Kinsterna Activities Menu 2020

ACTIVITIES AT THE KINSTERNA HOTEL

Dear Guests, It is our great pleasure to welcome you at Kinsterna Hotel and provide you information regarding all the activities offered by the mansion to enhance further your experience during your stay.

Below you will find additional details regarding activities and visits to points of interest in the region that Kinsterna can arrange for its guests upon request, as well information on free activities.

The activities schedule is renewed on a weekly basis, so you are kindly requested to contact the Reception for further information.

A. Activities upon request: 1. Wine tasting 2. Adopt an olive tree 3. Cooking lessons 4. Handmade soap-making with glycerine 5. Horseback riding with an instructor 6. Hiking and visit to 1760 AD Ottoman residence with guides 7. Boat tour of the Monemvasia rock 8. Damos beach by boat 9. Gerakas harbour by boat 10. Kastania Cave by boat 11. Fishing

B. Complimentary Activities: 1. Baking country bread in the wood-burning oven (at least once / week) 2. Harvesting and sun-drying of grapes (15/08 – 15/09/2018) 3. Grape pressing in the old wine press (15/08 – 15/09/2018) 4. Production of Greek spirit ‘tsipouro’ (15/10 – 20/12/2018) 5. Preparing olives the Kinsterna way (20/10/2018 – 10/01/2019) 6. Olive picking by our guests (20/10/2018 – 10/01/2019) 7. Olive oil production by horse-powered press (20/10/2018 – 10/01/2019) 8. Handmade soap-making with olive oil 9. Honey harvest from Kinsterna beehives (summer & beginning of autumn) 10. Carriage ride 11. Donkey ride 12. Guided tour at the mansion 13. Cycling 14. Hiking along the trails in the area 15. Elafonisos beach and visit of the ancient submerged city of Pavlopetri (by your own vehicle)

A. ACTIVITIES UPON REQUEST

1.

Wine tasting

Location: Kinsterna cellar & select outdoor locations Duration: session I: 60’ / session II: 90' Minimum number of participants: 2 persons Cost: session I: 50€ per person / session II: 75€ per person Details: During session I, participants taste the 3 Kinsterna wines (white, red and rosé) and the legendary wine “Monemvasia-Malvasia”, while at session II, participants will have the opportunity to sample the 3 Kinsterna wines (white, red and rosé), 3 wines from selected Peloponnesian wineries and 1 dessert wine.

Fruit and cheeses are served during wine tasting as an integral part of the tasting experience.

Participants also have the option of visiting the Kinsterna vineyard to learn more about the varietals grown on the estate, while in July, August and September, it is also possible to pick some of the grapes.

2.

Adopt an olive tree

Location: Kinsterna Estate Duration: 15' – 20' Cost: 200€/olive tree Details: This involves planting an olive tree seedling as a symbolic gesture that strengthens your bond to our mansion. The planting comes with a certificate of adoption good for 10 years. The seedlings are planted on specially designed terraces on the estate and a sign is placed next to the seedling marking the date of planting and the name of the guests who decided to adopt the olive tree. Our staff take good care of your tree and will provide you with an annual update on its progress, along with a photo. If you like, we can also send you 1 bottle of extra-virgin olive oil and 1 bottle of olives each year (adopter covers the shipping costs). The certificate of adoption is renewed every 10 years, if you so choose, at the same cost.

3.

Cooking lessons

Duration: 120' (the duration of the meal is not included) Minimum number of participants: 2 persons Cost: 80€/person (drinks not included)

Details: Guests are taken on a tour of our gardens to select their own fresh ingredients. All participants are involved in preparing the recipes, which they are given along with other traditional ones to try at home.

Participants are actively involved in preparing local recipes, usually depending on seasonality, such as:  Traditional pie ‘tsaiti’  Stuffed vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, etc) with rice  Greek salad with olive oil dry biscuits from Monemvasia  Traditional Greek sweet ‘halvas’ The lesson is rounded off with a meal for participants where they are served the dishes they have prepared!

4.

Handmade soap-making with glycerine

Location: Kinsterna Estate Duration: 60’ – 90’ Cost: 25€/person (includes the making of 3 soaps / person) Minimum number of participants: 2 persons Details: Participants will have the opportunity to learn the recipe for making handmade soap with glycerine from our experienced manufacturer, who reveals his secrets of this lost craft. Mix in some spices and aromatic herbs from the Kinsterna gardens. Participants are welcome to keep the handmade soap and are given the recipe to prepare their own batch at home.

5.

Horseback riding with an instructor

Location: Kinsterna estate Duration: 30' / 60' Maximum number of participants: 4 persons Cost: 30€ for the short ride (30') / person 60€ for the longer ride (60') / person Details: Visitors are accompanied by the mansion's trainer and can follow any route they choose. More experienced guests can go on even longer rides by prior arrangement. Children may take part by riding with our instructor, after approval of their guardians.

