| Hidden Greece | Mainland Fly-Drive Hidden Greece

A fly-drive holiday on the mainland offers the opportunity to discover some of the most beautiful areas of Greece. The richness of the history, scenery and interest here is vast. A fly- drive allows you to explore areas rarely featured in holiday brochures, and will well reward the more independent traveller in search of more adventure than the normal holiday provides.

Xanthi Alexandroupoulis Kavala Edessa Olymbiada Kastoria

L Mt Athos Mt Olympus Papingo

Metsovon Meteora Kalambaka Volos Sivota The Parga Pelion Lefkas Koryschades

Galaxidi Delphi We have designed these holidays to be as Diakofto flexible as possible. Although we have Olympia Mycenae Corinth suggested itineraries Nafplion Epidavros these are for guidance only, Dimitsana Tolon Sparta as people invariably want Kalamata itineraries tailored to their Mystras Kardamili particular interests. All areas, Methoni Gythion resorts and towns can be Itilon combined in any order so feel free to choose your own route. Prices are based on two persons sharing a twin room and include flights, BB hotels (usually 3 star) and car hire. We will willingly quote for odd durations; for holidays into Athens and out of Thessaloniki, or v.v.; for itineraries with accommodation for only part of the time; for a combination of a fly-drive with some of the islands and resorts featured in this brochure. It’s up to you – almost anything is possible!

Meteora

Nestor’s Tomb, near Pylos Meteora

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Olympia

Mani Monemvasia (© Bob Gibbons) The

We do not believe you could find an area more fortified Methoni in the south to Venetian end, harsh and unforgiving in the south, noted perfect for a touring holiday than the Nafplion and the Corinth Canal in the north. for its distinctive tower villages and hidden Peloponnese. It encapsulates the very best of Castles, monasteries and chapels abound – painted chapels. Greece, where the country’s history, landscape there is always somewhere to explore. Elsewhere forests and mountains combine to and culture come together in a heady cocktail. Scenically the entire peninsular is stunning and give an alpine flavour, and the chance to The birthplace of Greek mythology (the name often mountainous. We take the word ‘Arcadian’ purchase some exceptional wild honey! literally means ‘island of Pelops’) the from its central region, a beautiful area of lush Other attractions include one of Europe’s largest Peloponnese is home to a plethora of valleys and hilltop medieval villages. Dimitsana is cave systems at Diros in Mani (you get taken archaeological sites. The north lays claim to the one of these villages, high on the mountain with through them by punt!); the charming rack and most well known – Olympia, Epidavros and glorious views over the Lousios Gorge to the pinion railway from Diakofto on the north coast Mycenae to name but three (and, linked by toll- plains below. A 75km walking trail has recently via dizzy gorges and tunnels to Kalavrita up the bridge across the Corinthian Gulf, Delphi can opened up here – see www.menalontrail.eu. mountain; the fortified medieval town of also be easily included in an itinerary). In the From here Olympia is a two hour drive, a much Monemvasia; and the wine-growing regions south Nestor’s Palace, near Pylos, is the stuff of more interesting approach than from the coastal around Nemea. Homeric legend – but you are liable to stumble motorway. But there are plenty of relaxation opportunities across lesser-known sites almost anywhere. Another area not to be missed is the central too. The Peloponnese is technically an island, More recent history is evident throughout the southern finger called Mani. Serious mountains divided from the mainland by the Corinth Canal Peloponnese, from Byzantine Mystras and loom over a rugged landscape, lush at the top – which means it is surrounded by a very clean, sparkling sea with beaches to match those on any of the islands but, in the main, without the accompanying crowds. In addition the Peloponnese is as traditionally Greek as you can get, and in the old farming and fishing villages rural life continues as it has done for centuries. We do of course feature resort-based holidays in both north and south and you can see and do much from a stay-put base. A touring holiday, however, enables you to explore in your own time and discover parts other holidays simply cannot reach!

