Internationale groepsreis Mountains & Villages of Evia

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

A very enjoyable trip with varied walks and an enthusiastic entertaining leader. The hotel staff were helpful, the breakfasts were superb and it was lovely to have a sea view.  Karystos is very unspoilt and by the end of the week we felt we knew half the town! Overall a very relaxing holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Visiting the mountain chapels and learning about their history.

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos is hugely enthusiastic about Evia and Greece. His knowledge of the history, people and places added greatly to the walking experience.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you have knee problems make sure to bring walking poles as there is quite a bit of downhill walking !

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Aa unexpectedly warm,relaxing, informative, friendly, November walking break

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

View of the sea, port,harbour from the bedroom window/balcony. Picking nuts and oranges from trees along the roadside. Discovering Evia. I've never experienced such tasty and varied Greek food before.All home grown and home made to family recipes. Swimming in the (cold) sea in November (it had to be done).

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was attentive to every individual need,learnt our names fast, was enthusiastic and informative. He worked hard on our behalf.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Walks mainy downhill,with lots of stones,so take a stick. As advertised, the walking is not strenuous so enjoy the chance to take in the scenery, and relax. Take a snack on walks without picnics.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

So nice to have everything arranged, especially when high winds resulted in the ferries being cancelled, no problem, Thanos sorted it out.

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Fabulous laidback trip, great scenery and coastline, varied walking with plenty of swimming opportunities - and fantastic food!!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Climbing up to the Roman Imperial marble quarries to see 10m marble columns, completed and 'ready for shipping' scattered about the hillside. Views out over the harbour, Med sparkling in sunshine. Sitting on our hotel balcony sipping coffee at sunset, watching the little fishing boats chugging in and out of harbour

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was a warm and friendly group leader, full of stories about Evia, both recent and ancient, bringing Greek mythology to life, and giving us a sense of how long the island has been inhabited, and the different peoples who have lived there

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Food is fabulous, don't expect to lose any weight!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Ours was a small group (only 7 people) and we were there 'off season' so the town was quiet - we felt like the only visitors, and all the more special because of it.

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

The holiday is based in a simple but nice hotel, overlooking the harbour, a lovely spot.  eating out each night at different tavernas was a great variety.  And the leader, Thanos, was well versed in the local history.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was very helpful if anything was needed, seemed to know everybody in town, and gave us lots of information about the country, the people and the history of the island.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

We really enjoyed this trip to an unspoilt region of Greece where there were very few foreign tourists. We had good company, good food and Mythos beer. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The beach at the end of the Demosaris Gorge was spectacularly wild and scenic and like other beaches that week, completely empty. The marble columns at the quarry on Mt Ohi looked as if the Romans had just recently abandoned them and were in a wonderful setting. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Roger was a capable organiser, had sound knowledge of the island and was good company both on the walks and in the evenings when we all went out together. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for a full days travelling both to get there and to get back. This is because of the difficulty in matching plane times to local buses to ferry sailings. It is a price worth paying to get to a resort off the usual tourist track

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Hotel Galaxy was clean and comfortable, staff were helpful and Ricky was a charming host. Karystos is a lovely town with two good beaches for swimming after a days walking in the hills

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Tiring but most enjoyable. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

No one particular moment.  The whole holiday was a joy from start to finish. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Roger is great.  A very thoughtful and helpful guide.  We could not ask for a better chap.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

When Roger says "undulations" he means "hills", when he says "trainers" he means "walking boots".

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The current arrangement of 4 days walking, 1 day rest and a last day walking might be better split into 3, 1, 2.  Ours was split that way owing to adverse weather conditions but i know several of our party welcomed the unscheduled break.

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

explore an untouristed greek island, sampling great food, countryside and views.  relaxed hotel is a friendly base for the week.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Springtime flowers all along the hillsides. Ancient ruins you feel you have just stumbled across - the quarried columns and the dragon houses especially. 

What did you think of your group leader?

roger and thanos made everyone feel welcome and at ease. made sure we were all comfortable with the walks ahead and fully aware of what to expect. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

the sea is chilly in march! expect to be well fed......less choice for vegetarians. make sure you get to the naughty cake shop in Karystos. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Comfortable hotel, wonderful food, lots of history and culture, varied walking - some stunning views and beautiful coastline.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Wonderful views from the Acroplois on top of Mount Kliosi on the first day - especially after a rather tricky scramble up!

What did you think of your group leader?

