 2 meals transfers on the island guide activities ( hiking, cooking class, pottery lesson ) ferries tickets Day 1: Athens Kythnos On
the first day you will take the ferry either from Piraeus or from
Lavrio port and within 3:10 or 1:40 hours respectively you will reach
the beautiful island of Kythnos. After
check in at your hotel in Merichas ( the port of Kythnos ), you will
have the day free * to relax by the sea, stroll around the village's
narrow alleys and shops or enjoy the sunset from your balcony ! In the
evening, you will enjoy a wlcome dinner with Tour Leader and your fellow
travel companions, having a fisrt taste of the local cuisine and
discussing your program of the coming days. *
The program of this day is free of activities, since we don't know the
exact arrival time ( depending on the ferry schedule ). We can, however,
organize a hike or other activities, if you arrive early in the
morning. Day 2: Ancient Trail Hiking to Vryokastro - Apokrousi - Kolona & Pottery LessonOur
hiking trail today will takes us to the island's ancient capital.
Vryokastro and then to the probably most stunning beach of the island,
Kolona ! Starting right from your hotel in Merichas, our first stop will
be at the beach of Episkopi. We will then hike up the hill of
Vryokastro, a currently abandoned archaeological site and one of the
most important prehistoric settlements in the Aegean. Archaeological
research has brought to the light findings dating back to the Mesolitic
Age. According to the findings and underwater excavations, that town was
constantly inhabited from the 10th century B.C. to the 6th century A.D.
Afterwards,
we will descend to the white sandy beach of Apokrousi, where we will
make a stop to relax ans swim. Next comes one of the island's
highlights, the uniquebeach of Kolona. It is actually a strip of sand
joining Kythnos with the islet of Agios Loukas, creating a lanscape of
unparallel beauty! Once
there, you can enjoy swimming and snorkeling, as well as lunch at the
only tavern on the beach. You will later be transferred by water taxi
back to your hotle in Merichas. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a
pottery lesson by a local artisan in Chora. Create your own pottery clay
and take it back home as souvenir. A farewell dinner with the entire group together will compliment you last night in Kythnos island. Day 3: Medieval Trail Hiking Loutra - Castle of Oria & the Thermal Springs. Today's
breathtaking hike will offer you amazing views and authentic encounters
with island's history! After breakfast, you will be transferred to the
north part of the island and specifically to the village of Loutra, a
popular stop over for sailling yachts. Once there, we will follow an
ascending path in order to reach the striking Castle of Oria, located in
steep hill at the northernmost tip of the island. This fortified
Acropolis that overlooks the Aegean Sea was the capital of the island
during the Byzantine times and the Latin occupation: but it seams that
it had already been inhabited since prehistoric times. 100 chapels
flourished there during the Venetian Rule, of which only two still stand
today. You
will have time to relax, enjoy the panoramic views and take some
wonderful photos, before we turn back to Loutra from the same path. You
will the afternoon free to relax at the Thermal Springs of Loutra, known
for their therapeutic qualities. You can also enjoy your lunch and / or
coffee in one of the seaside restaurants / cafes. Later
on, a short hiking trail will take us from Loutra to Chora, the
island's capital. Chora is a fine example of traditional Cycladic
architecture, with white - washed houses, stone - paved mule paths and
arcades which will driveyou to endless walks in narrow ending to small
sqares and churches. Early in the evening, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Mercihas. Total Hike Duration: 3,5 - 4 hours / 4,5 hours inlcuding stop. Total Distance: 11 km. Day 4: Modern History Trail Hiking Dryopida - Kalo Livadi - Kanala & Dryopida cave exploration Enjoy
a good breakfast today, as we will explore hiking the best of Central
and Southeast part of the island ! You will be transferred to Dryopida
village, one of the most picturesque and traditional settlement of
Kythnos. Once there, we will follow a hiking trail that will soon take
us to the beautiful beach of Lefkes. We will have a 30 min stop to relax
by the sea and during the summer months also enjoy swimming and
snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Aegean sea ! We will afterwards head to the peacful beach of Kalo Livadi, decked with
small church on a rock. A large beach with stone slabs, pebbles ans
golden sand, as well as big and very old cedars create the ideal setting
for a stop and of course sunbathing ans swimming in the summer. The
sound of the waves will be most probably the only sound you will hear in
the pristine scenery. Day 5: Departures - Kythnos to Piraeus / Lavrio Today
you are free to enjoy your last morning on the island the way you wish,
before boarding the ferry back to Athens or other nearby islands. |