Internationale groepsreis Mountains & Villages of 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

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. Walk: Distance 11 km Ascent 350 m Descent 350 m Max Altitude 350 m Time: 5.5 hours Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar

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 11 km Ascent 300 m Descent 500 m Max Altitude 700 m Time: 6 hours Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar

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 12 km Ascent 100 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 400 m Time: 5 hours Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar

This morning we will drive to the village of Marmari. We will enjoy a coastal walk around the bay. In the afternoon you are free to relax on the beach or wander around Karystos, a thriving market town. Walk: Distance 5 km Ascent 0 m Descent 150 m Max Altitude 150 m Time: 2.5 hours Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar

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 to one of the famous Gorge Walks to the east coast of Evia. The Porfyra 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 similar

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. Walk: Distance 4 km Ascent 0 m Descent 0 m Time: 3 hours Accommodation: Jason Inn or similar

Our tour ends after breakfast in Athens. Those on the group flights will have the morning free to explore Athens before they are transferred to the airport in the afternoon for the flight to London.