Greek Islands Adventure Vacation: Sea Kayaking in the

Greek Islands Adventure Vacation: Sea Kayaking in the Mediterranean A Cutter Aquatics Legacy Trip When: September 5 – 12, 2015 September is a perfect time to vacation on a Greek Island. Most of the European tourists have gone back to work and the island is more quiet than mid summer. The sea is warm and nights are cool. What: Join us for a unique and fantastic trip to Greece. Our Greek Islands Sea Kayaking and Multi-­‐sport Adventure Vacation is eight days/seven nights -­‐ including sea kayaking, mountain biking, walking, and snorkeling. Greek cooking and language lessons and island cultural tours are included, too. Enjoy seven nights lodging, seven breakfasts, five group gourmet dinners, a welcome cocktail party with Greek mezes (tastings); and special entertainment nearly every evening. Where: This Cutter Aquatics legacy trip is based on Poros Island, in the Saronic Gulf, two hours by ferry from Athens. Who: This exclusive custom vacation is limited to 20 participants – the perfect size for fun and adventure at our private get-­‐away. All levels of kayakers are welcome. We have solo and tandem kayaks. Orientation sessions help beginners get comfortable in a boat and practice skills before joining longer kayaking excursions. All of the kayaking trips vary in length, distance and destination. Experienced paddlers catch plenty of adventure. And, we offered lots of activity choices; it’s like your perfect summer camp! You can do everything or you may opt out of any activity to read on the beach, shop, explore on your own or just take a nap under an umbrella! Cost: Just $1837 for the complete trip* if paid by cash or check; a 3.5% service charge is added to a trip balance paid by credit card. Accommodations are private two bedroom/two bath apartments that can be shared by two singles, one couple, one family or up to four friends. *Airfare is not included. See complete list of inclusions at the end of this trip description document. How: First: Register on our website and deposit $400 per person to reserve your place. This deposit covers our advance costs and is NOT refundable unless your place can be filled at least 60 days before the trip. There is no service fee on deposits paid by credit card. Next: Arrange your own transportation to Athens, Greece (airport code: ATH). You may wish to spend a few days on your own in Athens or visit another European destination before or after our sea kayaking adventure trip. You will receive a complete packet of trip information that includes all trip information to help you learn what to expect, how to prepare, and what to take with you. It also includes travel tips if you have not traveled internationally before. Full payment is due by July 10, 2015. The Greek Islands are one of the best locations in Europe for sea kayaking. Rising majestically from the Saronic Gulf, Poros and the surrounding islands provide spectacular scenery and protection from wind and waves. In the northern Mediterranean Sea there is very little tidal change and the water is turquoise blue, crystal clear and delightfully warm. It is a perfect paddling destination – the people are friendly, English is understood and the food is fabulous. What more can we ask for in an area rich in culture and history. This unique custom adventure vacation -­‐ created exclusively for you by Cutter Aquatics – will have a maximum of 20 guests. It is designed to provide a true Greek experience. In addition to sea kayaking and snorkeling, bike rides and hikes we have arranged opportunities for Greek cooking -­‐-­‐ you'll have hands-­‐on meal preparation experience in a Greek kitchen -­‐-­‐ and fun Greek language sessions. We offer walking tours and a visit to the local archeological museum. A local guide will take us by ferry, to historical sights on a neighboring island, too. Of course, there is also time to relax on the beach, swim in the sea or pool, shop, explore town and try local restaurants. We will stay 7 nights and 8 days at the Odyssey apartments at Askeli Bay on the island of Poros. The Odyssey provides modern, comfortable accommodations in two level air-­‐conditioned apartments with European double and single beds. Each apartment has two private bathrooms with showers. You will enjoy a full breakfast every morning. Most evenings will include gourmet dinners with wine in Katarina’s Bistro. One night you eat out on our own and one night we may enjoy a dinner party with wine on the beach -­‐-­‐ complete with stories of ancient Greece. From the Odyssey you can walk just a few yards to the beach, up the hill to a gym or grocer, or around the corner to a private swimming pool. The Odyssey has free wireless Internet access, but remember this is GREECE, enjoy your adventure vacation! Our hostess, who owns and operates the Odyssey Centre Apartments and Bistro, is Katerina Sakelliou. She was born on Poros and is a renowned Greek chef. She will teach us about Greek language and Greek cooking. Both, she promises, are easy and fun -­‐ especially when accompanied by a locally brewed beer! Her staff will welcome us and take care of our every need. She never flinches if there is lost luggage or missing medications. We will be comfortably at home in her home. Our sea kayaking guide is Brian Gibbons. He is a British Canoe Union sea kayaking