Mountains & Villages of Evia
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through the enchanting landscapes of Greece. This multi-day tour takes you from the bustling city of Athens to the serene island of Evia, where you'll explore ancient ruins, hike through verdant valleys, and relax on pristine beaches. Discover the rich history of the region as you traverse worn-stone paths, visit grand forts from the Fourth Crusade, and marvel at the remains of Roman marble quarries. Enjoy the authentic Greek island life in Karystos, and savor the taste of local honey from a beekeeper. This tour is a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion, promising an experience you'll cherish forever.
Included
Listed activities
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
Our base for the week is the 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
We will be using a mixture of private transport, coach, taxis and local ferries.
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Athens - Rafina - Mamari - Karystos
Day 1: Athens - Rafina - Mamari - Karystos
Your Greek adventure begins in Athens, from where we'll drive to the coastal town of Rafina. From there, we'll take a ferry to the tranquil village of Mamari on Evia island. A short drive later, we'll reach our hotel in the charming town of Karystos.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploration of Karystos and Surrounding Villages
Day 2: Exploration of Karystos and Surrounding Villages
- Castello Rosso
- Dragon houses of Styra
- More
Our first day of exploration takes us through Karystos and up to the picturesque villages of Gourna, nestled high above Karystos bay. We'll walk through lush countryside, visit a Roman aqueduct, and explore the grand Castello Rosso fort. Our journey continues through the fertile valley of Mili, before reaching the coast.
Day 3 – Day 3: Journey to Platanistos and Marmara Beach
Day 3: Journey to Platanistos and Marmara Beach
- Papagiannakos Winery
- More
We'll drive along the southeastern tip of the island, heading towards the beautiful ravine of Platanistos. After a riverside hike in the lush valley, we'll continue to the pristine Marmara Beach, a hidden gem of the Aegean. After a relaxing beach session, we'll return to Karystos.
Day 4 – Day 4: Mount Kliosi and Styra Valley Exploration
Day 4: Mount Kliosi and Styra Valley Exploration
- Castello Rosso
- Schinias National Park
- More
We'll start the day with a drive along the scenic Eagle Route to the north, leading us to Mount Kliosi. Here, we'll explore the ancient acropolis, the Cave of St Nicolas, and the ruins of Castro Armeno. Our descent takes us through wild strawberry bushes and Roman marble quarries to the quaint villages of Styra Valley.
Day 5 – Day 5: Coastal Walk and Leisure Time in Karystos
Day 5: Coastal Walk and Leisure Time in Karystos
We'll start the day with a drive to the village of Lycorema, from where we'll embark on a coastal walk around the bay, visiting the fishing hamlet of Marmari. The afternoon is free for you to relax on the beach or explore the town of Karystos at your own pace.
Day 6 – Day 6: Hiking on Mount Ohi and Visit to Aetos Villages
Day 6: Hiking on Mount Ohi and Visit to Aetos Villages
- Agios Kyprianos
- Askitario (prehistoric settlement)
- More
We'll drive to the Springs of St Theodore in Argastaras, from where we'll climb Mount Ohi. We'll explore the Roman quarries and marvel at the abandoned marble pillars. Our journey continues to the villages of upper and lower Aetos, offering superb views of the Aegean Sea.
Day 7 – Day 7: Hiking on Mount Ohi and Visit to Agios Dimitrios
Day 7: Hiking on Mount Ohi and Visit to Agios Dimitrios
- Agios Kyprianos
- More
We'll travel to the isolated village of Agios Dimitrios on Mount Ohi, which is the starting point of our gorge walks. The ancient path offers outstanding views of limestone cliffs and the Aegean Sea. After a day of exploration, we'll return to our hotel in Karystos.
Day 8 – Day 8: Visit to a Beekeeper and Return to Athens
Day 8: Visit to a Beekeeper and Return to Athens
- Archaeological Site of Brauron
- More
After breakfast, we'll visit a local beekeeper to learn about Greek honey production. After tasting some delicious honey, we'll check out of our rooms and begin our return journey. We'll take a ferry and then drive back to Athens, where our adventure concludes.
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