Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

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.

Thoughts on 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.

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.

Most Inspirational Moment

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)

Thoughts on Group Leader

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

Most Inspirational Moment

The wild flowers carpet the hillside. Not only did they look amazing the scent was the best aroma therapy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was excellent. Knowledgeable and accommodating. Nothing was too much trouble for him. Dedicated to the group and intent on giving us the best experience possible.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Don't expect to be stretched. Walks were leisurely but delightful. Hotel was comfortable but not luxurious.

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the peak of Mount Ohi in cloud and seeing the 'Dragon House' through the mist.  Standing inside this 3000 year old Megalithic temple and listening to Thanos was an experience to remember.There were other inspirational moments but this was the highlight for us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was excellent.  His expert knowledge of the terrain and of Ancient Greek and Evian History made every walk special.  His organisational skills were first class; everything worked perfectly and nothing was too much trouble.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Do read the Trip Notes, the level of walking ability seems accurate; Moderate, needing an average level of fitness. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The walk down the Demosaris Gorge & swimming inthe lovely blue green Agean sea at the bottom

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was brilliant.His enthusiasm,knowledge of cultural,political& historic issues was incredible.Nothing was too much trouble for him.One of the best leaders I have walked with.

Most Inspirational Moment

Climbing to the top on the last day

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very efficient, good humoured, helpful and patient.

Most Inspirational Moment

Realising the history of the island, being able to see the marble columns still insitu at the quarry and marvelling how they ever got them down to the sea, as well as across the world!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos was absolutely brilliant, extremely helpful, an enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide.  Nothing was too much trouble for him - a great credit to Exodus.

Advice for Potential Travellers

For walking, long trousers or zip-offs are a good idea, as some of the bushes/grasses can scratch!

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at the top of Mt. Ohi and seeing the magalithic structure of mysterious origins...how was it constructedat 1500 metres with huge hewn rocks??

Thoughts on Group Leader

Excellent source of amazing knowledge and well organised.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A reasonable level of fitness and suggest you take a walking pole(s).

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching the top of Mount Ohi, Thanos' knowledge of the history of the island, the wonderful Greek food and the ice cream were the best moments.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos' enthusiasm for Evia was unmistakeable. He was very knowledgeable and eager to share that knowledge with us. He was well organised and helped wherever he could with the result that the week ran very smoothly.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The walks include a lot of downhill sections on rocky paths so be prepared for this type of walking. Vertigo sufferers may not enjoy some of the walks however each day is optional and there are other activities to enjoy on the island.April was a lovely time to visit - the weather was warm enough to swim in the sea but not too hot for walking.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not sure inspirational is the right word but the highlights were: The panoramic views atop Mount OchiThe springtime flowers and the heady scent of Orange blossom - April is a fantastic time to travelA different Taverna each evening so a real range of cuisine and all so local and fresh 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Thanos is outstanding as a group leader.  I know he has led this trip many, many times before but his enthusiasm for the island, its history and people is infectious and undiminished.  He delights in recounting tales of the mythology asociated with the island, interspersed with more modern accounts of the tragedies of the German occupation.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Athens on the free day is well worth the journey especially if, like me, you haven't visited beforeSpringtime is beautiful on the island with perfect temperatures for walkingUse the supermarket for presents - much cheaper than the boutiques around the squareAsk for a seaview - there's always something going on to watchA bit of prior reading about the Greek Gods will help you appreciate Thanos' renditions