Methana geologic walking tour

Program (8-days trip)
26 Dec. 2004 - 2 Jan. 2005
27 March - 3 April 2005

1. day
Meeting in Athens and boat transfer in the afternoon to Methana or arrival to Methana (usually via Athens) on your own (Transfer from Santorini if booked with a preceeding tour on Santorini). Group dinner in a local tavern.

2. day
Orientation walk in Methana, visit of the Methana spas and warm springs (bathing/swimming possible) and a small fortress. In the afternoon walk (ca. 3-4 hrs) to nearby Mycenaean excavations and descend into a hydrothermally active bay with mofettes (swimming possibility and opportunity to collect volcanic salts). Walk back to the hotel in the evening.

3. day
Transfer to the historically active volcano at Kameni Chora village. Easy climb (ca. 1hr., 200 m climb) to the center of the lava dome. Spectacular cooling fractures, impressive natural rock sculptures and great views over the Saronic Gulf will await us here. Coffee or lunch break afterwards in a small charming taverna in the remote village at the feet of the mountain. Hike (ca. 1-2 hrs) to the fishing village Vathi and visit of the ancient Greek acropolis of Methana. Walk back to hotel (facultative: taxi transfer) (ca. 1-2 hrs).

4. day
Whole-day hike (ca. 4-6 hrs) across the volcanic mountains and highlands of Methana, through varying landscapes with great views over numerous volcanic domes and the Saronic Gulf. Visit of numerous remnants of ancient settlements, old olive, almond, nut and other plantations on the way.

5. day
Transfer to the picturesque mountain village Palia Loutra and descent through a valley to the sea (1-2 hrs). Visit of the ancient therapeutic spas described by the Roman scientist Pausanias. Visit of a carbon-dioxide well and possibility to bath and swim. Walk along the coast (ca. 2-3 hrs) or taxi transfer to a small fishing harbour. Opportunity to have lunch, swim etc. Facultative taxi transfer back or walk to Methana (ca. 2 hrs.). Rest of the day at free disposal.

6. day
Day-trip to the picturesque neighboring volcanic island of Poros, visit of the archaeological museum.

7. day
At free disposal or additional walking program.

8. day
Departure (usually in the afternoon, so that a large part of the day can be used for smaller excursions, swimming etc.) or prolonged stay.

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Note: The order and the exact program of the tours might change slightly according to each individual group´s preferences, weather conditions etc.

(Photo courtesy H. Beutler)

$Natural cooling fracture inside the lava dome of the historic volcano.$

(Photo courtesy H. Beutler)

Price: 980,- EUR*
(min. 6 participants):

The price includes:

- 7 nights accommodation w/ breakfast in double room with bath (single-room supplement: 100 EUR)
- transfer from/to Athens and all local transports according to program
- half pension (dinner incl. wine and drinks)
- accompanying material
- English-German-Greek speaking geologic guides (Tobias Schorr and/or Tom Pfeiffer)
- Transfer from Santorini (if booked together with a preceeding tour on Santorini)

The price does not include:

- travel to Athens
- extra meals and drinks

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*Combination discount:

If this tour is booked together with the preceding tour on Santorini (20 - 27 March, Winter on Santorini) 5% discount on the final tour price is given.

Individual arrangements:

For complete groups (tourist groups, school classes, hobby geologist groups, etc...) and individuals with specific interests (e.g. geological excursions, filming etc.), any tailor-made geologic program can be arranged at custum dates. If you are interested, please contact Tom directly at: tpfeiffer@decadevolcano.net.

Additional information:

Arrival to Methana:
In order to let everyone plan his trip individually, arrival to Athens is private, but we can help with information for flight booking. A meeting point around noon on the first day will be arranged in Athens, from where Tom will accompany you to Methana. For who arrives earlier or too late for the meeting point in Athens, detailed descriptions will be made available how to get to Methana (involving an easy ferry ride from Piraeus port).

Equipment:
Walking boots or similar, sun and wind protection, a day-backpack, light dressing, a pullover or jacket for the evenings.

Physical requirements:
Easy to intermediate hikes of up to 10-12 km total length, climbing of up to 500 m during 5-6 hours total walking time (incl. breaks etc.). Normal good condition is required - a day' s long hike in hilly terrain should not be too much for you. Experience in hiking is not necessary, but a secure step on stony, sometimes sandy and gravelly terrain, as well as - on a few places - no fear of altitude. Usually, it is possible for individuals, or part of the group to shorten a hike, especially towards the end and e.g. return by other means of transportation.

Copyright:
Before using text and photos of this page elsewhere please contact Tobias Schorr or Tom Pfeiffer.

Program (8-days trip) 26 Dec. 2004 - 2 Jan. 2005 27 March - 3 April 2005

Price: 980,- EUR* (min. 6 participants):

Individual arrangements:

Additional information:

Contact / Information / Booking:

Program (8-days trip)
26 Dec. 2004 - 2 Jan. 2005
27 March - 3 April 2005

Price: 980,- EUR*
(min. 6 participants):