Excursions and charity activities

A selection of excursions and charity activities are available on Monday 7 October. Book these when registering for the Convention online or email the Convention office.

Olive Oil Tasting 

Time: 11:00-12:00

Price: £15 - charity donation

Number of places: 25

Join a unique olive oil tasting session and learn from local experts how to discern the subtle flavours of Messinia’s renowned extra virgin olive oil. Discover how the soil, the variety of olives and the process followed from tree to bottle, yields high quality results that have earned this olive oil its worldwide reputation.

This activity takes place within the hotel resort.

Hiking Gialova Lagoon and Voidokilia Beach

Time: 09:00-13:00   

Price: £75 + Greek VAT 

Number of places: 8 (minimum)

Experience stunning views of Navarino Bay near Pylos, sheltered by the island of Sphacteria. This Natura 2000 area features southern Greece's largest wetland, home to endemic and migratory birds.

Start with a transfer from Costa Navarino to Divari Beach. Follow a trail around the lagoon, observing a unique ecosystem and birds such as herons, flamingos, and ospreys. Cross the dunes to Voidokilia Beach for a swim then continue to Paleokastro Fort, exploring the King Nestor 's cave. At the top, discover the medieval castle and the region's rich history.   

Cycle for LifeLine

Time: 08:00-15:45

Cost: £75 - charity donation

Number of places: 50

Experience the essence of Messinia through cycling, culture and culinary delights.

Embark on an e-bike tour through picturesque Messinian villages, beginning with a coffee and tea break featuring Greek mountain tea and local treats.

Explore a renovated monastery, indulge in an olive oil and wine tour with tastings, and savour authentic Greek delicacies for lunch.

This cycle ride and lunch supports local businesses, offering a unique experience. 

All proceeds will go to ABTA LifeLine.

View the itinerary here.

Messinia Without Trash – volunteer community project

Time: 09:45 – 12:15

Cost: £15 - charity donation

Number of places: 30

A programme supported by the Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation and Costa Navarino

Transfer to Divari White Beach to participate in a Messinia Without Trash volunteer community project, organised by Save Your Hood in association with easyJet holidays, where we will be joined by around 20 local volunteers.  

After an introduction and discussion about the task ahead, the two groups will spread out and start by collecting recyclable materials, followed by non-recyclables. We’ll be encouraged to take particular care of our movements to avoid destroying nests, eggs, and newborn birds that may not be easily visible in the bushes.

At the end of the activity, there will be time to discuss the litter collected, to reflect on what we learned and how to leave the area, whilst enjoying the beauty of Divari White Beach. Refreshments will be provided for the duration of the activity.

The proceeds from your participation fee will be donated to Save Your Hood and will be match funded by easyJet holidays.