ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

Amorgos – A Wild Mountain Island 2008

A guided walking holiday in the Cyclades

Experience the highly charged atmosphere of Amorgos, an island of intense colours and thrilling landforms against the background of ancient civilization. The island’s herbs and shrubs are famed for their aroma and potency due to the island’s particular mix of soil, sun and geomagnetic force. A spine of mountains runs the island’s length like a battlement defending the easternmost limits of the Cycladic archipelago, and wind-sculpted ridges drop in hidden folds and creases to deep-cut bays. Amorgos’ remoteness has enabled it to retain much of its traditional character today: farm buildings little changed in 5,000 years (probably built with the same stones) and old stone threshing circles still in use. The tumble of whitewashed buildings, arches and alleys in the mountain villages are the living descendants of Cycladic architecture. Our walks follow ancient pathways that reach into the heart of the landscape and coastal tracks with breathtaking views of island and sea. They lead to hidden valleys scattered with the remnants of an ancient temple, a medieval monastery embedded in a vertical cliff, or a rocky citadel which was once a thriving metropolis. Please note that it is also possible to make this an 11-night holiday, with an additional two nights in Athens before the start of the programme on Amorgos, to include a written self-guided tour of the city’s heart. It can also be combined with a week on the island of Tinos and/or Naxos. 

PRICE

£695 per person. Single supplement: £55

ADD-ON ATHENS - with complimentary self-guided city walk
Smart hotel inc. breakfast £55 per night
Economy hotel exc. breakfast £30 per night

Prices are per person per night, based on two people sharing a room; a supplement of £10 per night is charged if singles require their own room. Both hotels are centrally located, near the Acropolis.

INCLUDED

• 10 days/9 nights in attractive studio-apartments
• Guided walking tours with well-informed leaders
• Half board (breakfast and picnic or taverna lunches), except on free days
• All transfers to/from Amorgos port and accommodation
• All transfers on walks, by bus and/or taxis 

NOT INCLUDED

Flights and ferries to/from island, dinners, anything not speficially mentioned in the programme

Departure dates 2008:
April 25-May 4  
May 25-June 3
October 5-14

To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

 

Subject to change according to local conditions:

Day 1: Travel to Amorgos. You will be met at the port of Egiali and taken to your hotel.

Day 2: A leisurely morning and then afternoon walk to a remote monastery in the mountains. As the sun goes down over the islands, transfer with a spectacular drive to Xylokeratidi.

Day 3: Climb behind Xylokeratidi to where the Myceneans buried their dead. Head inland with tremendous views over mountains, sea and islands, passing abandoned settlements and beacon towers. A marble path takes us into a valley and up to the inland capital of Chora, for lunch. Return to Xylokeratidi for a swim before dinner.

Day 4: We follow the old route between two of the three ancient capitals of Amorgos: Minoa (where King Minos of Crete was said to have had a summer palace) and Arkesini. From hamlets on promontories high above the sea, to a valley with tiny chapels on the sites of pagan temples, and then a sweep of spectacular coast. On the drive back we stop to see an amazing array of Byzantine frescos.

Day 5: Free day - perhaps you may like to catch the bus or take a taxi to Chora or relax on one of the beaches along the coast beyond Xylokeratidi.

Day 6: Drive over a forbidding mountain ridge and above the sheer wall of the southern coast to the farmland of Kato Meria. We investigate the impressive ruins of the 4th century BC fortified farm tower, built as protection against pirate attack, and continue to a quiet inlet for a swim and picnic, or to a nearby taverna for a late lunch.

Day 7: A short walk from above Katapola via the peaceful monastery garden of St George Valsamitis to allow time to explore the archaeological site of Minoa. The route goes via green valleys and crosses a landscape infused with history. After picnicking on the site, looking down far below to port of the ancient city, we take a stepped marble path back to Katapola Bay, in time for a swim before dinner.

Day 8: From our accommodation in Katapola Bay, we drive across the island to begin our walk to the narrow, eight-storey Chozioviotissa monastery embedded high in the cliffs. Inside we see some of the most valuable possessions of the Greek Orthodox Church. The route then keeps to the foot of cliffs before rising to the ruins of a medieval ‘hotel’. Follow the spine of the island, which falls away to the sea on either side, and stop for a picnic lunch, before continuing to the port of Egiali, where your luggage awaits.

Day 9: A circular walk that links the beaches of a northern peninsula with the third ancient city of Amorgos, the acropolis of ancient Egiali. Return along the old stone path that links Tholaria, Stroumbos (with its gems of pure Cycladic architecture), and Langadha, where we lunch. The return to Egiali Bay is along a working path, with wonderful views of valleys, and the island and sea wedged between limestone crags.

Day 10: Departure

 

DIFFICULTY OF WALK

This holiday is classed as moderate: a sound basic fitness level and a pair of worn-in hiking boots are required. Some stretches are easy, whilst more strenuous options are available for those that wish. You should be able to walk 8–15 kms without difficulty, or for an average of 4 or 5 hours per day, and able to cope with the occasional stretch of steep, rocky terrain. The routes are mainly along stony paths and tracks, and for short distances along metalled roads. There is usually a site of cultural or natural history interest each day, and opportunities for a refreshing swim. The programme is subject to some change according to the season.

GROUP SIZE

6 - 12 people

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HIGHLIGHTS

Beautiful scenery, herbs, shrubs and flowers, glimpses of ancient farming nmethods and the ancient Cycladic civilisation, fresh local produce, few visitors outside the tourist season.

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

This is a two-centre holiday, with six nights in Katapola and four in Egiali, staying in attractive apartments with en-suite bathrooms.

GETTING THERE

If you are flying to Athens, transfer to Athen;s port of Pireaus and take the Blue Star ferry to Amorgos.

WHAT TO TAKE:

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), day pack, swimming costume, towel, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream; torch; small first-aid kit. Light waterproof jacket, light fleece or warm jumper; comfortable walking clothes plus long-sleeved cotton shirt; casual, light clothes for the evenings..

 

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks  at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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