MamaEncantada
24 Jun 2023
This tour was the highlight of our trip to Greece/Athens! Our guide, Vasil, gave us such a rich and incredible education about Aegina but also about Greek mythology, history, and a unique and informed perspective on some of the religious history that connects those elements.
We were fortunate to have a very small group, so Vasil tailored the trip to what we were interested in doing and seeing.
We started at the dock, where we boarded the ferry together sand then established a communal table "base camp," which allowed us to explore the boat and go upstairs for a great view — all without losing our spot.
The ferry trip was an hour and ten minutes (each way), and there was a little bar with drinks and snacks. It was very nice. The bathrooms were fine, although the toilet paper did run out after a bit. Bring your own and you'll be just fine.
We stopped first to do a multi-product tasting with a local pistachio vendor. Everything was yummy. We purchased several items (perfectly reasonable prices in Greece) and took their online store info in case we want to order more from home.
We decided to go check out Paleochora Village first. Some of the original 365 or so churches remain and are scattered along a path that winds up the hill. They date to around the 1300s, as I recall.
We visited many as we enjoyed Vasil's deep commentary and hiking tips. It was perfect for intermediate hikers. Though sandals aren't necessarily advised, I made it in mine!
When we reached the top we were rewarded with something our guide had mentioned in the beginning: an incredible view of Aegina AND of Athens. It was stunning and gratifying.
We ventured down the hill and found ourselves ready for lunch. Vasil mentioned a few options, and we settled on a local sea food spot.
The calamari was fantastic. The shrimps were good, but not pre-cleaned. Unfortunately, one of our party ordered lobster spaghetti. The fishy flavor was overpowering. However, we had ordered dudes and overall had enough to feed everyone in spite of that misstep.
The ladies in the group wanted off to the local shops. The first shop had some nice items, however if you are in search of linen, please walk down one or two more shops for good prices and more options!
We then went to a lovely blue flag beach. We opted to rent lido chairs from a beach side bar. (Slightly pricey/not included, but nice and worth it!) The water was lovely; cool, and shades of sea glass blues.
NOTE: Topless sunbathing is NOT prohibited, though it seemed to primarily appeal to the grandmother types.
After just under 2 hours of beach time (slightly abbreviated as we lingered over lunch, which was our group's choice), we got back on the road to the fairy.
Our trusty guide continued to regale us with historical knowledge until we docked back in Athens, so much so that our next-day trip to the Acropolis was greatly enhanced by our newfound knowledge of Greek history, culture, and religious history! So many dots connected. It was really wonderful to have that experience to tie it together. I'm so glad Aegina was our first tour!
NOTES: Hiking is not required. It was an option presented by our guide, but is not a required part of the tour unless the entire group is able and interested.
There is food and drink on the boat (extra cost), so no need to worry about breakfast beforehand.
Our guide, Vasil, was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I have seen good comments about other guides in other reviews. But if you love history and archaeology, I hope you are so lucky to have Vasil as your guide.
The tour can be adjusted to your group, which may include other people. Now at least you know about the Paleochora, in case you would like to advocate for it amongst your particular tour group!)
The Paleochora hike is probably moderate. It would be nice to have water and sturdy shoes. As mentioned, I made it in Tevas. A group member in softer sandals experienced a little more difficulty in spots, but still made it.
Our guide was happy to stop if we were having difficulty, however we endured to enjoy the view and the accomplishment. Please know the guides are happy to accommodate your group while making the trip enjoyable AND informative no matter what your particular tour covers. There were several other options for attractions to visit, had we preferred something different.
It's a delightful tour that I would happily do again. It was the perfect mix of activity, rest (in the van or on the boat), and info, delivered by a deeply knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating local guide from Ammon Express.
It was a very nice short escape from a big city to enjoy the weather, sea and simplicity of the small island. Our guide Dimitra is very knowledgeable young person. She was very accommodative and made this trip very smooth and enjoyable. Thank you!