6.

Hiking and visit to 1760 AD Ottoman residence with a guide

Location: Surrounding area & ‘Koulentia’ village Duration: 120’ hiking + 60’ rest + 40’ return to the mansion by car

Cost: 120€ (includes hiking with a guide and return to the mansion by car – max 4 persons - or vice versa, light snack and coffee) Details: Enjoy the natural environment and stunning views of the surrounding area by hiking up the green hills, streams and slopes surrounding the mansion or down towards the sea. You will find relevant maps at the Reception. We also suggest you to follow the E33 European foot path which connects Kinsterna with the village of ‘Koulentia’ and visit an Ottoman residence built in 1760 AD. The residence is located in the area of ‘Megalo Perivoli’, hidden away in the ravines. You can take a look at the interior spaces of the residence and enjoy a Greek coffee and traditional spoon sweet surrounded by nature.

Note: Prior coordination with our Activities Manager about details regarding the approach of the Ottoman Residence by road and the level of difficulty of the hiking trail, is highly suggested.

7.

Boat tour of the Monemvasia Rock

Location: Rock of Monemvasia Distance from marina of Monemvasia: 5 miles Duration: 60’-90’ Minimum number of participants: 2 persons Maximum number of participants: 6 persons Cost: 70€/person (includes transfer to/from the Monemvasia marina, towels, soft drinks, water and wine) Details: The trip on the Kinsterna boat takes about 45' and gives you a chance to get a unique look from the sea at the rock upon which the medieval citadel was built, as well as of St. Sophia church (13 th century).

You can also take a swim off the boat!

8.

Damos Beach by boat

Location: Damos Distance from marina of Monemvasia: 14,5 miles

Duration: 6 hours Minimum number of participants: 2 persons Maximum number of participants: 6 persons Cost:

370€ for 2 persons (private use) / 330€ for 3 persons / 370€ for 4

persons / 400€ for 5 persons / 430€ for 6 persons (includes transfer to/from Monemvasia harbour, towels and beach chairs, water, soft drinks, beverages and a variety of sandwiches) Details: This remote beach is not accessible by car, but can be approached by sea on the Kinsterna boat. The journey takes 45'-60’ and is truly magnificent! It's the perfect option for visitors looking to enjoy the sea away from the crowds.

9.

Gerakas harbour by boat

Location: Gerakas Distance from marina of Monemvasia: 12 miles Duration: 3-4 hours Minimum number of participants: 2 persons Maximum number of participants: 6 persons Cost: 280€ for 2 persons (private use) / 240€ for 3 persons / 280€ for 4 persons / 320€ for 5 persons / 350€ for 6 persons (includes transfer to/from the Monemvasia marina & Kinsterna house wine) Details: This picturesque village, with traditional tavernas serving fresh fish daily, is tucked into the southern-most fjord in Europe, near one of the most important wetlands. The tour to Gerakas harbour includes a short stop for a swim off the boat in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean, and a 3-hour rest stop at Gerakas harbour where you can enjoy a meal at one of the traditional tavernas.

You can also visit the ancient city of Zarakas, where findings indicate the area was inhabited in prehistoric times. The remains of the city are located on a small peninsula just north of the Gerakas harbour entrance. Of particular note is the acropolis – in a distance of 200m.- with the fortified

wall, built in the Hellenistic era (200-150 BC). Latter-day structures from the Roman and Byzantine periods are still visible within the walls.

Note: Visitors may approach the Gerakas harbour with their own vehicle.

10. Kastania Cave by boat Location: Kastania Distance from marina of Monemvasia: 11 miles Duration: 4-5 hours Minimum number of participants: 2 persons Maximum number of participants: 6 persons Cost: 250€ for 2 persons (private use)/ 290€ for 3 persons / 320€ for 4 persons / 350€ for 5 persons / 380€ for 6 persons ((includes transfer to/from Monemvasia marina, towels and beach chairs, water, soft drinks, beverages and a variety of sandwiches) Details: You arrive at the beach with the Kinsterna boat (the boat leaves you 15 meters from the beach and you are transported to the coast with a small boat so you can carry your personal items) and the journey lasts 30'-45 '.

Then you can go hiking by following the route to the Kastania Cave (climbing duration 20’ with altitude difference of 100m, total distance of 1km), where you have the opportunity to participate at the guided tour.

Then you can go down to the beach to enjoy your swim. This is an ideal suggestion combining boat ride, swimming, hiking and visiting one of the most impressive caves in Greece.

11. Fishing Location: Kastella beach Duration: 3,5 hours (afternoon) Maximum number of participants: 4 persons Cost: 80€ using rowboat (includes transfer to/from Kastella beach and suitable equipment) Details: The locals have been fishing in these clear waters for millennia, and now it's your chance to do the same. The mansion’s rowboat with an experienced local fisherman will take you on an interesting fishing trip in crystal waters.

