03/11/2021
Exploring the beauties of Greece
Jeep tour 17.10.2021-28.10.2021
The meeting point was Athens International Airport on the night of 17.10.2021. Laughs, a nice mood, happy faces and a readiness to go for an unknown yet thrilling experience was in the heart and soul of each one of us. The tasty dinner in Maistrali in the Loutraki area that followed, the exceptional hotel Amalia in Nafplio where we lodged for a night and the beauties of the city that we admired the next day was the perfect beginning for our trip. The whole region of Peloponnese spread in front of us calling for new experiences and exploration. Sparti and its tiny, picturesque villages stole our hearts. We enjoyed succulent local food in Parori village in the restaurant Drosopigi where we listened to Greek music on the main square, a small present that the owner of the restaurant organized for us! Githio and the endless beaches nearby offered us the warmth of its waters. The tasty food and the fresh fish in 90mires restaurant of Gythio was a highlight while staying for two nights in LasHotel in Gythio was an unforgettable experience. The Peloponnesian nature with its magnificent and stunning hidden gems welcomed us always in its best spots so as to enjoy delicious greek cookies, coffee and bio-tea, made by us! In Arna village in the mountain Taygetos we met the most open hearted people like the mayor of the village and other locals. An accidental meeting with a kind-hearted Priest Mr. Giorgos and a phenomenal off-road experience in the forest amazed us and led us for a second time in Parori village!
The well known village of Kalavrita in the modern and well decorated Kalavrita Canyon hotel was our next stop. We had the chance to enjoy a refined dinner in "To steki tis Marios" restaurant, 10 minutes driving from the city. From Kalavrita the next morning we moved towards the worldwide known bridge of Rio-Antirio, while crossing this masterpiece of human magnificence took our breath away. The long drive of the same day and the tiredness that this means were completely vanished as soon as we immersed ourselves into the outstanding beauty of the Tzoumerka region. Three extraordinary days followed, where with the professional guidance of Dimitris we experienced the wonder of the nature of Epirus and also what it is to be treated as a friend, not as a visitor, in his esthetic hotel Rouista in Vourgareli village. The whole personnel of the hotel and especially his wife Marina took extreme care of our breakfast and dinner, so we all remained completely satisfied! The ultimate adventure came when we enjoyed a rafting experience in Arachthos river in eastern Epirus. The whole guidance and organization of "Trekking Hellas" left us speechless. A part of our plans was also the largest lake of Epirus, the so-called lake Pamvotis with the homonymous small island, in Ioannina city. The narrow and cobbled stoned streets that lead to the museum of Ali Pasha, the endless jewellery market and the green part of the island as well, impressed us immensely. A wide variety of dishes, local wines and a comfortable environment with an outstanding view towards the city lies in front of us in Frontzou Politia restaurant in Ioannina. The best part of a long day comes when we reach the cozy "Lake hotel" in Ioannina, just 5 minutes from the center. After a relaxing and refreshing night the next day we find ourselves in Metsovo city. The smell of the wood in the fireplace of every home, the flavorful dishes in both Tzaki and Galaxias restaurants, the warm welcome of the locals and the "mystical" weather conditions travel us to another universe. Two nights in the Grand Forest Metsovo Hotel charge our batteries again so we move on towards the Meteora area and the city beneath, Kalambaka. The view from the monasteries of Meteora cannot be forgotten, goosebumps and excitement is the feeling of the whole team. The night comes and we feel honoured to step on the Athenian ground. The imposant rock of Acropolis with its monument Parthenonas, the old city of Plaka, the quiet and hidden neighborhoods are a perfect ending of this one of a kind trip..or not yet? Worth mentioning is our dinner in the cave of Acropolis restaurant and our mixed greek, brazilian, argentinian dances!
If something misses, is the need to say that we would repeat and repeat this unique experience of an impossible to forget and spectacular trip !
Thank you all !
David Glaser
Maro Tsoli
