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Discover the real Greece on the island of Evia with walks through coastal paths, forests and gorges
From Athens airport, we transfer by road to Rafina (approximately 35 min), and then take the ferry to Mamari on Evia Island (about 1hr). It is then a short drive to our hotel at Karystos.
Our first day takes us through Karystos town up to the villages of Gourna that are scattered high above the bay of Karystos and below the peaks of Mount Ohi. Walking through the verdant countryside along stone-worn paths next to springs and streams, we reach the Roman aqueduct of 160 BC. We continue to Castello Rosso, one of the grandest Forts of the 4th crusade, where we can enjoy our lunch with beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Using mountain goat-trails and country lanes we walk down to the fertile valley of Mili, full of citrus, olive and cypress trees, before reaching the coast.Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 400 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 450 m Time: 6 hours
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
We drive along the south-eastern tip of the island, over the mountains towards the Cape of Cavo Doro, heading to the beautiful ravine of Platanistos and the first of 20 ancient villages of Albanian descent. Over the arches of stone bridges, we follow the river towards Potami hamlet on the coast, a Hellinistic anchorage since Homeric times. En route we view the site of Hellinikon with the remains of the foundations of Poseidon's temple, dating back to the 8th century B.C. Walking amongst large plane trees we reach the sea and one of the nicest, yet still relatively unknown, beaches in the Aegean. During the warmer months of the year, we have the opportunity to swim and relax on the beach. We return to Karystos by taxi/coach.Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 200 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 500 m Time: 5 hours
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
We start with an early morning drive along the panoramic mountain road to the North, known as the 'Eagle Route', which takes us above the evergreen valley of Styra. We then climb Mt Kliosi's dramatic summit where the remains of the ancient Acropolis defy time and elements on a 'Wuthering Heights' plateau. The Eerie ancient Gate, the cave of St Nicolas and the ruins of Castro Armeno, often in the mist, make this a visit to remember. The gentle walk down takes us past wild strawberry bushes and the remains of the Roman marble quarries to the quaint villages of Styra Valley, which overlook Marathon, just across the water on the Continent. In the afternoon we take the bus back to Karystos.Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 350 m Descent 550 m Max Altitude 800 m Time: 5 hours
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
This morning we drive to the village of Lycorema. We enjoy a coastal walk around the bay and visit the fishing hamlet of Marmari. The afternoon is free to relax on the beach or wander around Karystos, an authentic Greek island town.Walk: Distance 5 km Ascent 100 m Descent 200 m Max Altitude 300 m Time: 2.5 hours
Distance in Km: 5
Distance in Miles: 3
From the springs of St Theodore in Argastaras mountain village we climb up on Mount Ohi following multi-trails and marble-worn paths to the heart of the Roman Quarries where the famous green and white marble known as Cipollino - small onion in latin due to its stripes and rings - was shaped into monumental monolithic columns around Biblical times. 10 perfectly completed marble pillars are still here, abandoned during Rome's decline. The thousand years old path takes us to the villages of upper and lower Aetos with superb views of the Aegan Sea all along the way. We reach the coast, dotted with beautiful small sandy coves on the way back to town. Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 300 m Descent 600 m Max Altitude 650 m Time: 5.5 hours
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
Today we walk on one of the oldest paths on the island, an ancient corridor within the gorge to the remote and wild beach on the east coast. We travel by taxi/coast to the isolated village of Agios Dimitrios on Mount Ohi, which is the starting point of the famous gorge walks on the island. The ancient path in the beginning, runs next to the river and gradually rises high above it with outstanding views of the limestone cliffs and the ever blue Aegean sea. The dramatic canyon is a natural habitat for unique flora and fauna with thyme, oregano and sage, peonies and orchids, eagles and falcons amongst plane and chestnut trees. Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 200 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 500 m Time: 5 hours
Distance in Km: 10
Distance in Miles: 6
After breakfast, we can visit a local beekeeper to learn about and taste the famous Greek Island honey and its products. Around lunchtime, we check out of our rooms and transfer back to Athens Airport where our adventure ends.
7 nights 2-star superior seaside hotel with en suite rooms5 full days and 1
half-day centre-based walkingBetween 4 and 6 hours walking per dayAltitude
maximum 1000m, average 500m
All breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches and 2 dinners are included.The buffet-style
breakfasts include fresh bread, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local
yoghurt, honey and wild cherry syrup, porridge, eggs, ham and cheese,
cereal, muesli, cake and cookies, honey, coffee/tea, chocolate and lots of
fresh seasonal fruit. A dining experience in Greece isn’t the same without
spending evenings in a taverna – a small, family-run Greek restaurant –
and on this trip we visit many of them. Dotted along the Karystian promenade,
these cosy tavernas serve delicious local dishes with a variety of Evian
wines in an informal setting.Dishes to try in the evenings may include
homemade filo pastry pies, moussaka, stuffed vegetables as well as a variety
of other vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh salads, crunchy bread, cheeses
and locally caught fish and seafood. Local meat such as lamb, pork chicken
and the renowned Evian beef are prepared in many different ways.
