This 7-night guided walking holiday is based on the delightful island of Evia; a real hidden treasure, with old stone paths connecting quaint villages tucked away in the mountains.
This walkers' paradise offers unique history and an authentic atmosphere in the local towns and villages. We'll visit Roman quarries, aqueducts and Byzantine churches and in the summer there is plenty of opportunities for swimming at a deserted beach or a tucked away cove.
Traditional tavernas and waterfront ouzo-meze shops make eating and drinking here a wonderful experience. A range of delicious food is available on Evia: excellent local meat barbeques and casseroles, homemade pies, stuffed vegetables and a great variety of vegetarian dishes, fresh salads, locally-caught fish and seafood, and a plethora of seasonal fruits and breads and cheeses.
We'll stay in the Galaxy Hotel, which has been run by the same family for more than 30 years. We'll enjoy breakfast with a sea view at the hotel, whilst evening meals are taken in different tavernas around town.
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.
From Athens Airport we transfer by road to Rafina (approx 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. (Staying at the Galaxy Hotel)
Our first day take 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 one of the grandest forts of the 4th crusade, Castello Rosso, from where we can enjoy beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Using mountain goat-trails we walk down to the fertile plain of Aetos, full of citrus, olive and cypress trees, and we then reach the coast. (Staying at the Galaxy Hotel, Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
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 Mount 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. (Staying at the Galaxy Hotel, Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
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 C8 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. (Staying at the Galaxy Hotel, Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
This morning we will take the ferry to Athens. We will walk the historic centre of this breathtaking 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. (Staying at the Galaxy Hotel, Breakfast and dinner)
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. (Staying at the Galaxy Hotel, Breakfast only)
After breakfast we will take the ferry back to Athens. After checking in to our hotel, we will have a walking tour of Athens, visiting the historic centre and the archaeological sites of major interest, including the Acropolis and the Zappio National Gardens. (Staying at the Galaxy Hotel, Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
After breakfast we transfer back to Athens where our adventure ends. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the flight home. (Breakfast only)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
Please call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or email usa@exodustravels.com to arrange flights and connecting transfers to your hotel.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can continue to develop, and where necessary improve, our services and ensure our holidays continue to be the best they can be. However, as this is a relatively new holiday, we don't yet have any customer reviews available.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday. Find out about The Headwater Price Promise to ensure you're getting the very best value for money.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Minimum group sizes
A minimum of 4 people (in total) are required for each departure.
Children
This holiday is unsuitable for children.
Holiday type
Guided walking Managed by our sister company, Exodus.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 5 evening meals
Tour only
Transfers included from Athens airport at 18:55, and back to Athens airport at 16:00.
If you choose to book your own flights please check with us first that your chosen departure date is definitely operating as our guided holidays are subject to minimum group sizes.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form.
Due to the tailor-made nature of our holidays, we need a little more information in order for us to check availability for . Simply complete the form below and a member of our sales team will contact you (when it's most convenient for you) to provide availability information, travel options and an accurate price. Of course there's no obligation, but if you do wish to proceed with a booking they will be on-hand to assist you throughout the process.
Alternatively, you can call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 to discuss your requirements in more detail.
We've been creating high-quality relaxed activity holidays since 1985 and our wealth of experience means we're able to build the perfect tailor-made tour for you. Our 'Gold Trusted' rating on Feefo, the independent review site, underlines our exceptional levels of customer service, and our ATOL bonding and ABTA membership guarantees your holiday is safe with us.
