Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

The climb to Mt Kliosi, the Acropolis, the Gate and the Cave of St Nicholas we did early in the week.  The weather was cool, despite a hot forecast and the mist rolled over us on the top of the mountain.  This walk was ,for me, like walking with the Gods.  A brilliant start to a great week.  We came down to the village of Nea Styra for lunch, ( a pretty late one).  A hot cheese pie had been prepared for us by the 92 year old lady of the taverna and a feast of greek food was laid out for us - what hospitality!

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had two; Thanos, exceptional in all his responsibilities.  He is approachable, likeable and extremely knowledgable.  He had to leave after the second day and Cecile took his place.  a French lady living in Karyistos.  She was equally likeable and led some great days out.  She gave us lots of background to life in Kariystos and seemed to know where all the best fruit trees were growing at that time - ripe mulberries off the tree YUM!  Sophoclese her dog accompanied us on the day out to Mt Ohi and the Marble Quarries and gave an added dimension to the day.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep asking where you can fill up your water bottle and i always carried some snacks as most of our lunch stops were quite late.

Most Inspirational Moment

The Cippolino marble and columns quarry.

Thoughts on Group Leader

As above.

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on Group Leader

We had three leaders in the course of the week1 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.

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. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the mountain chapels and learning about their history.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos is hugely enthusiastic about Evia and Greece. His knowledge of the history, people and places added greatly to the walking experience.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you have knee problems make sure to bring walking poles as there is quite a bit of downhill walking !

Most Inspirational Moment

The Peaks of Mount OchiSwimming in the sea after the gorge walkThe lovely lunchesTasting a variety of Greek startersSitting drinking beer outside the local tavernas after a day's walkThe ancient ruinsThe mountain flowers

Thoughts on 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. 

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 eveningThere is free WiFi in the lobby and you can use the reception computer. Useful for doing online checking in and printing your boarding passThe rooms have tea and coffee making facilities with tea, coffee and biscuitsThe room has a fridgeTowels are changed daily and can be used to take out for swimmingThe museum is small but worth a look on your free dayThe beaches have stones so water shoes are really useful on swimming daysHairdryers are available from receptionThe 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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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!

Thoughts on 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.

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!!

Most Inspirational Moment

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).

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was attentive to every individual need,learnt our names fast, was enthusiastic and informative.He worked hard on our behalf.

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

The fascinating ancient sites.

Thoughts on Group Leader

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

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on 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

Advice for Potential Travellers

Food is fabulous, don't expect to lose any weight!!

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on 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.