7 nights 2-star superior seaside hotel with en suite rooms5 full days and 1
half-day centre-based walkingBetween 4 and 6 hours walking per dayAltitude
maximum 1000m, average 500m
Level 2 - Leisurely/Moderate walking, 5 full days walks and 1 half-day
between 4 and 6 hoursThis trip offers the chance to experience Evia's
magnificent mountain scenery. Routes have been chosen to showcase the best of
the natural and historical sites on the island. Terrain will include
footpaths and mountain terrain, which can be rocky and loose in places with
sloped ascents and descents.The walks require an average level of fitness and
all are optional.
Galaxy HotelOur base for the week is the 2-star superior Galaxy Hotel which overlooks the
sea in the small coastal town of Karystos. Friendly and traditionally Greek,
it has been run by the same family for over 30 years.Situated at the west end
of the esplanade just 100 metres from the main square and town centre and a
stone’s throw from the beach and its cafes, the Galaxy Hotel is in a
perfect location for exploring the town and soaking up the fresh sea air.All
rooms face the sparkling sea and have a balcony with a table and chairs to
watch the world go by below with a cup of tea in the mornings, with en-suite
facilities, fridge, television, telephone, coffee and tea making facilities,
air conditioning, toiletries, hairdryer and free Wi-Fi.There are safe and
computer/printer facilities in the reception area, 24hr room service for
snacks and drinks, one indoor and one outdoor bar and a dining area where a
hearty breakfast is served. The tap water is natural spring water from the
mountains and is drinkable. All single rooms at Galaxy Hotel are twin/double
rooms that are provided for sole occupancy.
All breakfasts, 6 picnic lunches and 2 dinners are included.The buffet-style
breakfasts include fresh bread, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local
yoghurt, honey and wild cherry syrup, porridge, eggs, ham and cheese,
cereal, muesli, cake and cookies, honey, coffee/tea, chocolate and lots of
fresh seasonal fruit. A dining experience in Greece isn’t the same without
spending evenings in a taverna – a small, family-run Greek restaurant –
and on this trip we visit many of them. Dotted along the Karystian promenade,
these cosy tavernas serve delicious local dishes with a variety of Evian
wines in an informal setting.Dishes to try in the evenings may include
homemade filo pastry pies, moussaka, stuffed vegetables as well as a variety
of other vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh salads, crunchy bread, cheeses
and locally caught fish and seafood. Local meat such as lamb, pork chicken
and the renowned Evian beef are prepared in many different ways.
We will be using a mixture of private transport, coach, taxis and local
ferries.
Travelling flight inclusive from London: 8 daysThe group flight from London
is a daytime flight departing on Day 1 of the itinerary.Flights from
LondonWe normally use the scheduled services of British Airways (depending
on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we
recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to
confirm up‐to‐date timings. Please note timings may change at a later
date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure. Travelling land only: 8 days starting and ending in AthensThe
trip starts at Athens airport at the time of the group flight arrival. A
local driver will be waiting for you with an Exodus sign. He will then
transfer you to Rafina port (approx. 35min). From here you will take the
ferry to Evia Island and then a short transfer to the hotel Galaxy in
Karystos. Please check the group flight times two weeks before your
departure.
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please note
that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other flight,
even if Exodus has booked it.If you require airport transfers, you may (by
prior arrangement only) be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are
arranged to coincide with the arrival time of the group flight - please check
the group flight details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this
transfer, or miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your
own expense.If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must
allow a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check in
time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1½ hours at Heathrow; this is longer than
the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to be subject to delays.
February to March and November/December daytime temperatures 10-18º, night
time 5-9º; rain and chances of snow on high mountains.April, May, and
October daytime temperatures 17-27º, night time 8-13º; chances of rain.June
and September: daytime temperatures 20-30º, night time 14-19º; very dry and
warm, ideal for swimming.
2/3 Seasons jacket for April, May and October departuresWarm jacket for
February, March, and November, December departuresLight waterproof
jacketSunhatWater bottle (please note that water is drinkable almost
everywhere on this itinerary, and you can refill your bottles from the tap at
restaurants and the hotel)Lightweight but sturdy boots with ankle
supportRucksackSwimwearSandals or old trainers for swimmingComfortable shoes
or trainers for sightseeing outside of the day walksWalking polesAt the time
of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on the recommended
international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We recommend packing only one
piece of checked baggage.As advice about luggage allowances for both hand and
hold luggage is subject to change, we suggest you check the airline's website
for the latest information prior to your departure.
We suggest you allow approximately €150-€200 for food and drinks not
included.A typical 3-course meal with alcohol costs between €15-€20.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus, however,
most of our clients wish to give a tip to their guides and in appreciation of
their help and friendliness. This, of course, is in no way compulsory and
depends on the service received. If you feel you would like to leave a tip,
as a guide we would suggest a total of approximately €20 per person for the
leader. It is also customary to leave a tip for any additional local staff
who support your holiday – for example, drivers, cooks, and hotel staff.
This can be handed to your leader at the end of the week to distribute
accordingly. In total for the leader to distribute to all relevant staff, we
recommend to budget approx. €10 per person per week.
Travel insuranceVisas or vaccinationsSingle accommodation (available on
request)
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.