Active Holiday in Winterland Greece | Winter Bliss Gulf of Corinth |

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Winter Bliss Gulf of Corinth

Active Winter Holiday Greece – Adventure Combo Skiing, Hiking, Rafting, and Culture

“It is never cold in Greece” – this frequently quoted line of a Greek song is most certainly true of the Greeks themselves as well as of the coastal regions, where temperatures rarely drop below 10 °C / 50 °F even during the winter months thanks to the Mediterranean climate. Meanwhile, in the mountains, it can be crisply cold and wonderfully white.

These contrasts are precisely what makes Greece such a fantastic travel destination in winter, particularly for those who love active holidays! If you are looking for a great combination of hiking, rafting, skiing, and cultural experiences, this round trip through the Gulf of Corinth is the perfect choice for you!

There is no other time of year during which you can experience Greece so authentically. Visit the ancient site of Corinth and Delphi without crowds of tourists! Hike through magnificent gorges and fairy tale forests! Raft through the enchanting natural paradise along the crystal-clear Evinos River and enjoy incredible days in the snow at the Chelmos and Parnassos ski resorts!

During the trip, you will be accommodated in carefully selected 3–4-star accommodation. Traditional Greek hospitality ensures a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere. The local guide accompanies you throughout the week, competently leading the way and sharing interesting stories and facts about the country, its culture, and people.

One of the best ways to discover Greece is through the stomach and so, accordingly, your guide knows all the best restaurants where you can sample the multitude of Greek delicacies.


Highlights

  • Powder dreams: Skiing on Parnassos and Chelmos
  • Adrenalin kick: Rafting on the crystal-clear Evinos River
  • Ask the oracle: Visit ancient Delphi
  • On foot: Hiking through grandiose gorges and fairy tale forests
  • Culinary variety: Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine


8 days/7 nights
Feb – Mar
Moderate
Athens
Athens
Persons: 6+
Age: 14+

Included Activities

  • Guided hikes on the Peloponnese and the mainland
  • Guided ski tours on Mt. Parnassos & Mt. Chelmos
  • Guided rafting tour the Evinos River
  • Visits to the ancient sites Delphi & Corinth

Dates

  • 11-18 Feb
  • 4-11 Mar
  • 11-18 Mar

For groups of 6 people or more, individually chosen travel dates from mid-January to mid-March are possible on request by email to info@cycling-greece.com.


DAY 1
(Sat) Athens (Arrival): Individual journey to Athens. You are picked up at the airport and transferred to the centrally located hotel in Athens where you will be staying the night. If necessary, you can stop off at a ski shop along the way to rent appropriate ski or snowboard equipment.

You can check-in at the hotel from 3 pm onwards. If you arrive in the afternoon, you can spend your free time exploring Plaka. In the early evening, the guide gives the group an overview of the coming week in the hotel lobby. Afterwards, the first dinner of selected Greek delicacies is enjoyed altogether.

DAY 2
(Sun) Athens – Ancient Corinth – Hike on Mt. Ziria: After an early breakfast at the hotel, a transfer collects us at 8 am and brings us to Corinth. Before reaching ancient Corinth, we stop at the famous Corinth Canal which separates the Peloponnese from mainland Greece to enjoy the view and take some photos.

Once we arrive, there is plenty of time to explore the ruins of the ancient city. In its day, Corinth was a powerful trading centre and founded a number of colonies throughout the Mediterranean. Afterwards, we explore Acrocorinth, the city’s mighty fortress which sits enthroned on a mountain high above the Gulf of Corinth. Here there are spectacular panoramic views to look forward to.

After a well-deserved lunch break, a transfer brings us to the Ziria Plateau. During the afternoon, dependant on the weather, we either go on a short hike or a ski tour. We end the day with a delicious dinner in a cosy taverna and spend the night in a traditional guesthouse.

DAY 3
(Mon) Vouraikos Gorge Hike – Kalavryta: After breakfast, a 1.5-hour transfer brings us to the small settlement of Zachlorou in the Vouraikos Gorge, which can also be reached via a famous rack railway.

