Internationale groepsreis Mountains & Villages of Evia

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

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

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

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

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

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

An excellent trip. The location of the hotel is superb and the leader informative and extremely helpful. The surrounding countryside is very pleasant and the walking pretty easy. Eating out at different tavernas each evening (cost included) was a great way to chat to people and sample many different dishes.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The fascinating ancient sites.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent - informative, helpful and great at knowing everyone and looking after them.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't bother to try and go to Athens on the day off. It really is too far and too complicated.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Be carful with the ouzo!

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

well up to Exodus' usual high standards. Lovely island, warm welcome. good walking with plenty of interest. exexcellent robust rustic food with plenty of choice

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Probably climbing up to the ancient Imperial Roman marble querries - a fantastic location and fascinating historical tale.

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was an excellent leader - nothing too much trouble and he took very good care of us.  his love and enthusiasm for Evia was evident in all his stories and tales about its history.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

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!

Rich in culture, spectacle, history, flora... and food!

What a memorable holiday. Despite untypical cloud and rain, and the quiet of an out-of-season town, we enjoyed spectacular walks, punctuated by the most engaging mini lectures on Greek history, culture and mythology, from the Trojan War to the risk of a Grexit! We also found a friendly bar where we danced every night and enjoyed impromptu demonstrations of Greek and Albanian dances!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Discovering the marble pillars, quarried, carved and polished high up the mountain, and left as they lay when the army had to be withdrawn to defend Rome against the invaders.

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was outstanding: took the greatest care over our wellbeing and spoke with great passion, knowledge and love of the island.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

MOUNTAINS & VILLAGES OF EVIA

Evia is a lovely place for walking and the food was great, although I would saythat more picnics would be preferable as we rushed through lovely countryside to reach a taverna for lunch and by the time dinner arrived many of us weren't hungry.  A sandwich and a view would have been more preferable.  The guide was extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of the island, but did not appear to take pleasure in the walks and we felt rather hurried.  A more leisurely pace would have been welcome and the time to enjoy the countryside through which we were passing.  It could have been a wonderful holiday, but it felt rather spoilt by the daily route marches, which didn't give us the chance to enjoy this lovely island.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was extremely knowledgeable about the history and culture of the island, but his communication and walk leading skills were poor.  My experience of other holidays with Exodus and Explore are that the leader gives a talk each evening about the following day, telling one what to expect and what we need to take.  Thanos did not do this.  On one evening I asked him to do this and he appeared surprised at my request.  One morning as we started the walk from the hotel, as we got to a shop he told us that we needed plenty of water and suggested that we like to buy some from the shop.  Fortunately I had asked him this question the night before at dinner and had therefore filled the extra water bottles that I had bought with me.  Others in the group bought water from the shop when in fact they may also have had extra bottles at the hotel which they hadn't brought with them.  All the walks were at a very fast pace and this was the general feeling of the group.  Several of us were regular walkers and yet struggled to keep up.  There was certainly no chance to look at the flowers and any wildlife.  Thanos rarely stopped for people to catch up and members of the group had to ensure that those at the back were not left behind.  It was hard to understand the reason for the pace of the walks as we often finished early and on many days were back at the hotel by 4pm having four hours to kill before we went out for dinner at 8pm.   On a positive note Thanos did take us on a walk on the free day and did not expect any payment for this.  I feel that he is an excellent local cultural guide, but is not suited to leading walks and his communication skills leave a lot to be desired.  

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

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

Carina

Uitgebreide informatie, zowel op de website als alle mail voor en na boeking. Perfect georganiseerd, super goede gids; organisatorisch, communicatief en actief. Wist heel veel achtergrond info en heeft een gevarieerd aanbod aan diners aangeboden.

Hilary

An excellent holiday with lovely varied walks taking in ancient sites and many wonderful sights. The wildflowers in mid April were just superb. Bountiful food in a variety of restaurants, vg hotel, vg guide with superb local knowledge which really added to my experience of this wonderful island.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The wildflowers - particularly the Violas on Mt Ochi - but everywhere. Plus the pumpkin filo pie. Plus being on top of Mt Ochi, plus the Roman columns. So many great experiences.

