Internationale groepsreis Walking on the Greek Islands

Walking on three Greek Islands

The holiday includes one night in Athens, one night on Paros, two on Santorini and three nights on Naxos. The walks are relaxed and although rugged in places the description of leisurely is appropriate. The ferry trips between the Islands could be a down side of the trip, the first one seemed quite long. However, the group learnt the best area for sitting, up at the top of the ferry, under cover but with plenty of air and the best views and the trips became enjoyable as we were well prepared and appreciated time to chat with the group. The trip was extremely well organised and we had many wonderful experiences packed into one week.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moments were looking at the many stunning views, the walk on Santorini was particularly beautiful once our walk took us away from the crowds in the town. The view was constant all day and the picture postcard buildings are memorable.

What did you think of your group leader?

Cecile was outstanding, she took great care to ensure the holiday was an enjoyable experience at all times. She was well organised, very sensitive and kind and good company.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

For me this trip was too laid back and the "walking" short and not challenging. On the positive side the food was very good and the weather brilliant!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Santorini was the highlight

What did you think of your group leader?

Poor- she hadn't walked the trails and got lost on Naxos. Her communication skills were not good and too much was left to our memory on matters such as timing etc., Furthermore we didn't see her at all until breakfast on Day 2. We were just deposited at the hotel in Athens - there wasn't even a notice at the hotel and we had to ask check in staff at the hotel for information!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is not like most Exodus walking holidays- the walking is no more than a stroll.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

Very good trip, but the walks are definitely not moderate. I would suggest that the trip in future be reduced to 2 islands -  Santorini and Paros, which would allow either more walks /longer walks

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Santorini was fabulous. I would definitely like to return for  a longer stay than the  2 nights, which we had.

What did you think of your group leader?

Cecile was a very good guide.  Cecile was French and  fluent in English and Greek. Her knowledge of wild flowers,  herbs and tress was of great value during our walks. Eating mulberries straight from the tree. Cecile also helped us with ordering Greek dishes in the restaurants and discussing items in the shops.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be careful when travelling on the train from Athens to the port.  One of our group was nearly at the receiving of an attempted pick pocket, while boarding the train.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking poles are not necessary on this trip as there is no difficult terrain. If you wish to spend more than half a day in Athens, I would recommend booking a few days eithr at the beginning or end of the holiday.  It  was not an issue for me personally, as I have visited Athens several times over the years.

A relaxing week with a spot of walking

A really enjoyable trip incorporating 3 lovely Greek islands and a brief glimpse of Athens. The walks are fairly short (4 hours max) and are more like gentle strolls. Plenty of time to relax and chill out or explore further on your own was included.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Arriving at Santorini and catching our first glimpse close up as the ferry doors opened. Exploring Paros. Experiencing all the delicious Greek food. Swimming in the beautiful blue Greek sea. Savouring the different ice cream flavours.

What did you think of your group leader?

Cecile worked hard during the week to accomodate all of our requests and was flexible to changing the itinerary to avoid walking during the hotest parts of the day. She was very knowledgeable on certain aspects however because it was her first visit to Paros and her first time in leading the trip, there were some areas where she was not so knowledgeable and could have potentially provided more information. Having a guide who speaks fluent Greek was essential!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

