Volos Nea Anchialos Canyoning 2013 EN by Vassilis Asderakis

CANYONING at the land of the 12 Gods

Get Canyoning certified & push fear out of the way

Explore the mountains of Titans & Centaurs MAGNESIA :: NEA ANCHIALOS - VOLOS - ORTHRYS - PELION

Learn to navigate through rugged canyons in mainland Greece. These guys have put together a weekend course that teaches you the canyoning basics and helps you have the most fun you 've had for a seriously long time. Pretty amazing stuff. An opportunity not to just go on holiday, get introduced to an adventure experience few would dare and all would want to...

Since 1999 we have been organizing canyon descents throughout Greece. Our activities start on March and end on October. It is a well-known fact throughout the global canyoning community that our team has explored most of Greeceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canyons and every year we add new routes to our program. The organizer of both the expeditions and tourist excursions is the canyon guide and instructor, We organize unique day trips, weekend adventures, 7 day Itineraries or totally custom experiences combining destinations and activities based on your needs. In any case you can prolong your stay, add activities or choose a more relaxing version. The key word for us is customization. We offer canyoning / hiking / trekking at the mountain the Titans, Othrys and the mountain of Centaurs, Pelion which you can combine with other activities while your stay here. Walk the ancient pilgrim paths and follow the footsteps where centaur Chiron was living. Follow our suggestion and hike the famous mountain of the Gods. Slide on its waterfalls and swim in the river pools. Pass by traditional villages mountain biking through the forest trails. Explore this mythic location. canyoning hiking mountain bike Yours Sincerely Soulis Apokremniotis

DISCOVER THE MOUNTAIN OF TITANS OTHRYS Mountain

OVERVIEW Mount Othrys is an unspoiled mountain without touristic infrastructures. It is a “rough” mountain with steep canyons, caves, fir trees and a great history. Mount Othrys was the base of the Titans prior to the Olympian Gods. Kakorrema canyon is very narrow and boasts 17 impressive and unique waterfalls. The Mavromati canyon is especially narrow with 15 impressive waterfalls. It suits anyone who wants to be stunned by an unusual place.

HIGHLIGHTS • Hiking-Trekking-Canyoning • Majestic view • Fauna and Flora • Unique culinary experience If you find yourselves in the area of Magnesia to admire the mountain and canyon formation, you can probably notice certain figures walking through them. You should not think they are out of their minds. They are just people loving to squatter canyons, enjoy the beauty of the nature that mountains ungrudgingly offer.

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Expand your mind Challenge your body

Othrys Mountain Canyonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Specifications OTHRYS :: Mavromati Canyon descent: 4 hours. Hiking: Starting time: Ending time: Best period:

50 min 10:30 16:00 All year round

OTHRYS :: Kakorema Canyon descent: 4 hours. Hiking: Starting time: Ending time: Best period:

50 min 10:30 16:00M October to June

Requirements NO previous experience is required. All you will need is to be physically fit, love nature and sports. The excursion suits both experienced canyoneers as well as first timers who what to give it a go.

Physical fitness You should have average physical endurance, know how to swim, not be afraid of heights, be able to plunge into water from 1 metre high and carry a backpack with you personal gear.

You should carry Swimsuit/ trunks, a pair of slip resistant shoes for walking in water, a bottle of mineral water + snacks and a towel.

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EXPLORE THE MOUNTAIN OF CENTAURS PILION Mountain

OVERVIEW When you descend down the canyons of Pelion you realise that they differ from other canyons for three reasons: dense vegetation, beautiful beaches and the centaur myth hidden within. It is rare to discover a canyon that combines hiking, canyoning and swimming at beautiful beaches! Three of the best canyoning routes are: Fakistra, Damouchari and Milopotamos canyon (the last one weather permitting)

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Challange your body Rediscover your soul

Pelion Mountain Canyonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Specifications PELION :: Fakistra Canyon descent: 3 hours Hiking: 20 min Starting time: 10:00 Ending time: 15:30 Best period: All year round Pelion is a magical mountain with gorgeous canyons that end at beautiful beaches! You can descend down with us a canyon that ends at beautiful Fakistras beach, where you can enjoy a swim afterwards.

PELION :: Milopotamos Canyon descent: Hiking: Starting time: Ending time: Best period:

3 hours 20 min 10:00 15:30 January- May

When you descend down the canyons of Pelion you realise that they differ from other canyons for three reasons: dense vegetation, beautiful beaches and the centaur myth hidden within. It is rare to discover a canyon that combines hiking, canyoning and swimming at beautiful beaches! Milopotamou canyon boasts a great route.

