Varied walks, which tended towards the moderate rather than leisurely. Everyone at the hotel was... Chris Sanday, 2018 See more reviews
A great first trip, Cecile the group leader was excellent. Competent, calm, interested. A... Lesley Hinchliffe, 2018 See more reviews
Two days walking mountains. Two days walking gorges. One coastal walk. One day in Athens. Michael Swales, 2018 See more reviews
A really good short walking holiday with rewarding hikes, beautiful scenery and lots and lots of... SImon Knight, 2018 See more reviews
I really enjoyed the week on Evia in October, made all the more special by excellent leadership... Catherine Cooper, 2017 See more reviews
Very pleasant trip, walking was fine albeit rather more leisurely than I anticipated, food was... Kathryn Deeprose, 2017 See more reviews
A great trip to an unknown part of Greece. Most of the walking is easy so the grading is about... Robert Cooper, 2017 See more reviews
Another excellent holiday with Exodus. Enjoyable walks, just the right length for me, pleasant... Elaine Jolly, 2017 See more reviews
We had a wonderful week. Our group was delightful, the hotel had a lovely local charm and the... Barbara Darvall, 2016 See more reviews
Just an hour away from the port of Rafina is the unspoilt island of Evia. A really lovely... Linda Sparks, 2016 See more reviews
Itinerary Include flights Expand all Day 1 Fly to Athens; transfer to Rafina; ferry to Evia. Fly to Athens; 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 similarStandard Hotel Day 2 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 visit 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.Walk: Distance 9 km Ascent 100 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 400 m Time: 4.5 hoursAccommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 3 Ascend Mount Kliosi and the Acropolis of Styra. An early morning drive along the panoramic mountain road to the North, known as the 'Eagle Route', takes us above the evergreen valley of Styra. We 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 it 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 local bus back to Karystos.Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 300 m Descent 500 m Max Altitude 700 m Time: 5 hoursAccommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 4 Walk through rolling hills and the Gourna villages, passing Roman Columns and visiting the Castello Rosso Our first day 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 along stone worn paths next to springs and streams, in a verdant countryside, 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, and we then reach the coast.Walk: Distance 11 km Ascent 450 m Descent 450 m Max Altitude 350 m Time: 6 hoursAccommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 5 Morning walk in the Bay of Marmari; afternoon free to relax on the beach or wander around Karystos. This morning we will drive to the village of Marmari. We will enjoy a coastal walk around the bay and then head back to the historic Montofoli Winery Estate for dessert wine tasting. In the afternoon you are free to relax on the beach or wander around Karystos, an authentic Greek island town. Walk: Distance 5 km Ascent 0 m Descent 150 m Max Altitude 150 m Time: 3 hours Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Morning ferry to Athens; walking tour of Athens including visit to the Acropolis; transfer back to Evia This morning we will take the ferry to Athens. We will walk the historic centre of this breath-taking city, the cradle of Western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy We will 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 will explore the Acropolis, one of the ancient wonders of our world. In the evening, we transfer back to Evia.Walk: Distance 4 km Ascent 0 m Descent 0 m Time: 3 hoursAccommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Dinner Day 7 Gorge walk from Mt Ohi down to the rugged East Aegean coast. Today we have a picturesque walk through the gorges to the rugged East Aegean coast. We will travel by taxi 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 down to smuggler's coves in the dramatically exposed Aegean coast. These secluded bays are occasionally visited by seals and dolphins. Here there is time for swimming in the calm summer days. Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 0 m Descent 600 m Max Altitude 600 m Time: 5 hours Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similarStandard Hotel Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner Day 8 Afternoon ferry to Athens; fly to London After a leisurely breakfast, the morning is free to relax, grab a last minute swim at the beach or make a visit to town. We catch our ferry anytime from 1pm depending on the ferry schedule and transfer back to Athens where our adventure ends. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the flight to London. Meals included: Breakfast
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 meters 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 balconies 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, hair dryer 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.
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Reviewed October 2018 Chris Sanday Trip: Mountains & Villages of Evia Unspoilt area Varied walks, which tended towards the moderate rather than leisurely. Everyone at the hotel was friendly and helpful. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Arriving at Potami Bay at the end of the walk from Platanistos. The taverna with its long table laid out just for us and sole use of the beautiful beach too. What did you think of your group leader? Cecile was an excellent guide. Engaging and knowledgeable. She rearranged our walks around the weather conditions. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Poles were very useful when descending some of the rocky slopes.