B. COMPLIMENTARY ACTIVITIES

1. Baking country bread in the wood-burning oven (at least once / week) Location: Kinsterna estate Duration: 120’ Details: Usually every Saturday, we stoke up the old, stone, wood-burning oven and bake our own country-style bread. Anyone can join in the kneading process and mix up ingredients found on the estate, such as oregano, olives and raisins.

2. Harvesting and sun-drying of grapes (15/08 – 15/09/2018) Location: Kinsterna estate & vineyards Information: From 15 August - 15 September it is harvest time in the Kinsterna vineyards, which are on the hill right across from the mansion.

They cover an area of around 2 hectares and have the following Greek grape varieties: Kydonitsa, Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko and, mainly, ''Monemvasia'', from which our wines are produced. The Kinsterna vineyards are readily accessible and visitors can come and look around and cut and taste the grapes. During the harvesting period the estate workers go to the vineyards early in the morning along with the donkeys, the traditional baskets and the tools required to start harvesting the grapes that they gather, together with our visitors, into large baskets by carefully cutting selected bunches one by one.

The harvest is followed by the traditional sun-drying of certain varieties which involves laying out the grapes on straw mats - the ''liastres''. This is

historically and geographically the most common way of producing ''liasta'' (straw wines), such as the mythical ''Malvasia-Monemvasia'' (PDO), available in a special bottling from Kinsterna.

3. Grape pressing in the old winepress (15/08 – 15/09/2018) Location: Wood-oven area Information: In the morning of the day of pressing, the grapes are placed in traditional baskets and loaded onto Kinsterna's donkeys, which accompanied by the estate workers go back along the dirt path to the mansion. The grapes are placed in the traditional stone ''lino'' (winepress) and in the afternoon of the same day they are crushed by trampling barefoot, as in the olden days, by visitors to the mansion, during the events which take place from 15 August 15 September. Activities include tasting the Kinsterna wines, baking country bread the traditional way in the stone oven and a demonstration of how to make the traditional Greek grape must pudding ''Moustalevria''.

4. Production of Greek spirit ‘tsipouro’ (15/10 – 20/12/2018) Location: Wood-oven area Duration: 120’ Details: The production of ‘tsipouro’, which is the ideal companion for delicious hors d’oeuvres and freshly baked bread, takes place almost forty days after the grapes crush. The spirit is still prepared in an old Ottoman cauldron from 1890. Once the process is finished, visitors can take their own bottle of tsipouro home!

5. Preparing olives the Kinsterna way (20/10/2018 – 10/01/2019) Location: Wood-oven area

Duration: 120’ Information: The olive harvesting period lasts from around mid-October to Epiphany. The estate workers collect the olives and after hand selecting them, they place them in special crates. These are then offered to any of our visitors who are interested in bottling table olives from oil extraction olives (Athinolia, Koroneiki) following the mansion's simple recipe for tasty, uncracked olives. Olives prepared in this way keep longer since they are preserved in a special plastic bottle by adding water, salt, lemon and aromatic herbs (oregano, thyme, coriander, fennel seeds, etc.) from our estate.

6. Olive picking by our guests (20/10/2018 – 10/01/2019) Location: Kinsterna estate Information: The estate workers spread out the nets early in the morning and those visitors who wish to participate can go to the olive groves where the harvesting is being carried out. There the gardener will explain to them how to collect the olives and help them to pick the olives with their bare hands and also with traditional tools such as olive combs and forks.

7. Olive oil production by horse-powered press (20/10/2018 – 10/01/2019) Location: Stone oil press Duration: 120’ Details: The production of extra virgin olive oil is one of the most important agricultural activities in Greece. Watch how the olives are crushed in the old stone mill using traditional methods to produce the cold pressed olive oil, called ‘agoureleo’. The production of extra virgin olive oil is usually accompanied by the activity of baking bread in the old stone oven or the activity of bottling olives following the mansion’s simple recipe.

8. Handmade soap-making with olive oil

Location: Kinsterna estate Duration: 60’-90’ Details: Participants will have the opportunity to learn the recipe for making handmade soap with olive oil from our experienced manufacturer, who reveals his secrets of this lost craft. Mix in some spices and aromatic herbs from the Kinsterna gardens. Participants are welcome to keep the handmade soap and are given the recipe to prepare their own batch at home.

9. Honey harvest from Kinsterna beehives (summer & beginning of autumn) Location: “Mouries” restaurant Duration: 60’ Details: Usually during summer and at the beginning of autumn, you have the rare opportunity to watch the honey harvest by the beekeeper Mr Konstantinos Gliatis, at "Mouries" restaurant.

After removing the wax from the honeycombs, the honeycomb frames are placed in the honey extractor and spun by hand. During spinning, the honey extractor removes the honey, and a special spigot pours the honey into containers.

