Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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!

Most Inspirational Moment

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Thoughts on 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.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go.

Most Inspirational Moment

-

Thoughts on 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.  

Most Inspirational Moment

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. 

Thoughts on 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. 

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

Most Inspirational Moment

No one particular moment.  The whole holiday was a joy from start to finish. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Roger is great.  A very thoughtful and helpful guide.  We could not ask for a better chap.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When Roger says "undulations" he means "hills", when he says "trainers" he means "walking boots".

Most Inspirational Moment

Springtime flowers all along the hillsides.Ancient ruins you feel you have just stumbled across - the quarried columns and the dragon houses especially. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

roger and thanos made everyone feel welcome and at ease. made sure we were all comfortable with the walks ahead and fully aware of what to expect. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

the sea is chilly in march! expect to be well fed......less choice for vegetarians.make sure you get to the naughty cake shop in Karystos. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Wonderful views from the Acroplois on top of Mount Kliosi on the first day - especially after a rather tricky scramble up!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thano was so knowledgeable about the history and culture of this beautiful island - his talks added so much value to the trip. We had very variable weather and Thano adjusted the itinerary at short notice so that we did as much as possible. Thano took us to a different taverna every day where we sampled as many of the wonderful local dishes as possible! He was a very entertaining host.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a map of the island with you so that you can track where you are visiting. The museum in the town opens on Sunday mornings - something to do on the last day.

Most Inspirational Moment

The most inspirational moment was when my friend and I walked to the ancient chestnut wood on our day off, it was quite magical; but the gorge walk we undertook with the group leader was also good.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very jovial and pleasant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

No

Most Inspirational Moment

When we started our walk down the gorge from -2 degrees and ankle deep in snow at the top, to warm enough to eat Christmas lunch outside at the bottom!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was wicked! He was flexible and adaptable, and worked well around the amazing range of weather we experienced

Advice for Potential Travellers

I was given a single room without paying a supplement. I don't know if this is done routinely but it is a fairly basic hotel with twin beds close together in every room. I don't think I would have wanted to share when there is such close proximity and no real other place to go except the bar. If personal space is important to you pay the supplement!!