Party in the Playground of the Gods
Lonely Planet releases The Peloponnese

MARCH, 2003 | OAKLAND, USA
The gods of Ancient Greece may have listed the frosty summit of Mount Olympus as their official residence, but they were always escaping to the warmth of the Peloponnese. And it's no wonder why given the sheer magic of the landscape: fertile plains backed by lofty, snowcapped mountains; golden beaches and rocky coves; hidden valleys of citrus groves and cyprus trees.

Lonely Planet's first edition of The Peloponnese is your guide to the playground of the gods. Says author David Willet, "The Peloponnese has everything the traveler could ask for: a wealth of wonderful archaeological sites, dramatic scenery, beautiful beaches, great weather, good food and fine wine." Whether roaming the treasure trove of ancient sites and antiquities, indulging in ambrosia at harborside restaurants or catching a Greek tragedy at one of the superb ancient theatres, the Peloponnese truly is heaven on earth.

In 2004, the Olympics will return to Greece after 108 years. As the home of Ancient Olympia and the birthplace of the Olympic Games, it seems especially appropriate that the Olympic Torch Relay should begin with a lighting ceremony in the Peloponnese. And with this champ of a guidebook in your hand, you're sure to be in on all the action.

The Peloponnese features:

• comprehensive guide to Athens, the gateway to the Peloponnese and home of the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.
• complete coverage of the region's ancient Greek sites, including five UNESCO world heritage areas
• 'It's all Greek to me.' User-friendly language section with phonetic pronunciation
• tips for exploring The Peloponnese's natural splendors & secluded beaches

As Willet discovered, The Peloponnese has the power to profoundly effect its visitors. "I was standing at a bus stop in Kalamata wondering where to buy a ticket. I was reluctant to ask the only other person there, a stern-looking Greek Orthodox priest who appeared deep in thought, but he must have seen me looking around. 'You get your ticket over there mate,' he said in a broad Aussie accent. Turned out he was a former computer technician from Sydney, who had come to Greece on holiday and discovered his spiritual side."

Whether you dig ruins or sandcastles, escape into the Greece of myths and legends with this essential guide for planning your own odyssey.

For more information contact:
Cindy Cohen, cindyc@lonelyplanet.com or Frank Ruiz, frankr@lonelyplanet.com