12 independent reviews for Archaeological tour of The Peloponnese
Reviews for Archaeological tour of The Peloponnese
Mark Nau review 26 Sep 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
William's enthusiastic and knowledgeable guidance throughout the trip, from ancient history to local knowledge, he made the trip low-stress and extremely informative!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I was steered toward small local businesses4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely wonderful unique experiencePlease note that Lavender Lodge (the accommodation referred to in some of the reviews) may be available, but if it is not, alternative accommodation of a similar standard will be provided.
Françoise Bartiaux review 24 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Every visit during our four-day stay was memorable because William shares so kindly his immense knowledge on Greek history, culture, languages (old and modern), and society. He speaks to lines of questioning with depth, humility, and humour. A good and unexpected surprise in this archaeological tour was to see giant Caretta turtles, an endangered species, in the harbour of Kyparissia, where William kindly drove us after a visit.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The Lavender lodge is quite comfortable so you will find anything you may need. And William generously provides his guests all elements for breakfast, and more! Do not forget solar cream and mosquito repellent.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
In the lodge, everything is made to reduce environmental impacts (local products, solar water heating system, compost). We took the public transport to go to Athens after our stay and William helped us book that trip. The bus is a convenient and cheap alternative to a taxi. Plastic bags and plastic water bottles are very largely used in Greece, and there are no local recycling facilities according to our host.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An unbeatable cultural holiday and a wonderful human experience.Timothy Elliot review 27 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Getting a good insight into the archaeology of the Peloponnese. Being introduced to the archaeologist at one site which meant we got the chance to look at a dig of a tholos tomb in progress. William is a fount of information and very good company. We enjoyed all the links to Homeric stories.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Let William know what your interests are and he will accommodate them. We went to a little monastery and an old water mill as well as the planned archaeological sites. He is good at pacing the holiday to suit his clientele, giving us time each day to relax and go for a swim after our excursion.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we used local Tavernas wherever we went and ate locally produced food and drink. The hot water was all produced by solar means.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A wonderful stress free holiday with no need to worry about driving or where to eat or stay next. It was a pleasure to meet William and get to know him a bit. We thoroughly enjoyed it and are contemplating coming back.Helen Weaver review 2 Nov 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This is really difficult. We had a week of archaeology and a week of multi-activity. Perhaps my favourites were the local tholos tombs at Peristeria, the first such tombs that we had seen and the beautiful walk afterwards through a gorge, but also the ancient city of Messene in its lovely setting2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Learn some Greek before you go. Although the Greeks are very friendly, before we reached the Peloponnese things were difficult for us to understand at times. Bill took all the hassle away once we met him, but there were times when we would really have liked to be able to speak to people who did not speak any English, such as the shepherds when we were walking.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Bill works hard to ensure that local people benefit from the money which we bring into the area. He uses all local suppliers and providers and encourages his guests to buy from Greek shops, not foreign chains. He took us to some fantastic tavernas and we are now fans of Greek food, and also took us to shops where we could buy very locally produced mountain cheese and other items.We did fly to Greece and spent time being driven by Bill. This was unavoidable, as we could not have reached the places we visited any other way, and without people driving to them (Greeks as well as visitors) many villages would simply not exist.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Superb, one of the best holidays we have had in some time. Not only is Bill interesting and incredibly knowledgeable about Ancient Greece, but he has spent a long time searching out some amazing walks, activities and places to eat. He speaks Greek fluently and seems to know everyone. He goes out of his way to give his guests the best possible experience, to an extent that I have not seen before in a holiday provider.The lodge is lovely, very well equipped and comfortable, with a fantastic view over the coast. The Kyparissia area is just right for this holiday; some wonderful ancient sites relatively close, mountains, beaches, islands........ I would give this holiday a lot more than 5 stars if I could.Laura White review 17 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Wow! We had an incredible week with William. Every day was amazing. One day we were swimming under waterfalls after a beautiful mountain hike with Bill's guide Dionysis, and the next day Gorge river wading to the caves with William. The food at the Tavernas was...'chefs kiss' good! We were on a multi activity tour and ended up swapping out our last day for an extra archialogical trip with William because he is so knowledgeable (and fun to hang out with) we figured we should take advantage of this time to tour the sites. That last day was amazing and Bill took us to Ancient Messene and it is an amazing place to behold. Lastly our trip to Pilos with Dionysis, who is an amazing guide also, was absolutely stunning. As we took the boat round the island and swam in the sea we had to keep pinching ourselves because it was such a beautiful experience.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go, and trust that it will be amazing and that you will be well taken care of. I got a couple of mosquito bites and Bill saved the day with his homemade herbal tincture. Maybe one tip... we went to the grocery store the first day and bought too much food, the Tavernas are so delicious you don't need too much extra as Bill stocks the fridge with breakfast essentials (and wine) so you don't need too much more!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Bill and Dionysis take care to support the locals by using a wide variety of local vendors . The Olives are sustainability grown and harvested by the lodge and we were taken to many remote sites that made you feel you were not harming the earth, it felt good to not be participating in any overcrowded tourist activity.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Top Notch! Highly reccomend :)) it was the best trip EVER! Thank you so much Bill, we will be back! We loved it!emma sparkes review 8 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We had a wonderful time .. William wears his knowledge lightly with sharing fascinating insights throughout. We visited some amazing locations as well as some great tips on places to eat out and explore under our own steam2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy the sunset on the veranda with a glass of wine - and try the old mill house for lunch. And leave enough space in your luggage to bring home olive oil and stunning olives3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fabulous wish we had had 2 weeks!Sara Barrett review 1 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Seeing all the archaeological sites including some lesser known sites. William was very knowledgeable and an excellent guide.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
We would thoroughly recommend this trip, it is worth discussing with William any particular interests. His local knowledge including the best times to visit sites was invaluable.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local suppliers and restaurants were used throughout this trip, several of which we would not have found ourselves.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This is a great way to explore the Peloponnese and I would recommend it . It was nice to be based in one place and the accommodation was very comfortable and well equipped. The trip is well paced and organised and definitely for those who want to avoid large groups.Trudy Last review 25 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
What I liked the most were the mountains, the sea and swimming, the ruins, the food, the front porch, the flowers, the winding roads, and, of course, the people.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Two of our seven days were very hot. Do what you can to manage the heat and bring plenty of sun screen. Perhaps even consider covering up with light gauzy white clothing—which I did not do.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We helped the locals by eating at local tavernas and purchasing gifts for our children and grandchildren at locally owned gift shops. Our driver, who transported us from Athens to Kyparissia, was also a local resident. William’s water supply comes from the mountains and is heated by on-site solar power.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent! My husband and I tremendously enjoyed our trip to Greece. I am not a world-wide traveller and so it took me a day or so to interface with the new culture and landscape—after which I felt right at home. Of course, experiencing a new culture was exactly my reason for travelling in the first place. While in the Peloponnese we visited a new archeological ruin site every day, some of which were as old as 2000 BC, escorted by our host, William, who was gracious and warm, well-trained in all of the Greek classics, and he spoke fluent Greek as well. We ate at many beautiful tavernas, some that were family-owned, and the food was both different and delicious. All of the food was made from the freshest produce and herbs, which isn’t always the case in the states, and William helped us make our selections—greatly appreciated. I relished everything I ordered and am afraid I gained 5 lbs on my vacation. The lodge was beautifully fitted and solidly constructed. Local fresh food waited for us in the kitchen, such as eggs, milk, bread, butter, honey, home-grown and homemade olives, cheese, wine, fruit, tomatoes, tea, and coffee, all of which we consumed for breakfast every morning. Beach towels, snorkels, face masks, a life vest, umbrellas (and, oh yes, a car) were also provided by William. The mountains and the sea were amazing and we swam in the Ionia sea every day, surrounded by mountains and joyous families playing on the shore and in the water . . . but, sometimes we had the beach to ourselves as well as it was early in the summer season.Gerry Tomkins review 17 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Our most memorable part of our holiday was our Tour Guide, William . He brought an added dimension to all the archaeological sites we visited. What was exciting was his deep knowledge of Greek classics.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Wear good solid footwear.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