A very enjoyable week. Hotels were nice, food great and weather fantastic. However I am not sure that I would like to travel in high season since it was hot enough at the start of June. Beware of the pick pockets in Athens, particulary on the metro.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The group felt at times like we were guinea pigs because this was only the second or third time that the trip had run however it did not spoil our enjoyment. However the trip notes need to be updated, e.g. to reduce the length of time spent walking. I felt that this was not a walking holiday but a sightseeing holiday with a few short walks. It was a shame that we were not allowed to take the catamaran back to Athens since this would have been a new experience and may have given us a little more time in either Paros or Athens. Also, the ferry which we took was the most crowded of the 4 and less comfortable than the other 3 (which were excellent). 2 members of the group had repeatedly requested a single room only to be told that these were already booked up with no more available, however there was plenty of space in the hotels who were only happy to agree to the request for a small fee (nothing as expensive as the single supplement charged by Exodus!). Final point, when booking I was not told that I was not on the group flight - I only realised once the final departure details arrived. On arrival at Athens I was expected to wait 2 hours until the group flight arrived but instead 3 of us shared a taxi to the hotel. When the other 2 group members on the group flight were met, they were put in a taxi too - paid for by Exodus. Why were the 3 of us not told to take our own taxi, either paid for by Exodus or by ourselves to be refunded later? I feel that a refund for this should be provided (45 euros), since had we waited Exodus would have paid for 2 taxis anyway.

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

Fantastically well organised trip with a great variety of walking, sightseeing, travel and cuisine. Good group size, interesting itinerary and clever use of local transport. Our guide was entertaining, informed and helpful throughout. Highly recommended (Be aware the walking is not challenging if that's what you're after)

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Sharing a public bus with 30 Greek school children and various locals on the way up to one of the mountain villages for lunch, with all sorts of public arguements and discussions going on around us!

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent - highly knowledgable, entertaining, and tireless. Helped out with dinner every night (including serving and clearing!), dealt with all the various needs of the group well and went beyond the call of duty in showing us the local nightlife!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take plenty of camera batteries and memory cards, be ready for several hours on ferries (weather was very calm for us). I'd recommend booking an extra few days to see Athens at the beginning or end (if you haven't already) as there is no time on the trip for this (beyond the first evening).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

Would have scored higher but for a few issues that were probably specific to this particular trip (eg: a ferry strike, very small group and unseasonably bad weather).If you're looking for easy walking, great food, scenery and culture with a passionate leader, this tour is for you. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Seeing the Acropolis and a great education on all things Greek and Island from the tour leader.

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was great. Clearly loves everything about the area so every question on everything (from asparagus to Zeus) wasn't just answered but expanded upon (eg: what's that flower, answer: it's camomile, used in XYZ and prepared by ABC, for ... etc). Also, extraordinarily, instead of cutting our tour schedule due to the poor weather and strike he actually managed to expand it by adding in another island and throwing in his own tour of Athens - which I thought was incredible. I've been on a few tours and have always been impressed by the leaders, but he was outstanding.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Maybe April was too early to go and I think it would have been more fun with a bigger group (only 4 of us).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Exodus (I think annoyingly) do this with other trips but I can't understand why you'd fly into a city like Athens, then leave it without a tour. It's a great missed opportunity. So I flew in a day early to do a walking tour of the city, and was lucky enough at the end of the trip to get another tour wtih Thanos who knows the city very well. 

Walking on three Greek Islands

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking the Greek Islands

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Great early season break

We really enjoyed this break. A great time of year to have some sun and a good break. Our guide Cecile was fantastic, she had a real rapport with all the locals which meant that we had super meals out and great experiences on the ferries and buses. The hotels were quite basic and all apart from the one in Naxos were very good, we have put in a strong word to find a new hotel in Naxos. We added on a stay in Athens and that was such a good idea as it meant we didn't have quite such a long journey home with a long ferry, airport and flight back to back and we were able to see the wonderful sights of Athens.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We loved the island of Paros and in particular the lovely small town at the port. Also the inspirational churches.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fabulous!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

As above stay in Athens for longer.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking on the Greek Islands

Altogether a very enjoyable and varied holiday. The walks were excellent and not too challenging. Scenery was out of this world and so was the weather. Ferry journeys very enjoyable and the length did not bother me. Very friendly group of travellers. All in all a very successful holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking the Bysantine Way on Paros.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent - couldn't have been better. Very friendly, thoughtful, knowledgeable, interested, kind and extremely well organised. Thank you Thanos for a wonderful holiday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Book and go on this wonderful trip

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Have made new friends and am looking forward to my next Exodus trip

