Adventure Camp in Valia Calda & Sivota

ACTIVE PERIOD: Session Α: 18 – 26 June 2024 (Sold Out); Session Β: 26 June - 4 July 2024 (Sold Out); Session C: 4 - 12 July 2024 (Sold Out)
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2

DURATION: 9 days
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS: Ages from 11-15 years old

Adventure Camp in Valia Calda & Sivota

Price from €870

Overview

An exciting 9-day adventure camp in Valia Calda and Sivota that seamlessly blends the best of both worlds - the awe-inspiring mountains and the serene sea!

Our base for the mountain adventures is the cozy guesthouse (mountain hut-like) "Casa Calda" in the Krania village, standing tall at an altitude of 960 meters. Nestled amidst vineyards, Krania village is situated in a small valley within the massif of northern Pindos and borders the National Park "Valia Calda," meaning "Warm Valley" in Vlach. Don't let the name deceive you, this region is one of Greece's coldest and wettest areas! Amidst the stunning scenery, comprising of dense forests, steep cliffs, and gushing streams, we will explore, discover, learn, and appreciate the stunning nature. Over six unforgettable days, we will undertake exciting activities such as hiking, mountaineering, canoe kayaking, climbing, rafting, flying fox, and many others, before descending to the seaside town of Sivota. Here we will revel in the magnificent sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, enjoying activities like boat rides, diving, sea kayaking, and more, leaving a salty taste and unforgettable sea experiences.

At the core of the Adventure Camp in Valia Calda & Sivota lies adventure, exploration, and experiential learning for children, enabling them to meet new friends, enhance team spirit, and develop personal empowerment and skills.

All our activities are supervised by specially trained Trekking Hellas guides/animators, and adhere to all safety guidelines! Our camping programs are staffed with trained guides, tailored to the number of participants and type of activity.

Medical Form

View on map

Day 1: Athens - Kalambaka - arrival in Krania of Grevena, walk in the pine forest ( total 410km, 5 hours' drive )
Day 2: Canoe-Kayak and swimming in Lake Aoos
Day 3: Climbing to the summit of Baltses, climbing on a track
Day 4: Rock climbing, archery, walking in the gorge of Portitsa
Day 5: Crossing the gorge of "Kleftis"

Day 6: Rafting in river Aliakmonas, Flying Fox
Day 7: Boat ride & snorkelling, water sports, sea kayaking Sivota / Karavostasi
Day 8: Hiking in the Zineli forest and swimming at the Bulovarou waterfalls
Day 9: Krania - archery, skill games - Kalambaka / Athens

Activities / Schedule

Day 1

Our journey begins with a 7.00 a.m. departure from Athens, from the meeting point to the village of Krania in Grevena, with a brief stopover in Kalambaka. The total distance covered is 410km, which takes approximately 5 hours' drive.

At 15.00, we arrive at the cozy Casa Calda guesthouse, where we will be accommodated. We then embark on a walk through the pine forest of Profitis Ilias around the village. Finally, at 20.30, we indulge in a delectable dinner at the quaint "Baltses" tavern, located in the village square.

Day 2

Rise and shine at 8.00 a.m. for morning wake up and personal hygiene, followed by a hearty breakfast at 8.30 a.m.

At 9.30 a.m., we set off for our morning activity. We will be transferred to the southeastern shore of the artificial lake of Aoos Springs, where we will gather our equipment and prepare to cross the lake with our two and three-seater Canoe - Kayak. Our destination is the northeastern springs of the lake, where we will approach and conquer an island. Towards the end of the trip, we can take a break from paddling and dive into the crystal clear waters of the lake.

At 2.30 p.m., we indulge in a scrumptious lunch at the "Baltses" tavern located in the village square.

Our afternoon activity begins at 4.30 p.m., where we visit the awe-inspiring "Boulouvaros" waterfalls nestled in the forest, with towering black pine trees in the peripheral zone of the national park Valia Kalda, located right on the border of Western Macedonia with Epirus. Here, we can dive and swim in the cool waters of the stream.

Finally, at 8.30 p.m., we delight in a delectable dinner at the "Baltses" tavern located in the village square.