Itilon, Mani Mystras

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Mikro Papingo

Zagori National Park Vikos &

Epirus occupies Greece’s north-western corner in the high Pindos still speak a form of Latin. throughout Greece – some 46 preserved stone and is spectacularly beautiful. Largely The capital of the region is the high lakeside town settlements with a stunning mountain backdrop. mountainous, with three peaks of 2500m plus, it is of Ioannina. Under Ottoman rule until less than a Micro Papingo shelters below a dramatic craggy (once away from the coast) one of Greece’s most century ago, it has retained a flavour of the east. outcrop. It is a fabulous base for hiking. Not far remote regions, and centuries-old traditions, fast- Above Ioannina, the large village of away is the Vikos Gorge, one of the longest in vanishing in many other areas, still flourish here. straddles the mountain pass between Epirus and Europe and which certainly rivals more famous The Epirot coast is featured elsewhere in this Thessaly, en route to the Meteora. You could be in Samaria (and is considerably less busy). For brochure, in the form of Parga and Sivota. But the the Alps here, and is a good place to buy detailed information of what the area has to offer heart of this fascinating area is inland. Here are mountain herbs and honey. see website www.z-e-n.gr/en the mighty peaks of the Pindos, forests, rivers, To the north of Ioannina is the region called It is also easy to combine Epirus with a week or lakes, gorges, meadows, preserved stone villages, Zagori, a National Park covering an area of over two by the sea in Lefkas, Meganissi, Parga or some 1700 species of flora, and a wildlife which 1000 sq kms. The villages here are famous Sivota – please call for a costing. includes wolves and bears. The Vlach shepherds

Dias House Mikro Papingo

Dias House is a traditional stone B&B substantial portions!) plus good guesthouse in Mikro Papingo, high local wine. Between Mikro Papingo in the mountains in the heart of the and the larger village of Megalo Zagori National Park. It has just 12 Papingo, 3 kms down the road, are cozy rooms, all with ensuite shower. some rock pools where you can The owner, Kostas, used to be a swim. Highly recommended. mountain guide so the hotel is We can also offer accommodation popular with walkers. As with his in Ioannina and Metsovo for those rooms the restaurant here offers on fly-drive itineraries. excellent unfussy meals (and

The 2 Stars Guesthouse: Bed & Breakfast

Guideline price £ per person Prices are indicative only and based on 2 sharing with flights Gatwick to Prevesa and car hire. 7 nights Low Season Jul/Aug Dias House £845 £945

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Ancient Philippi

Thessaloniki Northern and Central Greece

Mountains and plains make up the bulk of central is highly recommended. If you want to visit the waterfall, the handsome lakeside town of and northern Greece. The main draw in central Meteora for the day, it can be reached from Kastoria, and the Prespa Lakes for anyone with Greece is of course Delphi – not only the most Volos in approx. 2 hours drive, as the road is fast an interest in ornithology. important ancient site in Greece but one of the (part-motorway) and flat. To the south Halkidiki is famous for the holy most dramatically sited, on the slopes of steep Continuing north the coastal highway passes mountain Athos, and for stunning white-sand Parnassos and boasting glorious views to the sea. beneath the shadow of Mount Olympus, at beaches backed by pine forests. Our chosen After Delphi, the other ‘must-see’ is the Meteora, 2917m Greece’s highest peak and legendary bolt-hole here is the small village of Olymbiada, the collective name for some half-dozen home of the gods. For those who’d like to walk tucked away from the crowds in the north-east monasteries dating from the 14th century and or explore the area we’d recommend a stay in corner – see resort pages for details. perched unfeasibly on the top of sheer the hillside village of Ambelakia a little to the To the east, the main draw is the UNESCO World pinnacles of rock (‘Meteora’ means ‘rocks in the south, which has an authentic mountain village Heritage site of Philippi near Kavala, where St air’). They are an extraordinary sight, and have feel yet quick access to the main road below. Paul began his European mission. Thrace even starred in a James Bond film! The small Macedonia was Alexander’s domain. The capital borders Bulgaria and Turkey – the small town of town below, Kalambaka, is where most visitors Thessaloniki is now a thriving modern Xanthi is a fascinating melting-pot of cultures stay, but we prefer the more villagey feel of metropolis with a fascinating past evidenced by and worth a stop, especially if you can be there Kastraki just up the road. the many monuments and sites in the heart of for the bustling Saturday morning market. Between Delphi and Meteora is the Pelion, one the city – the archaeological museum is a Alexandroupolis in the far east is recommended of the most naturally beautiful areas of Greece. highlight, as is a trip to Philip’s tomb at Vergina. as a base for ornithologists, as it is next to the The peninsular is well covered elsewhere in this Western Macedonian attractions include sites Evros Delta, and you can also drive to Dadia brochure and it goes without saying that a visit such as Dion and Pella, cliff-top Edessa with its forest which has a raptor reserve.

