Mountains & Villages of Evia - Birthday Departure

8 days
from
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Walking & Trekking
Suitable for:
Age 16+
Activity level:
Leisurely / Moderate
Activity Rating - Leisurely/Moderate
Trip code: 
TVES
Way to Travel:
Guided Group
Activity:
Walking & Trekking
Group size:
4–16
Min age:
16

Celebrating 20 years of Mountains and Villages of Evia. 

Join Thanos on the 1st November departure to celebrate 20 years of sharing the Mountains and Villages of Evia with Exodus groups. The delightful island of Evia is a real hidden treasure, close to Athens yet worlds away with old stone paths connecting quaint villages tucked-away in the mountains. This walkers’ paradise offers unique history and an authentic atmosphere as you walk past Roman quarries, aqueducts and Byzantine churches. As part of the celebrations, Thanos has altered the itinerary, you will get a real insight into local life, enjoy an evening of traditional music, sample the local wines and visit the island's capital, Halkis. 

Temporary changes due to COVID-security measures. 

Last updated: 16th Septemeber 2020

At Exodus we acknowledge our responsibility to have the most up to date information on anything that will affect our customers on holiday, and to communicate this to our customers as effectively as possible.

Our general global COVID security measures are described in our Travel Safety Charter, and changes will be made to these measures as required by the global pandemic situation.

However, we also expect there to be requirements, measures and sometimes itinerary changes that apply to certain trips only, and may well be temporary measures. We have highlighted all known changes in the section below.

 Entry requirements

For all trips, having the correct documentation and visa, if required, remains the customer’s responsibility based on their own nationality. We therefore encourage all travellers to check entry requirements using the travel advice of their home nation for the relevant destination. For UK passport holders that is https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 In order to meet the new immigration requirements for Greece you should note the following:

  • 24 hours before entering Greece, you will have to fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) where you will be required to share your contact details with immigration officials. Download the PLF here: https://travel.gov.gr/#/
  • Greek authorities will be random testing international arrivals, so you must be prepared for the possibility of being required to take a COVID test. Upon being tested, travellers move to their first hotel in Athens arranged by Exodus, where you will be required to practise social distancing until receiving the test result which will be available within 24 hours from testing. In the event of a positive result, you will be contacted and placed on 14-day quarantine, with expenses covered by the Greek state.

Local COVID restrictions

Local regulations or guidelines in Greece require visitors to:

  • Wear facemasks on public transport (including flights and ferries), at airports, in taxis, private and public transport, in all medical facilities and in lifts. 
  • It is also obligatory to wear a face mask in all public indoor spaces including supermarkets, cafes, banks, government offices, retail outlets, hairdressers and related establishments.
  • Maintain social distancing where possible, usually at a standard distance of 1.5 meters.
  • Visitors should note that certain social distancing restrictions are in place for restaurants, shops and museums.
  • Your leader will reconfirm the latest local government advice and requirements on arrival.

Itinerary changes

Following the possible random testing on arrival at Athens airport and consequent compulsory social distancing (for up to 24 hours) in place for those tested, we have decided to rearrange the order of the activities and inclusions of the itinerary for the whole group as follows:

Day 1. Arrival Athens airport,transfer to hotel (Hotel Dorian Inn)

Day 2. Walking around Historic Athens; evening ferry to Evia; welcome drink with live Greek music. *Those tested on arrival will be subject to possible isolation at the start hotel until the test results are delivered. At that point, if the test is negative, they will be able to join the group for an afternoon visit of Athens and onwards ferry to Evia. (Hotel Galaxy B,D)

Day 3. Ravine walk from Platanistos to Potami; lunch in the Albanian descent hamlet,trying the local Omelette called Froutalia (Hotel Galaxy B,L,D)

Day 4. Roman quarries and Castello Rosso in Gourna walk (Hotel Galaxy B,L,D)

Day 5. Mt Kliosi ascent,Styra Acropolis and Styra village; baclava preparation at hotel (Hotel Galaxy B,L,D)

Day 6. Full day in Halkis,the Capital of Evia and Lycos winery estate (Hotel Galaxy B)

Day 7. The Gorge walk (Hotel Galaxy B,L,D)

Day 8. Transfer to Athens airport; end of trip (B)

