“Dramatic countryside, beaches, towns and archaeology on offer”
ABTA is encouraging delegates to make the most of their time at The Travel Convention and visit some of the spectacular countryside, beaches and historic towns which are in easy reach of the convention venue in the Costa Navarino. Delegates who choose to arrive early or stay on can also visit some of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece including Olympia the original home of the Olympic Games.
The Costa Navarino is situated on the dramatic Navarino Bay where in 1827 the British, French and Russian navies defeated an Ottoman fleet, a key event in the liberation of Greece from Turkish rule. Nearby is Voidolikia beach described by the Times as “one of the best beaches in the world”. Throughout the convention free shuttles will be available to the pretty village of Gialova which is situated on the Gialova lagoon, a stopover for migratory birds and a must for twitchers.
The historic town of Pylos, one of the most ancient in Greece and whose king Nestor was one of the main characters in the Trojan War, is a short distance from the convention venue and has a spectacular Ottoman castle and one of the finest harbour locations in the Mediterranean. It is home to many fine restaurants and bars for those looking for a truly authentic Greek experience.
Ancient Greece has a powerful attraction and the Peloponnese has some of the country’s most spectacular and significant archaeological sites in easy reach of the Costa Navarino, including two that have Unesco World Heritage status. Olympia is 70km to the north of Costa Navarino where the Olympic games were first held in 776BC. Olympia has a spectacular stadium and two substantial temples in a beautiful, atmospheric location. A little closer is the Temple of Apollo Epicurus designed by one of the architects of the Parthenon in Athens and one of the best preserved temples surviving from ancient Greece.
ABTA Chief Executive Mark Tanzer said “The Peloponnese is one the most beautiful and historic parts of Greece. Dramatic countryside, beautiful beaches and lively, charming towns are all in easy reach of the convention venue plus access to some of Greece’s most important archaeological sites, including the original home of the Olympic Games, Olympia. We are very lucky to be in this very special part of the world and I would encourage delegates to make the most of what it has to offer whether before, during or after The Travel Convention.”
There are also a number of excursion options available listed below.
Monday 12 October: Ancient Messini and Kalamata’s Old City
Monday 12 October: Ancient Messini and Hiking Polilimnio
Monday 12 October: Messinian Food and Wine Tasting
Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October: Shuttle Service to/from Gialova & Pylos