PELION :: Damouchari Canyon descent: Hiking: Starting time: Ending time: Best period:

3 hours 20 min 10:00 15:30 January- May

Physical fitness You should have average physical endurance, know how to swim, not be afraid of heights, be able to plunge into water from 1 metre high and carry a backpack with you personal gear.

You should carry Swimsuit/ trunks, a pair of slip resistant shoes for walking in water, a bottle of mineral water + snacks and a towel. Page 7

FOLLOWING THE ANCIENT PILGRIM PATHS OLYMPUS Mountain

OVERVIEW Mountain Olympus is located at the North-East of Thessalia and at the South-West of central Macedonia, near the region borders of Larisa and Pieria. It is the highest mountain of Greece as well as the second of the Balcans. It covers a relatively small circular area that is pretty solid in shape, with a diameter of 25km. It has a pretty rocky terain with numerous peaks, long ridges and steep cliffs. Accoringly to its size, Olympus has many peaks.

HIGHLIGHTS • Hiking-Trekking-Climbing • Mt. Bike • Vertical rock pillars and the majestic view • Fauna and Flora • Unique culinary experience You start this trip by traverse to the east side of Mt. Olympus and ascent to the picks. The itinerary continues in the Northwest side of Mt. Olympus.This side is the most beautiful, wild and untouched region of the Greek mountains and Europe.The climbs in this region are more difficult and canyoning is a unique experience. Approached from the north of the perfecture and the village of Petra. Page 8

Challange your body Rediscover your soul

Olympus Mountain The throne of the 12 Gods OLYMPUS :: Orlia Canyon Canyon descent: 4 hours. Hiking: 50 min Starting time: 9:00 Ending time: 16:00 Best period: May to October In a magical environment with dense vegetation and steep slopes, flows the crystal-clear water of the Orlia canyon. We will hike along a beautiful green path, situated next to the canyon, towards Koromilia area. The wild nature and the canyon scenery will amaze you! The Orlia canyon is know for endless slides and plunges and for the continuous rappelling at the start of the canyon!

OLYMPUS :: Epinea Canyon Canyon descent: 8 hours. Hiking: 20 min Advanced Starting time: 8:30 Ending time: 18:00 Best period: June to August October The most known route of the international E4 long-distance path is parallel to the Enipea canyon in mount Olympus. If you are looking to combine river trekking and canyoning, the large Enipae canyon will blow your mind with beauty, slides and plunges; and there is also a 38 meter waterfall descent in the mid of the canyon! A day at Enipea canyon is equal to a day full of beautiful images.

Requirements You should have a few previous canyoning experiences, mountain climb and enjoy hours of adventure.

Physical fitness You should have average physical endurance, know how to swim, not be afraid of heights, be able to plunge into water from 1 metre high and carry a backpack with you personal gear.

You should carry Swimsuit/ trunks, a pair of slip resistant shoes for walking in water, a bottle of mineral water + snacks and a towel.

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In any case you can prolong your stay, change canyons, add activities or choose a more relaxing version.

3 days / 2 Nights The Titans Experience Day 1

Arrival at the hotel. Welcome drink. Meeting with canyoning representative and arrange the next day's details. Time free for leisure. Explore the city and we propose you to visit Volos for a quick tour. Dinner . Overnight.

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from the hotel to begin your canyoning adventure. Today you will visit Mavromati canyon in Othis mountain and explore its beauty. Return back to Nea Anchialos. Dinner - Overnight.

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure

Note: This program includes Mavromatis or Kakorema Canyon (depending weather conditions)

WHAT ’S INCLUDED

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

EXCLUSIONS

• 2 nights hotel accomodation • 2 breakfasts • 2 dinners • 1 canyon descents • Arrival and Departure transfer from / to Nea Anchialos Airport • Professional instructor throughout • All equipment

• Halmet • Neopren suit • Descent belt • Shocks • Water proof back pack • Food bowl • Water - snacks

• Extra Meals • International flights and taxes • Personal expenses • Optional tours and entrance fees not specified • Travel insurance • Gratuities • Holiday surcharges

In any case you can prolong your stay, change canyons add activities or choose a more relaxing version.

The key word for us is CUSTOMIZATION. Page 11

3 days / 2 Nights Meet the Centaurs Day 1

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from the hotel to begin your canyoning adventure. Today you will visit Fakistra canyon in Pelion mountain and explore its beauty. Return back to Nea Anchialos. Dinner - Overnight.

