Walking HolidaysGREECE | Classic Walking Holiday | Parnassus & Gulf of Argolis + Delphi & Nauplion | (Holiday Codes: DMLCL) |
This outstanding two-centre holiday combines walking and sightseeing in two contrasting mountain and coastal areas of Greece. Spend six nights in Delphi, home to the oracle Apollo and enjoy guided walks through olive groves and wild spring flowers on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. The remaining four nights are spent in the attractive coastal town of Nauplion on the Gulf of Argolis. Sightseeing visits include the ancient fortress city of Mycenae and the famous Greek theatre at Epidauros.
Where you'll stay Delphi
You'll stay for 6 nights at the Hotel Acropole, a tastefully refurbished 'B' category hotel run by the Kourelis family. The hotel is located in the centre of town a short walk from the historic site. At the hotel you will find a comfortable lounge, bar and breakfast room. Dinner will be at local tavernas.
Nauplion
You'll stay for 4 nights at the Hotel Rex, a modern 'B' category hotel offering comfortable accommodation and good service. The hotel is located in central Nauplion, 100m from the waterfront. At the hotel you will find a lounge, bar, dinning room and roof terrace. Dinner will be at local tavernas.
Classic Walking Programme DetailsA typical walking and sightseeing day will offer you a choice of 2 guided walks each of varying length and ascent. If you are new to walking, start at the easiest level, where the pace is the gentlest. This holiday offers a combination of walks and sightseeing visits. We have plenty of stops to enjoy the views and to rest. As your holiday progresses you may feel confident to try a more challenging level, or stick to the same level - it's entirely your choice.
Itinerary
Weeks of 9, 16 April; 7, 14 May 2005 Day 1: Arrival day - transfer to Delphi Day 2: Through the 'Sea of Olives'.
A full or half day walk may be taken through the
olive groves which stretch from Delphi to the Gulf of Corinth at Itea.
Starting from the hotel we head out through the town and follow a
network of paths and quiet roads to a traditional Greek chapel. We then
head through the Pleistos Gorge for around 3km to reach a point where
the two routes divide. The easier walks forks right and ascends a track
to the village of Chrissos whilst the harder walk continues through the
'sea of olives' to the coast. Day 3: Delphi and the Monastery Prophet Elias.
This day is divided into two parts and comprises a morning's guided tour
of the Main Site at Delphi followed by a walk to the Monastery Prophet
Elias. The site at Delphi contains the Castalian Spring and Temple of
Apollo. In the afternoon we take transport to the Monastery Prophet
Elias which sits on the mountainside overlooking the Amphissa Valley.
Our walk descends into the valley using paths and tracks through the
scrub and finishes in the main square in Amphissa Day 4: Galixidi - free day excursion.
The Monastery of Ossious Loukas is one of the most important examples of
Byzantine art and architecture in Greece. The octagonal shaped church is
of particular interest with its many icons, frescoes and mosaics. From
the monastery we travel on to the town of Arachova. You can visit the
church perched high on a hill, and then continue on a panoramic walk
along the hillside above the town. Day 5: The Monastery of Ossious Loukas. The Monastery of Ossious Loukas is one of the most important examples of Byzantine art and architecture in Greece. The octagonal shaped church is of particular interest with its many icons, frescoes and mosaics. From the monastery we travel on to the town of Arachova. You can visit the church perched high on a hill, and then continue on a panoramic walk along the hillside above the town. Day 6: The Corycian Cave and Kroki.
The two walks start near Kalivia and follow different routes to the
Corycian Cave. The cave has a small entrance but opens out into a
'cathedral like' cavern with stalactites and stalagmites. From the
entrance extensive views of the landscape and Mount Parnassos can be
enjoyed. A descent through rolling grasslands and forests takes you past
a chapel to the summer village of Kroki. Finally a mule track zig-zags
down the limestone Phaedriades Cliff back to Delphi. Day 7: Transfer to Nauplion via the Corinth Canal (4hrs) Day 8: Palamidi Fortress and Nauplion.
The Palamidi Fortress which stands high on the headland above Nauplion
and can be reached either by taxi, or by climbing the 960 steps up from
the town. There will be plenty of time to explore the fortress before
commencing the walk. The two routes follow country roads and tracks
before descending to the sea at Karathona. From here the harder walk
continues to visit a typical Greek chapel at the far end of the bay.
Both walks return to Nauplion along a seaside track and the paved
promenade.
Easier Walk: 11km (6½ miles), negligible ascent*, 200 metres
(600 feet) of descent - Harder Walk: 16km (10miles), negligible ascent*, 200 metres (600 feet) of descent
* assuming taxis taken to the fortress
Day 9: Mycenae.
According to legend, Mycenae was founded by Perseus, the slayer of the
gorgon Medusa, and later fell into the hands of Atreus. This extensive
site is situated high in the hills. Excavations in the 1870's unearthed
the remains of tombs, places, and aqueducts mentioned by Homer - and the
gold face mask (now in the National Archaeological Museum in Athens)
which was believed was that of Agamemnon. One option is to visit Mycenae
in the morning and in the afternoon travel on to the town of Argos.
Another option is a morning walk in the Prosimna Valley followed by a
visit to Mycenae. Starting from the village of Prosimna the route heads
into the hills to a spot overlooking the Mycenae site before descending
for the visit. Day 10: Epidauros.
Epidauros is most famous for its huge Classical theatre with its
fantastic acoustics, now restored but originating in the 4th century BC.
In ancient times this was part of a combined spa with temples, asclepion,
baths, accommodation, gymnasium and stadium. Epidauros was a major
religious centre, and its sanctuary, dedicated to Asclepius the son of
Apollo, was the most famous healing centre of Greece. Day 11: Departure day - transfer to Athens
(3hrs).
Please Note: The above
programme should give you a good feel for the walks at this resort but is
subject to change. Each year we listen carefully to the views of our guests
and make improvements to our walking programmes. Further information will be
sent to you prior to your holiday; however the final selection of walks will
be made by your walking Leaders. Local transport to and from walksLocal transport is not included in the cost of your holiday. Please allow €60 (approx £44) per week for transport excluding your free day. Payable locally in Euros. MapsThere are military maps available at a scale of 1:50 00, but these are very out of date and inaccurate, and we would not recommend their purchase. Footpath information Paths: Ancient tracks and rough paths. - Harder Walk: 6 -10 miles, 300 to 1,650ft of ascent.
- Easier Walk: 3-6½ miles, 350 to 750ft of ascent.
Average temperaturesAverage maximum temperatures in Athens are: - April 68°F 20°C
- May 77°F 25°C
Prices
for 2005Prices are in pounds per person based on twin en-suite accommodation Half Board. | | Delphi+Nauplion (DMLCL) |
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| No. of Nights | 10 |
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Sat
9, 16 April 2005 |
£899 | |
Sat 7, 14 May |
£899 |
Single Room Supplement: £13 per night Local Walks' Transport: (payable locally): Allow €60 (approx £43) per week
Travel to ResortTransfer from airport - You will fly to Athens airport. The length of the coach transfers within Greece are shown below.Athens to Delphi: 3 hoursDelphi to Nauplion: 4 hoursNauplion to Athens: 3 hours
Provisional Flight InformationAll timings are approximate FLIGHT DETAILS | | OUT | RETURN |
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Gatwick-Athens (British Airways) | 12:25-18:00 | 19:15-21:15 |
We act as agents for HF Holidays ATOL710 on the above trip CONTACT SHENFIELD TRAVEL FOR DETAILS OF OTHER GREAT WALKING HOLIDAYS Return to main Shenfield Travel Walking Holiday page
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