Day 3

Get ready to kickstart your day with morning wake up and personal hygiene at 8.00 a.m. Fuel up with breakfast at 8.30 a.m., before setting off for our morning activity at 9.30 a.m.

At 10.30 a.m., we will make the exhilarating ascent to Baltses (Kakopleyri), standing tall at 2,159m, one of the peaks of the North Pindus National Park Valia Kalda. Here, we will visit the streams that create natural meanders or circles, known as verlages, filled with alpine newts, also known as Pindus dragons.

At 2.30 p.m., we will have lunch around the natural spring at the foot of the mountain, standing tall at 2,034m. This is also the point where we will come across the unique forest cluster, not scattered as commonly seen with White-skinned Peyka-Robola in Europe.

At 6.00 p.m., we will climb the artificial 5m piste at the campsite and get familiarized with the basic equipment such as belts, ropes, and keys.

Finally, at 8.30 p.m., we savor a delicious dinner at the "Baltses" tavern located in the village square.

Day 4

Start your day with morning wake up and personal hygiene at 8.00 a.m., followed by breakfast at 8.30 a.m., before setting off for our morning activity at 9.30 a.m.

At 10.30 a.m., we will visit the Spilaio (Cave) village, where we will showcase our skills in rock climbing on the vertical cliffs at the entrance of the village. We will also indulge in rappelling for a thrilling experience! In the village park, we will take shots with bow and arrows to score as many points as possible.

At 2.30 p.m., we will relish lunch at the "Perdika" tavern in Spilaio village.

At 5.00 p.m., we will head to the village square and follow the path that leads us to the awe-inspiring Portitsa gorge and the stunning stone bridge connecting the two banks. We will venture into the middle of the gorge to admire the towering height of the vertical cliffs.

At 7.30 p.m., we will set up tents (per three persons) on the riverbed with a stunning view of the imposing gorge and prepare for an overnight stay. We will gather wood and build a fire to enjoy our dinner at 8.30 p.m.

Day 5

Get ready for another day of adventure with morning wake up and personal hygiene at 8.00 a.m., followed by breakfast at 8.30 a.m., before setting off for our morning activity at 9.30 a.m.

Today, at 10.30 a.m., we will conquer the narrow canyon of "Kleftis," with its imposing vertical cliffs. We will travel approximately a kilometer through the river water, sometimes walking from rock to rock, and sometimes swimming. Of course, there will be no shortage of diving in the deepest parts!

At 2.30 p.m., we will enjoy our lunch at the "Perdika" tavern in the village of Spilaio.

At 5.30 p.m., we will return to our camp and have free time to play and rest.

Finally, at 8.30 p.m., we will delight in a delicious dinner at the "Baltses" tavern located in the village square.

Day 6

Our day starts with morning wake up and personal hygiene at 8.00 a.m., followed by breakfast at 8.30 a.m., before setting off for our morning activity at 9.30 a.m.

Today, at 10.30 a.m., we will experience the exhilarating river rafting descent on the Aliakmon River, a serene summer trip on one of the main rivers of Northern Greece. Swimming and diving will complete the activities on the river.

At 2.30 p.m., we will have lunch at the outdoor area of the company's rafting base.

At 5.00 p.m., we will be transferred to a special area of natural beauty shaped by the Venetikos River and its banks with coralwood rocks. It forms a unique natural pool where we can swim and also embark on an aerial passage (flying fox) over the rocks and the river from bank to bank.

At 7.30 p.m., we will take a 10-minute drive from the central square of the town of Grevena to stop for some organic traditional ice cream from a local vendor.

Day 7

Rise and shine at 8.00 a.m. to get ready for the day and enjoy breakfast at 8.30 a.m.

At 9.30 a.m., we will board the bus for the departure of our morning activity.

At 10.40 a.m., we will transfer to the sea near the area of Sivota, where we will spend two days indulging in wonderful activities.

Our boat will be docked at the port, waiting for us to tour the beautiful islands. Sivota has been a popular attraction for travelers in recent years, and we will visit nice beaches for diving, large and small caves, and observe the seabed with the appropriate equipment (snorkelling).

At 1.30 p.m., we will enjoy lunch at a fast food restaurant in Sivota.