Once we have arrived, we head out on a 15 km / 9 mi. hike which follows a section of the E4 long-distance hiking trail through tunnels and over bridges, always following the Vouraikos River. Be sure to take the time to marvel at the beautiful waterfalls along the way!

At the end of the tour, we can enjoy a delicious lunch in a cosy tavern located directly on the riverbank. After lunch, a short transfer takes us to our cosy guesthouse, close to the Mega Spileo monastery, with the magnificent view to the gorge we explored earlier, where we spend the night. In the evening we enjoy dinner reminiscing on the eventful day.

DAY 4
(Tue) Ski day at Mt. Chelmos – Nafpaktos: In the morning, a 45-minute transfer brings us to the Kalavryta Ski Centre on the mythical Mount Chelmos. The source of the River Styx is located here, which was considered sacred by the ancient Greeks and marked one of the entrances to the underworld.

We spend the whole day at Mt. Chelmos: you are free to choose whether you would like to have a day of downhill skiing or snowboarding on groomed slopes, take part in a ski tour through the official ski area, or go all the way up to the 2,340 m / 7,677 ft. summit, where the highest telescope in Greece is located.

At around 3 pm we return to the sea. In the late afternoon, after a short stop in the pretty mountain town of Kalavryta, we pass the Rio Antirrio Bridge on our way to the Greek mainland. The imposing cable-stayed bridge has spanned the Corinthian Gulf since 2004 and is a marvel of engineering.

Shortly after passing the bridge, we reach the beautiful coastal town of Nafpaktos, where we spend the night. After dinner, enjoy a stroll through the charming town.

DAY 5
(Wed) Evinos Rafting – Arachova: After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we take a transfer to the Outdoor Lab Rafting Centre on the banks of the Evinos River. Here we are provided with wetsuits and other equipment. After a briefing, the rafting fun can begin. The Evinos is a completely natural river that promises a fantastic nature experience.

After the tour, we enjoy a light lunch. We then begin our 2.5-hour transfer which first leads along a panoramic coastal road and later through the largest olive grove in Greece.

Our destination is Arachova. We can look forward to a delicious dinner and a walk through the winter resort, famous beyond the borders of Greece.

DAY 6
(Thu) Hike & Visit to the Oracle Site of Delphi: In the morning, a short transfer brings us to the high plateau above Delphi. A 13 km / 8 mi. long, varied hike through the Muses Forest awaits us. The last three kilometres follow an ancient cobblestone path.

During this last section of the hike, we can enjoy fantastic views of the sea and the ancient oracle site. From this height, we can best appreciate the incredible size of the famous ancient site with its temples, stadium, theatre, and gymnasium.

After a lunch snack, we visit the excavation and the Archaeological Museum of Delphi with a certified guide. We then return to Arachova, where we have dinner in one of the best restaurants in town and spend another night.

DAY 7
(Fri) Ski day at Mt. Parnassos – Athens: The best is saved for last: Today is the highlight for those who love the cold and glistening white snow! We spend the day at the Parnassos Ski Center, the largest ski area in Greece with 37 km / 23 mi. of slopes.

As at Mt. Chelmos, you are free to decide whether you would like to go skiing, snowboarding, or take part in a ski tour. After plenty of fun in the snow, the transfer back to Athens follows at 4 pm (approx. 2.5 hours).

Once we have checked into the hotel, our guide takes us to a great restaurant with a view of the famous Athens Acropolis, beautifully illuminated every evening, for a final dinner.

DAY 8
(Sat) Athens (Departure): After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Athens airport. Individual journey home or extension of your Greek holiday.

Traditional guesthouses and very good hotels (3-4 stars)

On this tour, you will be accommodated in good to very good mid-range 3–4-star hotels. All accommodation is carefully selected and offers the highest possible comfort. They are characterised by well-maintained facilities, a feel-good atmosphere, and friendly, helpful staff. Booking of accommodation is subject to availability. Before the start of your tour, you will receive a list of hotels as well as further detailed information about your tour.

