Internationale groepsreis Mountains & Villages of Evia - Birthday Departure

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 *Standard Hotel*

Today 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 through verdant countryside along stone-worn paths next to springs and streams, 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, before reaching the coast. This evening before dinner we will enjoy traditional live music and celebratory welcome drinks at the hotel.  Walk: Distance 11 km Ascent 450 m Descent 450 m Max Altitude 500 m Time: 6 hours Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar *Standard Hotel*

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 view 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/coach. Today our lunch will be prepared in front of us and we will try Fourtalia Omelette, a traditional local dish, at the seaside taverna.  Walk: Distance 9 km Ascent 100 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 400 m Time: 4.5 hours Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar *Standard Hotel*

This morning we will take a scenic drive through beautiful villages and high mountains to the historic capital of the island, Halkis, located in the middle of Evia. Whilst in the capital we will visit Carababa‎ Castello, the early Christian Cathedral of Agia Paraskevi, the old drawbridge with the famous tidal phenomenon underneath. Every six hours a special tidal phenomenon takes place in the strait, strong tidal currents reverse direction creating strong currents and maelstroms. Later on, we will walk the cosmopolitan promenade. On our way back to Karystos we will stop at one of the oldest wineries on the island to enjoy a wine tasting.  Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar *Standard Hotel*

We start with an early morning drive along the panoramic mountain road to the north, known as the 'Eagle Route', which takes us above the evergreen valley of Styra. We then climb to Mt Kliosi's dramatic summit where the remains of the ancient Acropolis defy time and the 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 this 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 bus back to Karystos. This evening before dinner we will learn how to prepare Baclava, a delicious sweet pastry.  Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 300 m Descent 400 m Max Altitude 700 m Time: 5 hours Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar* Standard Hotel*

Today we have a picturesque walk through the gorges to the rugged East Aegean coast. We travel by taxi/coach 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 close to the dramatically exposed Aegean coast.  Walk: Distance 10 km Ascent 0 m Descent 900 m Max Altitude 1000 m Time: 5 hours Accommodation: Hotel Galaxy or similar *Standard Hotel*

This morning we take the ferry to Athens to discover the historic centre of this breathtaking city, the cradle of western civilisation and the birthplace of democracy. We 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 end the tour outside the Acropolis giving those who wish to explore the Acropolis, one of the ancient wonders of our world, the option to do so.  We spend this evening further exploring Athens, dinner will be taken below the Acropolis.  Walk: Distance 4 km Ascent 0 m Descent 0 m Time: 3 hours Accommodation: Hotel in Athens or Rafina  *Standard Hotel*

The trip ends this morning. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the flight to London.