Saronic Island Adventure

Highlights

  • Experience authentic Greece at a lemon farm and traditional tavernas
  • Discover hidden swimming spots and beautiful beaches on the Saronic Islands
  • Explore ancient theatres and towns bursting with character
From £1938 pp
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What you'll do

Overview

Embark on an adventure in the Greek Saronic Islands - travel off the beaten track with the locals, drink in stunning sea views, discover delicious authentic cuisine, and get to know the real, local side to this part of Greece that many tourists miss.

This Greek island hopping experience gives you 8 unforgettable days in the Saronic Islands and their surroundings. You’ll start by being picked up from Athens airport in a comfortable 4×4, and continue towards Poros island with a short stop at the famous Corinth canal with its unique and dramatic views, and then time for a local snack on the way at a roof top cafe with breathtaking 360-degree views over the Saronic gulf.

The days continue with sightseeing in Poros, including tours to sample local food and sweets, enjoy wonderful wine tasting and sunset kayaking with a stop at the unique heart-shaped islet of Daskalio.

You’ll also get to visit to one of the largest lemon farms in Greece, with the chance to see the whole process, from harvesting to packing. A unique experience, it gives you an insight to local life. Taste the amazing freshly made lemonade before a refreshing swim in a fresh water pool at nearby devils bridge

Our day trip to the artist’s island of Hydra, in the middle of our itinerary, you’ll discover the charm of this pretty island where no cars are allowed making the island one of the most serene destinations near Athens, allowing us to reflect on the past, present and the way these two times beautifully co-exist. You are sure to be blown away by the island’s unique beauty and tradition combined with modernity.

After a visit to the ancient theatre of Epidavros, you will drive to Nafplion, the ancient capital of Greece where your 8 day local Saronic island experience will continue with 2 days of relaxing in the idyllic ancient town.

And as all good things come to an end, from Nafplion, we will drive you back to the airport. Of course, we look forward to welcoming you back and we are sure we will have made good friends as we have enjoyed showing you around our home.

Arrival Day

Welcome to Greece! You will be picked up from the international airport of Athens El. Venizelos (ATH) by your hosts.

Stop at the breathtaking Corinth canal for a short walk over the bridge to wonder at the carefully carved cliffs, which pinch to a gap of just 81 feet between them at their narrowest point and then enjoy a 30 minutes stop in Epidavros for coffee and homemade local specialties. Then, we will continue to Galatas, the small port on the Peloponnese. From there you will take the very short journey in a ferry over to Poros.

Arrival in Poros:

After your ferry, you will be taken to your beautiful hotel. After check-in, your hosts will take you to a local cafe for ouzo and some traditional dishes and chat about the activities for the week ahead.

Accommodation

Odyssey Hotel in Poros (or similar)

Arrival on Poros

Poros is an island where the blue of the sea with the green of the pine forest combine. The original name of the island was Calabria and it was created after an earthquake caused by the eruption of the Methana volcano.

The significance of Poros dates back to the 5th Century BC and the ruins of the ancient temple of Poseidon which dates back to this time, can still be visited. Its main town is dominated by the landmark clock tower located at the top of the port since 1927

Other sights worth visiting during your stay in Poros include Zoodohos Pigi Monastery, the old Russian Naval Base and Dana Lighthouse.

After breakfast on your first day here your host will meet you for a relaxed walk around the town, you will visit the clock tower and an almond sweet shop to see the generations-old establishment at work, then you’ll taste a Greek coffee and relax on a beautiful beach for swimming.

In the evening you’ll meet your hosts at a local wine bar for a Greek wine tasting. Greece has arguably one of the longest wine histories in the world as wine has always been an integral part of Greek culture. Enjoy wine from different regions of Greece and decide which is your favourite.

Accommodation

Odyssey Hotel in Poros (or similar)

Exploring Poros and Sunset Kayaking

After breakfast at your hotel you will drive  and take a short ferry ride to the ancient village of Troizina (about 20 minutes) to visit one of the biggest lemon farms in Greece.

You will learn how important lemons are to the culture as well as the cuisine of Greece, you will see the whole process, from the cultivation of lemons to the time they are ready to be packed and sent to restaurants and supermarkets. During your visit, enjoy a pleasant stroll through the lemon trees, and get to know the processes that have been running at the farm for decades and some of the unusual recipes lemons are used in!

Refresh with a freshly squeezed lemon juice that you will make with your host.

Next stop is the off the beaten path, literally! A small goat track leads you from the small Devil’s bridge and then on to the refreshing fresh water spring. Lush vegetation, streams that flow over the rocks and create pools of clean and cold water, it’s a fantastic stop to dip your toes in or even take a swim.