At 3.00 p.m., we will take the bus to Karavostasi beach, where we will have free time for swimming. A special afternoon for fun with water sports!

At 5.30 p.m., we will get ready for an exciting sea kayak adventure! We will board the double-triple kayaks and paddle to the secluded and deserted beach of Prapa Mali, a wonderful route along the coastline of Thesprotia.

At 8.00 p.m., we will enjoy dinner at the Karavostasi Beach Hotel.

At 8.30 p.m., we will return to our base in Krania.

Day 8

Start your day with morning wake up and personal hygiene at 8.00 a.m., followed by breakfast at 8.30 a.m.

At 10.00 a.m., We will head to the beginning of the trail for a walk in the Zineli forest, just outside the village. The vegetation here is diverse, including fir, pine, oak, cedar, and the dominant "Black Pine." Midway through the route, we will find ourselves in the "Enchanted Forest," where we will see tall black pines entwined with ivy and the cluster of "Kokkinis Peukis-Pinus Sylvestris," the southernmost cluster in Europe! The trail returns via the same path.

At 2.00 p.m., we will enjoy lunch at the restaurant of Karavostasi Beach Hotel, followed by rest during lunch hours.

At 4.00 p.m., our afternoon will be for resting and games. Perhaps we'll take one last dip at the "Bulouvarou" waterfalls.

Finally, at 9.00 p.m., we will delight in a delicious dinner at the "Baltses" tavern located in the village square.

Day 9

We will begin our day with a morning wake up and personal hygiene at 8.00 a.m., followed by breakfast at 8.30 a.m.

Today, at 10.00 a.m., we will prepare our things for our return.

At 10.30 a.m., we will engage in some fun activities at our campsite, such as practicing archery and participating in group skill games.

At 1.00 p.m., we will board our bus and depart for the return journey. During our journey, we will stop in the town of Kalambaka for lunch.

Finally, at 6.30 p.m., we will arrive in Athens, concluding our fantastic 9-day adventure camp in Valia Calda and Sivota!

Information

DURATION

9 days

ACTIVE PERIOD

Session Α: 18 – 26 June 2024 (Sold Out)

Session Β: 26 June - 4 July 2024 (Sold Out)

Session C: 4 - 12 July 2024 (Sold Out)

PRICE

870€ /per person

(The 5% discount applies exclusively for sibling registration)

Reservations

Minimum participation, 16 children
Maximum participation, 19 children

To reserve your spot, please proceed to book online/BOOK NOW! (upon completion of payment) and complete the following:

Online Participant's Personal Information Form
At least 1 month before the start of the program, you are kindly asked to send the Medical Form, signed by a pediatrician/pathologist.

*Important note: The Participant's Personal Information Form must be filled out by the parent/legal guardian of the child.

Infrastructure

Valia Calda

Casa Calda is a charming, traditional guesthouse run by a small family and features a beautiful courtyard. For our adventure camp, the children will be accommodated in ground floor rooms that have been renovated and specially designed. Each room will house six children in bunk beds, separated by gender and age. Furthermore, each room will have its own toilet, ensuring that everyone is comfortable and has the necessary privacy. Adjacent to the rooms, we have a small outdoor dining room with monastic-style tables situated in a shed area. This space will be where we enjoy our meals together in the great outdoors.

Accommodation

Valia Calda:

During our adventure camp in Valia Calda, our campers will be accommodated in a specially designed area on the ground floor of the Casa Calda guesthouse located in Krania, Grevena. Casa Calda is a small, simple guesthouse with a beautiful courtyard. The children will be housed in ground floor rooms of the guesthouse, with each room accommodating six children in bunk beds based on their gender and age. Additionally, each room will have its own toilet to ensure maximum comfort and privacy. Adjacent to the rooms, we have a small outdoor dining area with monastic-style tables situated in a shed area. The guesthouse will be exclusively operated for our camp and will not have any other resident guests.

Activities

Canoeing and kayaking in Lake Aoos with a stop at the northeastern springs and a visit to the nearby island.
Climbing to the peak of Balces, followed by climbing on a track.
Rock climbing and archery, as well as a walk through the Portitsa Gorge.
Crossing the narrow canyon of "Kleftis".
Rafting and a thrilling ride on the Flying Fox.
Boat ride and snorkeling to explore the beautiful islands around Sivota.
Sea Kayaking and water sports.
Archery and skill games at our campsite.