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure

Note: This program includes Fakistra or Damouchari Canyon (depending weather conditions)

WHAT ’S INCLUDED

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

EXCLUSIONS

• 2 nights hotel accomodation • 2 breakfasts • 2 dinners • 1 canyon descent • Arrival and Departure transfer from / to Nea Anchialos Airport • Professional instructor throughout • All equipment

• Halmet • Neopren suit • Descent belt • Shocks • Water proof back pack • Food bowl • Water - snacks

• Extra Meals • International flights and taxes • Personal expenses • Optional tours and entrance fees not specified • Travel insurance • Gratuities • Holiday surcharges

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4 days / 3 Nights The Real Taste Day 1

Arrival at the hotel. Welcome drink. Meeting with canyoning representative and arrange the next day's details. Time free for leisure. We propose you to visit the local archaeological sites of Nea Anchialos and wonder at Volos port. Dinner. Overnight

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from the hotel to begin your canyoning adventure. Today you will visit Mavromatis Canyon at the mountain of Titans: Othrys. Return back at Nea Anchialos and enjoy the sea and the greek sun. Dinner Overnight.

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning pick up and departure for the discovery of Fakistra Canyon in the mountain of Centaurs, Pelion. After the decent, free time for swimming. Optional lunch at Tsagarada. Return back at the hotel. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel. We hope you have enjoyed your stay and local canyoning experience and we look forward seeing you again. Departure.

WHAT ’S INCLUDED

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

EXCLUSIONS

• 3 nights hotel accomodation • 3 breakfasts • 3 dinners • 2 canyon descents • Arrival and Departure transfer from / to Nea Anchialos Airport • Professional instructor throughout • All equipment

• Halmet • Neopren suit • Descent belt • Shocks • Water proof back pack • Food bowl • Water - snacks

• Extra Meals • International flights and taxes • Personal expenses • Optional tours and entrance fees not specified • Travel insurance • Gratuities • Holiday surcharges Page 13

5 days / 4 Nights Canyoning Relax Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel. Day free for leisure. Enjoy the sea and taste the local seafood specialities. We propose you to visit Volos City for shopping and the small villages of Pelion mountain, Portaria and Makrynitsa with the unique architechure. Dinner. Overnight

Day 4

Day 5

Breakfast at the hotel. We hope you have enjoyed your stay the surroundings and local canyoning experience and we look forward seeing you again. Departure.

WHAT ’S INCLUDED

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

EXCLUSIONS

• 4 nights hotel accomodation • 4 breakfasts • 4 dinners • 2 canyon descents • Arrival and Departure transfer from / to Nea Anchialos Airport • Professional instructor throughout • All equipment

• Halmet • Neopren suit • Descent belt • Shocks • Water proof back pack • Food bowl • Water - snacks

• Extra Meals • International flights and taxes • Personal expenses • Optional tours and entrance fees not specified • Travel insurance • Gratuities • Holiday surcharges

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7 Days / 6 Nights A complete taste of Magnesia Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Breakfast at the hotel. Day free for leisure. Today we propose you to have one full day cruise to Skiathos island with emerald beaches , where part of Mama Mia movie was filmed. Return back to Nea Anchialos. Dinner . Overnight

Day 6

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the discovery of Kakorema Canyon in the mountain of Titans, Othrys. Return back to Nea Anchialos and enjoy your swim and sunbathing. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 7

Breakfast at the hotel. We hope you have enjoyed your stay the surroundings and local canyoning experience and we look forward seeing you again. Departure.

WHAT ’S INCLUDED

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

EXCLUSIONS

• 6 nights hotel accomodation • 6 breakfasts • 6 dinners • 3 canyon descents • Arrival and Departure transfer from / to Nea Anchialos Airport • Professional instructor throughout • All equipment

• Halmet • Neopren suit • Descent belt • Shocks • Water proof back pack • Food bowl • Water - snacks

• Extra Meals • International flights and taxes • Personal expenses • Optional tours and entrance fees not specified • Travel insurance • Gratuities • Holiday surcharges Page 15

7 Days / 6 Nights Journey through History Olympus Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel. Day free for leisure. Enjoy the sea and taste the local seafood specialities. We suggest you to visit Volos City for shopping and the small villages of Pelion mountain, Portaria and Makrynitsa with the unique architechure. Dinner. Overnight

Day 4

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the discovery of Oplias Canyon in the mountain Olympus. After descend, optional lunch at Litochoro and free time for swimming at Leptokaria. Return back to Nea Anchialos. Dinner. Overnight.

Day 5

Breakfast at the hotel. Day free for leisure. Today we propose you to have one full day cruise to Skiathos island with emerald beaches, where part of Mama Mia movie was filmed. Return back to Nea Anchialos. Dinner . Overnight

Day 6

Day 7

Breakfast at the hotel. We hope you have enjoyed your stay the surroundings and local canyoning experience and we look forward seeing you again. Departure.

