2019 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

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

Greece casts a spell, with its honey-colored isles encircled by azure seas. In the Cyclades, named for the circular archipelago formed around the sacred island of Delos, we set out for hikes on Tinos, Naxos, and rugged Amorgos, each island its own distinctive 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 and swims in the sea. Along the way, our Trip Leaders delight in introducing us to a mouth-watering array of seasonal Greek food and drink savored on the verandas of friendly tavernas. At trip’s end, extend your journey to legendary Santorini. Days 1-5 Athens / Tinos From Athens, we ferry to Tinos, an island of sandy beaches and whitewashed hamlets. We hike cobbled paths to picturesque villages and up an old Roman road to the great Venetian fortress of Exombourgo for superb views. From the charming town of Falatados, we hike to the beach at Livada, a perfect place for a refreshing post-hike swim. One of our hikes brings us to lovely Pyrgos, renowned

since ancient times for marble carving. The art still thrives here today and a walk through the lanes of this village gives the sense of walking through a museum. 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. Delos, holy island of the ancient Greeks, was the birthplace of the sun god Apollo and his twin, Artemis, goddess of the moon and the hunt. We’ll explore this island, an open-air archaeological museum and stunning World Heritage Site. On our ferry ride back to Naxos, we stop for lunch at glamorous Mykonos Island, whose perfect beaches, ancient windmills, and Cubist architecture have long drawn jet-setters. 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 coast. One ramble is up to Hozoviotissa, an 11th century monastery set high above the Aegean. Depart on Day 13 via Athens or join one of our extensions. ON OUR WEBSITE GREAT HIKES & CUISINE OF CRETE Island trails and culinary traditions on the ruggedly beautiful isle of Crete. Apr 14-24, Oct 8-18, 2019. From $5595.

KOSTAS VASILEIOU

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 cuisine unique to the islands, and delicious wines • Exuberant Trip Leaders who share their passion for the 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

On our island-hopping odyssey, hike to remote villages and sacred sites and sample a delicious array of Greek cuisine. PHOTO: FRANCK GUIZIOU

DATES May 5-17, 2019 May 20-Jun 1 Jun 5-17 Aug 29-Sep 10 Sep 13-25

TRIP COST $4795 (8-16 members) $5095 (3-7 members) Single supplement: $375

Santorini Island Extension: from $1450 Archaeological Sites of Classical Greece Extension: from $1950 TRIP LEVEL 1 2 3 + 4 5 6 7 8 hiking days on moderate to strenuous trails, some steep sections, 3-6 hours a day, van support

DARRELL GULIN

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL EUROPE@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM

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