Thoughts on Group Leader
He made the holiday.
Reviews
Your Words – We tell it like it is! Holiday Reviews by previous Exodus travellers
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Reviews
Evia
Like most Exodus guides, Thano was excellent. However he went beyond expectations, his local knowledge was extensive (he seemed to know everyone on the island). Always approachable. The packed lunches were varied (and filling). He ordered the starters at every meal which meant that we sampled lots of local delicacies that we would otherwise have missed. Lots of little things (sampling the ouzo, beekeeper visit and so on) added to the overall enjoyment. The guided tour of Athens on the final day was a bonus. On a personal note, he spoke to a doctor on my behalf as I was suffering from an injured shoulder.
Fitting. Could also perhaps mention coastline in title
Wonderful holiday on a wonderful island. Returned home feeling very relaxed. Evia was very unspoilt. A real experience of Greek culture, food and hospitality. Hotel was very comfortable and in a perfect location for the beach and town. Hotel staff were lovely, breakfast excellent for a small hotel. I thoroughly enjoyed every day. Walking was varied, interesting routes and stunning scenery, we barely saw anyone else on the walks. Packed lunches were superb. Having private mini bus for the group made it easy for travel. Everyone on group was like-minded. Excellent guide Thano. Thank you!
Most Inspirational Moment
I particularly enjoyed the gorge walk and also the walk on final day to the quarry.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thano was an outstanding guide. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He was passionate, expert as well as thoughtful and kind - definitely one of the best Exodus group leaders I have met. Throughout the week he went above and beyond to give us a real insight into Evia and Greek culture and history to make the trip extremely memorable. We were treated to local snacks and dishes which felt a real treat. He even gave us an impromptu walking tour of Athens on the last day. He made this trip very special.
Suggestions
Fantastic trip to do in early Spring - weather not too hot!
Mountains and Villages of Evia
A lovely trip led by a very hardworking and knowledgeable guide staying in a welcoming hotel on the waterfront. The walking was graded correctly in my opinion and we saw some fantastic scenery and remarkable ancient relics. The food was wonderful and Karystos is a super little town with plenty of fine restaurants and bars.
Karystos is best.
Lovely island and not over developed.
Most Inspirational Moment
The beach at Potami.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thanos is an excellent leader. Keen, enthusiastic and a sense of humour.
Evia
Overall great trip. Really beautiful island, miles of gorgeous coastline, great food, comfy hotel and all round excellent week.
Most Inspirational Moment
The gorge walk on the last day - just really beautiful and a lovely walk.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. Thoroughly kind and considerate and couldn't do enough for us. Obviously knew the area really well in terms of geography and history, and his enthusiasm was catching.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although the walking wasn't excessively challenging, the heat did add to the effort. Definitely take a hat, and consider flexible walking footwear e.g. gortex boots as feet will swell in the heat and leather is less forgiving. Take long walking trousers as some of the walks are through very thorny pathways.
Suggestions
no.
Another Excellent Exodus trip
This was our 4th Exodus walking holiday and it has lived up to expectations. George lead us on 6 fantastic walks, and planned everything meticulously… transport, lunches, pace of group. The Galaxy Hotel was just as described, friendly, great sea views and ample breakfasts. And, yes, as commented on in other reviews, the bathroom is ready for an upgrade but everything is works and is clean. Exodus remains our go to company when we are looking for a walking holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
The walk to the Roman columns and the walk through the gorge on the last day.
Thoughts on Group Leader
George looked after us all superbly, making sure the pace was right for everyone, so that no one fell behind. The lunch spots were thoughtfully chosen as were the welcome beachside tavernas at the end of most walks. He clearly has a passion for the island he was born on; this came through when he was talking about wildlife or the history of the area.
Advice for Potential Travellers
I would say that the holiday should be billed as moderate rather than leisurely/modest. Most of the walks involved quite steep ascents and descents. The gorge path is narrow and you need a head for heights. But it is the scenery is amazing. Take your poles and have confidence in your leader.
Suggestions
It was great to have 2 meals included but it might have been nice to try a different place on the second night.
Easy, relaxing - amazing food every day!
This trip should be marketed as culinary delights of Evia! A lovely location and a very easy and relaxed week being expertly guided and looked after by Thanos and his connections on the island.
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting the columns on Christmas Day - stunning views and history and (as usual) an experience made extra special by Thano's attention to detail (champers and Christmas biscuits as a treat).
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thanos was absolutely amazing - in every way he succeeded in looking after everyone both as a group and individuals. We were exceptionally well fed and watered, and he made excellent use of his connections and knowledge of the island to make the week special. This included the history of the area and Greece in general.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Check the grading and who is coming - for me personally the trip was physically too easy, and could easily be marked as a 1. If you're after delicious food, views, easy walks and a lot of free time to relax this trip is perfect. Do bring boots! The terrain does warrant having the additional ankle support and lets you appreciate the views more.
Terrible showers.
Thanos was an excellent guide and host. He could not have been more helpful. My only complaint was the showers in the Galaxy Hotel. Very dated with clinging shower curtain, leaky shower head and variable hot water. You will never be far from the nearest barking dog on your walks.
Most Inspirational Moment
Ascending my first Greek mountain.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent. You need to pay him more.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a plug for the bathroom sink. Poles useful for most walks. Fly/mosquito spray for your bedroom.
Review of holiday 2-9 October 2022
Our holiday in Evia was a very memorable and enjoyable one, mainly because Evia, an island which I had not even heard of before we booked our holiday, is such a historic and beautiful island. While I have a particular interest in nature and wild flowers in particular, on this holiday it was the history and antiquities of Evia that were the outstanding experience. Our accommodation in a friendly family-run hotel was excellent, and it was a welcome’s bonus to enjoy a quick dip in the sea most days after our walks.
Most Inspirational Moment
It is hard to choose, because there were several places where we were on the site of important events in ancient Greek history, but the most inspirational was being in a chapel, the floor of which was that of an ancient temple where events took place, mentioned in Homer's Iliad, before the Greeks set off across the Aegean Sea and laid siege to Troy.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thanos was very hospitable and welcoming, and is an outstanding tour guide, who opened our eyes to the history of Greece, and particularly of Evia, in an inspirational way. He was also exceptional in ensuring that we thoroughly enjoyed our evening meals, explaining Greek cuisine and advising on choice of dishes and overseeing the process of paying for our meals, I would say going above and beyond the call of duty on these occasions. However I feel that most other Exodus guides that I have encountered were better than him at actually leading walks, he did not seem to mind if our group was spread out across a hillside behind him.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Just go to Evia, you cannot fail to enjoy it! Maybe read up on Greek history before you go, so that you can get even more out of the experience than I did.
Suggestions
I have now enjoyed nine (I think) Exodus holidays in the last ten years and this was well up there as one of the most enjoyable.
Walking through history
Evia is a Greek island most people of never heard of but it has a central role in Greek history. You are literally walking through time. Comfortable family run accommodation and excellent food in local tavernas. This is a destination not spoilt by international tourism. The ‘real’ Greece. The walking is varied and most involve an ascent but also long descents. The weather in October was just the right temperature for walking although a bit chilly and windy for swimming.
Most Inspirational Moment
Standing at the Acropolis of Styria with clear blue skies and fantastic views all round. this site is over 3000yrs old.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Thanos was an excellent leader. His passion and knowledge of Greek history is a real bonus. The midmorning pastries were a special delight.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Although the walks are not too long you do need to be a good walker to manage the terrain. Often need to watch your footing on the loose rocks, poles an essential. Long trousers also advised for some walks as the undergrowth is really sharp.