The Pelion Meteora Road Block

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Hidden Greece fly-drive options are almost unlimited, so we thought it would be useful to itemise two of them as an indication of what is possible. Please note that prices shown are indicative only - they will vary according to airline prices at the time of booking and season so a firm costing will be given on enquiry. Prices are based on 2 persons sharing a double room (prices for larger parties and single rooms on request). The car included is Group B which can be upgraded. Drive times are approximate and hotels may vary from those mentioned. All itineraries can be extended or modified to suit individual requirements. Peloponnese North Thessaloniki & North and South Western Greece A short 1 week fly drive that enables you to Thessaloniki is the most vibrant city in explore this wonderful region from the scenic Greece. It is also the focal point of south to the historic north, staying in three of Macedonia, one of the least known yet very Greece's most atmospheric areas - Kardamili, a interesting regions of Greece. This fly-drive, preserved village in the heart of Mani; the which includes a city stay in Thessaloniki famous fortified medieval town of followed by an itinerary around some of the Monemvasia; and charming Nafplion, with its north-western regions of Greece, is an Venetian old town and castles. introduction to this fascinating and little- Price from £895 per person includes: known area of the mainland. Return flights to Kalamata (Manchester and 10 nights from £995 per person includes: Birmingham flights available at a supplement), Return flights to Thessaloniki, transfer on Day 5 7-nights Bed and Breakfast accommodation arrival, 10 nights accommodation as detailed Continue south to Kalambaka or Kastraki in (room only at Goulas Guesthouse in (Bed and Breakfast), 8 days car hire. Thessaly, a drive of 164km (2 hrs). Either is a Monemvasia) as detailed and 7-day car hire. Day 1 good base from which to view the cliff-top Day 1 On arrival at Thessaloniki Airport you will be monasteries of Meteora, one of the most On arrival at Kalamata airport, collect your hire transferred to the Olympia Hotel in the city. spectacular sights in Greece with car and drive to the village of Kardamili, in the This evening, take the opportunity to monasteries seemingly impossibly perched central Mani peninsula (1 hour). Overnight at wander around the lively Ladadika area near on monolith shaped pillars of rock (also a the Kalamitsi Hotel (Kardamili). the hotel and enjoy a meal in one of the UNESCO Site). Overnight at the Kastraki Days 2-3 many restaurants or tavernas. Overnight Hotel (Kastraki). Olympia Hotel (Thessaloniki). At leisure in Kardamili. The village was home Days 6, 7 & 8 for 50 years to the famous British travel writer Day 2 Drive west up to the mountain village of and war hero Patrick Leigh Fermor. Today, the We have included a 3 hour walking tour of Metsovo (worth a stop for coffee and a village continues to appeal to writers and Thessaloniki to acquaint you with the history, wander) and then on through the Pindus artists as well as nature lovers and walkers. culture and geography of the city. You will Mountains and the municipality of Zagoria Overnight at the Kalamitsi Hotel (Kardamili). also have plenty of free time to to Mikro Papingo (122km - 2 hrs). With wild Day 4 independently visit the Archaeological rivers, 18th century bridges, some 46 grey Today, drive from Kardamili to the Lakonia Museum, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, stone villages and spectacular mountains district of the Peloponnese, fondly known as the White Tower Museum and, in the this is an area for walkers and nature lovers. the 'third finger' (2½ hrs). Your destination is evening, perhaps attend a performance at The Vikos gorge is the deepest in Europe. the fortified rock of Monemvasia. Overnight one of the ancient open air Greek theatres. Overnight Dias Guesthouse (Mikro Papingo). Overnight Olympia Hotel (Thessaloniki). Goulas Guesthouse inside the castle walls of Day 9 Monemvasia (room only basis). Day 3 Drive to Florina in the far north (282km - 3½ Day 5 Thessaloniki is probably the best place in hrs) via Kastoria for a coffee by the lake. Free time in Monemvasia. Opportunity to take Greece for shopping with many fashionable Florina is the gateway to the Prespa lakes a stroll within the castle's walls and explore boutiques and quaint craft workshops. If a 850m above sea level and are one of the this historical town. Overnight at Goulas spot of retail therapy is not for you, take the most important wetlands in Europe. Guesthouse (Monemvasia). time to sit in a cafe and simply watch the Hundreds of bird species migrate, nest and world go by. And, don’t forget the upper Day 6 breed here. A boat ride across the lake on a town of the city which is a UNESCO World From the 6th century town of Monemvasia, traditional ‘plaves’ boat is recommended. Heritage Site. Overnight Olympia Hotel your holiday continues north to the first Overnight at the Pleiades Hotel (Florina). (Thessaloniki). capital of Greece, Nafplion (3 hrs). Overnight at Day 10 Day 4 the Latini Hotel (Nafplion). To Edessa (77km - 1 hr). Edessa is a city at Your car will be delivered (local delivery Day 7 the crossroads of history and has been charge €16) for your drive to Veria (1 hr). Day at leisure in Nafplion. This elegant town is occupied by almost everyone! Known for its Veria dates from 1,000 BC and was an waterfalls and the site of ancient Edessa, the a delight to explore on foot; the narrow lanes important town for Philip II of Macedon and ancient city of Pella is a short drive away. A of the old town are brimming with artist the Romans. St Paul preached there. There good base for your final night in Macedonia, studios, galleries, restaurants and boutiques. are many Byzantine monuments in the town the home of Alexander the Great. Overnight Overnight at the Latini Hotel (Nafplion). as well as mosques and Ottoman buildings. at the Cataraktes Hotel (Edessa). Day 8 Ancient Aegae (Vergina), another UNESCO After breakfast, drive to Kalamata airport (1 Site, is only a 12km drive away and is a must- Day 11 hour) for your return flight to the UK see. The site contains the tomb of Philip II Drive to Thessaloniki Airport for your flight and is one of the most impressive in Greece. home and a well earned rest! (109km - 1½ Overnight Veritas Hotel (Veria) or in Vergina. hrs).

