Highlights:
- Sea kayaking in crystal blue seas and sampling authentic Greek life
- Sleeping under the stars on island beaches
- Savoring traditional Greek cuisine
- Hiking to points with sweeping views and idyllic sunsets
The Ionian Sea has long held an irresistible fascination for seafarers and it is easy to see why. Set in crystal clear waters, dozens of islands extend from uninhabited sandy beaches to forested mountains rearing high out of the ocean. Sea kayaking is the best way to see this land and our trip is designed for those who enjoy sea kayaking and want to discover the hidden beauties of Greece.
This trip is for: women in good condition. Extensive kayaking experience is not required, although if you have never kayaked before, we strongly suggest that you try a day trip first to make sure you enjoy it. You can expect to paddle 5 to 8 hours a day in single or tandem kayaks.
Accommodations:
- three nights in hotels (double occupancy rooms)
- four nightsnights camping on beaches in tents
Maximum group size: 10
Trip price: $2325 (deduct $100 if you register by 1/4. You will also receive a $100 deduction from the Bulgaria trip if you register for both). $300 deposit.
Trip price includes:
- Greek and American guides
- all lodging and camping
- meals from dinner on Friday through breakfast the following Friday
- group camping and kayaking gear
- transfers from and to the Athens airport
- an inflatable support motor-boat
Trip starts: arrive in Athens in time for dinner at 5 pm on July 4
Trip ends: anytime on July 11
More information: a summary of all this information, packing list, notes on packing list, and general information (must have Adobe Acrobat Reader)
For pictures from the 2007 trip, click here.
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Friday: Arrival in Athens, welcome dinner
If you're flying in, you'll be met by a representative from Trekking Hellas, the company we're working with. We'll meet at the hotel where our Trekking Hellas guide will be there to welcome us. In the evening we'll go for a short walking tour of Athens and enjoy dinner in a traditional Greek tavern in the old part of Athens, in Plaka. Overnight in 3 star hotel in Athens.
Saturday: Sightseeing in Athens , drive to Lefkada
After breakfast, we'll enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Athens. We'll visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and Panathinaikon Stadium, the stadium where the first Olympic games were held in 1896 and again in 2004. We'll then be transported by a private minibus (around 6 hours) to Lefkada and the village of Vassiliki. Depending on our arrival time we can either get used to the kayaks by going on a short trip to a near-by fishing settlement or take a walk to the village and enjoy dinner in a local tavern. We'll pack our gear for the week and the guides will help you take what is useful. You can safely leave any extra luggage at the site. Overnight in a hostel in Lefkada (Vassiliki).
Sunday: Vassiliki-Meganisi
This morning we depart for our first day of kayaking. We'll paddle about 6 hours (11.5 nautical miles) from Vassiliki to the island of Meganisi This is a green little island with mountains, cliffs, and beautiful beaches. On the way we will also visit the famous cave of Papanikolis, a hiding place for Greek submarines during the second world-war. We spend the night camping on a beach on the island of Meganisi and walk to the tavern for our evening meal.
Monday: Meganisi-Skorpios-Meganisi
We'll paddle to the town of Meganisi Spartochori, where we leave our kayaks at the small marina and walk up to the town, site of an old castle that offers spectacular views of the Ionian Islands. We then leave the island of Meganisi and paddle to the famous island of Scorpios, still owned by the famous Onassis family. We paddle around this beautiful island and then return to Meganisi for dinner at a local taverna. We sleep at the same beach campsite tonight. This days paddling is aprox. 5 hours (11 nautical miles).
Tuesday: Meganisi – Formikoula - Kalamos
We paddle past the west coast of Meganisi with its many caves and head to the island of Formicoula, a volcanic island full of beautiful caves and interesting snorkeling. On Formicoula we enjoy some snorkeling in the reef and then paddle to the island of Kalamos. On the way to Kalamos we stop at Porto de Leone for our picnic lunch. Tonight we'll sleep under the trees on the beach of Kalamos, which can only be reached via the sea. For dinner we will take the Zodiacs for aprox 5 minutes to a tiny little fishing village where we will enjoy a traditional meal at a taverna. Our total paddling time on this day is about 8 hours (13.5 nautical miles).
Wednesday: Kalamos–Kastos-Kalamos
From Kalamos we cross to the olive-covered island of Kastos with its crystal clear waters where we soend the day before returning to our beach campsite on Kalamos. 5 hours paddling
Thursday: Kalamos - Mitikas - Athens
After breakfast we'll paddle about two hours from Kalamos to Mitikas village to meet our private A/C mini bus. Along the way, we often meet a group of dolphins. Its about a 3 hour drive to the ancient world of Delphi, home to one of the most famous oracles in ancient times. Our guide will give us a tour of the archeological site and the museum. We'll continue on to Athens, where that evening we'll celebrate our trip and our accomplishments with a traditional Greek goodbye dinner. Overnight in Athens
Delphi - Athens
Friday: You are free to leave anytime this morning and we'll make sure you get safely to the airport and on your way.
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