H Y D R A & P O R O S

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H Y D R A & P O R O S

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HOLIDAY INFORMATION

TO UR DE SCRIP TIO N:

This information is in addition to our General Information Booklet, which is enclosed.

The islands of Hydra and Poros, even with their close proximity to Greece’s mainland, feel a world away from Athens. Volcanic in origin, the islands differ from each other in look and atmosphere, with both being wonderful bases for walkers. Many visitors come from the mainland for the day, but we feel these islands deserve a longer look with time to explore and appreciate their beauty.

The horseshoe-shaped bay of Hydra is your first welcome to the island, and is surrounded by the architectural beauty of its 18th and 19th century port-side buildings and dominated by the church tower. This picturesque port town, with its maze of narrow streets, is the only town on the motor vehicle free island, where donkeys and water taxis are the main form of transport. It has a lovely laid back feel, and wad once popular with musicians and wealthy Athenians. It is an artists’ colony with many of the shops offering highly original jewellery and ceramics. Rugged limestone hills rise above the town and the well maintained mule paths and walking routes lead to monasteries, remote goat farms and small beaches.

A short journey by Flying Dolphin or Seacat brings us to the neighbouring verdant island of Poros, a complete contrast to Hydra. The bustling port with its narrow streets, gives way to quiet countryside with walks through pine trees, some ending at the water’s edge, and offering fine sea views. We’ll see the remains of 6th century Poseidon’s Temple, walk to the 19th century naval base of Russian Bay and perhaps enjoy a short ferry ride to visit Aliki on the Peloponnese mainland.

While the islands offer some of the best spring and autumn walking, they come alive in the spring with a colourful floral display that further enhances the beauty of the walks.

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ITINER ARY:

Day: Overnight

accommodation: Daily itinerary: Meals:

1 Hotel Hydroussa, Hydra

Arrive Athens airport from London Heathrow, and transfer by coach to the port of Piraeus, where we board the Flying Dolphin or Seacat to the island of Hydra, where we stay for 5 nights’ at the charming Hotel Hydroussa.

Depending on the ferry schedule, dinner maybe at a local restaurant in Piraeus before we board the ferry or on arrival on Hydra Island.

D

2-5

Golden View Hotel, Poros

Walking and exploring on the island of Hydra

B,D 6

Leaving Hydra today and sail to the nearby island of Poros where we stay for 4 nights’ accommodation at the Golden View Hotel.

7-9 Walking and exploring on the island of Poros.

10

We take the Seatcat or Flying Dolphin from Poros to Piraeus port and continue by road to Athens airport for the flight to London Heathrow.

B

D (Dinner) B (Breakfast)

HOLID AY GR ADE & WAL K I NG PROGR AMME:

Our Grade 4 walking programme offers a range of walks, some being shorter and some in remoter hilly areas, but mainly on easy paths and tracks. Some of the walks use the ancient partly paved paths for which the islands are well known. Sometimes we also walk on easy dirt roads or quiet tracks. There are plenty of ups and downs, but these are generally not steep, and can be taken at a gentle pace, with plenty of time to admire the views.

An example of some of the walks we may include in our programme (dependent on weather conditions and the ability of the group) are as follows:

Profitis Ilias: Fine views and shade from pine trees on this classic walk to Hydra’s main monastery.

10km; Ascent/descent 500m; 3.5-4 hours

Coastal Walk to Plakes: An easy, very beautiful coastal walk with optional swimming 6km; Ascent/descent 100m; 2 hours

Poseidon’s Temple: Fine views following easy tracks partially through pinewoods, visiting the ruins of Poseidon’s Temple.

10km; Ascent/descent 200-300m; 4.5-5 hours

Mandraki & Ag Nikolaos Circular: A steady climb from Mandraki is rewarded with wonderful views and possibly a visit to Ag Nikolaos Monastery. Return via descending easy path.

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All local transport costs, in conjunction with the walking programme, are included in the holiday cost. You may wish to budget €10pp for entrance fees.

TR AV E L INFORM ATI ON:

 We fly from London Heathrow to Athens and vice versa with British Airways.

 Details of your baggage allowance will be confirmed in your travel documents, sent approximately 10 days prior to departure.

 The transfer from Athens Airport to Piraeus takes approx. 45 minutes - 1 hour by coach. The Seacat or Flying Dolphin from Piraeus to Hydra takes approx. 1.5 – 2 hours.

If you are joining the holiday in Greece, it is assumed, unless you have advised us otherwise, that you will meet the party at the Hotel Hydroussa on Hydra. If this is not your intention, and you wish to meet the group at Athens airport and transfer with the group to the hotel (including the Seacat or Flying Dolphin), please let us know in writing at least 5 weeks before departure. Please note that your flight must arrive no later than the group flight to be able to join the group transfer. We also ask that you advise us of your flight details (flight number, departure airport and arrival time) in order to make sure the leader is able to meet up with you.

PAS S PORTS & VI S AS:

Please refer to Section 2 of the enclosed General Information Booklet.

For British passport holders, for stays in Greece of up to three months your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. You don’t need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.

It is a good to idea carry photocopies of the personal details pages of your passport. Should you lose your passport, this may assist with the issue of replacement documents and your return to the UK.

Passport, visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you inform yourself from a professionally qualified source on, and comply with, such requirements. Advice on vaccinations is available from your GP, or can be obtained from the Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA). In addition, general travel advice is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at www.fco.gov.uk/travel.

