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Every year, a week either side of the Whitsun half term week at the end of May, we run one week, one way, Saronic Islands flotillas. This allows those of you who can only manage one week off work at a time, to have a quick look at this beautiful area. The only problem is that you will then have to work out how you will manage two weeks for the following year. These flotillas are certainly a great opportunity to get a taste for what the Saronic islands and the Argolic Gulf hold in the way of picturesque and historic bays and harbours. Starting Sunday 22nd May, the flotilla will begin from Palaia Epidhavros, and the route will head clockwise, calling at the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetsis, and Vavari Bay, before rounding off your week in mythological Navplion. This flotilla will provide one or two days to "stretch your legs" for twenty miles or so, but most days will be our normal ten to fifteen miles. At this time, it is only three or four weeks before the longest day of sunshine in the year. It is Spring time, and there really is a spring in everyone's step, with the taverna owners keen to please, and the spring flowers still lighting up the olive groves! It certainly is a pleasure to be arriving in fairly empty harbours and being able to walk to very ancient ruins which are never far away. The food and wine is classic Greek taverna fare, and the fresh Greek salads will make you think you are almost a vegetarian (that is before you get stuck into your lamb chops!) The coach transfers between Athens and Epidhavros, and Athens and Navplion, are just a little over an hour and a half each way, as most of the road is now essentially motor way. You even get to cross over the Corinth canal along the way. Because the flights for these one week flotillas are on Sundays, and flight times are very appealing timewise (depart Heathrow at 12.20, arriving back at 15.30), these one week flotillas are a very popular option. The return voyage, from Navplion back to Palaia Epidhavros will start on Sunday 5th June, running through until Sunday 12th June. Again, a slightly brief visit to this area but a great taster to ensure that you will be back for two weeks next year.
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