To get to these pools, you first need to cross the magical paths among the trees and go down the rocks. In some places, there are ropes that help with the downhill journey, when you get to there you can take a break, explore the area and enjoy the natural, secluded environment.

For lunch, you will head to a local taverna and try some traditional dishes. After lunch, you’ll return to the island via the very short ferry ride.

In the early evening you will have the opportunity to embark on a magical sunset kayak trip.

Your journey takes you kayaking from Russian Bay to the beautiful islet of Daskalio, with has a little church on it where marriages still take place. Continue to Love Bay and the small, calm gulf of Neorio where you will see private yachts moored and drink in the beautiful coastal views.

As the sun sets you will slowly kayak back and on your way, take the time to relax and simply be in the moment.

Accommodation

Odyssey Hotel in Poros (or similar)

Discover the Island of Hydra

After your breakfast you’ll start your short trip (about half an hour) to the island of Hydra.

Hydra has one town, no real roads, no cars, and not even any bikes. Donkeys are the main way to transport things here, and the island is definitely is a favourite destination for those who love nature, tranquility, and art.

It is often called the island of artists, as in the past many Greek and foreign artists lived on the island.

You will have plenty of free time (until 8:00 pm) to visit the old town of Hydra, to enjoy the sun at the beautiful beaches, go for a swim, have a lunch or coffee, and simply spend your time in this unique location as you wish to.

At 9:00 pm you’ll head back to Poros.

Accommodation

Odyssey Hotel in Poros (or similar)

Head to Nafplio

On the fifth day, and your last in Poros, you’ll check out of the hotel after breakfast and start your 45 minute trip by car, via the short ferry ride, to the mainland. Your first stop is the ancient theatre of Epidavros, the largest ancient theatre in Greece.

From there you will continue on for around half an hour to reach the town of Napflion.

After your check-in at your accommodation, you’ll have a guided walking tour of the city. Nafplion was the first capital of modern Greece, and according to mythology the founder of the town was Nauplios, the son of Poseidon.

On your walk you will make a stop try some local handmade pastries, local foods and in the evening you’ll have dinner at a local taverna.

Accommodation

Marianna Hotel in Nafplio

Free Time in the Ancient Greek Capital - Nafplio

You now have as much free time as you wish for two days in Nafplio to spend exactly how you want to and unwind at the end of your Greek island adventure.

Explore the beautiful old town and try out the numerous bars, cafes and tavernas, sample incredible seafood and top-class wine, or head to the beach and soak up some last rays before your journey home.

Departure Day

After a final breakfast, you will be transferred back to the aiport in Athens for your homeward journey.

We hope you’ve had an incredible time exploring the Saronic Islands, and have had some unique experiences that will live long in your memory.

What's included

Included

  • 7 nights stay in local hotels in Poros and Napflion with breakfast (double room)
  • Daily breakfasts, welcome drink (ouzo), one lunch, one dinner (traditional Greek dishes)
  • Daily transfers arranged from and to activities (includes airport)
  • English speaking private guides
  • Local guided walks and producers
  • Wine tasting
  • Natural springs and a chance for a dip
  • Sunset kayak trip
  • Free time to explore Hydra
  • Tour of Napflion and free time to enjoy it!
  • All necessary tickets & taxes
Your local host

Stelios & Spiros

We are Stelios and Spiros and together with our wives Giota and Ramona we would love to show you the beauty of Poros and its surroundings. Our grandparents already grew up here and our family knows all the magical places and secrets. In 2019 we decided to start sharing these unique experiences with guests from all over the world. We offer various activities and that make you fall in love with the nature in our area. Our goal is to show you around as one of our family members, when you have a great time it makes us happy and fulfilled.

We are Stelios and Spiros and together with our wives Giota and Ramona we would love to show you the beauty of Poros and its surroundings. Our grandparents already grew up here and our family knows all the magical places and secrets. In 2019 we decided to start sharing these unique experiences with guests from all over the world. We offer various activities and that make you fall in love with the nature in our area. Our goal is to show you around as one of our family members, when you have a great time it makes us happy and fulfilled.

Sustainability Efforts

What Sustainability Efforts are we Taking?

At Not in the Guidebooks we’re committed to empowering the local communities in Costa Rica. We work closely with the local people and their businesses to make sure that they receive a fair percentage of the money you spend on your holiday there. By partnering with local guides and suppliers, we’re able to create meaningful, authentic experiences that directly benefit the people who call this incredible country home.

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Location

The experience is based on the island of Poros for 5 nights and in Napflion for 2 nights. Your adventure takes you on tours around the Saronic Islands, just off the coast of the Peloponnese Region and southwest of Athens.

You will be picked up from Athens airport to begin the tour, which takes you to the islands of  Poros, Hydra and the ancient city of Nafplion.

At the end of your adventure, you will be transferred back to Athens airport.

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