Mountains & Villages of Evia
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an exhilarating 8-day adventure through the picturesque landscapes of Greece. This multi-day tour takes you from the bustling city of Athens to the tranquil island of Evia, where you'll explore ancient ruins, hike through verdant countryside, and relax on pristine beaches. Along the way, you'll visit charming villages, marvel at Roman aqueducts, and discover the grand forts of the Fourth Crusade. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a beach enthusiast, this tour offers a unique blend of attractions and activities that promise an unforgettable experience.
Included
All breakfasts, six picnic lunches and two dinners are included.
The buffet-style breakfasts include fresh bread, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, honey and wild cherry syrup, porridge, eggs, ham and cheese, cereal, muesli, cake and cookies, honey, coffee/tea, chocolate and lots of fresh seasonal fruit.
A dining experience in Greece isn’t the same without spending evenings in a taverna – a small, family-run Greek restaurant – and on this trip we visit many of them. Dotted along the Karystian promenade, these cosy tavernas serve delicious local dishes with a variety of Evian wines in an informal setting.
Dishes to try in the evenings include homemade filo pastry pies, moussaka, stuffed vegetables plus a variety of other vegetarian and vegan dishes, fresh salads, crunchy bread, cheeses and locally caught fish and seafood. Local meat such as lamb, pork, chicken and the renowned Evian beef are prepared in many ways.
vegetarian, vegan, meat
We will be using a mixture of private transport, coach, taxis and local ferries.
Our base for the week is the two-star Galaxy Hotel, which overlooks the new harbour in the small coastal town of Karystos. Traditionally Greek, it has been run by the same friendly family for more than 30 years.
Situated at the west end of the esplanade, just 330ft (100m) from the main square and town centre and a stone’s throw from the beach and its cafes, the Galaxy Hotel is in a perfect location for exploring the town and soaking up the fresh sea air.
All rooms face the sparkling sea and have a balcony with a table and chairs, while the hotel has one indoor and one outdoor bar and a dining area where a hearty breakfast is served. The tap water is natural spring water from the mountains and is drinkable.
Worth knowing
All single rooms at Galaxy Hotel are twin/double rooms that are provided for sole occupancy.
Tour leader throughout
Listed activities
Map
Attractions
Archaeological Site of Brauron
Dragon houses of StyraDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Athens - Rafina - Mamari - Karystos
Day 1 – Day 1: Athens - Rafina - Mamari - Karystos
Day 1: Athens - Rafina - Mamari - Karystos
Our journey begins in Athens, from where we'll drive to the town of Rafina. From there, we'll take a ferry to the village of Mamari on Evia island. A short drive will then take us to our hotel in the town of Karystos.
Day 2 – Day 2: Karystos - Gourna - Mili
Day 2 – Day 2: Karystos - Gourna - Mili
Day 2: Karystos - Gourna - Mili
- Castello Rosso
- Dragon houses of Styra
- More
Our first day of exploration takes us through the town of Karystos and up to the villages of Gourna. We'll walk through the lush countryside, visit a Roman aqueduct, and explore Castello Rosso, a grand fort from the Fourth Crusade. We'll then descend to the valley of Mili, filled with citrus, olive, and cypress trees.
Day 3 – Day 3: Karystos - Platanistos
Day 3 – Day 3: Karystos - Platanistos
Day 3: Karystos - Platanistos
- Kavos Beach
- Papagiannakos Winery
- More
We'll drive to the southeastern tip of the island, heading towards the beautiful ravine of Platanistos. After a hike along the riverside path, we'll continue to the Aegean Sea, where we'll relax on Marmara Beach, one of the most beautiful yet undiscovered beaches in the region.
Day 4 – Day 4: Karystos - Mount Kliosi - Styra Valley
Day 4 – Day 4: Karystos - Mount Kliosi - Styra Valley
Day 4: Karystos - Mount Kliosi - Styra Valley
- Archaeological Museum of Karystos
- More
We'll start the day with a drive along the panoramic mountain road known as the Eagle Route, leading us to Mount Kliosi. Here, we'll explore the remains of an ancient acropolis, an eerie ancient gate, and the ruins of Castro Armeno. We'll then descend through wild strawberry bushes and Roman marble quarries to the quaint villages of Styra Valley.
Day 5 – Day 5: Karystos - Lycorema - Marmari
Day 5 – Day 5: Karystos - Lycorema - Marmari
Day 5: Karystos - Lycorema - Marmari
We'll drive to the village of Lycorema, where we'll enjoy a coastal walk around the bay and visit the fishing hamlet of Marmari. The afternoon is free for you to relax on the beach or explore the town of Karystos.
Day 6 – Day 6: Karystos - Argastaras - Aetos
Day 6 – Day 6: Karystos - Argastaras - Aetos
Day 6: Karystos - Argastaras - Aetos
We'll drive to the springs of St Theodore in the mountain village of Argastaras. From there, we'll climb up Mount Ohi, following multi-trails to the heart of the Roman quarries. We'll then walk to the villages of upper and lower Aetos, enjoying superb views of the Aegean Sea along the way.
Day 7 – Day 7: Karystos - Agios Dimitrios
Day 7 – Day 7: Karystos - Agios Dimitrios
Day 7: Karystos - Agios Dimitrios
We'll travel to the isolated village of Agios Dimitrios on Mount Ohi, which is the starting point of our gorge walks. We'll walk along an ancient path that offers outstanding views of the limestone cliffs and the Aegean Sea.
Day 8 – Day 8: Karystos - Athens
Day 8 – Day 8: Karystos - Athens
Day 8: Karystos - Athens
- Archaeological Site of Brauron
- More
On our final day, we'll have the opportunity to visit a local beekeeper and learn about Greek honey production. After checking out of our rooms, we'll transfer back to Athens airport, marking the end of our adventure.
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