Savoring the Saronic Gulf

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Trip Highlights
Tour details
Itinerary
What's included
Itinerary Changes
Terrain
Condition Grading
Starting point and getting there
Food, Weather
Gear checklist
Currency & Banking
Passports, Visas

Lying in the Saronic Gulf, just off the coast of Argolida the archipelago of the Saronic islands is easily accessible to Athens. Each island retains its individual identity, from stylish and charming to rustic and green and there are blessed with historical monuments, picturesque villages and pristine beaches. In this trip, you will first explore the quaint island of Poros where despite its size, you'll find numerous beaches with crystal-clear waters and shaded trees and a charming main town embellished with neoclassical mansions and cobblestone streets. Next destination is Hydra, which boasts a rich naval tradition and a cosmopolitan island ambiance, attracting personalities such as Leonard Cohen, and Henry Miller. It's impressive town has a distinctive architectural character, with the imposing stone mansions that overlook the deep blue of the Aegean.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Embark on a culinary journey that promises a rich and comprehensive experience, enhanced with a hands-on cooking lesson
  • Set off on a sea kayaking adventure, discovering the charming small gulfs of Poros
  • Walk in the narrow alleys of Hydra Island, the island without cars that Leonard Cohen fell in love
  • Taste the simplicity and the beauty of the Greek cuisine

TOUR DETAILS

  • Days/Nights: 4 days / 3 nights
  • Single supplement: Cost based on request. Availability limited.
  • Condition grading: Easy active

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrival in Poros and cooking lesson

Embark on a captivating journey starting from the bustling port of Piraeus, where a brief boat ride will transport you to the enchanting island of Poros. In the afternoon, take the opportunity to learn the art of crafting delightful dishes the authentic Greek way under the guidance of Mrs. Katerina during a hands-on cooking class. Return and rest to your eco-friendly glamping tents, a unique experience that diverges from traditional camping and doesn't claim glamour but embraces a close-to-nature essence. Sleeping under the olive trees while listening to the waves hitting the shore and the ever-present crickets are completing the feeling of being in Greece.

Overnight in Poros in a glamping eco farm
Dinner included
Ferry:
Piraeus to Poros 1 hr 10 min

DAY 2

Sea kayaking in the Saronic Gulf

This morning, indulge in the thrill of sea kayaking! You will paddle in the crystal-clear blue waters of Poros alongside the picturesque coastline where pine trees are touching the sea. Later in the afternoon, walk through the narrow alleways of the main town with neoclassical buildings ascend the town’s hill like seats in an amphitheatre. Don’t miss to head towards the imposing bell tower a popular vantage point for sunsets.

Overnight in Poros in a glamping eco farm
Breakfast included
Sea kayaking duration: 2 hr

DAY 3

Hike in Hydra and wine tasting

On the following day, a boat will transport you to Hydra's charming port which will gradually unfold as you approach. Upon your arrival, you'll notice the absence of vehicles, transporting you to a bygone era where locals rely on the traditional method of donkeys. Later on, we will take the path that leads up to Mountain Eros the island’s highest point. We start hiking right from the port, and we will follow the “main street” leading to the area of Kala Pigadia. From there we will continue on the wide cobblestone street, which passes through a dense pine forest and eventually leads to the Monastery of Prophet Elias. Our final ascent continues towards the top of Mountain Eros, from where the views of the endless blue will reward you. In the afternoon, we will take a leisurely stroll in the town and then we will have a wine tasting experience with an unparalleled view of the sea while indulging in exquisite wines.

Overnight in Hydra in a boutique hotel
Breakfast included
Hiking distance: 8,2 km / Hiking Duration: 4 hr
Elevation gain & loss: 560 m & 560 m
Ferry:
Poros to Hydra 30 min

DAY 4

Ferry back to Athens

Today you can enjoy the day in Hydra, exploring a beach or a museum before returning back to Athens where your Tripin Adventures trip concludes.

Breakfast included
Ferry:
Hydra to Athens 1 hr 35 min

WHATS INCLUDED

Price includes:
All accommodations based on double occupancy in hotels or in eco-friendly glamping tents for two people in Poros
Hotel taxes and service charges
All transportation during the trip
All activities mentioned in the program
Ferry tickets
Cooking lesson in Poros
Sea kayaking activity
Wine tasting
Services of a guide throughout the tour

Included meals:
Breakfast, lunches and dinners as indicated in the itinerary.