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

Good company.  A good balance of group time and time to do your own things.  Fantastic caring group leader. Thanos.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I felt chilled all the time.  The Islands were beautiful.  My favourite was Paros.  Santorini was out of this world but my legs did not stop wobbling with my fear of heights.  I think we all wished we could afford to go on a 2 month trip and just go from Island to Island. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos could not do enough for you.  I thought he was really attentive and caring.  I thought he got the balance right for time to yourself and time with the group.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The itinery may have to change slightly. Ours did but it did not spoil the holiday in any way.  If you want a ridgid timetable plan your own holiday.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I was concerned going as a single person. I thought couples would go off and do their own thing on an evening.  There were four of us single Women who got on really well and did a lot together.  The 3 couples mixed in with all of us. It is a very single friendly holiday company.  I would definately choose Exodus again.   I laughed from start to finish.  

Walking the Greek Islands

This was a wonderful holiday with just the right amount of hiking. Some was a bit strenuous, but very doable. The accommodations were good-commensurate with the cost of the trip. The best part was our guide, Thanos. He was knowledgeable, accommodating and went out of his way to make the trip wonderful.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The hard climb on Naxos to a wonderful view

What did you think of your group leader?

As stated above, Thanos was terrific. Can't praise enough.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Make sure you have good walking shoes, a walking stick is helpful and bring cash for meals not covered.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Wonderful relaxing holiday

This was an excellent holiday combining interesting country walks on 3 very different islands, ferry cruises between them , cultural highlights and excellent food and drink!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

For me the most stunning cultural experience of the trip was our visit to Acotiri (site of the Minoen city destroyed by the volcanic eruption in 1650 BC) and the nearby museum with some of the artefacts and frescos. (The rest are in Athens). The walks were so peaceful with stunning views and interesting villages.

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was an excellent and personable travel companion. He had a deep knowledge of ancient and modern Greek history and culture. (As well as the flora and fauna of the area). All the arrangements worked perfectly, he was helpful, well respected by people we met and took us to some great restaurants and coffee stops!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you have any special dietary needs or are not a great lover of burgers and chips I would take some food with you on the ferry journeys. I had forgotten that an island holiday in October may be a bit cooler due to the breeze, so take a thin long sleeved top though it was still shorts walking weather

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It was a wonderfully relaxing way to see a lot of Greece, the walks were interesting but not demanding. So my advice would be book now!

GREEK ISLAND WALKING HOLIDAY

The holiday started in Athens as we established our group and departed for Paros. The hotel was perfect on the edge of the coast with stunning views, the gentle walking helped to break us in for what was to come later. Then on to Santorini, a beautiful island with narrow alley-ways full of shops and café/bars. The coastal walk was exquisite meandering up and down the coastal path away from the tourist elements. Followed by a trip to the Centre of the volcano the following morning (lots of steps down!). On to Naxos and a feel for the real Greece as the walks inland showed much of the normal way of life. The walking was leisurely, but you needed to be comfortable with your balance. A beautiful countryside village was the destination. Absolutely fantastic holiday which was made all the better by an excellent guide and friendly group of travellers.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walks on the Island of Naxos provided a real feel for Greek life. Very little tourism to spoil the island.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent tour leader - very knowledgeable about the Islands and extremely well organised.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You need walking shoes - not boots, especially if you are steady on your feet.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Go for it!

Walking on the Greek Islands

My first group walking experience and I thoroughly enjoyed joining a group of like-minded people for a very well organised holiday. The islands were beautiful, the weather kind and the balance of walking, sight-seeing and relaxing just about right.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Santorini delivered spectacular jaw-dropping scenery but I loved Naxos. I thought the hinterland of Naxos was so beautiful and Naxos Town very interesting. This was the place I want to return to.

