Wilderness Travel 2018 Catalog of Adventures

Hiking in the Greek Isles HIDDEN TRAILS AND GOLDEN BEACHES OF THE CYCLADES

MAURIZIO RELLINI

On our unique Greek hiking odyssey, discover incredible off-the-beaten-path places you would never find on your own. PHOTO: JULIEN GARCIA

Days 1-5 Athens / Tinos From Athens, we ferry to Tinos, an island of beautiful beaches and traditional whitewashed hamlets. We hike Tinos’ cobblestone paths to picturesque villages, up the old Roman road to the great Venetian fortress of Exombourgo, and from the charming town of Falatados, we hike to the beach at Livada, with a stop to swim in crystal-clear waters. One of our hikes brings us to lovely Pyrgos, renowned since ancient times for its marble artisans (the Parthenon’s sculptures were carved here). The village’s churches, fountains, and doorways are fine examples of the art. Days 6-8 Naxos / Delos / Mykonos Crossing the blue Aegean to Naxos, Lord Byron’s favorite Greek island, we explore the twisting lanes of Chora, the main town, and hike up Mount Zas (3,000'), the highest point in the Cyclades and site of a sacred cave. On Delos, holy island of the ancient Greeks, we explore this open-air archaeological museum of wildflower-covered ruins and return to Naxos via glamorous Mykonos Island. Days 9-13 Amorgos Easternmost of the Cyclades, Amorgos is a gorgeous island of dramatic mountain scenery. Traditional stone- paved paths lead us between villages, past frescoed churches, and along the spectacular coasts. One ramble leads us to Chosoviotissa, a dramatic 11th century monastery set high above the Aegean. Depart on Day 13, or extend to Santorini Island.

Greece casts a spell, with its honey-colored isles fragrant with frangipani and encircled by azure seas. We invite you to experience these stunning islands the Wilderness Travel way! In the Cyclades, named for the circle the archipelago forms around the sacred island of Delos, we hike on Tinos, Naxos, and rugged Amorgos, each island a realm of bougainvillea-draped villages above the sparkling Aegean. As we hike past blue- domed churches, up to cliff-perched monasteries, and through tiny whitewashed villages, the good life of sunny Greece envelops us, with picnics on wildflower-covered hills, swims in the sea, and delightful local cuisine and wine al fresco on the verandas of tavernas. At trip’s end, extend your journey to legendary Santorini.

HIGHLIGHTS • Hike village to village on island pathways of Tinos, Naxos, and Amorgos • Visit sacred Delos, holy island of the ancient Greeks, and cosmopolitan Mykonos Island • Enjoy charming hotels, incredible farm-to-fork cuisine unique to the islands, and delicious wines • Exuberant Greek Trip Leaders who share their passion for their country with grace and style DETAILS • 13-day trip begins and ends in Athens • 12 nights hotels and country inns • All meals included except 1 lunch and 2 dinners

DATES May 18-30, 2018 Jun 13-25 Jun 28-Jul 10 Sep 9-21

TRIP COST $4595 (8-16 members) $4895 (4-7 members) Single supplement: $370

Santorini Island extension: from $1450 Archaeological Sites of Classical Greece extension: from $1850 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 + 4 5 6 7 8 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails, some steep sections, 4-6 hours a day, van support

DAN HELLER

COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $400 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 82