TRIP OVERVIEW

4 days
Short Escape
Up to 5km/day
Moderate

Trip Dates

2027
10 Jun - 13 Jun
Available
17 Jun - 20 Jun
Available
09 Sep - 12 Sep
Available
16 Sep - 19 Sep
Available

Tour Highlights

  • Enter the ancient Argolic Gulf, first described in Homer’s Iliad – a calm refuge for sail-powered seafarers and swimmers alike.

  • Marvel at the incredible water clarity, with an increased likelihood of spotting sea turtles, dolphins and even the endangered Mediterranean Monk seal as we roam the Aegean together.

  • Swim by the peninsula’s long sandy beaches and explore protected cliff-edged bays.

  • Spend your evenings in the seaside village of Tolo, enjoying freshly caught seafood and looking across the bay to rocky Koronisi, illuminated by the 1830 Holy Apostles chapel.

First described in Homer’s Iliad, the bay of Tolon is our base for a seaborne adventure off the east coast of Peloponnese. Here, in the 50-kilometre-long Argolic Gulf, we will discover the lesser-swum waters of the Aegean, where clarity extends to incredible depths, revealing marine life like loggerhead sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and even the endangered Mediterranean Monk seal.

We will swim a variety of beautiful locations, exploring cliff-edged shallows and combing the long sandy beaches this peninsula is famous for. Keep your goggled-eyes peeled for all kinds of shoaling fish that spawn in the gulf, like bluefin tuna, swordfish and all kinds of colourful reef fish as well. Vast meadows of seagrass flow on the seabed below us, known as the ‘lungs of the Mediterranean’, and serving as a habitat for seahorses.

For the duration of this Short Escape, we will stay in the seaside village of Tolo. Outside the water, you will have time to relax and sample the local cuisine, enriched by family-run tavernas serving freshly caught fish and traditional Greek dishes. Traditional Peloponnesian meals mostly include a delicious blend of seafood and vegetables, drizzled with olive oil. Also, prepare your plate for grilled fish, octopus, moussaka, and so many other delights to revive yourself after a day in the sea.

In Homer’s epic, Tolon Bay was associated with the ancient city of Asine, which sent ships to join a Greek armada on its way to the siege of Troy. Today, the tourist hub is still known for its appeal to seafarers. For private yachters and local fishers, the harbour and its surrounding waters offer ideal conditions, shielded by islands from big tides and storms. Within this refuge, we will swim freely and spend our evenings, serenaded by the waves. At night, you can peer across the bay to uninhabited Koronisi – a rocky islet visible from Tolo village – illuminated by the 1830 Holy Apostles chapel on its peak.

Interested in this location, but looking for shorter swims? Please check out our Tolo Escape - Short Swims option.


Who is this trip for?

This trip is ideal for those who want an authentic Greek experience, with mostly coastal swimming. It's a great option for anyone who has already booked onto a Greek classic SwimTrek and wants to extend their Greek holiday, as well as those who are brand new to swimming holidays and want to try their first Greek trip with us.

Swimmers should have a basic understanding of open water swimming and be capable of completing the average swim distance and average daily swim distance (over the course of two swims) prior to the start of the trip.

The average daily swim distance is around 5km.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.


Are you a Pioneer?

We are excited to share our entirely new Tolo Short Escape - Greece trip for an action-packed 2027 of adventures. Our first departures will be Pioneer Departures. These are perfect for those who want to get out first to experience the relatively unexplored waters that await us. You will have the opportunity to explore the destination in-depth with an amazing group of swimmers, opening our eyes to the possibilities for future trips.


What's included?

  • Swim guides and full safety escort on all swims (swimmers only)
  • Three nights’ accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Lunches on day 2 and 3
  • Return transfer from Athens International Airport
  • Return evening transfer to Nafplion
  • Full ABTOT Financial Protection

What's not included?

  • Travel to the start of the trip outside of the group transfer
  • Evening meals
  • Overnight taxes
  • Lunches on day 1 and 4
  • Drinks and additional activities

Group of 5 or more?

If you're travelling with a group of friends, family or swim buddies, speak to our Group Travel team to get tailored advice, special pricing and discounts, and early access to new trips and departures.

GROUP TRAVEL SERVICE >


Sample Trip Itinerary

Please note that the below daily itineraries are an example of the swims that may take place during your trip, however, actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions. Your SwimTrek guides and local boat pilots will determine the most suitable swim locations each day and will communicate the plan with all guests as soon as possible.