Not Included:
Domestic and/or international air fare
Medical expenses
Travel or emergency evacuation insurance
Gratuities for leader/guide or driver
Alcoholic beverages and meals other than outlined in itinerary
Visas if needed
Transfer to and from the airport/port
Other items of a personal nature
Anything not mentioned in above program

ITINERARY CHANGES

We are constantly updating our unique itineraries based on new information and experiences available. The walks, accommodations, and visits listed may be adjusted. The itineraries presented are subject to modification and change by Tripin Adventures. We reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in our judgment, conditions warrant, or if we deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants, anything not mentioned in above program.

TERRAIN

This trip Level is Easy Active and is suitable for most people that are in fairly good physical condition. The itinerary includes walking tours in cities and villages and a hike of four hours.

CONDITION GRADING

Easy active
Trips designated “Easy Active” are perfect for first-timers, or travelers looking for a mild physical challenge. A typical day will consist of 1-3 hours of activity.

STARTING POINT AND GETTING THERE

Starting point is: Athens

Getting There & Away: Athens airport Eleftherios Venizelos, is about 27km east of Athens. Athens is connected with direct flights with various cities in Europe, North America and Asia.

Getting around: We can arrange for a transfer from the airport to your hotel. If you want to come by yourself, the metro and the suburban rail provide quick connections to central Athens (1 hour / 10 euro’ ticket). The bus option is cheaper though it takes longer (1h 30 min / 5 euro’ ticket). You can also take a taxi (1 hour / 35-50 euro’).

FOOD

Simple, nutritious and flavorsome, the food is one of the pleasures of travel through Greece. Rustic Greek Cuisine reflects the history and bounty of its diverse regions and relies in the fresh, seasonal home-grown produce and generally simple, unfussy cooking that brings out the rich flavors of the Mediterranean.
Greece's relaxed and hospitable dinning culture makes it easy to get into the local spirit. Greeks love to eat out and share impossibly big meals family style. Given the long summers and mild winters, alfresco dining is central to the dining experience. Service could be slow by Western standards, but why being in rush either way.
As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own. Note that alcohol and soda are not included.

WEATHER

Spring, summer and fall in Greece are sunny and warm. The daytime temperatures average 25-30 C though temperatures in the 35s are possible in the summer months. Nighttime temperatures cool off slightly to 20C. Rain showers are rare in the islands, but it's often breezy and rainy on the coast.

GEAR CHECKLIST

Greece has a temperate climate. Base your clothing on the “layering system”, if it is hot you can "peel off" layers quickly, if it is cooler and windy you can quickly "dress up". The lighter you travel, the easier you travel. Use your best judgement and pack as lightly as possible. You will appreciate light luggage towards the end of your trip.
Please consider taking along the following items on your trip.

OFFICIAL PAPERS

  • Valid passport
  • Airline tickets

LUGGAGE

  • Duffel bag or rolling luggage
  • Daypack to carry camera, water bottle and snacks etc.
  • Luggage locks and tags

OUTERWEAR

  • Midweight polar fleece sweater
  • Rain jacket and rain pants, or poncho

CLOTHING

  • Hiking shorts
  • Casual clothing made of light-weight fabrics
  • T-shirts
  • Long-sleeve shirt
  • Hiking pants, loose and easy to move in
  • Underwear
  • Swimsuit

CLOTHING ACCESSORIES

  • Sun hat or baseball cap

FOOTWEAR

  • Lightweight and supportive hiking boots, broken-in with good ankle support
  • Beach sandals
  • Casual, comfortable shoes for evening

ACCESSORIES

  • Sunscreen and lip protection
  • Sunglasses and retainer strap
  • Beach towel

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

  • Security pouch or money belt
  • Trekking poles or walking staff
  • Camera, memory and batteries
  • Reading and writing materials
  • Watch with alarm or travel alarm
  • Travel pillow
  • Motion sickness remedies
  • Personal first-aid kit
  • Insect repellent (lowrisk)
  • Electric adapter plug/converter

This is not a fixed list, but more of a guideline, so feel free to add and remove items as you see fit.

CURRENCY & BANKING

Greece has adopted the Euro as its currency. The easiest way to obtain local cash is from an ATM. Greek ATMs accept cards bearing the Cirrus, EC, Euro card, Visa and Plus symbols. If you take cash, US or Canadian Dollars can be easily exchanged at banks. Most major credit cards, Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted. It is advisable to have some Euros with you upon arrival to be used for a taxi if necessary. You may want to check the website www.xe.com for current exchange rates.

PASSPORTS

You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the conclusion of your trip. Please make sure that you have blank pages in your passport for your visa (if required), entry and exit stamps (one for each). Please make a copy to take with you in the event yours is lost or stolen and keep it separate from your actual passport.

VISAS

Currently a Greek Tourist Visa is not required for citizens of Canada, United States, Britain and Australia. If you hold another passport, please check online http://visacentral.com/visas.php

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