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Fly-Drive information P1 – 1 week e1 – 2 weeks For two persons we include an air- 2 nights Mani 3 nights Parga or Sivota conditioned Group B car, typically a Fiat 1 night Monemvasia 3 nights Epirus Panda 1.1L (new improved model!) – 1 night Mystras or Gythion 1 night Kastraki (Meteora) larger cars are available at a supplement. 3 nights Pylos or Methoni 3 nights The Pelion Larger parties should remember that P2 – 2 weeks 1 night Delphi or Galaxidi luggage space is limited. We do not 2 nights Pylos or Methoni 3 nights Lefkas consider Jeeps suitable for fly-drive holidays. 1 night Dimitsana n1 – 1 week 1 night Olympia 2 nights Thessaloniki Prices include unlimited mileage, Collision 1 night Diakofto 1 night Edessa Damage Waiver insurance, Theft 1 night Delphi or Galaxidi 1 night Kastoria Protection and all local taxes. Clients with 1 night Isthmia (Corinth) 2 nights Epirus their first night(s) in Athens or Thessaloniki 2 nights Nafplion 1 night Kastraki (Meteora) we will arrange a transfer on arrival to their 1 night Monemvasia hotel and take delivery of the car the n2 – 2 weeks P1 and P2 based on flights to Kalamata on Sundays. P3, 1 night Mystras or Gythion P4, C1, C2, N1 and N2 based on daily flights to Athens morning of leaving town. On departure 2 nights Thessaloniki the car can either be dropped-off at the 3 nights Kardamili 3 nights The Pelion or Thessaloniki. E1 based on flights to Preveza on Airport or your hotel. If you are nervous P3 – 1 week 2 nights Kastraki (Meteora) Sundays. V1 and V2 based on flights to Volos on about finding your way out of central 2 nights Athens 2 nights Ioannina Fridays. Non-standard durations and early/late season Athens you can book a ‘pilot’ service 1 night Delphi or Galaxidi 3 nights Epirus holidays are available using daily flights to Athens – offered by our car hire company which will 1 night Olympia 2 nights Kastoria guide you to the right road (costs c. £18). please call us for a quote. 3 nights Nafplion n3 – 1 week These itineraries are only our suggestions. Please feel archaeological sites and museums: P4 – 2 weeks 2 nights Thessaloniki Major sites and museums are normally 2 nights Athens 1 night Xanthi free to devise your own and call us for a costing or open 8am to 8pm 7 days a week during advice – we can often book areas/hotels not listed. All 1 night Delphi or Galaxidi 1 night Alexandroupolis the summer. Lesser or smaller sites are 1 night Olympia 3 nights Olymbiada or accommodation can be mixed and matched in any usually closed on Mondays or operate 2 nights Pylos or Methoni Ouranoupolis limited hours. A very useful website is order. Non-standard durations for most are possible via 3 nights Mani www.odysseus.culture.gr where you can V1 – 1 Week Athens, Kalamata or Thessaloniki. 1 night Monemvasia check opening times, days and entrance 2 nights The Pelion fees. 1 night Mystras or Gythion 1 night Thessaloniki 3 nights Nafplion Fly-Drive hotels Road Tolls: There is a toll-bridge linking 1 night Kastoria 2 nights Epirus In towns and villages we feature for longer-stay holidays, Central Greece with the northern C1 – 1 week 1 night Athens 1 night Kastraki (Meteora) the hotels we normally use will be described elsewhere in Peloponnese (just east of Patras). and cost 2 nights Delphi or Galaxidi this brochure. Outside these areas we book bed and €13 euros per car last year. There is also a V2 – 2 Weeks 1 night Kastraki (Meteora) breakfast, usually 3 star hotels with simple, comfortable tunnel just to the north of Prevesa Airport 3 nights The Pelion 3 nights The Pelion furnishings, A/C and Wifi. Nearly all rooms have balcony. which cost €3. Prices for road-tolls ranged 1 night Kastraki (Meteora) Higher category hotels can sometimes be booked at a from €2 to €6 and include Athens ring road C2 – 2 weeks 1 night Metsovo (airport to city centre and a further toll to supplement. All hotels are on a request basis and will be 1 night Athens 1 night Ioannina Elefsina for