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Lovely selection of hotels with great food. [We] saw a wonderful selection of creatures, as well as amazing scenery and beautiful wild flowers. Both [guides were] absolutely fantastic and very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I wanted to see the chameleons and Herman’s [tortoise] and we were fortunate enough to see both. The turtles in the harbour were incredible too. I loved swimming in the waterfall as well. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip.
K.R, West Yorkshire, April '23
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The Reptiles & Amphibians of the Peloponnese
Tour Code: GRC19An 8-day holiday on the beautiful Greek Peloponnese peninsula, searching for the reptiles and amphibians of this wonderful region of southern Europe.
8 days
from
£2,295 (Inc flights)
£2,295 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£1,995
£1,995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula is one of the finest regions in the whole of Europe to go in search of reptiles and amphibians. Home to 46 species of herpetofauna, it is the only place in Europe where you can find African Chameleon, along with an interesting variety of endemics including Greek Rock Lizard and Greek Algyroides and other Greek specialities such as Marginated Tortoise and Limbless Skink.
Add to this the region’s breathtaking mountains, crystal clear streams dotted with curious pond terrapins, a wonderful flora, empty beaches, ancient chapels, friendly people and a mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine and it is easy to imagine how those joining this holiday are sure of an unforgettable Greek adventure!
- Enjoy a standout area for reptile and amphibian diversity in all of Europe
- Search for the incredible and sought-after Nose-horned Viper and African Chameleon
- Survey for the region’s amphibians including Fire Salamander, deafening chorus of European Tree Frog and Balkan Spadefoot Toad
- Explore pristine freshwater habitats for inquisitive European Pond Terrapin and Balkan Terrapin
- Discover Loggerhead Turtle in some of the most beautiful seas in Europe
This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.
Grading
On a typical day on our herpetology tours we’ll begin searching in the field after breakfast, when the sun has warmed the substrates and landscapes, often getting into the vehicles at 9am and, after stopping for approximately one hour for lunch (which is often a continental-style picnic eaten in situ), we’ll continue into early-evening when we will stop for a rest and dinner. Most evenings it will be possible to do excursions in search of nocturnal species, which will on average be for three hours after dinner. With an equal percentage of the target reptile and amphibian species likely to be nocturnal, these night searches are an important part of the tour but are optional, with some participants preferring to rest on some of the days. On average, 5-8 miles are walked per day.
We’ll focus our time in the field on building an enviable list of reptile and amphibian species seen. Whilst searching, there is no doubt we’ll come across a huge variety of amazing fauna and flora, which we’ll also take time to enjoy, but reptiles and amphibians will strongly remain our focus. Sensitively checking under stones, logs and other refugia is an effective way of finding many species. Some of the target reptile or amphibian species may require longer field hours to locate and therefore this tour is suitable, and most enjoyable, for experienced herpetologists or naturalists who, aside from wishing to see the region’s rarely-seen reptiles and amphibians, relish being in the field searching for and identifying the vast array of birds, butterflies, invertebrates, orchids and other wildlife which can be found sharing the wonderful habitats that we’ll explore on the tour.
In summary, Naturetrek herpetology holidays are suitable, and offer tremendous value, for those who spend most of their holiday time in wildlife habitats and for whom seeing some of the world’s superb reptiles and amphibians is the focus of their time away.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Athens, Transfer Kalogria
Day 2
Kalogria
Day 3
Lake Kaiafa
Day 4
Lake Kaiafa & Pylos
Day 5
Pylos Valley
Day 6
Pylos
Day 7
Pylos
Day 8
Lake Stymphalia, Depart London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Comfortable en suite accommodation throughout
- Food:
All meals are included in the cost of this holiday, except for any meals required during travel, and starting with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 8.
Reviews
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Dan Lay (Trip Leader) and Wouter Beaukema (Expert guide/co-leader) were absolutely excellent. They were both very patient, courteous and friendly with the entire group. It was great fun searching for wildlife with them! Their expert knowledge and the information they imparted was one of the tour highlights.
L.H, London, April 2022 -
The tour was well researched and very varied in habitats visited. It was extremely successful in not only finding, but providing good views of numerous reptiles and amphibians - way beyond my expectations. It is a most attractive area as well. Dan and Wouter were great. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, communicative, friendly and hard working. Could not be better. Too many highlights to pick one - probably the snakes, but also lovely meadows! For me it was great to travel with experienced herpetologists and to learn how to find snakes and lizards that you would otherwise not see. It was also a holiday that allowed time to look at birds , orchids , butterflies etc without inconveniencing the group. This was a very successful and enjoyable tour.
J.A. Surrey, April 2022 -
I wouldn't have believed that we would encounter so many species of herps. All my target species were were found and so many more. It was challenging, exciting, fascinating and beautiful. My highlights - the African Chamaeleon, sea turtles and tortoises - were a joy to see in the wild but it was all amazing. Dan, the Operations Manager, was so good with everybody in a kind, non-judgemental way and with a real motivating enthusiasm. He was also great at finding herps. Wouter, our herpetology expert, really was an asset, as well as being great company. We saw so many species up close without so much as a lizard shedding its tail from stress. Great work from our guides. A combination of skilled organisation, great people who know their job, a beautiful country, good travelling companions and fantastic wildlife made it an unforgettable experience.
S.K, Kent, April 2022
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Wed 23rd Apr – Wed 30th Apr
SPACES
£2,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Gary Powell
Tour Leader: Gary Powell
Gary Powell is Senior Reserves Manager for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) and has been with the organisation since 2001. He is responsible for ARC's suite of nature reserves across the country and the staff that maintain and manage them. Being based in Dorset, where ARC have almost 40 reserves, has given him the perfect opportunity to develop a good understanding of the ecology of the extensive local heathlands and the distribution of reptiles and amphibians across them.
An experienced field herpetologist, Gary has also surveyed and monitored herpetofauna overseas including taking part in and leading volunteer expeditions to Guatemala. Obsessed with the idea of jungles and exotic locations since childhood, this allowed Gary to fully immerse himself in the diversity and rich wildlife of both the lowland forests of Peten and the highlands of the Alta Verapaz, working with species such as the Black-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis moreletii), Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper) and personal favourites the Speckled Racer (Drymobius margaritiferus) and Neotropical Blunt-headed Treesnake (Imantodes cenchoa). As well as observing and studying reptiles and amphibians Gary also takes great pleasure in helping and encouraging others to understand and appreciate these animals and their habitats.
Gary has also written many book reviews for publications such as the Herpetological Bulletin and BBC Wildlife.
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Wed 22nd Apr – Wed 29th Apr
SPACES
£2,295
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£1,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£295
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
Tour Reports
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