Highlights

  • Discover an authentic Greek island
  • Walk along dramatic coastline and visit remote villages
  • Savour delicious cuisine in traditional tavernas and learn how Baclava ‎is made
  • Visit Halkis, the capital 

Key information

  • 6 nights at Hotel Galaxy and 1 night at a three-star hotel in Athens, all with en suite rooms
  • 4 full days and 2 half day centre-based walking; including sightseeing in Athens
  • Between 4 and 6 hours walking per day
  • Altitude maximum 1000m, average 500m
  • Countries visited: Greece

What's included

  • All breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches and 5 dinners
  • All accommodation
  • All transport and listed activities
  • Tour leader throughout
  • London flights (if booking incl. flights)
  • Single rooms available on request

What's not included

  • Travel insurance
  • Visas or vaccinations
Call for general departures:
020 8772 3943
Call for private group trips:
020 8772 3874
Contact Us >
Live Chat >
Request a Brochure >
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

4 full and 2 half

Days of Walking & Trekking
Pace:

Approximately 4 to 6hrs walking per day

Terrain:

Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Day by day breakdown
Day 2 11.0km/6.0miles
Day 3 9.0km/5.5miles
Day 5 10.0km/6.0miles
Day 6 10.0km/6.0miles
Day 7 4.0km/2.5miles

Tourism can be a real help to local communities, providing income, positive cultural exchanges and a financial incentive to protect their natural environment. Ours is a 'total approach' to responsible tourism, covering everything from the way we plan and operate our trips to the practices of Exodus as a company. 

Our base for this trip is the family run hotel Galaxy in the small town of Karystos that employs local staff and uses local produce wherever possible. Our small group size allows us to support small hotels like hotel galaxy and local restaurants that do not usually benefit from mass tourism, bringing a positive impact on the overall employment levels and economy in the region.

As a walking holiday, it allows easy access and flexibility for clients to interact with the locals, visit local cafes and bars, support local produce and craft to facilitate cultural exploration and experience what life is really like on the island of Evia.

Water is especially important and whilst we must stay hydrated, it is also vital to not cause too much waste from single use plastic bottles. Tap water on the island of Evia is safe to drink hence, we strongly encourage clients to bring their own reusable water bottles to refill throughout the trip.

In March 2019, Exodus Travels launched the Exodus Travels Foundation where we support initiatives all around the world. But it cannot exist without travellers who care. Get involved or learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus here…

Itinerary

Expand all

  • Day 1

    Start Athens; transfer to Rafina; ferry to Evia.

    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.

    Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
    Standard Hotel

  • Day 2

    Walk through rolling hills and the Gourna villages, passing Roman columns and visiting the Castello Rosso; this evening enjoy traditional music.

    Today takes us up to the villages of Gourna that are scattered high above the bay of Karystos and below the peaks of Mount Ohi. Walking through verdant countryside along stone-worn paths next to springs and streams, we reach the monolithic marble columns in the Imperial Roman Quarries, perfectly completed and abandoned during Rome’s decline.  We continue to Castello Rosso, one of the grandest forts of the 4th crusade, from where we can enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Using mountain goat-trails and country lanes we walk down to the fertile plain of Aetos, full of citrus, olive and cypress trees, before reaching the coast. This evening before dinner we will enjoy traditional live music and celebratory welcome drinks at the hotel. 

    Walk: Distance 11 km Ascent 450 m Descent 450 m Max Altitude 500 m Time: 6 hours

    Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
    Standard Hotel

    Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 3

    Walk through the ravine from Platanistos to the beach at Potami Bay.

    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. Today our lunch will be prepared in front of us and we will try Fourtalia Omelette, a traditional local dish, at the seaside taverna. 

    Walk: Distance 9 km Ascent 100 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 400 m Time: 4.5 hours

    Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
    Standard Hotel

    Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 4

    Day trip to Historic‎ Halkis; afternoon visit to local winery.

    This morning we will take a scenic drive through beautiful villages and high mountains to the historic capital of the island, Halkis, located in the middle of Evia. Whilst in the capital we will visit Carababa‎ Castello, the early Christian Cathedral of Agia Paraskevi, the old drawbridge with the famous tidal phenomenon underneath. Every six hours a special tidal phenomenon takes place in the strait, strong tidal currents reverse direction creating strong currents and maelstroms. Later on, we will walk the cosmopolitan promenade.

