Join the Olive Harvest in Greece

We will meet up in Athens airport, where we will pick up our rental vehicle and travel to the southwest of Greece with some memorable stops along the way - the Corinth Canal, and a strange church in Mantineia before we cross the mountains towards Kyparissia on the western coast.

I will welcome you to my family farmhouse at the village of Chalazoni, about 10km away from Kyparissia. It is fully equipped with kitchen, two bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, and even a sauna ! Internet is also provided, although connection isn't great... I suggest to bring a book. For the next 11 days, you can either choose to help me work the olive grove for up to 8 hours per day, or relax and explore the region. Kyparissia is a lovely town of 10k inhabitants with nice bars, clubs and restaurants, and an astonishing old town including a castle with commanding views over the plains and the sea.

We will spent most of the stay at my farm in the village of Chalazoni, where we will experience the olive tree harvest. Those who are up for joining the annual olive harvest, will be attached to a professional harvesting crew, and we will be given appropriate instruction in using the tools and gear, harvesting techniques, and safety procedures. Weather permitting we, will work for 8 hours including lunch & coffee breaks. In case it starts raining, and it always does, then tools are down until the next sunny spell, whether it is an hour, or a week away.. it’s how it goes In the afternoon, we will rest and recover, and get acquainted with the history, ancient lore, and cuisine of southern Peloponnese. We’ll enjoy a range of traditional dishes and flavours, with plenty of vegetarian or vegan options, and loads of great wine – all produce will be organic, and locally grown. For the rainy days, I have planned a range of activities nearby, including photography and urban exploration. And did I mention that I have installed a proper sauna cabin in the farmhouse? Nothing like relaxing one’s muscles in 100c steam after a hard day’s work ! If you choose to help in the fields, in exchange for your help, I will refund you up to EUR30 per day, pro-rated for every hour of work you put in. So if you want to enjoy your stay and meals for free - all you have to do is roll up your sleeves and join me to work, as much as you can handle ! *Terms &Conditions Spaces : Space is limited to 3 persons. Please be prepared to share a room if you’re travelling solo (same sex sharing). If you are not comfortable sharing a room in a household, but still wish to join, independent apartment rental is also possible at an additional EUR20 per person. Work : For those who wish to join the harvest, we will work for up to 8 hours in the field each day. Less in case it rains. We will have 1 hour lunch break and hourly coffee breaks. I will refund you up to EUR25 per day of work, pro-rated for the hours you wish to put in every day. Food & lodging: It is EUR25 per day - again, this is a cost I am prepared to refund to you in return for your help in the fields ! Weather : There will be no work in the fields when the weather’s bad. But I'll have a whole range of other activities in store for us, or you can take your time to explore fabulous Kyparissia & Filiatra nearby.

We will also certainly explore the area around Filiatra, with its unique stories and monuments, including the famous Fairytale Castle of Agrili. We will also definitely visit an olive press, where you will be acquainted with the history of olive oil, its traditions, and manufacturing processes.

At the end of the journey, I will drive you to Athens airport where you can continue the trip home. Flights : Return flights to Athens are generally inexpensive in November. A low cost fare from London, for exmple, costs between £50 and £90 return