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was great - hugely inspirational and knowledgeable and hugely proud of his country - and rightly so. Plus the morning pastries which he always provided - well, that is a first for me on any trip! You have got to taste the pumpkin/raisin/cinnamon/homemade filo pastry pie.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Just go there, it's fab.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

No, but it's an apparently undiscovered Greek island, so therefore go before it is discovered.

Really enjoyable stay in an attractive and interesting part of Greece

Staying in an excellent family run hotel in a small fishing port, unspoiled by mass tourism, this is a trip that gives the opportunity to walk in some spectacular historic landscapes on paths and routes that are rarely challenging but which may prove tricky to people who have never walked recreationally before. You are introduced to local history, food and drink by a passionate and knowledgeable local guide, experiencing a range of walking, landscapes and local food that would be hard to organise for yourself.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Too many highlights to mention; a great break all round.

What did you think of your group leader?

The local group leader is very proud of his island and his country and will defend them passionately. Having been born in the area he seems to know every other person in the place and clearly his good local connections have opened up possibilities that may not have been there for us without his influence.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you are an experienced walker looking for a week of challenging walks you may be disappointed but if you are happy to be lead to a range of attractive historic spots in a fairly leisurely way, this is for you.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Galaxy Hotel is an excellent base for the week, with great views over the sea and the harbour of the active fishing port of Karystos. The great range of tavernas, where evening meals are taken, are all within just a few minutes walk of the hotel as is most of what the town has to offer--ideal. The rooms, which are perfectly adequate and comfortable, are kept really clean by the hard working staff and the buffet breakfast is fine without being spectacular. You won't go out hungry!

Evia

Lovely island-but litter and grafitti all over the base town of Karystos.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Some nice-but not stunning walks-give a relaxing week. Do not expect to work hard-the walks are low level and manageable for anybody with a basic level of fitness. The day we walked by the Roman marble quarries and saw the columns that were carved in one piece from the rock was especially interesting. The gorge walk was also nice, but cloudy weather and high winds spoiled what could have been a great day out.

What did you think of your group leader?

Cecile was a good leader-organised and on the ball throughout. She made sure everybody was well looked after with dietary requeirements, and gave a lot of information on flora and fauna.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The hotel in Karystos is basic but friendly. Unfortunately the seafront setting is very noisy at night. The trip notes describe Karystos as a thriving market town, but we saw no evidence of this The causeway is full of litter, the streets are defaced by grafitti-even the local museum has grafitto over a roman marble column laying outside, and a magnificent old steam engine there is rusty and grafittied. I think we have seen the effects of the Greek financial problems. Some of the tavernas visited in the evening provided really good food-some were so-so.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Makes you wonder why with such high unemploment in Greece, efforts are not made to tidy up Karystos-which would attract more tourism. Not on our list of places to visit again.

Mountain & Villages of Evia

This was my 1st trip with Exodus. I was very impressed with the various landscapes I encountered on the day hikes throughout the week.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Walking along the gorge and ending the hike on one of the nicest beaches I have ever seen.

What did you think of your group leader?

Cecile was excellent. She was able to maintain a nice pace for our group. Very well organized and very informative.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Bring a pair of long pants and a long sleeve shirt. We encountered numerous prickly bushes on the trails.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We ate at a different taverna each night. Every meal, we had different appetizers for each dinner, which was a nice touch. Impressed with the variety. For breakfast, the Greek honey an yogurt was memorable. As for the group, there were 10 of us on the week long trip. A pleasure and joy to share this experience with them. Opa!!!

Mountains of Evia

Evia in the autumn was lovely- nice walking temperatures for beautiful sceneries! Our guide knew ( nearly) everyone on the island and spoilt us with local food, great walks and lovely stories about the areas. Very relaxing and a great way to prepare for a wet winter in Belfast. The win of the Northern Ireland football team against Greece was a great final! Brigitte

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The walk along the valley which ended at a taverna where James Oliver filmed a cooking programme! A local dog followed us all the way and agreed ( did not want to jog back home- rather waited for a taxi)

What did you think of your group leader?

Thanos was lovely. He knew everyone on Evia and told great stories about Greek history, food and local trade vents

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Is there anything else you would like to add?