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EXCURSIONS & CRUISES |  |
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DOLIHI TOURS organizes and sponsors a variety of fun and interesting cruises and excursions within and outside of Ikaria. There are boat trips to the nearby islands of Patmos and Fourni, "Wild West" Jeep Safaris around Ikaria's rugged mountain interior and guided coach tours of Ikaria's sights and attractions just to name a few possibilities. Private day or overnight hiking tours through the breathtaking mountains and valleys of Ikaria can also be arranged on request. |
WILD WEST TOUR Departing at 10:00 from Armenistis and we first drive to the Christos-Raches area. There we have a short coffee-stop under the plane trees in the "stone village" of Christos.
Travelling along the south-west coast of Ikaria, we have much to experience/discover. We stop in the isolated village of Karkinagri to refresh ourselves in the crystal clear sea-water and enjoy delicious home-cooked food and fresh seafood in a fisherman's tavern.
On the way back to Armenistis along the west coast of the island, there are even more opportunities for taking photos. We visit the villages of Kalamos, Amalou and
Nanoura and the old monastery of Mavrigiannou. A final ouzo-stop takes place at breathtaking Nas, ancient site of a famous holy shrine to Godess Artemis. This
unforgetable "Safari" ends in Armenistis early in the evening.
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Leaving the asphalt road behind us, we then proceed up to the plateau of Pezi.
Sights along the way include: a large water resevoir amidst the pine-forest, huge stone boulders and naturally
camoflaged anti-pirate houses. Next we arrive at the hidden old village of Langada, a lush green paradise.
IKARIA ISLAND TOUR The real Ikaria starts where the asphalt road ends, where you find only nature. One may be tempted to
try and discover it on one's own, but it is also quite risky. Alternatively we offer you a grand tour which will lead you
across almost the whole island to many beautiful places which you might not get to see otherwise.
Departing at 9:00 am from Armenistis we proceed along the main road through the picturesque harbor town of Evdilos and Messaria. Our first stop is in one
of the oldest mountain villages of Ikaria, Akamatra, to have a coffee in a traditional
Ikarian "Kafenion". Naturally, the swimming makes us hungry so we proceed to a nearby village for lunch in a country family tavern. Continuing on, we next stop in Agios Kirikos the main port and capital of Ikaria, for a coffee and walk through the narrow stone paths to visit the tiny shops and the fishermens' houses at the harbor.
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Next we drive up through the quaint villages of Dafne, Steli, Kossikia, Plagia and Chrisostomo until we arrive at Xylosirtis. Here we take the opportunity
to refresh ourselves by swimming in the crystal clear water where according to Greek Mythology Ikaros lost his wings
and plunged into the sea.
In Therma, 3 km east from Ag. Kirikos, we visit the hot therapeutic springs(perhaps the finest radio-energic water in the world) and taste
delicious pastries in the confisserie "Melissa."
From there we proceed through the villages of Kountouma, Mavrato, Oxe, Monokampi and Plomari, crossing the mountains again to arrive at Miliopo
on the northern side of the island where we break for some homemade lemonade and relax after the mountain drive.
Finally, we return via the northern coastal road passing Evdilos, Kampos, Avlaki and Gialiskari and reaching Armenistis again around 19:00h.
EVENING TOUR
A special offer to our guests this "People & Country" tour provides the opportunity to get a taste of the real country-life of Ikaria. It is an introduction to the mountain monasteries, the people, the Ikarian hospitality, the local wine and cookery and the old island music.
Next, driving through the village of Marathon, known as "the Ikarian Balcony" because of its view, we take a short break for photos and walks around the old watermill on the hill. A short 10 minute drive through the apple trees, we arrive at our next stop "Mounte," an old monastery hidden in the middle of the forest. Here we rest for 10-15 minutes in the field under the age-old planetrees. Our next stop is at Tragostasi village for a relaxing break at the lakeside.
Continuing up to the pine forest area of Raches we then visit Christos, the village which "never sleeps," known also as "Asterix place,"
because of its atmosphere. Mastro-Nicos and his wife welcome us into their tavern
and offer us their hospitality, pure Ikarian wine, and the many goods they cultivate in their own farm;
fruits, vegetables, fresh home-made cheese, herb-pies, the local special-
"soufiko," pork chops etc... all in a buffet dinner. After dinner we have some more time to enjoy a Greek coffee or a baklava by the local coffee grinder or to ramble about the old market of the village.
We arrive back to Armenistis at about 22:00 |
Departing from Armenistis at 15:00, we drive along the coastal road to Kampos, the ancient
town of Oinoe, and further up to the village of Pigi. Here we have our first stop at the monastery of Theoktisti and
visit the church(its interior is adorned with beautiful frescoes), the monk's secret stone-graves and enjoy fried honey-sweets,"loukoumades"
made by Mrs Evagalia, local lemonade and the breathtaking view of the valley.
PATMOS |
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FOURNOIA group of islets between Ikaria and Samos featuring an intricately shaped coast line. The islets are so close to one another that they give the impression of forming a whole island. The islets offer beautiful coves with clear waters, picturesque fishing villages, serenity and hospitable inhabitants. The narrow crossings between the islets are ideal for boat trips. The sites include beautiful caves and sandy beaches. They are situated on the main island of Chrisomilias which has a protected bay with a small village and a few rented rooms. There is a small fishing village on the adjoining island of Thymaina. A third islet called Agios Minas is only inhabited by a few shepherds. |
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Email: dolichi@otenet.gr
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