The Reptiles & Amphibians of the Peloponnese

Tour Code: GRC19

An 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)
Land only price from
£1,995
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Highlights

Summary

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.

Itinerary

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
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What's Included

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
Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Wed 23rd Apr – Wed 30th Apr SPACES £2,295
Book Tour Show Details
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
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
Book Tour Show Details
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
Why Naturetrek?

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!