How difficult is this tour?
The hiking and skiing tours require a high level of fitness from participants. The tours have an average length of about 15 km / 9 mi. and lead through moderately difficult mountainous terrain. The elevation gain is usually a maximum of 500 m / 1,640 ft. (700 m / 2,297 ft. if you opt for the ski tour to the summit of Mt. Chelmos). As a rule, it is possible to take part in the ski tours without any previous experience, although a beginner’s knowledge of alpine skiing is advantageous.

Your guide informs you daily in detail about the demands of the planned tour. If you choose to ski/snowboard on the groomed slopes at the ski resorts, you can choose from blue, red, and black runs.

The rafting on the Evinos River is an easy tour for which a standard level of physical fitness is required. Before the tour, you receive a detailed briefing to ensure that you are well prepared for this truly special experience.

You can of course choose to opt out of any of the planned activities and instead relax or do something yourself. We would be happy to suggest alternatives.

What are the age requirements for this tour?
This tour is suitable for adults and young people aged 14 years and over.

In which languages is the tour conducted?
This tour is conducted in English and German.

What meals are included?
Meals included in the tour price consist of 7 x breakfast, 4 x lunch and 6 x dinner. The rich breakfast is served every day at the hotel. Lunch may be a picnic or enjoyed in a taverna. Dinner is at traditional restaurants, where you can look forward to a culinary journey through Greek delicacies. If you suffer from allergies or have special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or vegan, please let us know well in advance.

Internet during the trip
Internet is available in most of the hotels where you will be staying. Most cafés and bars in Greece also offer WIFI.

Are changes to the tour itinerary possible?
We reserve the right to make changes to the tour itinerary in the event of exceptional weather conditions and due to organisational necessities. The snow guarantee in the Greek mountains is 80% from January to March. In the event of insufficient snow, we will substitute the planned ski activities with other great outdoor alternatives.

Ski Equipment
You are welcome to bring your own ski equipment (alpine skis, snowboards, touring skis). It is also possible to rent touring ski equipment in Athens for an extra charge of 160 euro for the whole week. Snowboards and alpine skis can be rented at the ski resorts on a daily basis.

Equipment - What to bring

  • Waterproof hiking clothes: Hiking boots, multi-functional clothing (onion principle recommended), rain and windproof jacket, rain trousers, fleece pullover (all suitable for outdoor activities in temperatures from -5°C / 23°F to 10°C / 50°F).
  • Waterproof ski clothing: ski jacket and pants, thermal undergarments, multi-functional top, ski goggles, gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Sun cream
  • Snow gaiters
  • Buff and beanie
  • Small daypack (approx. 30 litre capacity)
  • Personal water bottle

Basic Tour Price

1,990€ per person in a double room

*For groups of less than 6 persons, a special quote can be given on request

INCLUDED SERVICES

  • 8-day hotel & multi-sport tour on the Greek mainland & the Peloponnese
  • 7 nights in double rooms in selected 3–4-star hotels
  • 7 x breakfast, 4 x lunch, 6 x dinner
  • Mineral water & snacks during the activities
  • Guided hikes, ski tours, rafting tour & sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Ski passes for Mt. Chelmos and Mt. Parnassos
  • Transfers between Athens Airport and hotel in Athens (only on arrival and departure day)
  • All passenger transfers during the trip (as per description)
  • Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
  • Entrance fees for sights visited by group
  • German and English speaking tour guide

NOT INCLUDED

  • Journey to Athens
  • All drinks except breakfast coffee/tea and mineral water
  • 3 x lunch, 1 x dinner
  • Entrance fees for individually visited sights
  • Tips for guides and service staff

ADDITIONAL BOOKABLE SERVICES

  • Single room surcharge: 400€/week
  • Ski equipment: 160€/week
  • Insurance for ski equipment: 30€/week
  • Additional nights in Athens: price on request
  • 3-day extension programme in Athens (can be booked before and after the trip: airport taxi transfer – hotel, 2 nights in a 3- or 4-star hotel, entrance to the Acropolis, 1 dinner in taverna “To Kafeneion” excl. drinks, 1 guided city bike tour “Athens by Bike”) Price per person: 3-star hotel in double room: 350€/single room: 490€; 4-star hotel in double room: 420€/single room: 580€

Trip

Tour Extensions