Peloponnese); Elefsina to named at the time of booking. We know many of them 1 night Delphi or Galaxidi 3 nights Epirus Corinth; Corinth to Tripolis, Kalamata or 3 nights The Pelion 3 nights Parga or Sivota personally, so please ask if you have any questions. Early Patras for Peloponnese. (Total tolls for 1 night Kastraki (Meteora) 2 nights Delphi or Galaxidi booking is recommended, particularly over Greek holiday Athens to Kalamata, for example, was 1 night Metsovo periods. around €13) Going north from Athens to 1 night Ioannina approximate Drive Times exit for Delphi has 2 tolls, and for Volos 3 tolls; Volos to Thessaloniki has also 3 tolls. 3 nights Epirus From To hours 1 night Kastoria Athens Nafplion 2 1 night Edessa Athens Delphi 2½ 1 night Thessaloniki Athens Kalamata 3 Athens Pelion (Volos) 4½ hiDDen GReeCe FlY-DRiVe PRiCe GUiDe Prices for fly-drives without accommodation (flight and car hire only) on request. Nafplion Monemvasia 3 Monemvasia Sparta 1½ Price shown below are for guidance only, as there are so many variants and seasonal differences. We have shown the price per person for each of two, which includes flights, BB hotel accommodation and car hire, also transfers on arrival in Monemvasia Mani 2 Athens and Salonika where required. The first price shown is a typical low season price (May), the second price is a typical Mani Gythion 1-1½ high season price (August). Please ask us for an exact costing. Gythion Monemvasia 1½ Please also note that fly-drives based on Athens or Salonika may also vary from the below according to the flight prices Gythion Sparta 1 which can change frequently – this will be quoted at the time of enquiry/booking. Mani Pylos 2½ low season high season itinerary Via Duration (Price From) (Price To) Pylos Olympia 2½ P1 Kalamata 7 971 1127 Dimitsana Olympia 2 P2 Kalamata 14 1520 1786 Olympia Delphi 3½ P3 Athens 7 974 1008 Olympia Diakofto 2½ P4 Athens 14 1448 1592 Delphi Nafpaktos 1½ C1 Athens 7 932 951 Nafpaktos Lefkas 2½ C2 Athens/Salonika 14 1696 1751 Lefkas Parga 1-1½ N1 Salonika 7 952 986 N2 Salonika 14 1460 1533 Parga Sivota 1 N3 Salonika 7 942 1016 Sivota Ioannina 1½ E1 Preveza 14 1235 1481 Pelion (Volos) Meteora 2½ V1 Volos 7 965 1013 Meteora Metsovon 1½ V2 Volos 14 1433 1606 Thessaloniki Edessa 1½ Flight supplements: Birmingham or Manchester to Prevesa & kalamata £49-£59. Some itineraries are not available very early or late Edessa Prespa 2½ season as certain flights operate only May to early/mid-October – see Flight Information. Fly-drive prices for larger parties on request. Prices include all airport charges & taxes known at the time of printing – for surcharge policy see booking condition. To add: Travel Insurance. Metsovon Papingo 2 Prices shown are indicative only and variable due to offers, changing flight prices and seasonal supplements Please call or check online for a confirmed costing (note: not all holidays can be checked online). Prices based on Gatwick flights as sourced from Easyjet in November 2017 Thessaloniki Philippi 2 and are likely to increase as time passes. Prices include transfers or car hire (see text); accommodation as described; and all airport/fuel charges & Philippi Xanthi 1 taxes known at the time of printing - for our surcharge policy see booking conditions at the back of this brochure. To add: regional price supplements, room and board supplements (see text) - single room prices on request. Not all our accommodation is suitable for guests with Xanthi Alexandroupolis 1 reduced mobility. Please contact us to answer any questions you may have regarding our properties and to advise their suitability for people with health conditions or impairments. Alexandroupolis Olymbiada 2½ not included: overnight stay Tax of €0.50 to €4 per room, apartment or villa per night payable locally – the amount varies Olymbiada Thessaloniki 1½ according to the category of the accommodation (i.e. most self catering and 1-2 star hotels = €0.50, 5 star hotels = €4).

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