Thano was so knowledgeable about the history and culture of this beautiful island - his talks added so much value to the trip. We had very variable weather and Thano adjusted the itinerary at short notice so that we did as much as possible. Thano took us to a different taverna every day where we sampled as many of the wonderful local dishes as possible! He was a very entertaining host.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a map of the island with you so that you can track where you are visiting. The museum in the town opens on Sunday mornings - something to do on the last day.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The hotel was clean and comfortable and the rooms were warm and well serviced. The breakfasts were to die for! Local yoghurt, honey, bread, fruit, cheese ...and much more. The owners were very friendly and hospitable.

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

A very enjoyable week with a small group of very agreeable people. When we experienced the coldest ever recorded October day at the beginning of the week and I collapsed exhausted on my bed in the evening after battling up the hill to Castello Rosso against galeforce winds I wondered if I had made the right decision but things could only get better - and they did.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I had no inspirational moment but enjoyed it all. Certainly seeing the Roman columns is pretty awesome (if that word is not too overused) and the view from the top of the sacrificial table (or whatever it was) on Mount Kliosi at the Acropolis of Styra is breathtaking. I also loved the walk down the Demosaris Gorge - where Thanos chose a beautiful place to stop for lunch. I imagine it would be a wonderful place to bathe in the summer - but a bit cold in October.

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos certainly proved to be a good organiser - arranging hotel rooms at short notice on the mainland when we missed the ferry the first evening, finding alternative transport when there were strikes and finding an alternative taverna at short notice for our evening meal on the day of solidarity when everything was shut. Everything worked out perfectly. He was great company and kept us entertained with lots of local knowledge and interesting stories - even if some of them proved not to be true! He is certainly very proud to be from Evia - and he has alot to be proud of.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The walks are mainly downhill - so be warned if you have weak knees! The longest walks were in the range of 12-15 km - so quite moderate, but some of them are on quite rough ground so poles could be a good idea. And the taxi drives up and down the mountains are not for the weak-hearted - there are not many good roads on the island. Try the Septem beer at the first opportunity - you may not get another!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was my first Exodus holiday and it's certainly made me want to go on more as soon as possible!

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

A wonderful holiday in an unspoilt part of Greece. The walks were as described in the brochure of varying lengths between 8 and 15 miles. The Galaxy hotel was simple but welcoming and had everything that I needed. It was lovely to have a fridge and tea and coffee making facilities. My room and the rooms of the others in the party faced the sea which meant I could sit on the balcony and watch the fishing boats.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Peaks of Mount Ochi Swimming in the sea after the gorge walk The lovely lunches Tasting a variety of Greek starters Sitting drinking beer outside the local tavernas after a day's walk The ancient ruins The mountain flowers

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was friendly and well organised and took great care of all of us. He was passionate about the island on which he grew up and delighted in telling us facts and stories. Everyday at precisely the right moment Thanos would produce a bakery box full of delicious biscuits or pastries which was appreciated by everyone in the group. Thanos chose some great places to eat and he continued to entertain us at dinner with his anecdotes. I particularly enjoyed the great range of starters. The food was great for vegetarians. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

It was hot during the day in April but cool in the evening so take something to keep you warm in the evening There is free WiFi in the lobby and you can use the reception computer. Useful for doing online checking in and printing your boarding pass The rooms have tea and coffee making facilities with tea, coffee and biscuits The room has a fridge Towels are changed daily and can be used to take out for swimming The museum is small but worth a look on your free day The beaches have stones so water shoes are really useful on swimming days Hairdryers are available from reception The ferry leaves Rafina at 9pm so you really need to have your evening meal in Rafina on the Sunday evening. Agean Airlines provides a hot meal and free drinks including wine. Remember to book your vegetarian meal at least 24 hours in advance.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

This was a really lovely break away. The walking (B grade week) was not particularly challenging, nor were the days long, but the scenery, food and company were excellent!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Having the opportunity to try new food types! I enjoyed the shared starters where you could have little tasters of something different. In fact, the starters were more than enough, although the mains were very tasty we had all eaten too much at the start of the meal!

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was very passionate about the area and its history and traditions. We learnt a lot from him about the island. He was supportive and an inspirational.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Travelling in February, you should be prepared for a variety of weather. It was a bit like England in April, with all weather types in one day!  We varied between cool weather - even snow on a couple of days, to warm sunshine - t-shirt weather!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was my first Exodus holiday and I felt the company gave lots of information beforehand so I felt prepared for the trip. I would recommend travelling with them.

