TOUR DATE: 25 Sept – 3 Oct 2014, Duration: 9 days
PRICE: A$2950* p/person twin share. A$3350* single supplement
*Land Only– Price does not include fights
$800 Deposit due 5 June. Full payment due 18 July.
* $200 Discount if paid in full by 5 June. (See bottom of this page for full Inclusions)
Inspired by Luc Besson’s film ‘The Big Blue’, our unique swim tour is based on Amorgos- an unspoiled Gre
ek island near Santorini and Naxos. Amorgo’s dramatic coastline, azure sea and crystal clear water was the film location for the cult classic -which tells the story of two competitive, ocean obsessed free divers. Alluring film imagery, along with exceptional water quality and photogenic geography, make Amorgos the ideal base for our 8-day swim safari. There’s no strong
rips, or big tides. Dangerous sharks are extremely rare, as are stingers,
and water is very warm from July to late October. So you can blissfully swim to the horizon, or for miles between islands without a care. This swim tour is designed for all levels of ocean swimmers. Our swim routes cater for short & long distance, calm & rough(er) water, fast and relaxed pace swimmers. A support boat will follow swimmers in the water, and transfer them to offshore islands for swimming. You can ride in the boat any time, and routes are structured so that you can swim a shorter distance or continue longer, followed by the support boat. From our luxury hotel base in Amorgo’s Aegialis Bay, we are transferred to swim locations around the island by private bus and boat. We swim a different route each day from a 7 day itinerary, deciding swim location according to conditions on the day. The church of Lady Anna Beach (above) a memorable film location in ‘The Big Blue, is a highlight on our itinerary. We mostly swim in the calm mornings, while afternoons you can enjoy more swimming, or explore overland in our private bus, or just kick back at our spa hotel. Late September and October are the best months for swimming in the Aegean, when the strong summer winds have dropped away and water is very warm and calm. Amorgos has sheer coastal cliff on the south-eastern side, with a gentler sloping north-western side, and dozens of secluded bays and beaches along both coasts. Even on windy days, no matter which way it’s blowing, there are always plenty of sheltered beaches for swimming. A few small offshore islands less than1km away, also offer exciting channel crossings. Nikouria Iset on the north coast, and Gramoussa, near the western tip of Amorgos, are just a short swim away and perfect for swim safari day trips.
*Info on daily swim itineraries available on separate fact sheet. ACCOMMODATION AT AEGIALIS HOTEL
Family run Aegialis Hotel & Spa is our base for the duration of our swim tour. It’s the island’s most luxurious property with deluxe Spa Centre- facilities free to guests. Every room has a terrace or balcony with views
over Aegialis harbour and bay. After a day’s full itinerary of swimming and site-seeing around the island’s rugged countryside, it’s a pleasure to come home and relax in this beautiful hotel. Despite the island’s brief media exposure in ‘The Big Blue’, Amorgos has resisted invasion by tourists and
over-development, never losing its charm or traditional character. The two ports Katapola and Aegialis, and main town Hora with its crumbling windmills, attract most of the island’s visitors. Further back in the mountains, sleepy villages are frozen in time. Here donkeys still carry loads through cobbled streets- none being tourists on commercial donkey rides. Ease into the island’s slow pace like a local, relax over
a shot of ouzo and mezze plate, or coffee and local sweets in a traditional cafenio or taverna. HOTEL FACILITIES: Large outdoor swimming pool overlooking the bay, Fine restaurant serving traditional and gourmet Greek dishes, indoor dining area and terrace, 2 bars, laundry service, internet, travel office, buffet breakfast daily. Spa Centre: lndoor pool, sauna, spa, and modern gym free to guests. Optional treatments and massages can be booked as desired. TOUR DATE: 25 Sept – 3 Oct 2014
PRICE: A$2950* p/person twin share. INCLUSIONS:
~ 7 days swim safari excursions
~ Safety support boat daily for up to 25 passengers
~ 8 nights in Aegialis Hotel & Spa, sea view room
~ Return port transfers on the island
~ Return ferry tickets Athens/ Amorgos
~ Hot & cold full buffet breakfast daily
~7 packed lunches for day trips
~ All transfers by private bus to swim locations
~ Overland siteseeing by private bus
~ 45 minute massage in Spa Centre
~ 8 days services of Amorgos island local tour leader Jo Dounias. Meet and greet in Athens by Jo who will es**rt you by ferry to Amorgos. About your local tour leader: Jo Dounias is a Greek
Australian from Sydney. She has been guiding kayak tours in the Greek islands for 9 years. An expert on Greece, Jo has worked as scout, & guide for travel show ‘Getaway’ in Greece since 2007. She is a passionate ocean swimmer, with an intrepid nature that seeks interesting locations for creating unique swim tours. Her local connections ensure that you also experience authentic Greek culture. BOOKINGS & ENQUIRIES: Contact: Jo Dounias
Email: [email protected]
