The Salonica View alternative tourism office organizes a four-day excursion from Cyprus to Arachova and Nafpaktos.
Excursion Highlights:
Nafpaktos: It is one of the few cities in Greece that survived 30 centuries through a turbulent history, which is reflected in its scattered monuments. It is a coastal city of Etoloakarnania in the Gulf of Corinth. It is one of the oldest Greek cities that experienced periods of great prosperity and was associated with important historical events. This is confirmed by its perfect fortification, which starts from the port, continues with three consecutive walls, and ends at the castle. It has been characterized as a traditional settlement.
Arachova: Arachova is undoubtedly the princess of Parnassos. The wild beauty of Arachova is combined with its unchanged traditional character, its cosmopolitan face, and the numerous activities offered by the enchanting Parnassos.
Galaxidi: Galaxidi is a coastal village of Central Greece in the Regional Unit of Fokida. The picturesque village is quite famous for the shipping it had developed in the previous century.
Rio - Antirrio Bridge: The Rio - Antirrio Bridge, officially, the "Charilaos Trikoupis" Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge completed and put into operation in 2004 through which the coupling between Rio (a suburb of Patras) and Antirrio was achieved as well as the connection of the Peloponnese with western mainland Greece and upwards and more broadly with the rest of Europe.
Isthmus of Corinth: The Isthmus of Corinth is a narrow strip of land that connects Central Greece with the Peloponnese, while the canal that has been opened in it connects the Saronic with the Gulf of Corinth. It is about 6 kilometers long and the narrowest point is where the Corinth Canal was built (1880-1893). It was a strategic point and for this reason, a wall had been built since ancient times.
Activities:
Rafting is an outdoor recreational activity that involves going down a river in an inflatable boat. The term rafting comes from the English word raft which means raft. Depending on the size of the boat, passengers can be from 4 to 10 (including the driver). The current of the river determines the course of the boat, while the guide in the boat directs the crew and gives them the corresponding commands to row accordingly, so as to avoid the natural obstacles encountered during the descent. Rafting is the ideal way to combine action and contact with nature, but above all, it is a team sport, based on cooperation and the harmonious functioning of the team.
First day 17/03/23: Larnaca - Athens - Arachova - Galaxidi - Nafpaktos
Our excursion will start from Larnaca, from where we will depart with the morning flight to "Eleftherios Venizelos" airport in Athens. Our first visit will be to the mountainous town of the Regional Unit of Boeotia, the picturesque Arachova. There we will have time to rest. Then we will board the bus bound for the coastal village of Galaxidi in the regional unit of Fokida. We will have time to explore the narrow streets and districts of the traditional settlement. From Galaxidi we will board the bus again and head towards our destination, the seaside town of Aitoloakarnania, Nafpaktos. We will settle in the hotel and at night there will be free time for a walk.
Second day 03/18/23: Rafting on Evinos Potamos - Hiking to the castle of Nafpaktos
We will enjoy our breakfast at the hotel and depart by bus to the starting point of our activities (rafting). The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived. Rafting descent on the Evinos river. The whole process will last about 2.5 hours. After the descent, we will go to eat at the "To Hani" tavern. In the afternoon we will return to Nafpaktos. Together with our local guide, we will walk by the sea and to historical treasures close to nature. We will start to climb towards the Castle of Nafpaktos which is located on the top of the hill that dominates the west of the city. There we will have the opportunity to enjoy the view from the Castle which is wonderful as it faces the entire entrance of the Corinthian Gulf. (And with the excellent night lighting of the Rio-Antirio bridge, the view of the castle becomes unique.) We will return to the hotel to rest and get ready for a night out in a tavern.
A few words about Rafting on the Evinos river:
Evinos is one of the ideal rivers and is one of the most popular rafting routes. Difficulty level 2-3 depending on the water level, is suitable for an enjoyable safe descent under the supervision of experienced guides with inflatable boats. The route starts from the bridge of Poros and ends at the National Canoe - Kayak Training Center, just before the Banias bridge.
Grade 2-3 : (Level: Beginner)
Tuesday day 19/03/23: Excursion and Hiking in Ano Chora - Mountainous Nafpaktos
Another day of exploration begins. We will have our breakfast at the hotel and board the bus bound for Ano Chora. There we will hike the Deer Trail, a relatively easy trail. At the end of our hike, we will have lunch at a tavern in Ano Chora.
A few words about the path:
The forest path of Elafia is also the most magical of all our paths. Ideal for families, the path has the perfect gradient to take you to the top all the way at 1400m to end up on the slope of Skotomenos. The path was used in the old days for the villagers to access their fields but now it is overgrown with fir trees. The microclimates that one finds along the route and the changes in the landscapes are also impressive. In addition to endless mushrooms that are abundant in November, the two fern forests that appear in summer and the two dark and wild forests at the top are impressive. The path ends at the asphalt road that comes from the village of Elatou and goes to Ano Chora.
Degree of difficulty: 1
Length: 7km (Circular path)
Wednesday 20/04/23: Departure from Athens - Larnaca
Breakfast and departure from the hotel. The route we will take to the airport this time will be different. We will cross the Rio - Antirio bridge and then we will stop for coffee and rest in the area. Then we will continue our route and pass through the Isthmus of Corinth, where we will make our last stop before arriving at the airport. Full of experiences we will arrive at the airport to take the return flight.
Participation fee:
740 euros (triple & double)
** for a single bed an additional charge of 70 euros
Payment of 30% of the amount within 4 days of booking and by 12/02 payment of the entire amount.
The cost was calculated for 12 people only and this will be strictly adhered to!!!!
The price includes:
- By air (23kg checked-in luggage + 10kg cabin luggage + 1 personal item) - Cyprus airways
- Transfers/tours as mentioned in the program
- 3 nights with breakfast at the hotel "Flisvos Hotel Nafpaktos"
- Local escorts, knowledgeable about the area
- Travel Insurance
- VAT
- The rafting activity and all the required equipment
- One-day trip to Ano Chora
- Escort from Cyprus
Not included in the price:
CAUTION!!! The deposit payment is made to the following bank accounts within 4 days of your reservation. Otherwise, the booking is canceled.
• BANK OF CYPRUS: CY95 0020 0195 0000 3570 3249 2261 or through the quick pay bank of Cyprus service at 99251074 (Payee: Andreas Tsangaris)
• HELLENIC BANK LTD: CY44 0050 0347 0003 4710 F293 4801 (Payee: Andreas Tsangaris)
You must have with you:
Note 1. When you click to make a reservation, state the type of room eg double or triple, etc.
Note 2. For the best functioning of the event and for safety reasons, participants must comply with the instructions of the attendants. In case the weather conditions do not allow any activity, the office has the right to vary the program. The office has no responsibility in case the flight time is changed by the airline.
Note 3. In case of cancellation before 10/02/2023, how much of the deposit is returned. In case of cancellation between 10/02/2023 and 15/02/2023, the deposit is not returned. In case of cancellation after 16/02/2023 the entire amount is not refunded.
Note 4. Photographic material is shared on our page and social media after each event. By participating in a Salonica View event, you also accept the sharing of photos. Otherwise, as you inform us.
