Special Interest walking holiday

7 guided walks, 3 self guided walks, 4 days free

Our programmes take you back in time, walking in the mountains getting right to the heart of this unique island and its people. You discover Greece as it used to be.
Groups are small and friendly for like minded people who enjoy nature and creativity. The programmes are a total absorption in ancient cultures, the mountains, the flora and fauna and first hand experience of a traditional way of life with the comforts of the 21st Century.

The programme is flexibel and we offer the walkers a shorter and easier option each day.

Booking Direct for Special Interest Holiday Programme includes:

• Transfer to the hotel on the island.
• 11 nights Bed, Breakfast and Dinner on Amorgos.
• Free choice from a la Carte menu for Dinner.
• An arrival briefing about Amorgos.
• 7 guided walks with route briefings and 'lectures on the move' or 7 days specialist instruction in chosen discipline
• Transport on the island for the tours.
• A British registered nurse accompanying most guided walks.
• Land Rover and donkey backup on most guided walks.
• 24 hour support on the island for any troubleshooting needs.
• Transfer from the hotel to the ferry on departure.

For the full package through Sunvil Holidays go to: www.sunvil.co.uk

Day 1 (Sat) London / Athens / Amorgos (Sun morning)
You are met at the airport in Athens and taken to the port by private Mercedes taxis. You then board the ship for the direct sailing to the port of Katapola Amorgos. You have an a-class cabin on board.

Day 2 (Sun) Familiarisation Day 5km/5hrs (Times include stops and transit)
You usually arrive at sunrise just in time for breakfast. Then a walk to the ancient city of Vigla, partly built with 4C BC "recycled" materials! We say hello to the fishermen and the families who run the tavernas, and get the characteristic Amorgos smells of tangy herbs, salty sea air and donkey droppings! After a taverna lunch we walk along the white sands lined with tamarisk trees. You can swim or snorkel in crystal clear water, anywhere.

Day 3 (Mon)‘Village of the 12 houses and 13 ovens’ 7km/5hrs
From the hotel we take a saunter to Stroumbos (with the 13 ovens but just 12 houses) built above a ravine with stunning views. Then onto Tholaria via an old donkey track - traditional buildings, shady vaulted passageways, and a curious old village olive press. After refreshment at a traditional taverna we go down the track the whitewashed, blue-shuttered houses of Tholara to Ormos beach, where we can swim and take a late lunch before the short walk back to the hotel.

Day 4 (Tue) Free Day
There are many choices today include a long or a short self-guided walk (choose windmills or rock pools), an island tour by minibus, or a guided donkey ride in the mountains. Back at base, you can relax on the beach or on your balcony, or go diving or snorkelling.

Day 5 (Wed) Hozoviotissa Monastery 7km/5hrs
We drive to the capital, Hora and climb the steps up to the amazing 900-year-old Hozoviotissa monastery, hanging in space from a sheer golden cliff. It is 15ft wide and eight floors high. The monks welcome us with cool drinks before we explore the labyrinth of rooms with richly coloured icons and rare illuminated manuscripts. Then up to Mount Elijah to see the spectacular panoramic view. From here we drop back down to Hora, the medieval capital, with its archaeological museum, Venetian castle and many churches followed by a lift back to the hotel.

Day 6 (Thurs) The Secrets of Krikellos 10km/6hrs
Up the old donkey track from Langada, reaching a remote Byzantine monastery, built on the site of an ancient temple. A gentle climb gets us onto the slopes of the island’s highest mountain, Krikellos (2690ft). From here we have truly alpinistic scenes and views down the cliffs plunging over a thousand feet into the deep blue sea. We descend back down to Langada, with an option to carry on past the hotel down through olive groves to the beach for a swim.

Day 7 (Fri) Ruined City of Minoa 8km/8hrs
After a drive to the other end of the island we set off through a fertile valley dotted with whitewashed Byzantine chapels. The 5C BC ruins of the city of Minoa were originally the summer residence of Cretan king Minos. We make a short descent to explore the old pirate hideaway port of Katapola, one of the prettiest in the Aegean, then get a lift back.

Day 8 (Sat) Free Day
Again there are many choices today. Perhaps the more intrepid would like to explore on their own. Others may like to practice new found skills, whether it be photography or Greek cuisine and share their knowledge with new found friends.

Day 9 (Sun) Valley of the Doomed Donkeys 7km/4hrs
From Tholaria we follow a little-known track through a green valley where retired donkeys are turned out to spend their last days. Then down to a secret hidden cove that sheltered a British commando vessel during WW2, for lunch and a swim. On the way back we pass a number of interesting traditional farmhouses and finish down on the beach in Ormos.

Day 10 (Mon) ‘The Big Blue’ Walk 10km/6hrs
This was the location for "The Big Blue".Up and over the mountain range, then down to the lush green coast of south Amorgos, a complete change from. the craggy north. After lunch there’s time to explore where the film was shot before returning along the ridge, with fantastic views - an overview of your whole Amorgos adventure. Most clients on all the programmes will find just the short walk along the ridge spectacular and relatively easy.

Days 11 (Tue) 12 (Wed) Free Days
- So make the most of it. You can play volleyball on the beach, take a boat trip to the uninhabited island of Nikouria, or get a local bus around the island. A Swedish lady in Ormos does massage, and there are yoga and Tai Chi classes too! In our experience most people like to take it easy on their last days on Amorgos.

Day 13 (Thur) Small Cyclades Cruise to Naxos
The ferry for your departure from Amorgos usually leaves early morning. It takes you on a fascinating cruise around the islands to the south of Naxos known as 'The Small Cyclades'. This ship is the islander's lifeline and it is amazing to watch the antics as they load everything from fridges to donkeys off the ship. You are accommodated in the first class lounge but generally clients spend the time on deck soaking up their last rays of sunshine. In Naxos our agents will be waiting for you and take you to your hotel which is a short walk from the quay. In Naxos you can explore the walled Venetian city and choose between many excellent restaurants for dinner.

Day 14 (Fri) Return Home
The ferry is scheduled to leave Naxos mid morning*. Our agents will take you and your luggage down to the quay in plenty of time for the departure. Our agents will meet you in Athens and take you to the airport. Upon arrival in Athens a taxi will be waiting for you to take you to the airport for your flight home.

* There is an option to fly from Naxos to Athens instead of taking a ship.

+ We regret that we do not accept young people under 16 on the walks or courses but they are very welcome on the holiday.


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Special Interest Holidays Amorgos, Paul & Henrietta Delahunt-Rimmer, Stroumbos, Amorgos 84008, Greece