Organisational structure - Staff

Program Manager: Ilias Karaiskos

Transfer

Please note that any changes to the pick-up or drop-off of children must be communicated at least 7 days in advance and confirmed by the Reservation Department in Athens via telephone at 210 3310323. Changes made without confirmation will not be valid.

Visiting hours

As the program is of a short duration, there will not be a visiting day scheduled. However, the program coordinator and the Reservation Department are available to assist and answer any questions you may have about the program and your child's participation. Please feel free to reach out to them for any assistance you may need.

Meals

Our dietary program for the children is designed to cater to their nutritional needs and preferences. It includes five meals per day and is customized to align with the activities that the children participate in, both inside and outside the camp. Our aim is to ensure that the children are provided with a well-rounded and balanced diet that will support their physical and mental well-being throughout the program.

DAY	LUNCH	EVENING MEAL	DINNEL
Day 1		Cheese pie Kourou	Pasta with minced meat
Day 2	Chicken skewer with potatoes	Fruit (Banana)	Homemade pizza
Day 3	Greek pie (greens)	Fruit (Watermelon)	Rice with chicken
Day 4	Gigantes in the oven	Cereal bar	Falafel with Arabic pita bread
Day 5	Burgers with potatoes	Rice pudding	Omelette with cheese
Day 6	BBQ	Traditional ice cream of Grevena	Sour trahanas with feta cheese and mushrooms
Day 7	Gyros pita bread	Cereal bar	Beans
Day 8	Spaghetti carbonara	Croissant	Farewell BBQ
Day 9	Chicken nuggets

Breakfast: Whole grain bread with butter and jam/honey, milk with cereal, eggs, cake, seasonal fruits, mountain tea or milk. Served between 08:15-09:15.
Morning snack: Cake/brioche, fruit, natural juice, cheese pie. Served at 11:00.
Lunch: Served between 13:30-14:30.
Afternoon snack: Served at 17:30.
Dinner: Served between 20:30-21:30.

All meals are accompanied by salad, feta cheese or spread, bread.

Equipment

We kindly request parents to pay close attention to equipping their children with the appropriate gear, as listed below. The unique and thrilling camp activities require suitable equipment to ensure the children's comfort and safety. Backpacks and footwear that are not designed for mountain activities may cause discomfort or even injuries.

Luggage:

Large backpack or sac voyage (not suitcase)
35-45 Lt mountain backpack for activities (not school bags)

Sleeping:

Comfort sleeping bag: +8° Limit: +3°
Torch with spare battery
2 single bed sheets and 2 pillowcases

Clothing:

1 pair of sports shoes
1 pair of hiking boots for safety and comfort during hikes
1 pair of shoes for the river or Teva-type sandals or sports shoes
Flip flops only for the accommodation area
Sportswear (short-sleeved t-shirts, shorts, tracksuits and sweatshirts)
Underwear, cotton socks, pajamas
Fleece or warm sweater
Waterproof and windproof jacket

Excursions:

Hat
Water bottle (1 Lt.)
High SPF sunscreen (face, body)
Swimsuit & beach towel

Personal hygiene:

Personal hygiene items (2 towels), beach towel, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, shampoo, shower gel, Liposan for lips
Bag for dirty laundry

Optional:

Sunglasses
Musical instruments (optional)

Children are not allowed to have with them:

Mobile phone
Camera
Electronic games
Valuable items
Sharp and dangerous objects (e.g. knives, lighters)
Large sums of money (we recommend not more than 30€)
Sweets and food.

Contact

Contact

For communication with your children and to ensure the smooth operation of the program and achieve its goal, specific hours of telephone communication have been set. Frequent communication with your children will make their adaptation more difficult and slower. Children have a full daily program of activities.

Program Coordinator: Ilias Karaiskos
Contact phone numbers: (+30) 6981878794
Contact hours: 20.00 – 21.30 Reservation
Department phone (Athens): (+30) 210 3310323 (Monday - Friday from 09:00 to 17:00)

Medical Coverage

Our camp collaborates with an external pathologist in Grevena who is available to our campers at any time.