10-Day "Family Friendly" Itinerary for Costa Navarino

• Day 1: Arrival and check-in at The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the Navarino Beach.
• Day 2: Explore the medieval city of Methoni and its iconic fortress. Stop by Gourmet's Balcony for a taste of traditional Greek cuisine.
• Day 3: Learn about Greek history and mythology with a visit to the Palace of Nestor in Pylos. Enjoy a boat ride around the bay and spot sea turtles.
• Day 4: Take a cooking class with a local expert and make your own moussaka. In the afternoon, visit Voidokilia Beach and enjoy a dip in the crystal-clear waters.
• Day 5: Experience ancient Greek life with a visit to Messene's archaeological site. Take a stroll through the small village and its beautiful countryside.
• Day 6: Join a horse-riding excursion through the Kalamata countryside. Learn about the native flora and fauna and enjoy stunning views of the sea and mountains.
• Day 7: Spend a day at Navarino Water Park for some fun in the sun with the family. With various slides, pools, and water games it's perfect for children and adults alike.
• Day 8: Take a scenic drive to Mystras, a fortified town of great historical significance. Visit the castle and the Byzantine churches to admire the stunning frescoes.
• Day 9: Visit the traditional village of Pyrgos and its pottery museum. Get creative and design your own ceramic bowl with the help of a local artisan.
• Day 10: Say goodbye to Costa Navarino and catch your flight back home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort (9 nights, starting from £400 per night)
• Gourmet's Balcony (2 hours, £30 per person)
• Palace of Nestor and boat ride (3 hours, £15 per person)
• Cooking class (4 hours, £60 per person)
• Voidokilia Beach (4 hours, free)
• Messene archaeological site (5 hours, £10 per person)
• Horse-riding excursion (3 hours, £80 per person)
• Navarino Water Park (6 hours, £10 per person)
• Mystras castle and churches (4 hours, £8 per person)
• Pyrgos pottery museum and workshop (3 hours, £25 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: £1,320 per person

Transportation

Travellers will need to consider hiring a car for the duration of the trip as the area is vast and public transportation can be unreliable. Renting a car costs around £30 per day and driving is relatively easy thanks to good roads and signage. The journey from Kalamata International Airport takes about 50 minutes and the cost of a taxi is around £60.

Useful Tips

For those with more time to spare, consider adding a day trip to Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games. On the other hand, if the trip feels too long, it's possible to skip one or two days while still experiencing the highlights of the region. It's also worth noting that summer temperatures can be high, so bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water.