coach from Scotland. We have paddled with Brian in Greece and in Scotland since 2006 and are quite impressed with his skills, knowledge and friendliness. He certainly meets our Cutter Aquatics standards for safety and care on coastal paddling trips. Brian plans our excursions to a wide variety of destinations. We can paddle around Poros, in and out of little coves; there are lots of secluded beaches to explore. We can paddle across the channel to the peninsula of Methana; or to the Peloponnese mainland. There are great snorkeling spots and rocky uninhabited islands with fascinating geology. We will picnic, enjoy frequent swim breaks, explore quaint villages and stop to buy ice cream! You will want to bring your camera, but you don't have to travel with your own paddling gear. Brian provides kayaks, paddles, spray skirts and life jackets; masks and snorkels are included, too. This holiday is filled with adventures, but you choose your daily activities. You can enjoy the flexibility to opt out of some scheduled activities. Perhaps you only want to read on the beach, shop, tour more cultural/archeological sites or just enjoy a cool beer under an umbrella. Though we always try to be flexible, here is an example of our adventure plan. Day One If you are just arriving in Athens we will arrange for your transport from the airport and escort you to the port of Piraeus. If you have arrived in Athens a day or more early you may have visited the Acropolis this morning. Take a short ride on the modern Metro and meet us in Piraeus -­‐-­‐ we provide you with the simple directions. Together we will board the Hellenic Seaways ferry for a beautiful tour across the Saronic Gulf to Poros Island. A mini bus meets us at the ferry for the 5-­‐minute ride to Askeli. We will settle into our rooms at the Odyssey apartments, relax on the beach or explore the seaside hamlet. In the evening we will enjoy a welcome orientation get-­‐together with Greek mezes (small plate appetizers) and local wine. Day Two If you are an early riser take a stroll on the beach. Greeks enjoy late evenings so you may have the beach all to yourself. Coffee is offered on our patio at 8 AM and full breakfast service begins at 8:45. Our island orientation begins with a guided walk through Poros Town. If you like, visit to the local museum. After lunch and again before dinner two sea kayaking orientations are offered. Beginners learn some basics and advanced paddlers start exploring the coastline of Poros. Today you can also explore the neighborhood on your own and do a little shopping. You are always welcome to purchase your own drinks or snacks to keep in your room's refrigerator. Then, as the sun sets bring your own beer to the garden patio or purchase a happy hour drink from the bistro. We will eat dinner in the Bistro about 8:30 or 9:00 PM. Day Three Today try a walk to the old monastery or perhaps we'll plan a sunrise paddle. After breakfast mountain bikers will head off for an island tour, passing Russian Bay with fascinating old ruins and a beautiful beach. Then up toward the Sanctuary of Poseidon and a great down hill winding trail to a swim in the sea. The morning sea kayakers will head off to Daskalio. This miniature island has a tiny church, a sunny beach and nice snorkeling. It is a good picnic spot. You can order a packed lunch from the Bistro on any day. In the late afternoon half our group joins Katerina in the kitchen to learn about Greek cooking. Wine is included while cooking! For dinner we will all enjoy the fruits of the cooks' labors. (Evening party plans could develop!) Day Four Ferry trip to Hydra Island -­‐-­‐ a unique place that does not allow cars or bicycles. If you can't get anywhere fast you may learn to slow down and enjoy life Greek-­‐style. On Hydra donkeys are the only delivery trucks! Katerina will join us to share the rich history of the people and the island's development. You must not forget your camera; Hydra is incredibly picturesque. Choose a waterfront or hilltop cafe to enjoy lunch. Museums, hikes and swimming are available, but the jewelry and craft stores should not be missed. After returning to Poros tonight dinner is on your own. There are lots of restaurants and classic waterfront tavernas to choose from. Wander home in the moonlight at your leisure. Day Five Today, a group of sea kayakers may navigate across Askeli Bay and along the Peloponnese coast to the secluded snorkeling beach at Alikis point. From here you can walk to scenic vistas of the Mediterranean or scramble over coastal boulders. Blue waves crash through holes carved in rocks. On the way home you may paddle to the island of Bourtzi with ruins of an old fort. Some folks may want to participate in optional island activities. Right down on our little beach water skiing and parasailing is available. Just up the street from the apartments you can rent four-­‐wheelers. Perhaps tonight we will have wine and dinner on the beach and share stories from Greek history and our own heritages. Day Six Our sea kayaking trips are always planned with the daily weather conditions in mind and the skills and stamina of the paddlers in our group. Today paddlers may head to Modi Island off the eastern point of Poros. This island is uninhabited. There are no beaches for landing, but it is amazing to circumnavigate. Spectacular rocks tower