WHAT ’S INCLUDED

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

EXCLUSIONS

• Halmet • Neopren suit • Descent belt • Shocks • Water proof back pack • Food bowl • Water - snacks

• Extra Meals • International flights and taxes • Personal expenses • Optional tours and entrance fees not specified • Travel insurance • Gratuities • Holiday surcharges

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10 Days / 9 Nights Canyoning Delight Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Breakfast at the hotel. Day free for Leisure. We propose you to visit the coastline of Pagassitikos bay and have a tour with the little train of Pelion or visit the big variety of the archaeological sites and museums that out area is offering and make a journey through history. Return back at the hotel. Dinner Overnight.

Day 6

Day 7

Breakfast at the hotel. Day free for leisure. Today we suggest you to have one day cruise to Skiathos island with emerald beaches , where part of Mama Mia movie was filmed. Return back to Nea Anchialos. Dinner Overnight

Day 8

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will visit Palanorema canyon at Pelion mountain. We will get the bikes and go through the forest till meeting point. Briefing and descent the Platanorema canyon. Use the bikes to return back at the base. Optional lunch at Gatzea. Return back at Nea Anchialos and enjoy the sea and the greek sun. Dinner Overnight.

Day 9

Day free for leisure . Enjoy your swim and sun and the last shopping. Taste the local delicious variety of tidbits at the local restaurants. Dinner. Overnight

Day 10

Breakfast at the hotel. We hope you have enjoyed your stay , the beauty of our region and local canyoning experience and we look forward seeing you again. Departure.

WHAT ’S INCLUDED

EQUIPMENT PROVIDED

EXCLUSIONS

• 9 nights hotel accomodation • 9 breakfasts • 9 dinners • 4 canyon descents • 1 day mountain bike • Arrival and Departure transfer from / to Nea Anchialos Airport • Professional instructor throughout • All equipment

• Halmet • Neopren suit • Descent belt • Shocks • Water proof back pack • Food bowl • Water - snacks

• Extra Meals • International flights and taxes • Personal expenses • Optional tours and entrance fees not specified • Travel insurance • Gratuities • Holiday surcharges Page 17

Have you already done a training course programme with any professional, federal organization or association? Do you wish to become ICOpro affiliated to broaden your professional career and join the International Canyoning Organization? But the idea to take again all the courses from the beginning is frighteningâ&#x20AC;Ś You are right and we share your point of view. We can meet your expectations so that you could reach our standards, on certain conditions.

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Feel the freedom

Be certified

DISCOVER THE MOUNTAIN OF TITANS Nea Anchialos OTHRYS Mountain The Nymphe of Pagassitikos

Freedom To Escape Take a walk along the seafront of the picturesque Nea Anchialos, explore the ancient glory by visiting the ruins of the numerous paleochristianic churches, lap to the magic of the peaceful greenery by walking along the seaside and you will discover the local character.

About Nea Anchialos Thanks to its picturesque, charming nature, clean seaside, the coexistence of peacefulness and the cosmopolitan life and mainly the clean environment and the hospitality of the local people, have made the town one of the biggest tourist resorts of the area. Nea Anchialos has dense vegetation, full of pine trees, vineyards, olive trees, almonds trees.

The beautiful coasts of Nea Anchialos extend to 20 kilometers. There is a variety of beaches with the unique reddish sand (appropriate for sand-baths for people suffering from rheumatism). There is also golden sand as well as cliffs and pebbles. Small bays and ports, which are formed in certain areas, offer indisputably clear water, ideal for swimming, fishing and sea sports.

Nea Anchialos is a seashore city situated 18 km southeast of Volos, Nea Anchialos, unlike other towns in Thessalian plain, enjoys a almost in the middle of the distance between Athens (305 km) mild Mediterranean climate with can-be-hot-but-bearable and Thessaloniki (230 km). summers (though a little bit humid) and mild winters. Two little hills, Kokkinovrahos and Mavrorahi, rise west-northwest, which attribute to the town its exquisite view of the clear waters of Pagassitikos bay and reveal the excellent laying out.

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Spring, summer and autumn are the best to visit the city itself, winter is the time to be on the Pelion mountain villages, and summer definitely dedicated to the numerous beaches of Nea Anchialos and its suburbs.

