A journey that follows the trail of Theodoros Kolokotronis and other heroes of the 1821 Greek Revolution against Ottoman rule. Discover the greatest moments of our modern history through a tour of museums and monuments in Arcadia and the general area of “Morea” (Peloponnese).

Day 1

ATHENS-DERVENAKIA-NAFPLIO-TRIPOLI

 

Boarding the bus and departure for the Peloponnese.

First stop is at Devernakia, where the historic victory of the Greek Revolutionary Struggle took place, with the interception of Dramali Pasha between 26 and 28 of July, 1822.

Stop for lunch.

The next stop is Nafplio and Palamidi (Its-Kale). In 1833, the disagreements between Kolokotronis and the regency led to imprisonment of the former, along with other fighters, in the prisons of Its-Kale in Nafplio on charges of treason. On May 25 1834, Kolokotronis was sentenced to death along with Plapoutas. He was pardoned following Othon’s accession to manhood in 1835, when he was named general and received the rank of “Officer of State”. We visit the sunless dungeon in the castle of Palamidi, where the “Old Man of the Morea” was imprisoned after his conviction.

Departure for Tripoli. Arrival and settling into the hotel. Overnight stay.

 

 

Day 2

TRIPOLI-LIBOVISI-STEMNITSA-PSARI ELLINIKOU-KARYTAINA-TRIPOLI

 

Breakfast and departure for mountainous Arcadia.

Through a picturesque route in the fir-tree covered Mount Mainalo we visit Libovisi, home of Theodoros Kolokotronis and his renowned group of “klephts-armatoloi”. We visit the Panagia (Virgin Mary) of Arkoudorema, a little church built by Kolokotronis himself, as an oblation to the Virgin Mary for the good outcome of the Fight.

Next, we walk along the narrow, picturesque alleys of historic Stemnitsa, and visit the Memorial, dedicated to the Fighters of 1821.

After a brief stop in Psari Ellinikou, to eat and gather strength, we visit Karytaina.

The castle in Karytaina became a fortress for the revolution against Ibrahim. In the Frankish castle we see what remnants of that era, such as ramparts and cannons, as well as the ruins of the house where Kolokotronis lived.

Return to Tripoli for overnight stay.

 

 

Day 3

TRIPOLI-LAGKADIA-DIMITSANA-ALONISTAINA-TRIPOLI

 

Breakfast and departure for Lagkadia, birthplace of the famous craftsmen, and also many great fighters of 1821, like Kanellos Deligiannis.

The next stop is historic Dimitsana, birthplace of Ethnarch Gregory V and Germanos of Patras (Palaion Patron Germanos). The Seminary here had been a cradle of arts and education during the years of Ottoman rule, creating the legend of the “Krifo Scholio” (Secret School). In its library, apart from old print books and calligraphy manuscripts, there are also various remnants of the 1821 revolution. These include a bronze shrine with the remains of the Archbishop of Patras Paleon Patron Germanos, the saddle of Papaflessas’ horse, portraits of fighters and benefactors of the nation. There is also a small folk art collection with various kinds of folk-life artifacts and artworks. (weaving, embroideries, bronze and wooden household objects).

Stop for lunch.

Next we visit Alonistaina. Kolokotronis’ mother came from this picturesque village, situated in the heart of Mount Mainalo. Kolokotronis spent his childhood here.

Return to Tripoli for overnight stay.

 

Day 4

TRIPOLI-PYLOS-NAVARINO-RAMOVOUNI MESSINIAS-TRIPOLI

 

Breakfast and departure for Messinia.

The first stop is the beautiful town of Pylos. We visit Niokastro, where we gaze upon the magnificent view of the picturesque bay. The construction of the fort began in 1573 by the Turks, who wanted to control the southern entrance to the bay of Navarino. After being under the rule of many peoples, it was used as a prison after Greece’s liberation during the Second World War, before it was handed over to the Archaeological Service.

  

Inside the castle you can see, amongst other things, the Acropolis, the Church of Metamorfosi tou Sotiros, as well as admire the rich collection of paintings within the relevant museum.

Stop for lunch. The Battle of Navarino took place in Navarino Bay, in 1827. It was the last major naval battle in history to take place exclusively between sailing vessels. The combined Ottoman and Egyptian armada was obliterated by the allied British, French and Russian naval force.

If the weather permits it, we take a boat ride in the bay, where you can still make out Ottoman sailing vessels at the sea bottom if the sea is calm and crystal clear.

On the way back to Tripoli we make a short stop in Ramovouni, Messinia. Here we will see the tree in the shade of which, it is said, Theodoros Kolokotronis was born in 1770.

Return to Tripoli for overnight stay.

 

 

Day 5

TRIPOLI-ATHENS

 

After breakfast, we take a short tour of historic Tripolitsa, which was the centre of the revolting Christendom. The Siege of Tripolitsa –an accomplishment of Theodoros Kolokotronis- was a key moment in the course of the 1821 revolution. We take a tour of the Tripoli War Museum, where we see the death mask of Theodoros Kolokotronis and other memorabilia of the Fight. Next we visit the heroe’s statue, in Areos Square. The bones of the “Old Man of the Morea” have been kept within the basis of the statue since the early 20^th centrury.

The rest of the day is free. Departure for Athens late in the afternoon.

  

 

 
Προβολή A Journey to 1821 σε χάρτη μεγαλύτερου μεγέθους