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Evia is an amazing island, very green and lush and the walking was varied.  I was pleased by the amount of history and local knowledge imparted by the guides.  The butterflies, flowers, tortoises and slow worms interested me a lot.  The hotel provided a very comfortable base with the sea, tavernas and sea front giving evening entertainment. This is a great mix of moderately challenging walking with great food, wonderful history and interesting nature.  I would heartily reccommend this holliday

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

1 Reaching the top of the path to the Roman quarry on Ohi mountain - I have always been very cautious going down and the slope up was so steep I seriously wondered if I should stop, but encouraged by the guide I kept on, and to my surprise coming down was not as bad as I had feared. 2 Standing in the cave used as a church since 300AD just below the Acropolis of Styra while the guide told us the history of the area - the battles between Greeks and Persians leading to the run from Marathon just across the gulf, the problems of the early Christians and the difficulties of the villagers up to the 19th Century with pirates. 3 Seeing live wild tortoises ( reminded me of Gerald Durrell) and a huge slow worm which should be called a fast worm! 4 Watching the pasteli maker

What did you think of your group leader?

We had three leaders in the course of the week 1 Thanos - brilliant.  Very very knowledgable about the island and full of pride in it.  Infectious enthusiasm and keen to help at all times.  Thanos only did one walk with us due to having to go to London, but supervised arrival and departure.  Gave the impression that when he was in charge nothing would go wrong and indeed nothing did! 2 Cecile - good. Took over from Thanos and was also knowledgable about the island but possibly less good at the history, although she was excellent on present day Evia.  Cecile arranged for a taverna to open up especially for us to have a drink towards the end of a walk and she organised a visit to a pasteli maker which was one of my trip highlights.  Cecile has a lovely personality and is obviously very well liked by the locals, she also coped well with coming into the group after the holiday had started. 3 Costas- OK.  I believe Costas is training as a guide.  He showed us the way on a walk where Cecile was not familiar with the start of the route, and throughout the day acted as backstop and also told us a lot of fascinating facts as the walk was all around land historically owned by his family.  I really liked his style and enthusiasm, some people complained he was loud, but Greek people, especially the men, are loud.  Costas is proud of his island and wants to pass on his enthusiasm.  His presence added to that day's walk.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

I found a fleece useful for the evenings as even at the end of May the breeze was cool after dark.  For the price of a coffee you can have a lounger on the main beach for as long as you like - great after a walk.  For privacy walk along the front to the left of the hotel, past the castle and through the park.  There are steps down to a little cove with oleanders, a prickly pear and a fig tree and space to relax.  Turn left out of the hotel and then right and along that street you will find a beautiful shop to buy hand made jewellery and scarves.  If you are offered a visit to the pasteli maker then take it. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This is a lovely holiday -  a great mix of walking, relaxation, good food and wine and a "Grown up" resort setting.

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

An excellent trip with a very knowledgable and attentive guide, who tailored the walking to suit all the abilities.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The Cippolino marble and columns quarry.

What did you think of your group leader?

As above.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The only drawback was being told by the BA desk at terminal 5 that we should have checked in online. After much to-ing and fro-ing we were told we could have the last two seats on the outward flight, despite having turned up two and a half hours before takeoff. The joining instructions only say that electronic check-in is optional.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

I would happily do this holiday again!  I loved the greekness of Karyistos.  It's a working town not a tourist one.  The hotel sits on the harbour front where you can see the fishing boats preparing to go out to sea in the morning.  And in the evening you can eat wonderful fresh fish and drink cool greek wine in one of the lovely tavernas either on the harbour front itself or, our favourite, in the 'little alley' near the town square.  Each of the walks was unique, surprising and inspiring.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The climb to Mt Kliosi, the Acropolis, the Gate and the Cave of St Nicholas we did early in the week.  The weather was cool, despite a hot forecast and the mist rolled over us on the top of the mountain.  This walk was ,for me, like walking with the Gods.  A brilliant start to a great week.  We came down to the village of Nea Styra for lunch, ( a pretty late one).  A hot cheese pie had been prepared for us by the 92 year old lady of the taverna and a feast of greek food was laid out for us - what hospitality!

What did you think of your group leader?

We had two; Thanos, exceptional in all his responsibilities.  He is approachable, likeable and extremely knowledgable.  He had to leave after the second day and Cecile took his place.  a French lady living in Karyistos.  She was equally likeable and led some great days out.  She gave us lots of background to life in Kariystos and seemed to know where all the best fruit trees were growing at that time - ripe mulberries off the tree YUM!  Sophoclese her dog accompanied us on the day out to Mt Ohi and the Marble Quarries and gave an added dimension to the day.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Keep asking where you can fill up your water bottle and i always carried some snacks as most of our lunch stops were quite late.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I followed this trip immedaitely with 'Walking on the Greeks Islands'.  The combination worked really well with the change over in Athens with an afternoon to see the sights and a night out in the town. More islands, ferries, the blue aegean sea, sightseeing and leisurely walking.  I'd just like to mention that we ate like pythons!!  The food just about everywhere was delicious, varied, fresh, and home grown.  and the local wines, which we drank by the carafe - well they just kept comng to the table and we had to keep drinking them.

