Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

Evia's history and The Acropolis / Acropolis Museum visit would be the most inspirational, while the walks on Evia were a source of peaceful pleasure. The short visit to Athens is a great addition to the walking holiday.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was very good at his job; friendly, helpful, enthusiastic and very knowledgable about the area, its history and inhabitants. He took us to six different restaurants and various eateries/cafés on our walks. He also spoilt us with local delicacies for elevenses, all delicious.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Decent boots and long trousers a must for the gorge walk. Some found poles useful.

Suggestions

We were driven to some elevated starting points so not too much uphill walking, which I appreciated.

Most Inspirational Moment

Wonderful moments in shady spots alongside the waterways, after hiking up the hot hillsides. Seeing the beautiful oleanders growing wild, so much colour in the landscape. The friendliness of the locals. Roman columns left half-carved in the marble quarry, exposed for 2,000 years.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cecile is delightful and very very energetic.

Most Inspirational Moment

The final day's walk is long but a nice end to the trip. Meeting some of the proud Evia residents was inspirational, very versatile and industrious people from the hotelier who has a farm and makes the cheese at breakfast, to the fisherman who not only fishes but rescues animals, and the lady who hosts jazz and music festivals at the local historic vineyard estate.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cecile was great, calm and collected, just the right balance.

Advice for Potential Travellers

It is rough enough terrain with a lot of undergrowth on the hills, so bring long trousers and some antiseptic creams. Walking poles aren't mandatory but I would recommend them.

Suggestions

Go, you will be surprised how lovely it all is.

Most Inspirational Moment

I think that the second walk of the holiday, when we went up to a 'saddle' between two peaks was the highlight of the walking programme. There was a great sense of peace and tranquillity up there.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide was excellent, with very good local knowledge. The travel arrangements all worked well and she found us some excellent restaurants for our evening meals. Problems (such as the above-mentioned hot-water shortage) were quickly dealt with.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Make sure you have some long trousers, because the shrubby vegetation on the upland walks can be very prickly!

Suggestions

I would have liked the walks to be just a little bit longer. However, I'm new to Exodus and unused to their grading system. Perhaps I will have a better idea of what walks to expect on my next Exodus holiday.

Most Inspirational Moment

Tha dragon house at the highest point of the island.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Perfect for the trip.

Suggestions

Tipping remains a little awkward. Recommending £35 each creates a very large tip from a biggish group who we assume is getting a decent wage from you. Leaders will read this and may feel they were not good enough if they do not receive the full amount.

Most Inspirational Moment

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

Thoughts on Group Leader

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

Advice for Potential Travellers

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

Suggestions

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!!!

Most Inspirational Moment

Walking in the gorge. Stunning views and finishing the walk on a delightful beach.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Cecilia is very well organized and catered for everyone's needs. She has a wealth of local knowledge and negotiated well with the local restaurants.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Relax and enjoy the island!

Suggestions

Follow Cecillia's advice on what to wear when out walking such as long trousers to protect your legs for the scratchy plants!

Most Inspirational Moment

For me it was seeing the old ruins especially the quarry and walking on Roman paths. The wonderful smell of thyme and herbs.

Thoughts on Group Leader

She was lovely. Really cared for us. As one of the slowest I was not forgotten.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect 5 star resort treatment. All is clean, comfortable friendly with plenty of food. Really good value for money. View from the rooms at the front is good but you do have to put up with traffic/people noise so take ear plugs.

Suggestions

I would have like a lot more greenery, salad stuff in with my sandwich.

Most Inspirational Moment

seeing the massive Roman columns, half way through being quarried, just abandoned on a mountainside.

Thoughts on Group Leader

I could not imagine a leader more suited to this profession. He seemed to hold each of us in his mind all week, making sure our needs were met and questions answered. He never wavered in his enthusiasm for sharing his knowledge of his countries rich history and culture. He was funny and respectful, and I loved the way he also looked after local businesses by carefully sharing out meals and taxis amongst them all.

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you want a week of being looked after and at the same time experiencing a local Greek community and visiting amazing historical sites while walking in beautiful hills, then this is a trip worth considering.

Suggestions

I will be back!

Most Inspirational Moment

Watching the leader walking in adverse conditions carrying plastic bags full of delicious elevensies. The group spirit, walking through heavy rain but all still keeping together with a smile.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent! Nothing too much trouble, wise, informative, able to adapt to unusual and trying events.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Keep the free airport newspaper as it helped to dry out wet boots. Waterproofs and trousers - just in case..... Have room in your waist bands before the trip.

Suggestions

It would be great to do it again, same guide, same people but lovely sunshine every day.