Reviewed May 2018 Lesley Hinchliffe Trip: Mountains & Villages of Evia Our first Exodus trip, but it won't be the last.......... A great first trip, Cecile the group leader was excellent. Competent, calm, interested. A different type of walking each day. From hot up & down treks to ancient roman quarries to beautiful ridge walks with quiet, unspoilt gorge walks in between. Not sure I would describe it as "leisurely" - think moderate is more accurate. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The second day's Ridge walk, great views, lovely breeze to counteract the heat. What did you think of your group leader? Interesting, warm, not overbearing. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Wear lighter walking boots- ankle support useful, but leather boots too hot!
Reviewed May 2018 Michael Swales Trip: Mountains & Villages of Evia Mountains of Evia Two days walking mountains. Two days walking gorges. One coastal walk. One day in Athens. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? I can’t pick out a best day there were a variety of days, all different, all good. I particularly enjoyed Athens as I had never been there before and it was so different to the other days. What did you think of your group leader? Very good. He was there for Breakfast, led us through our walks and took meal orders and served drinks in the Restaurants we visited in the evening. He was always still there when I went to bed. When did he sleep?? Do you have any advice for potential travellers? If the programme remains the same the first two days are the toughest with two mountain walks. Everybody agreed that these walks would have been better on the last two days when we had acclimatised. Walking boots definitely required and plenty of water, all the islands springs provide drinkable water.
Reviewed April 2018 Gerry Toner Trip: Mountains & Villages of Evia Evia Mar2018 Great guide, very engaging, helpful and knowledgeable. 3 of the 5 walks were not level 2 as suggested. That could have gone wrong for some people. A walk that is merely a 5 or 6 hour descent is tedious. Hotel poor Group good fun Eating out was good enough What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Guides stories about various parts of island combined with his references to history. What did you think of your group leader? Very engaging and knowledgeable. Attentive; if a little too much at times. Very friendly and made a big difference to overall experience. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Ensure you check the walks are for you. ensure you check you are ok with tired hotel.
Reviewed January 2018 SImon Knight Trip: Mountains & Villages of Evia Walking on Evia A really good short walking holiday with rewarding hikes, beautiful scenery and lots and lots of good food. Greek hospitality has to be experienced to be believed. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The long hike up to the top of one mountain to see the remains of an doorway arch and views across the island. What did you think of your group leader? Probably the best group leader we have had (and we have done a lot of Exodus and Explore holidays). Do you have any advice for potential travellers? In December you need to be prepared for cold, wet and windy weather (it even sleeted on us at one point), and pack layers accordingly. A pole or poles will help on the descents.
Reviewed November 2017 Catherine Cooper Trip: Mountains & Villages of Evia Lovely walking holiday on a rural Greek island I really enjoyed the week on Evia in October, made all the more special by excellent leadership from Cecile Deltreil. The walking is good, scenically varied and very rural (we only saw one other walker the whole week!). Paths were sometimes good, sometimes non-existent on hilltops and sometimes through scratchy scrub - take your long trousers or gaiters. The trip is rated leisurely-moderate and whilst I felt the 4 day walks were 'moderate' in difficulty, partly because of the rough paths, the whole trip is fairly leisurely because you are based in one hotel and have some relaxation time at the end of each day (gin and tonics on the beach!). The Galaxy hotel in Karystos was fine with friendly family staff, good breakfast, but awful showers. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the Roman quarries where they chiseled out whole columns of rock and transported them down the mountain to ship to Athens, and then seeing some of those very same columns in a temple in Athens! What did you think of your group leader? Fab, great fun and quietly assertive. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Two bits of advice: take a good jacket/fleece for October because you will be sitting outside to eat in the evenings in restaurants and it's a bit chilly; the ferry across from the mainland is a large car ferry so there's almost no risk of sea sickness.