NEA ANCHIALOS General Information

How to come here By Car The geographical location of Nea Anchialos is in central Greece with a short distance from Athens and Thessaloniki makes it easy and convenient access for visitors. From the E75 highway from Athens or Thessaloniki, turn right at the exit "MIKROTHIVES. Pass Mikrothives and in 5 km you will reach the Nea Anchialos. By Bus Long distance buses travelling to Nea Anchialos terminate at the bus station at the local port. Nea Anchialos is connected on regular basis to Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras and Ioannina. Local buses connect Nea Anchialos with Volos and Almyros almost every 20 minutes. By Train Nea Anchialos has regular rail connection from/to Athens or Thessaloniki to Volos and from there by bus or taxi to Nea Anchialos. By Plane From abroad, Nea Anchialos is connected with regular and charter flights. The Nea Anchialos - Volos Airport (VOL) is the main attraction of tourists and most important transportation hub in central Greece. Located 18 km away from the city of Nea Anchialos and 26 km from Volos, is easily accessible from the motorway E75. One can get a bus from the airport terminal or a taxi to come in Nea Anchialos. Flights to Nea Anchialos - Volos Airport (VOL) available with Air Berlin (from Vienna, Nurenberg, Dusseldorf, Hamburg & Berlin), Ryanair (from Brussels, Milan & Frankfurt), Avro & Monarch charters (from London Gatwick & Manchester)

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In any case you can prolong your stay, add activities or choose a more relaxing version.

summer Local Activities The geographical position of Magnesia, in the centre of mainland Greece and just a short distance from Athens and Thessaloniki, makes a journey here easy and convenient by whatever means you choose to travel. The airports of Nea Anchialos and Skiathos connect Magnesia with the rest of the world, while the port of Volos links Europe and the Balkans with Asia and Northern Africa.

Local activities in brief Scuba Dive

Beach Sports

Beach Activities Yoga - Pilates

Bike Ride

Canyoning

Local products to stimulate your taste

Wine Routes Page 22

Gastronomy

Olive Oil

Jams & Sweets

Pasta

In Brief The geographical position of Magnesia, in the centre of mainland Greece and just a short distance from Athens and Thessaloniki, makes a journey here easy and convenient by whatever means you choose to travel. The airports of Nea Anchialos and Skiathos connect Magnesia with the rest of the world, while the port of Volos links Europe and the Balkans with Asia and Northern Africa.

Tour proposals during your stay

Volos City

Meteora

Skiathos

Pelion

Nea Anchialos

Archaeological & Religious sites to visit Byzantine Antiquities

Monasteries

Neolithic Tombs Archaeological Museums

Folk Museums Prehistoric settlements

and much more to visit at the land of the Argonauts

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your accommodation

Protessilaos Hotel *** PROTESSILAOS HOTEL 8, Kasneti Str. 37400 Nea Anchialos - Volos Greece Tel: Fax: Email: Web:

RECOMMENDED

+30 2428078780 +30 2428077551 info@protessilaos.com www.protessilaos.com

Overlooking the Pagasitic bay, the 3-star Protessilaos Hotel is a family run hotel situated just a stoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s throw from the beach in Nea Achialos and within easy reach from nearby restaurants. The elegant rooms at Protessilaos Hotel are comfortably furnished and equipped with free Wi-Fi. Guests can enjoy beautiful views of the gulf from their private balconies. A delicious buffet breakfast is served each morning. Guests can also enjoy breakfast in the privacy of their rooms. The hotel is conveniently located approximately 10km from Volos. It can serve as an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area, as well as visit Pilio and Meteora.

Laodamia Hotel **** LAODAMIA HOTEL 2a, Diamandopoulou Str. 37400 Nea Anchialos - Volos Greece Tel: Fax: Email: Web:

RECOMMENDED

+30 2428078800 +30 2428078839 info@laodamia.com www.laodamia.com

The Laodamia hotel is an elegant and welcoming 4star property located in the centre of Nea Anchialos, about 17 km away from Volos and just 30 metres from the beach, within walking distance of tourist services, shops and restaurants. The hotel accommodates guests in a total of 28 beautiful decorated rooms, on three floors, all provided with modern comforts and conveniences to ensure pleasant and relaxing stays. Laodamia's Hotel 28 guest rooms, including 1 Junior suite, reflect the grandeur of accommodation. Whether you choose a standard or executive guest room, you can be sure that your stay will be memorable.

In any case you can prolong your stay, change your destination, add activities or choose a more relaxing version.

The key word for us is CUSTOMIZATION. Page 24

Innovative holiday and travel ideas that help you learn, grow and change

37400 Nea Anchialos - Volos Tel: +30 2428077222 • Mob: +30 6932418001 Email: info@mountainescapes.gr • Web: www.mountainescapes.gr