Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Athens. On arrival in Athens, transfer by coach to the port of Agia Marina (approx. 40 minutes) for the very pretty 45 minute ferry ride to Evia. On arrival in Evia, in the sleepy resort of Nea Styra, we will have a short walk along the waterfront to the Hotel Delfini (luggage will travel by minivan) where Marianna and her family will offer us a warm welcome. There'll be time for a dip in the Aegean before a welcome drink and dinner at a nearby taverna.
Day 2: Full day walk to the fascinating Dragon Houses of Evia. This morning we will venture inland into wild countryside to visit these extraordinary buildings. The origins of the Dragon Houses (Drakospita) are much debated and are still a mystery to archaeologists - it is thought they date from as far back as the 13th century BC. Walking on to the ancient quarries that supplied the stone for these prehistoric monuments we will wander amongst wild strawberry bushes, lavender and thyme whilst admiring the wonderful views down to the sea. After a home-grown, home-cooked lunch at a family-run taverna overlooking the valley of Styra and the Gulf of Evia we will take a downhill route back to the hotel.
Day 3: Full day walk from coast to coast. From Nea Styra we will head to the little village of Raptei where we will stop for coffee and some homemade delicacies. From here we will walk through the quaint villages of Mesohoria and Riza before continuing onto the magnificent beach of Limnionas on the east coast of the island. There is time for lunch in a taverna overlooking the sea and for a swim off this lovely beach before we return to the hotel.
Day 4: Today we will transfer to Karystos. Turning south, we will take the panoramic road, also known as the Eagle's Route, to Evia's southernmost town Karystos and the Hotel Karystion. A guided walk will introduce you to this thriving market town as well stroll past various sites of interest - the Roman ruins, the Orthodox cathedral and the archaeological museum, before stopping on the waterfront for coffee or ouzo and mezedes. This afternoon we will enjoy an easy walk along the coast to the charming fishing village of Marmari.
Day 5: Today is a free day to relax and explore at your leisure. If you wish to return to the wonderful city of Athens and visit the Acropolis and surrounds, this is the day to do it, though, of course, you can just spend the day relaxing on the beach and exploring Karystos.
Day 6: Full day walking in the Karystos area. The day begins with a stroll up to one of Karystos' most impressive landmarks, the Castello Rosso, a great fortress built during the Fourth Crusade, to explore. Walking on, we will ascend the lower slopes of Mt Ochi to reach the ancient Karystos marble quarries, where huge marble columns were once carved from the hillside for export to Rome and throughout the Empire. Lunch will be taken in the leafy village of Myloi followed by a visit to the Montofoli Estate which is situated on the ancient settlement of Paleohora. We'll sample the sweet, award winning wine whilst here.
Day 7: Full day walk from Petrokanalo to Kallianou through the Dimosaris Gorge. Today's walk begins 1000 metres up Mt Ochi at Petrokanalo from where we will descend through chestnut forests and plane trees to the Dimosaris Gorge. The deepest and longest gorge on the island, Dimosaris is home to a great variety of flora and fauna - watch out for golden eagles and kestrels. Following ancient stone paths, passing waterfalls and pools, we will come across the village of Leonisi and its 12th century church of Panagia. At the bottom of the gorge is the village of Kallianou where we will have lunch and take the chance to swim on the secluded beach where you may spot dolphins and monk seals.
Day 8: Transfer to Marmari (approx. 15 minutes) for the return ferry to the port of Rafina from where we will transfer to the airport for the return flight to London Heathrow.