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Excellent Leader, Group and Holiday!  The dining out at different restaurants each evening was really enjoyable.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walk down the Dimosaris Gorge and the well earned swim after (although the beach wasn't deserted as stated in the brochure - there were 4 other people there!)

What did you think of your group leader?

Costas was an excellent Leader - extremely knowledgeable about the area and its history, enthusiastic, a good communicator and very sociable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Book now.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

I didn't know quite what to expect never having been on an organised trip before and being a bit of a loner. However the holiday was amazing. Not only was the walking good, although I might have liked something a bit more strenuous, but the accommodation was just right with lovely views from our balcony room and our guide was wonderful, providing history and stories to enlarge our visual experiences. All in all it was a most satisfactory holiday which I am still thinking about long after my return. Thank you Exodus,

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Loved the Demosarios Gorge walk also swimming from a lovely bay.

What did you think of your group leader?

Can't speak too highly of Thanos. Not only was he interesting and entertaining but also very dependable.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

No it's quite clear in Exodus literature

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Just go for it, a lovely holiday.

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

A great holiday, with a very pleasant group, a brilliant leader, good walking in attractive scenery, and based at a simple friendly family hotel.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Thanos's moving account of the Canadian soldiers whisked to safety during the war and what happened to the family that helped them. Walking-wise, the Demosaris gorge and the Roman aqueduct descending from Castello Rosso.

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was brilliant.  He organised things very well (cafes, transport, etc - and finding a reliable taxi-driver and central hotel for us when my friend and I used the free day to end up with 2 days in Athens), answered all questions and had fantastic local knowledge, and walked at a reasonable pace on the whole (but we did get a bit too strung out on occasion when going downhill and there was the deadline of a bus to catch).

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

October seems a good month - I was glad that on no day was it uncomfortably hot while walking.  I found the long descents over boulders quite testing, even with poles, as falling forward is more painful! but overall the walking was very enjoyable.  Good hotel breakfasts, evening meals at local cafes acceptable (with wine flowing freely) but pretty unimaginative. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Group holidays are a good thing (we were 18) - I had not been on one for 40 years!  Perhaps one always gets a good mix of people at this time of year (no one under 40, and 7 over 70 including me, and varied interests)? I thought the Evia trip was excellent value for the amount of enjoyment involved, and it makes me inclined to try the Greek islands trip some time (with for me as a classicist the special attraction of Santorini).

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

I have never been on an organised group holiday trip before, but have travelled independently regularly, so it was with some trepidation that I joined the trip to Evia. I need not have worried- the company was fantastic and having a knowledgable guide brought the walking experience alive in a way that I would never have acheived travelling by myself. 

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The day climbing up Mount Ohi to the Temple of the Dragons, then the long descent back to the coast. The mist/cloud came and went as we explored the temple- it has been there for the same time the stones have stood at Stone Henge and you imagine all the generations, nationalities, and motivations of the people who have visited the Temple of the Dragons over the millenia.

What did you think of your group leader?

Fantastic! His local knowledge, contacts and passion for the area really made the experience memorable for me.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Wear a good pair of boots.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

So inspired by the package I want to change my job ( I am a vet) to being a guide for Exodus- I could put together a really good trip for Bath and The Mendips!

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

What a great way to get away from the Christmas craziness, remain occupied, and learn a lot about the history of Evia and Greek culture. Evia is gorgeous and our hikes were the perfect amount of challenge. Thanos knows so much history and is happy to share it. My advice would be to just go with the flow, trust that he knows what he is doing and not press too hard for information about what's next. It is nice that we frequented independent businesses and had nice breaks between the hikes and dinner.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Hiking! It felt great!

What did you think of your group leader?

Very smart and capable. He has a lot of pride for his country and is a little sensitive if he thinks someone is criticizing it. Thanos is a good man, a reliable leader and he knows his way around the island.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Trust your leader and kick back and enjoy the trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The shower needs a shower curtain. We made a mess every day no matter how hard we tried to be careful. Bring a hair dryer. Request a room on a floor with wifi (if you want it) 

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

One of the best group walking holidays I have been on, and excellent value for money.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Wartime stories while doing gorge walk.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent.  Background knowledge, stories, general entertainment value were all first class. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Trip notes said it all.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hotel was perfect and hospitality really welcoming.  Restaurants were all good.  Could not fault whole holiday in any way.