In the Land of Odysseus
Even today, Ithaca of Penelope and Odysseus, the island symbolizing nostalgia for one’s homeland, continues to carry its “myth” through the Odyssey to every corner of the world!
The striking variations of the landscape, adorned with the unparalleled beauty of wild and serene nature, create a unique scenery. Traditional villages, deep blue waters playing on white pebble beaches, steep barren landscapes, hidden caves, sheltered lush bays, wind-swept capes, and archaeological treasures enchant any visitor.
Event Period: Early May to late October
Με μια ματιά:
Type: Diving – Sea Canoe – Trekking
Dates: May – October
Duration: 3 days
SCHEDULE
Day 1
Meeting at the port of Astakos at 12:00*
*The time may change, as we are entirely dependent on the ferry schedule
We depart at 12:45 for the main port of Ithaca (Pisaetos), with a 3.5-hour boat ride, during which we will receive a detailed briefing on the program we will follow.
We arrive in Ithaca at 16:15, where we will head to Vathy Bay, which is the main town of Ithaca. There, we will meet our guide and instructor for an introduction to sea kayaking.
In the early evening, we will settle into our hotel, followed by a night stroll to explore the alleys of Vathy and, of course, have dinner.
Day 2
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will gather again at 09:30 at our activity center for a final briefing before starting our sea kayaking journey*
*We may cancel trips or change locations due to weather conditions. Safety is always our priority.
Exploration of Afales Bay – Platiniamos Beach
This is a leisurely trip for those who want to paddle less but visit the most beautiful beach in Ithaca. Platiniamos Beach is 30 minutes away from the only launch point in Afales Bay, where the road nearly reaches sea level. It is a breathtaking location with vertical cliffs and many sandy/tiny pebble beaches.
At Platiniamos Beach, we can practice sea kayaking techniques such as rolling or rescues, do cliff diving, play around the sea-rock garden with the kayaks, or simply relax and have a picnic on the secluded beach.
Paddling Distance: 3.5 nautical miles
Difficulty Level: Easy
Duration: 4-5 hours
At 17:00, we return to the hotel for rest, followed by a lavish dinner at a local tavern at 20:00. At 22:00, for adventure and exploration enthusiasts, there is the option of a night hike.
A simple hiking route, lasting about 2:30 hours, visits various points related to the island’s ancient, recent, and modern history. We will climb to the Cave of the Nymphs – an Homeric site with fascinating history. From there, we will visit two small Orthodox chapels and return to our cars via a circular route.
Day 3
After another hearty breakfast, we start early in the morning with training and a briefing from our scuba diving instructors for safe diving up to 10 meters. A magical and serene world awaits us, eager to be explored! Depending on the weather, we will choose a location to approach by speedboat and then dive from it.
Early in the afternoon, we return to our rooms to prepare for lunch at a restaurant with local delicacies.
Our experience concludes at 16:30* when the ferry departs for the port of Astakos, where we can return to Athens full of images and, certainly, as a team bonded by a unique experience.
*The time may change, as we are entirely dependent on the ferry schedule.
General Information
All team leaders are experienced in similar expeditions, holding appropriate certifications for the activities they offer, as well as first aid certifications.
Transportation
Access to and from the activity-start area is via private vehicles (cars) of the participants or a bus provided and covered by the participants. Group transport by bus is recommended.
Accommodation
Accommodation is in a hotel, and room selection (single, double, etc.) is arranged upong request and affects the final cost.
Price: Please contact us for your quotation*
*For corporate photography/filming and additional services such as first aid seminars, team-building games, etc.,during the expedition, contact us for a quote.
Included:
– Planning & execution of the expedition
– Fees for leaders
– Fees for collaborators
– Diving & sea kayaking activities
– 2 nights’ accommodation in a hotel with breakfast
– 6 meals
1st day: lunch on the boat (sandwich), dinner at a restaurant.
2nd day: breakfast at the hotel, lunch on the beach (picnic), dinner at a tavern.
3rd day: breakfast at the hotel, lunch at a restaurant.
Not Included:
– Drinks and beverages
– Transportation costs
– Personal equipment
– Anything not explicitly mentioned
Participation Terms:
1.The expedition leader reserves the right to remove any participant who does not comply with the instructions of the leaders or whose behavior could endanger their own life or the lives of others.
2. The program is subject to weather conditions and may be modified at the discretion of the leader if necessary for the participants’ safety and the smooth execution of the expedition.
3. Participants must not suffer from any heart or other illnesses and must complete a declaration, with a genuine signature, which will be sent by the organization.
4. The participation fee must be paid in two installments (one as a deposit) immediately after confirming the expedition and the second 14 days before the expedition.
5. In case of cancellation 14 days before the event, 50% of the total amount per person will be refunded.
Recommended personal equipment for participants:
Clothing
✓ 2 pairs of sturdy athletic shoes
✓ Socks (3 pairs)
✓ Shorts (2)
✓ T-shirts (3-4)
✓ Warm fleece jacket
✓ Long pants
✓ Underwear
✓ Sleepwear/pajamas
✓ 2 swimsuits
✓ Sandals/flip-flops
✓ Bath towel
And anything else you deem necessary to bring.
General Use
✓ Small backpack
✓ Trekking poles (for those who want to do the night trekking)
✓ Flashlight (preferably a headlamp for hands-free use)
✓ Water bottle 1-2 liters
✓ Hat
✓ Sunglasses
✓ Camera
✓ Energy snacks (e.g., raisins, bars, pasteli, etc.)
✓ Sunscreen
✓ Insect repellent
First Aid Kit (personal)
✓ Painkillers (Depon)
✓ Sunscreen cream & lipstick
✓ Personal medication
*(The team provides an organized first aid kit but cannot provide over-the counter or other medications, as it is considered a medical act)
Contact
For any information call us on 697.438.7790 or alternatively email us at info@thewayup.gr