    On our way back to Karystos we will stop at one of the oldest wineries on the island to enjoy a wine tasting. 

    Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
    Standard Hotel

    Meals included: Breakfast Dinner

  • Day 5

    Ascend Mount Kliosi and the Acropolis of Styra; early evening Baclava ‎ preparation.

    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 to Mt Kliosi's dramatic summit where the remains of the ancient Acropolis defy time and the 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. This evening before dinner we will learn how to prepare Baclava, a delicious sweet pastry. 

    Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 300 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 700 m Time: 5 hours

    Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
    Standard Hotel

    Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 6

    The Gorge walk

    Today we have a picturesque walk through the gorges to the rugged East Aegean coast. We travel by taxi/coach to Boublia on Mt Ohi, which is the starting point of one of the famous gorge walks to the east coast of Evia. The gorge is a unique habitat for flora and fauna with peonies and orchids, eagles and falcons amongst plane and chestnut trees. The ancient stone path leads us close to the dramatically exposed Aegean coast. 

    Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 0 m Descent 900 m Max Altitude 1000 m Time: 5 hours

    Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar
    Standard Hotel

    Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner

  • Day 7

    Athens Circular centre walk; special farewell dinner below the Acropolis.

    This morning we take the ferry to Athens to discover the historic centre of this breathtaking city, the cradle of western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy. We wander around the beautiful Plaka, the impressive Houses of Parliament, Zappion National Gardens and St Paul’s Boulevard, before heading up to the Acropolis Hill.  We end the tour outside the Acropolis giving those who wish to explore the Acropolis, one of the ancient wonders of our world, the option to do so.  We spend this evening further exploring Athens, dinner will be taken below the Acropolis. 

    Walk: Distance 4 km Ascent 0 m Descent 0 m Time: 3 hours

    Accommodation: Hotel in Athens or Rafina 
    Standard Hotel

    Meals included: Breakfast

  • Day 8

    End Athens (or Rafina)

    The trip ends this morning. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the flight to London.

    Meals included: Breakfast
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes
Show map

Essential Info

Visas

Vaccinations

Greece

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches and 5 dinners are included.

The buffet style breakfasts includes fresh bread, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, porridge, eggs, ham and cheese, cake and cookies, honey, coffee/tea and lots of fresh seasonal fruit. 

A dining experience in Greece isn’t the same without spending an evening in a taverna – a small, family-run Greek restaurant – and on this trip we include visits to five of them. Dotted along the Karystos coastline in Evia, these cosy tavernas serve typical dishes in an informal setting, and the delicious food is often accompanied by traditional music which livens up the atmosphere as the night goes on.

Dishes to try in the evenings may include homemade filo pastry pies, moussaka, stuffed vegetables as well as a variety of other vegetarian dishes, fresh salads, crunchy breads, salty cheeses and locally caught fish and seafood. Greek meze will usually be on the menu too and consists of a selection of hot and cold dishes to share such as keftedes (Greek-style meatballs) and dolmadakia (stuffed grape vine leaves), local lamb, pork and beef.

Weather

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.

Athens, Greece

Is this trip for you?

Level 2 - Leisurely/Moderate walking, 4 full day walks between 4 and 6 hours

This 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.

This itinerary is more full-on than the standard itinerary as we have included some additional activities. 

Please note: unlike our standard tour, 6 nights are spent on Evia and the last night is in Athens. 

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Call for general departures:
020 8772 3943
Call for private group trips:
020 8772 3874
Contact Us >
Live Chat >
Request a Brochure >
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Accommodation

Galaxy Hotel

Our 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. 

Call for general departures:
020 8772 3943
Call for private group trips:
020 8772 3874
Contact Us >
Live Chat >
Request a Brochure >
Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

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Dates & Prices

An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

 

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London  

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros  Cons
  • May be the most direct route
  • Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.
  • As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.
  • You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

 

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.
 
a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination. 

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros  Cons
  • Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.
  • Through fare tickets can be expensive.
  • On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.
  • Published fares are non-refundable.

 

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros  Cons
  • You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.
  • You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

 

 Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

  • On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.
  • On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client. 

 

Next steps? 

Call our Sales team on: 0203 733 0698

Email your query: [email protected]

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