American World Traveler Fall 2018 Issue

8
Peloponnese Please!
Article and photography by Michael Morcos
There is ancient Athens, there are the
grand Greek Islands, the main land
doorway to Europe and then there is
something very special – the Peloponnese.
Where? That was the question I was asked
most often before my trip. The best way to
describe it is as a large island that is just minutes
away from greater Athens. Describing it
once I was back from my first trip there? Pure
heaven!
The Peloponnese is a hidden gem in plain sight
that offers everything the Greek islands are
known for but without the hoards. The air is
fresh, the waters are clear, the food is abundant
and delicious, the people friendly and
welcoming and the scenery - divine. All this
and add to it a long, storied history, great outdoor
adventures, world class hotels and quaint
villages and we have a recipe for the next best
thing in travel.
Our journey from Athens and through to
Peloponnese on a small luxury bus was calm
and relaxing. This was a pleasant surprise as
the highways were uncongested, smooth and
in perfect condition, as were most of other the
major routes including in the mountainous
areas. In this part of Greece the sun is pretty
much guaranteed, especially in summer, and
that is exactly what we had. Beautiful blue skies
and a comfortable warm temperature, this was
a recipe for a great trip.
Wine anyone
Our first stop was to the Skouras wineries for a
tasting and lunch of local cuisine. To our
delight, we met the founder and owner George
Skouras who was open, friendly and explained
how much of a challenge it was establishing
this winery when most people did not believe
the land was suitable for a vineyard and there
was already too much wine available on the
market. Against all odds and in a very short
time he has succeeded, as Skouras wines are
now well recognised throughout Greece and
internationally as a premier Greek wine. The
sampling with lunch was terrific.
History before our eyes
With a full and happy stomach, we would visit
the amazing ancient theater of Epidaurus. Set
on the side of a mountain, this historical site
was a marvel of engineering and still used
today for live performances. This visit made me
believe in the old saying that ‘they do not build
them like they used to’. Close by was the museum
with local artefacts that date back many
millenniums and are a testament to the
advanced ancient Greek society.
Jewel by the sea
Keeping with the theme of hidden gems, the
town of Nafplio is just that. Located in a quiet
bay on the Mediterranean our visit there was a
memorable one. We would start at a taverna
with a wonderful meal directly across from the
waterfront and made with fresh local fish and
other seafood delights.
This once Venitian city was clean and organized
with charming little pedestrian streets.
There was a sense of celebration in air and
later in the night, the lovely town square was
packed for an energetic live performance by
the Greek Navy music band. The mostly local
population was out on this marvellous starry
night singing and dancing into the late hours.