Reviewed May 2017 Keith Bushnell Trip: Mountains & Villages of Evia Back to back holidays I wanted to do two holidays back to back, one in Bulgaria spending an extra day in Sofia and then go on to Greece for my second week. I was concerned about the transfers/ pickups etc. However all turned out very well, using the metro in both countries was very easy, with the hotels provided very convenient to the stations and main attractions. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Getting to walk in the countryside of both countries plus being able to see the sites of both capitols. I would suggest that Exodus do this holiday as a standard trip. It makes for a good combination for a two week break. What did you think of your group leader? Both the leaders I had were very good. As I have now done 13 trips with Exodus and 12 with another company who's name begins Ex, I can tell you this is not always the case! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Do it !! As I always say travel has made me poorer in the pocket but richer in the mind. I feel privileged to have been to so many places [all be it I worked hard to get the money to enable me to do so] My outlook on life and my opinions on things has been enhanced by my travels. As a person from a humble background, I would not have dreamed as a boy/young man that I would get to go to the places I have been to in my life time. Every trip is a bonus ! Is there anything else you would like to add? Due to a work accident in 2004, I got a compensation pay out in 2005, my 50th birthday year. So instead of walking the West highland way as originally planed for my birthday, I walked the Inca trail with Exodus instead. That trip blew me away !! It was fantastic in every way, I was hooked I had to have more. As I said above I have now done 25 adventure type trips plus travel that I have organised myself. Although every destination has been worth the effort, alas things have not always been as good as Peru. That is why one must give honest feedback, to make things better for the future. I know of some people who have had one bad experience and just give up on these type of holidays. My Exodus rucksack that I got on My China trip [my 60th birthday treat] was much admired on my last holiday, so much so I was asked a lot about my previous travels and opinions on places I had been to. I ended up as an unpaid ambassador for Exodus and this type of holiday !!
Reviewed April 2017 Kathryn Deeprose Trip: Mountains & Villages of Evia lovely trip Very pleasant trip, walking was fine albeit rather more leisurely than I anticipated, food was excellent and the tour leader exceptional. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Our tour leader, he was an expert in Greek History, the island of Evia, Athens - in fact pretty much everything. What did you think of your group leader? Brilliant - see above comment, also, he visited the locally bakery twice a day and carried 12 pastries up the mountain every day for our first stop, also provided pastries for everyone after our evening meal. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? The walking is not difficult. Is there anything else you would like to add? I personally found the walking a bit too leisurely, but, this was my first Exodus walking trip, so, probably this was more down to me. The local restaurants, a different one each evening were excellent, breakfast was good, and unusually, even the packed lunches were tasty. Hotel very pleasant with a lovely view from the balcony.
Reviewed March 2017 Robert Cooper Trip: Mountains & Villages of Evia Mountains and Villages of Evia A great trip to an unknown part of Greece. Most of the walking is easy so the grading is about right, but be aware that some of the paths are through very prickly vegetation so have an alternative to shorts. All but the last night is based in the Hotel Galaxy in Karystos, which is run be a very nice local family and has a wonderful location on the waterfront on short distance from numerous bars and restaurants. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Seeing the Roman columns still in situ on Mount Ochi. What did you think of your group leader? Thanos is very enthusiastic, seems to know everybody and runs the trip very efficiently. Is there anything else you would like to add? I personally would have preferred to spent the final day on Evia and not gone to Athens.
Reviewed March 2017 Elaine Jolly Trip: Mountains & Villages of Evia Mountains and Villages of Evia (March 2017) Another excellent holiday with Exodus. Enjoyable walks, just the right length for me, pleasant company, lovely range of vegetarian food available in the restaurants. Hotel in a convenient position on the water front, sea views beautiful. Relaxed, substantial breakfast with local produce. Karystos felt safe to walk around at night. Brochure description accurate. Good value. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Evia's history and The Acropolis / Acropolis Museum visit would be the most inspirational, while the walks on Evia were a source of peaceful pleasure. The short visit to Athens is a great addition to the walking holiday. What did you think of your group leader? Thanos was very good at his job; friendly, helpful, enthusiastic and very knowledgable about the area, its history and inhabitants. He took us to six different restaurants and various eateries/cafés on our walks. He also spoilt us with local delicacies for elevenses, all delicious. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Decent boots and long trousers a must for the gorge walk. Some found poles useful. Is there anything else you would like to add? We were driven to some elevated starting points so not too much uphill walking, which I appreciated.
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