Ηiking & accommodation on Ikaria

Two programs: 18-26 July 2010 &  19-27 October 2010

Place :  island of Ikaria
Accommodation: Ikarian Centre, Arethousa, Ikaria
Duration : 9 days & nights
Cost :

• One person in a private room: 580€/person
• Two persons in a private room: 480€/person.

Includes :

• Accommodation (9 nights)
• Breakfast
• Airport and port pick up.
• Transportation for our activities- shared car at your disposal when there are no activities.
• Lectures – slide projections : Rembetiko (music ) – history and architecture of Ikaria
• Greek cooking lesson: We cook together traditional Greek dishes. Afterwards we eat all together under the stars accompanied by locals.
• Greek dancing lesson: You learn traditional dances so you can fully enjoy the festivals.
• Basic Greek class.
• Hiking : We follow three different paths in different parts of the island
• Visits: local winery, Old photography archive, old monastery
• Enjoy the night sky learn how to identify  the constellations  and the myths related to them . The sky above the Centre is magnificent
• Live the experience of the famous Ikarian “panigiri” (festival) on 20th and 26th of July .

Please note :

• The food or the drinks that you buy when we are out , for example panigiri , taverna , winery is not covered by the program.
• Each room has a kitchenette and there is also a big common kitchen to prepare your meals. A mean in the local “tavernas” costs around 10-12€ per person (including wine).

Schedule:

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Day 1
Arrival at the hostel .
Little walk in the village . The walk ends up in a taverna , where you can taste traditional Ikarian dishes . At the same time you enjoy an amazing view to the port.

Day 2
Watch the slide show about the island : You learn some basic things about the way of life on the island during the centuries, the traditional architecture and history.
Participate in the language class: learn how to write your name and how to read and pronounce simple words.
Dance in the folk Greek dance lesson : If you are in Ikaria , you should definitely learn how to dance the famous local dance , Ikariotikos!

Day 3
Attend the  lecture : What is “panigiri” in Ikaria ? What does “ikariotikos” dance mean to people?
Dance in the folk Greek dance lesson : Let ’s remember the steps , let the violin lead your feet.
Go to the “Panigiri” with us: There are people who visit Ikaria just for being in the Panigiri. It is a large festival in the square of a village , under the trees , people eat drink and dance together sometimes until the sun rises again. I bet that when you will listen the violin playing Ikariotiko you will not resist to join the dancing circles !!

Day 4
Visit Rahes village.
In Rahes we visit  the photographer Hristos Malahias , who has a big archive of old photos. You’ll see images of Ikaria round the year.  Moreover you’ll see Ikaria’s past in black and white pictures.
Visit the winery of Rahes , where we can taste the famous Ikarian red wine -Homer mentions it- and talk with the producer.
Go for hiking : Walk with us the magnificent path from the village to the sea.

Day 5
Attend our  lecture about Rembetiko. Learn about this unique Greek music heritage.

Day 6
Read the Greek mythology on the sky . Ikarian Centre is a perfect spot for star gazing. We learn to identify the constellations and talk about the Greek mythology related to them.

Day 7
Go for hiking with us: Hiking on the mountain Atheras over our village . On the top you can have a breathtaking view of Aegean sea. You’ll see both sides of the island! If the weather is good you’ll see many other islands and the Turkish coast and you’ll feel why Icarus decided to fly.

Day 8
Visit the impressive monastery “Theoktisti” – eat “loukoumades” with greek coffee in the yard. Theoktisti means built by God , people say this because a huge stone is the roof of the church.
Hiking : We walk the mountain path crossing the forest between the monasteries Mounte- Theoktisti.

Day 9
Go with us to another panigiri , just to be sure that you will not forget the Ikarian vibe going back home..

What else can you do during your visit on the island?

• Swim in the crystal clear water of beautiful beaches.
• Relax in the natural hot springs.
• Visit the ancient and byzantine monuments as well as the local museum.
• Go hiking in more paths
• Attend the various concerts of Ikarus festival

Ikaria is a unique island and captures the heart of the visitor.  Find out what the island can tell to you …