LOC AL CURRE NCY:

Please refer to Section 2 of our General Information Booklet for details.

The currency in Greece is the euro. Banks and ATM machines can be found in the main towns on each island.

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ACCOMMOD ATION AND M E AL S:

We stay on two islands on this holiday. The hotels we stay at are of a very good standard and offer amenities that you expect from tourist class hotels:

On the island of Hydra we stay at the elegant Hotel Hydroussa, just a stroll away from the port where you will find an array of restaurants, cafes and shops. The hotel is a restored mansion in a square surrounded by lemon trees, and has a magnificent drawing room, breakfast room and a courtyard garden, perfect for enjoying morning coffee. All rooms are en suite with shower, a/c, telephone and mini-fridge. Free wi-fi is available in the hotel lobby.

Hotel Hydroussa Hydra Town

Dokos 10675, Greece Tel: 0030 22980 52400

Web: www.hydroussa-hydra.gr

The Golden View Hotel in Poros was one of the first hotels to be built on the island and has recently undergone a full renovation. Located in Askeli, one of the nicest beaches on the island. Weather permitting, we transfer from the ferry in Poros port to the hotel by boat! All rooms are en suite and have a balcony or terrace (some with sea views), a/c, TV, mini-fridge, hairdryer, safe box and free wi-fi. The hotel has its own private beach, restaurant, bar and swimming pool.

Golden View Hotel Askeli

Poros, 18020 Greece Tel: 0030 22980 22277 Web: www.goldenview.gr

The electricity supply in Greece is 220v AC and you will need a round 2-pin adaptor if you wish to use electrical equipment.

Breakfasts and dinners are included in the holiday charge. Breakfasts will be taken at the hotels, with dinners taken at local tavernas. The meals on this holiday are a wonderful accompaniment to the walking and scenery, and the menus are chosen so that you are able to sample a wide variety of the Greek cuisine, with vegetarians easily catered for. Lunches are not included and picnic lunches can be bought from nearby shops. Occasionally a day’s walking may include the option of lunch at a taverna. Your leader will give you more information at the daily briefings.

RESO RT INFO RM AT ION:

Resort facilities in Hydra town and Poros town:

 Shops

 Restaurants & Bars

 Small supermarkets

 Pharmacy

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CLO THI NG AND EQUIPME NT:

Spring in Greece should be clear and mild, but be prepared for the possibility of occasional rain showers early in the season. It is a lovely time to visit with temperatures generally in the low to mid 20°Cs, slightly rising in late May. For the odd cool days and in the evenings a jumper, jacket or fleece may be needed. It can be windy at any time of year.

When visiting churches the wearing of shorts can cause offence and arms should be covered. Lightweight trousers are useful on some walks for protection against thorn bushes. You may also find useful a small rucksack, lightweight bottle for drinking water, penknife (pack in suitcase), some polythene bags, and a small first aid kit.

We suggest you take insect repellent, sun screen, hat, lightweight waterproofs, swimsuit and a towel or sarong, and possibly beach shoes for protection on stony beaches and against sea urchins, although these are not usually found on the sandy beaches.

Lightweight walking boots with good ankle support are recommended for this holiday, as a few paths can be rough and stony. We recommend that you wear your walking boots or pack them and some waterproofs in your hand luggage as, in the unlikely event that your hold luggage is delayed, you will still be able to participate in the walking programme. Walking poles may also be helpful on some of the rougher paths.

TR AV E LLI NG LIGHT:

As we travel between islands by ferry, and you will have to handle your own baggage, please try to travel reasonably light. You should be able to lift and carry your own luggage. We will walk from Hydra port to the hotel as it is very close. Please note that the Hotel Hydroussa does not have a lift (but the hotel is just 2 storeys)

INSURANCE

Please make sure that your insurance for this holiday covers you for guided walking below 2000m.

Please also take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you - it will help in the event of an emergency. Please note that the EHIC has an expiry date and you should ensure that yours is valid for the duration of your holiday. See our General Information Booklet for further details.

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M AP S:

Maps and books about Tinos & Andros may be obtained before departure from specialist map sellers such as

The Map Shop 15 High Street

Upton upon Severn, Worcs. WR8 0HJ Tel : 01684 593146 Fax : 01684 594559

Website: www.themapshop.co.uk

SUGGES TE D RE ADI NG:

Many local libraries stock a selection of travel guides/books which may offer you more information regarding the Cyclades Islands. You may also find the following websites useful in planning your holiday:

Greek National Tourist Office www.gnto.gr

Visit Greece www.visitgreece.gr

Hydra Island www.hydraislandgreece.com

Poros Island www.poros.com.gr

 DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: The Greek Islands by Marc Dubin. Published by Dorling Kindersley

 Lonely Planet Greek Island by Korina Miller. Published by Lonely Planet Publications

PLEASE QUOTE YOUR HOLIDAY CODE AND BOOKING REFERENCE NUMBER IN ALL CORRESPONDENCE.

WE WISH YOU AN INTERESTING AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAY AND WE WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS UPON YOUR RETURN.

Revisions to this Holiday Information sheet

Please note that this Holiday Information sheet may be periodically updated and reissued.

In most cases any revisions will be minor and the overall nature of the holiday will be unchanged. Should we need to make a major change to the holiday arrangements between you booking your holiday and your date of travel we will notify you to specifically draw your attention to any significant change.