out of the ocean. It is a mystery how mountain goats got there, let alone survive. Look for them amid the sparse vegetation. Day Seven Today cyclists can ride into Poros Town and put their bikes on the small ferry to Galatas. It is great fun to bike along the mainland and look back to Poros Island. Check your orientations; how well have you learned about our island? Ride over to Katerina's family farm. You'll see olive trees and oranges ready to pick. Then ride on to the beach to meet a group of our sea kayakers. We will have a joint picnic then swith crafts and the cyclist can paddle home and the paddlers take the bikes! There will be other activity options, too. Perhaps you’ve been wanting a day to go shopping, read a book or relax by the pool. You will want to have plenty of energy left to enjoy our group dinner with wine at the Bistro tonight. It includes music Greek dancing and special local guests. This is not to be missed! Day Eight After a continental breakfast it is time to say good-­‐bye to Katerina, Brian and our Odyssey home on Poros. The Flying Cat takes us back to Athens. There is still some time to catch historical sites in the city if you have an evening flight; or we will help you get directly to the airport. Some in our group may stay in Athens. No one wants to leave Greece. The cost of this complete seven-­‐day trip includes: • All equipment and certified instruction for guided sea kayaking • Multiple half day and full day sea kayaking excursions • Two days of bicycle rentals with two guided tours • Snorkeling – masks and snorkels provided • History walk and Archeological museum visit • Flying Dolphin ferry excursion to Hydra Island • A Greek cooking session including all food for a Greek dinner • Greek culture and language sessions • Welcome party with mezes and wine (it’s a full meal!) • Seven nights shared accommodations • Six full breakfasts; one continental breakfast • Five group dinners with wine at the Odyssey Bistro • Evening entertainment surprises • Round trip ferry transportation from the port of Piraeus to Poros Island. • Taxes and gratuities Register on our website http://cutteraquatics.com and pay $400 deposit to hold your place. This deposit is not refundable unless your place can be filled 60 days before the trip. It allows us to secure exclusive use of our private accommodations and reserve our kayaks in Greece. Balance due by July 10, 2015. The full price of this trip is $1837 per person if you pay by cash or check. You may make your $400 deposit on-­‐line with a credit card with no service fee. We prefer you pay the balance of $1437 by mailing us a check. If you wish to pay the balance with a credit card we need to add a 3.5% service fee for a balance total of $1487. We provide a complete trip-­‐planning packet, sent via e-­‐mail by May 1, 2015. Contact us with any trip or planning questions you may have prior to that date. Our trip does not include your airfare as you may wish to combine this outdoor adventure with a cultural visit to Athens or other European destinations. Things to consider when choosing flights: • Most flights to Europe are overnight. So if you want to arrive on the first day of our trip you need to depart the US one day before our Adventure starts. • If you want to visit the historical sites in Athens -­‐-­‐ for example, the Acropolis, the National Archeological Museum, the Presidential Palace and the Plaka – plan to arrive one or two days before our adventure on Poros. We can give you some suggestions for choosing a hotel, transportation from the airport to your hotel and detailed instructions about how to take the Metro from City Center to the port of Piraeus where we meet the ferry. It is easy. • Our group will try to catch the 1:00 PM ferry to Poros on the first day of our Adventure depending on the September 2015 Hellenic Seaways schedule. • If you arrive at the Athens airport on the first day of our Adventure try for a flight that arrives in the morning. We provide a greeter and transportation from the Athens airport to the ferry port at Piraeus at 11:15 on the first day of our Adventure only. • If arriving at the Athens airport on the first day of our Adventure, and your flight lands after 10:30 AM you can easily get to Poros separate from the group. We will not provide an escort from the airport after the 11 AM. We’ll provide you with all the necessary information and directions but here is the short version. After landing allow about 2 hours to clear customs, collect luggage and take the 75 minute bus ride to the port of Piraeus where you will purchase a ferry ticket. The last ferry to Poros departs Piraeus approximately 6:30 PM. We will reimburse you for your ferry ticket, and meet you in Poros Town. • After our Adventure, on departure day, we depart Poros on the Flying Cat at 8:00 AM and arrive Piraeus at 9:15 AM. Allow an hour for the bus ride to the airport. So a flight that departs after 12:30 PM is easy to accommodate. Trying to make special arrangements to get to the airport for an earlier flight is cost prohibitive. Take advantage of an afternoon and night in Athens; then catch your early morning flight one or two days after our Adventure. The Acropolis at night is worthy of many photographs. P.O. Box 776 Colleyville, TX Office Phone: 817-­‐354-­‐6853 barb@cutteraquatics.com http://cutteraquatics.com