MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Day 1
Depart London on the scheduled services of Olympic Airways for the flight to Athens. We transfer by coach and ferry to our hotel in Evia.

Day 2
We trek up to Castello Rosso, one of the grandest castles of the 4th Crusade. We visit the ruins of the mediaeval citadel and the Roman aqueduct on the hill of Montofoli. We return to Karystos via the village of Mili, famous for its lush lemon and olive groves

Day 3
We visit the site of Helcinikon, with the remains of Poseidon's Temple, dating back to the 8th century B.C. We then follow the river down to Potami hamlet with one of the best Aegean beaches for relaxation and swimming, before returning to Karystos by taxi.

Day 4
An early morning drive to the evergreen Styra valley. We climb Mt Kliosi towards the ancient acropolis and the famous prehistoric temples of the Dragons.

Day 5
We travel by taxi to Petrokanalo (1,000m altitude) and start our descent through Dimosaris Gorge, the deepest and longest gorge on Evia teeming with wildlife and plant life. Passing waterfalls and pools we walk an ancient stone path to Lenosei, home to the 12th century church of Panavia. We arrive at the village of Kalliani with time for lunch and swimming on the beach.

Day 6
Relax on the beach or time for some shopping. Alternatively hike along the Karystian Bay. There is also the option to visit Marmari or travel to Athens by ferry (1hr) and bus (45mins).

Day 7
Today we'll trek the slopes of Mt Ochi. An uphill walk on an ancient trail will take us to the heart of the marble area of the famous Cipollino, the green and white coloured Karystien marble. Walking along the Roman steps we reach the superb site of Kolones, an ancient quarry with ten Roman columns still lying there, awaiting shipment. Our descent back to Aetos village for lunch will offer commanding views over the Aegean Sea.

Day 8
We journey back to Rafina by ferry from where we transfer to the airport for our flight back to London. Arrangements for those not flying with the group finish on arrival back in Athens.