to start climbing to the mountainous Arcadia. “Et In Arcadia Ego” is the old saying and you will discover why. We will begin with a visit at the amazing Kapsia Caves where you will admire the rock formations created millions of years ago. Our next stop will be the traditional villages of Vytina and Dimitsana. Both villages are hidden well in the mountain Mainalo and you will be amazed by their architecture and traditional goods. The villages played an important role during the Greek Independence War of 1821. In Dimitsana our visit includes the monasteries of Loussios Gorge, Philosophou Monastery and the “Secret School”, the 1000 years old monastery that looks more like a fort! The tour also includes a visit to the unique and alternative Open Air Hydromovement museum. There you will see how the locals used the power of the water for their own needs in an era when no electrical power was available. Overnight in Dimitsana DAY 4: Ancient Olympia – wine tasting After a good breakfast in our hotel, we head west to visit ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games where you will see the ancient stadium, the temple of Zeus , the Palestra and the unique museum, one of the best in Greece. The day will end with wine tasting to taste the local wines and transfer to Kalamata. On the way, we can stop in Voidokilia beach -shaped in a perfect semicircle- one of the most beautiful beaches of the Peloponnese to swim. Overnight in Kalamata. DAY 5: Ancient Messini – Pylos – Methoni – Koroni This day includes a tour in the picturesque Messinia. We will start with a visit to the archaeological site of ancient Messini. Built in 371BC by Epaminondas,it set the new free era of the Messinian people against the Spartans. The tour will continue by taking the coastal road of Messinia visiting Pylos, Methoni and Koroni. In all 3 of those towns you will admire the well preserved Venetian castles and you can enjoy the beach and the local taverns. Overnight in Kalamata. DAY 6: Mani-Gytheio-Monemvassia Today our tour continues to one of the most beloved, fabulous and historical parts of Greece, Mani. Located in the south of Peloponnese, the rough and rocky landscape had as a result that the area remained always free. The wild beauty and the traditional towers of Mani will astonish you. Areopolis, Oitylo and the Dyros caves will make you fall in love with Mani. Our tour continues to another highlight of Peloponnese, the medieval city of Monemvassia. The town and fortress were founded in 583 and is built on a huge rock just 200m from the land. You will wander in the narrow streets and you will enjoy the tremendous view climbing up to the castle. Overnight in Monemvassia DAY 7: Sparta-Mystras – Departure Our last day begins with a visit in ancient Sparta,the kingdom of King Leonidas and the 300 men who fell in Thermopylae. We will visit the acropolis of the city where we can see the ancient theatre, the temple of Chalkoikos Athena and other remaining buildings. We then continue to Mystras, one of the most amazing sites of Peloponnese. Not in many parts of the world will you have the opportunity to see a whole city that is an archaeological site! One of the most important byzantine cities, Mystras is built on a steep hill on the foot of Taygetos Mountain. Walk up to the castle and visit the churches including the Mitropolis (Agios Dimitrios), where Konstantinos Palaiolologos, the last Emperor of Byzantium swore to be the king to fall bravely later in the last battle of the Constantinople. Stop for lunch in Sparta and then drive back to Athens. As the proverb goes “All good things must come to end”. However you can expand your holidays in our beautiful country as we can arrange for your some extra days in Athens for sightseeing or some days to rest on the Greek islands.

Peloponnese Guided Tour

Discover the top destinations of Peloponnese in this round tour!

Price(from):

Duration:

€990p.p

7 days

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Interested in a Small Group Tour in Peloponnese?

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