William utilised local people and products at all times throughout our Tour. His Iodge accommodation was environmentally friendly blending into his hill top olive groves.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A fantastic archaeological and classical Greek experience.Ellie Grove review 2 Sep 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Wonderful travels in Greece with Bill … My partner and I experienced a wonderful stay and archaeological tour in Greece with Bill- Historian extraordinaire! We have spent 2 months hiking, journeying and living Greece and all its wonders and our 10 days spent at Bill's lovely Lavender Lodge and tour through the steps of the ancients was a highlight...and fantastic! Bill is an engaging, gregarious and caring host who assisted us in every way he could to make our trip through the Pelopponese incredible. We highly recommend anyone out there with an adventurous spirit who wishes to experience the real Greece - take a tour with Bill!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Have fun3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes alway good to support the locals on the peloponnese as they don’t get tourists like the islands and to me its the real ???? Greece4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An unbeatable holiday can’t wait to go back and experience moreSheena Boddington review 18 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The country itself. The western Peloponnese is incredibly beautiful and unspoilt. Mountains everywhere, clear fresh, crisp spring air, an abundance of wildflowers, the verdant greenery of early May, the little red-roofed villages clinging to the hillsides, the dramatic winding roads, the crystal sea, the amazing antiquities. What's not to love? Each day was memorable and exciting. It's impossible to pick a favourite.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The lodge is extremely comfortable and well equipped (I have rarely slept in a more comfortable bed) but access to it is down a rather narrow, steep path. If you have mobility problems be aware of this. Walking poles will also be helpful on some of the more uneven sites. Make sure they're collapsible for packing in your suitcase - I realised too late that mine were not! A flower and bird book would also be useful. Perhaps these could be supplied in the lodge?3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
One of the most attractive parts of the holiday for me was the way in which William interacted with local people wherever we went, speaking in fluent Greek. On one occasion a carafe of wine appeared on the table, courtesy of someone with whom he'd just had a conversation! We ate in local tavernas, often off the tourist track. I felt I was seeing the country from the inside with a guide who was as 'local' as any foreigner could be. Even though of necessity we drove everywhere, I felt that had we not done so I wouldn't have been able to visit these places, meet these friendly people, and eat and shop where I did. All the fresh produce amply supplied at the lodge was local.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent in every way. In addition to the things listed above, William was a marvellous host and guide, and I really enjoyed his company and our wide ranging discussions. I am in my late 70s and he went out of his way to make everything safe, comfortable and enjoyable, setting a manageable itinerary and pace. I can't recommend this holiday highly enough.derek poulson review 20 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
In the 3 days of my stay, Bill took me to a wonderful variety of archaeological sites and his knowledge, easy manner and organisation enhanced all of these trips. My most memorable part was the trip to Epidauros and Mycenae, which superlatives cannot describe.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Lavender lodge is extremely well-appointed, very comfortable and has superb panoramic views, but don't forget this is Greece and if you want English breakfast tea, as I do, you should bring it with you ! As for the sites, Bill knows them well and will take you round the easiest routes. However, there is still some rugged terrain involved, so bring sturdy footwear.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Bill and Tamara have, I discovered, used local builders and materials in the development of their facility. The food I ate was either grown by them or sourced locally and the whole facility is geared, it appears to me, to eco-friendly production and recycling...... for example: my eggshells went in their composter; power is in part solar and all cleaning products are eco- friendly. Clear advice was given as to which local Tavernas and shops to use. their approach certainly met all my requirements and standards for eco-friendly tourism.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Highly enjoyable, instructive and gave me real motivation to return at some point for a longer stay.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you Derek for your review. We agree that the archaeological sites of Mycenae and Epidauros are totally breathtaking and monumental even in their state of antiquity. Rest assured, we will definitely be providing English breakfast teas to go along with our home grown herbal tea range in the future ! Glad you used our new composter, the garden will greatly appreciate it! We very much look forward to hosting a tour for you again next year.
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