10. Carriage ride Location: Kinsterna estate Duration: 10’ Details: Guests of all ages can enjoy a ride in our Royal Egyptian horsedrawn carriage from 1900 within the estate to enjoy the natural setting and incredible view.

11. Donkey ride Location: Kinsterna estate Duration: 15’ Details: Children may opt for a unique ride with our donkey and have an unforgettable experience.

12. Guided tour of the mansion Location: Kinsterna Duration: 40’ Details: A guided tour that takes visitors back in time to explore the unique building and learn more about its previous owners and the amazing restoration that brought it back to life. The library of the mansion boasts a rich collection of books, the original land contract, as well as photographs depicting the building prior to its restoration. You may also visit the mansion’s gardens, featuring more than 250 plant species.

13. Cycling on the estate Location: Kinsterna Details: The Kinsterna can provide you with bicycles for a pleasant ride around the estate or further afield through the surrounding natural landscape. Bicycles are located at specific stands and are free for use by our guests, after filling the relevant form at the Reception. In case you cannot find an available bicycle, please contact Reception. When you have finished using them, you are kindly requested to return them to the special stands provided for this purpose.

14. Hiking along the trails in the area Location: Wider area How to go: Hiking without a trail driver or in combination with your own car Information: In modern times, after 1700, a number of settlements sprang up. The Municipality of Monemvasia has 14 settlements that are joined by trails (19 routes, 100 km in total).

Suggested trails: A) The E33 European hiking path has been in existence since 1300 and connects Kinsterna with Koulentia village where you can visit an old Ottoman residence from 1760. Since this particular trail is considered difficult, if you

are a family or group of friends you might consider following one of the two routes by car (to or from the Ottoman residence). The residence is in the area of ‘Megalo Perivoli’, just outside the village, hidden in ravines. You can look around inside it and make Greek coffee and traditional spoon sweets surrounded by exquisite nature.

B) The same trail crosses the settlement of Ag. Stefanos, the Kinsterna estate, the vineyards and the settlement of Nomia, running down to the sea at Monemvasia.

C) The trail from the settlement of Ag. Nikolas passes by the old Monastery of Grigoris and ends at the settlement of Ag. Paraskevi. It has a wonderful view of the Castle and the Aegean Sea. To reduce the length of the route, instead of setting out through the village you can start from the end of the dirt road.

D) The path P21 offers you the unique opportunity to reach Monemvasia starting from the point just before the bridge. The path circles the rock from the northern side, leaving the sea on the left side. The path passes through the old reservoir and reaches the stone-built old lighthouse, while shortly afterwards it meets the walls and enters the castle. The total route of 1,850m. offers a complete picture of the historical site of the Monemvasia and is considered particularly interesting!

15. Elafonissos beach combined with a visit at the submerged city of Pavlopetri (by your own vehicle) Location: Elafonissos Distance from Kinsterna: 39 km Details: Elafonissos is a beautiful island with exotic beaches considered among the best in the Mediterranean. The white sand and turquoise water captivate visitors. The journey from the Kinsterna to the Pounta harbour takes about 30’. Once there, you board a ferry for a 15'-crossing to the Elafonissos harbour, from where you are taken by road to Simos beach (another 15'). Simos beach is on the south side of the island. Across from the

island of Elafonissos, lie the ruins of the city of Pavlopetri, the oldest submerged city in the Mediterranean.

We do not recommend visiting Elafonissos during peak season.

16. Flora Tour Location: Kinsterna estate Duration: 40’ Details: Enjoy the nature surrounding the mansion, 22 acres in total, 15 of which are in the estate and 7 in its privately owned vineyards. Most of the trees of the estate have been in existence since the 19th century and have been preserved until today, while those that disappeared have been replaced with local varieties. The estate includes olives, citrus fruits, fruit trees, cypresses, eucalyptus, garden terraces and flowers with ornamental and aromatic plants (over 250 species in total) that will enchant you with their vibrant colours and fragrances. During the ‘flora tour’ you will have the opportunity to taste the fruits, cut fresh herbs and flowers, learn more about the different kinds of plants from our agronomist and especially to get in touch with nature! Opposite the mansion you can visit our privately owned vineyards, featuring the Greek varieties Kydonitsa, Asyrtiko, Agiorgitiko and mainly "Monemvasia", from which our wines are produced.

General Information: 

Activities which take place outdoors or those involving boat rides depend on

 

the weather conditions.

Activities involving the boat are available from May to October.

Road transportation is available using the mansion's 7-seat minivan and 4-



seat Jeep (including the driver).

Bookings for activities must be made at least one day in advance and are confirmed based on availability.

Contact:

For more information or to confirm your participation in any of the above activities, please contact the Activities Manager through Reception or by e-mail at activities@kinsternahotel.gr .