10 days walking tour
NYSIROS & KOS
The islands of Nysiros and Kos
The small idyllic Greek island of Nysiros is known as the pearl of the Dodecanese archipelago. It is situated not far south of Kos near the Turkish coast. Nysiros is a perfect place to experience tranquility and space. The green volcanic island is mountainous with a magnificent rocky nature. The countryside is filled with hundreds of low walls and terraces. The small streets in the picturesque villages seem to be taken from the pages of a calendar. The villages of Nikia and Emporios are situated higher on ridges with views of the crater of the former volcano. The largest village, Mandraki - also the port town of Nisyros - is historically most interesting. There are the ruins of a fortification of the age of the knights (ca. 1350) and the centuries-old monastery of Spiliani. Nearby you also find the remains of the ancient Greek acropolis (400 A.D.)
Lots of beautiful old footpaths connect the villages and lead along the terraces on the slopes of the hills. In the past these terraces were used for agriculture, now they have almost all returned to the wild. The goats have conquered them!
The island has only two main tarmac roads; along the east coast and up to the two mountain villages and the volcano plain. The highest peak is the "Profitis Elias" (698 m.). Magnificent views of surrounding islands and the deep blue water of the Aegean Sea is the reward of a walk to the highest point. The atmosphere of the island breathes quietness and wholeness. The narrow winding streets with small shops and the cozy square of the village of Mandraki are a guarantee of pleasant evening hours. For swimmers there is a pebble stone beach west of the village. Being here at sunset is like living a fairy-tale.
The much bigger island of Kos is a well known holiday destination with many beaches and lots of interesting things to see like the "Asklepion" not far from main town Kos.
Our tour begins and ends at Kos airport.
The schedule of the 10-day holiday program
Participants of various countries can sign up for this 10-day tour. After the flight to Kos we sail the next day by local ferry boat to Nysiros; the boat trip takes one and a half hours. The harbor of Mandraki welcomes us to Nysiros. The village of Mandraki will be our resort for the next 5 days of walking, after which we return the next day to Kos by boat. The 9th day of the tour we can relax on the beach of Kardamena. On this day there also is the possibility to rent a car to explore the island and to visit interesting historical sites. Of course it is possible to book an extension of your stay in Kos.
The duration of the walks on Nysiros varies from 3 to 6 hours. Differences in altitude are on average 300 m. The walks lead over old footpaths, cross-country and over field roads. Sometimes the path goes upwards a bit more steeply, but always at a relaxed pace. Because of the lava and sometimes slippery soil, walking shoes with ankle protection are obligatory. Also a walking stick is highly recommended.
Dates and prices in 2012
The dates of the tour are Thursday Sept. 27 - Saturday October 6.
The minimum number of participants is 8.
Based on lodging in a double room the price is 690 € per person.
Additional charge for a single room 95 €.
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Included:
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- all lodging in C-Class hotels (BB)
- all meals;
on the day of arrival and the day of rest on Kos only evening meals
- all transfers incl. boat trips during the tour
- guiding in English
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Not included:
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Prolongation:
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- If you want to extend your stay either before or after the tour this can be arranged.
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Click here for pictures of Nysiros.