Trip Schedule

Start Point: Athens International Airport

Start Time: 15:00 on Day 1

Finish Point: Athens International Airport

Finish Time: 14:30 on Day 4

Tolo

Day 1

Your group transfer will meet you at Athens International Airport and transport you to your hotel in Tolo. The journey is about 2 hours. When we arrive at the hotel, we will have a welcome meeting and safety briefing followed by an acclimatisation swim near the hotel. We will then enjoy a group dinner together.

Tolo

Day 2

The morning swim takes us to Cape Khondros for a coastal swim and a chance to see the small church there. These swims take us alongside sheer cliffs plunging into deeper waters. Then we will explore a shallower area, washing over rocky shelves. Before wending our way into secluded bays with sandy sea floors. The waters here are warm, blue-green and wonderfully clear.

After lunch, we take an afternoon swim around Cape Rui, dwarfed under the faces of more steep cliffs and seeking out quiet bays as we go.

Tolo

Day 3

We take a morning swim at the island of Romvi, combing the coast and threading our way through the shallower shore waters. You can see the bottom and look for marine life as we go. This is a perfect swim for newcomers. Then we enjoy a barbecue on Daskalio, which is an uninhabited islet included as part of the Cyclades, near larger Keros. Our afternoon swim involves a short crossing from Romvi island to Daskalio, ending as we circumnavigate the latter.

In the evening, we will take a transfer to the stunning neighbouring town of Nafplion, Greece's first capital, where we will enjoy dinner to celebrate our final evening together.

Tolo

Day 4

Finally, we start our day with an adventure, heading out east to Akra Chaidari for a coastal swim. There we will find sloping terrain that flows underwater. The Aegean waters are warm and crystalline as well, inviting us to take our time as we dip into bays and swim in loose formation.

Tolo

After our swim, we return to the hotel for checkout and take a group transfer back to the airport.

Tolo

Accommodation

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Hotel Tolo

Hotel Tolo is located right on Tolo beach with a comfortable lounge, bar and restaurant offering sea views and a relaxing atmosphere. Sample traditional Greek and international flavours on the menu.

Situated just 11 km from Nafplio this is one of the most popular destinations in the East Peloponnese.

Location Summary

Tolo

A relaxed seaside village on the Argolic Gulf, Tolo is known for its calm, clear waters and sheltered bay. It offers ideal conditions for coastal swims, with views across to nearby islands, while its waterfront tavernas and easy-going atmosphere make it a welcoming base. The village is near popular archaeological sites such as Epidaurus, Mycenae and Tiryns. You can also spend your downtime there, relaxing in picturesque taverns and eating freshly caught fish right by the sea.

Romvi

This uninhabited island just off the coast of Tolo is an archaeological site and reforested area, with pine forest and wild olive trees. Romvi was part of the cluster of islets conquered by the Venetians to control the Argolic gulf. It still holds ruins dating back as far as the 6th century, including an orthodox basilica church, and Venetian fortifications. Its rocky shores and quiet coves are perfect for exploratory swims, with uninterrupted views back to the Peloponnese and a feeling of complete seclusion.

Nafplion

One of Greece’s most charming coastal towns, Nafplio is known for its elegant architecture and rich history. Overlooked by the impressive Palamidi fortress and the island stronghold of Bourtzi, it offers a mix of scenic waterfronts, lively squares, and a relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Trip Grading

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

Swim Distance Swim Distance
Cape Khondros coastal 2km Cape Rui Coastal 3km
Romvi Coastal 2½km Daskalio circumnavigation 2½km
Akra Chaidari coastal 2km

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, plankton, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims and may cause some discomfort. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Conditions

While there aren’t any significant planned walks, any walks that we do undertake will take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces and care should be taken in these areas.

Month Water Temperature* Air Temperature*
June 21-25°C / 70-77°F 18-30°C / 64-86°F
September 24-27°C / 75-80°F 18-27°C / 64-80°F

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Trip Information

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes up to three support vessels, piloted by local skippers and your SwimTrek guides. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

Getting There

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The easiest way to get to the start of your trip is to fly into Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), where a group transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel. This transfer is included in your package price. Please ensure you arrive in plenty of time for the transfer which will leave at 15:00, and will take around 2 hours.

There are also metro lines in and out of Athens airport if you are arriving earlier and need to return to the airport for the transfer, you can see more information here.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches during your swim days are included in your trip price however, evening meals are at your own expense. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to explore the menus and experience the local restaurants of your choice over the course of your trip.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

Travel Advice

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as transfers, entertainment, excursion day lunch and dinners, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is the Euro (€).

Please note, you may also be required to pay tourist tax locally at the hotel/ In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides, but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Greece is part of the European Union. Non-residents require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of all EU member states, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not require a visa to enter Greece.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.


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