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was great - his knowledge of Greek History and Religion was very impressive. He knew everyone and was obviously very much at home on the islands. Best of all was his choice of restaurants and bars in the evenings - they just got better and better. A good leader who also knows when to fade into the background.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I found the stony paths quite challenging so, if you have knee or ankle issues, good walking boots are advisable. The ferry rides are a bit tedious so a good book is essential.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I was on my own but had a really enjoyable 8 day holiday.

Walking on the Greek Islands

If you want a lovely, leisurely, sunny trip with a great mixture of scenery, culture and gentle walks this is great. There were only 9 people which was perfect. Plenty of flexibility for free time and eating with the group or choosing to wander off on your own or in smaller groups. In June the weather was lovely, it started to get too warm for walking at the end of the week, so I skipped the last day to enjoy on the beach in Naxos. Hotels were good standard, with pools. The ferries can be slightly tedious, but an experience. Great mix of 3 islands, of course whilst Santorini is touristy it is absolutely stunning.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The 11km walk along the caldera from Fira to Oia on Santorini. Definitely the Wow factor, and I'm glad I learnt how to take panoramic photos as the views are gorgeous. Watching the sun go down over the sea in Naxos the last 2 evenings was lovely. The old towns on Naxos and Paros are delightful.

What did you think of your group leader?

Cecille was a warm, caring, sunny and relaxed leader. She was informative without being pushy, and just wanted us to enjoy our holiday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If like me you have spent years doing long haul, adventurous travel and more challenging treks, then this is the perfect tonic for a different kind of European break. Surprisingly nice wine too, especially the (more expensive as is everything) white in Santorini from Assyrtiko grape. The last day travelling back is long, so if you wanted to extend a couple of nights in Naxos for beach, you might like to consider flying back from there to Athens to connect with onward flights.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

loved it!

Stroll around some Greek islands

A great Introduction to activity holidays as the walking was not hard and the scenery was stunning. Lots of travel but a great way to get a feel for 3 different islands. Will treasure the memory of glorious sunsets whilst sipping cocktails beachside for a long time.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting the Greek "Pompeii" on santorini. Stunning.

What did you think of your group leader?

Cecile was a great leader, organised everything very well and was the right mix of being part of the group and leaving the group to itself.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Pack light!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Walking in the Greek Islands

Overall a very enjoyable trip. Visiting 3 islands made the week seem longer and more varied. The walks were generally leisurely but there were a couple of hills which we climbed in the hottest part of the day, but that could not be avoided. Thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Santorini walk from Fira to Oia. Walking on the volcanic island. Plus the beautiful walk on Naxos through olive groves and in the hills.

What did you think of your group leader?

Cecile was wonderful; she got things just right, and was good company.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Some walkers found the hills, and loose scree a little challenging. Some had poles which helped. So maybe consider taking poles if you are unsure.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The trip offers an additional walking trip on Evia.; but number of my group thought an additional 3/4 days on Naxos at the end of the trip would have been really attractive. Maybe Exodus could think about this for the future.

Greek islands

Excellent choice of islands. Very friendly group and leader

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Climbing the rock at Skaros point on Santorini. The walk out to the point is pretty easy but do not climb up onto the rock unless you are a competent scrambler.

What did you think of your group leader?

Cecile was excellent. Maybe she could have explained a bit more history/geology/geography She was very organised and efficient. Very friendly

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You will want to return to Naxos which was the best of the three islands.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Bring reading material for the lengthy (but enjoyable) ferry trips.

WALKING ON THE GREEK ISLANDS

A thoroughly enjoyable trip with plenty to see and a variety of experiences. As a walker the trip needs to have one more good walk but if you accept that the holiday is only graded as easy then you will not be disappointed. The walk along the Santorini coast was excellent as was the walk on Naxos. Be prepared for an expensive week as food prices in Greece are rather high.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The two main walks on Santorini and Naxos. Paros is a very quaint town with lovely narrow streets and a beautiful cathedral.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent. Thanos changeed the itinery to make sure the weather and ferry strikes did not impose on our week.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?