Parga and the underground kingdom - CLOSING OF THE SEASON

To close the season, we have prepared for you an epic and premiere adventure in the Ionian Sea, between Preveza and Igoumenitsa and more specifically in Parga. Set amphitheatrically above the sea, Parga is a unique place combining picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters. There is not a person who has visited the city and has not left part of his heart in it. Its landscapes are reminiscent of an island, the Italian influence can be felt from every corner, and if you look at it from up high you will have the feeling that you are in Monaco. Parga has a rich history. It has been known to the world as a settlement since the 13th century, and there have been constant battles fought over it over the centuries. It was ruled by the Venetian, French, Russian, Turkish and British armies. A native of Parga was the Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire, Suleiman the Magnificent. The medieval fortress overlooking the town, built in the 15th century by the Venetians during their occupation of Parga, is a reminder of past grandeur and battles and is a natural end to the old part of the town, which begins immediately behind the promenade, the sunset from the fortress being magnetic.

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Day 1:
- Meeting in front of Vasil Levski Stadium at 00:00 and departure from Sofia at 00:30.
- Arrival around 08:00 in Parga.Those who wish can buy fish from the local fish market, then we head to Valtos beach, which is the largest sandy beach in Parga, pitch our tents and after a short break we start with a detailed briefing and formation of the teams.We go on an exploratory kayak trip to the nearby beaches.
On the first day we will make the most of the time to learn and perfect paddling techniques and skills.
- In the evening, we return to the campsite, fire up the BBQ, prepare dinner and enjoy ourselves (those who wish to do so, head out for a walk and dinner at nearby tavernas).
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Day 2:- After a hearty breakfast and coffee, as well as making sandwiches for the day, we put the kayaks in the water and head to Aphrodite's Cave, one of the area's landmarks. We'll paddle slowly along the coast and enjoy the scenery. We will relax on the sandy beaches and swim in the crystal clear sea waters. One of the breaks will be on a small island with a church, and then we'll accost the kayaks in town. The area is favorable for diving enthusiasts. In the evening, after returning to the campsite and a short rest, we will go for an evening walk and dinner in one of the lovely tavernas of Parga.

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Day 3:
- This day we will start from Agios Giannakis beach, paddle 5 km to the village of Ammoudia and there we will enter the kayaks at the mouth of the river Acheron. Paddling upstream we will soon enter deeper into the rich ecosystem of the area, passing by riverside forests with unexpected surprises.
We will ascend the river with our kayaks, but we will not reach the underground kingdom because it is still early :), and we will return when the wild foliage of the willows thickens and becomes impassable. 

In Greek mythology, the river Acheron was used by the boatman Charon. Charon carried the souls of the dead on his boat across the River Acheron ("River of Pain") to the underworld if they had an obol (coin) with which to pay him. Anyone buried with a coin under their tongue was taken by Charon, and the rest wandered the shores of Acheron for a hundred years.
Mythology has always been a way of describing things that are not easy to explain or beyond our knowledge and perception, but in our day the River Acheron is still a magical place. No longer because of the stories, but because of the natural beauty of this river. We will enjoy clear turquoise water surrounded by white gorges, waterfalls, lakes and greenery.
The hike is approximately an hour and a half and the downstream is faster.

There is also the option to hike further up the river, east of Glykí, where a trail begins that leads upstream. The eco-trail crosses the river and we have to adjust to its cold waters and continue upstream. The views of the Dragon's Cave, the Acheron Strait, the arched bridge of Dala, the Tsavelena ladder are some of the wonderful landscapes we will see and we will understand why the ancients chose this river as the entrance of souls into the realm of Hades.
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Day 4:
We will be traveling this day, so we will spend the morning learning and perfecting our paddling techniques. In the early afternoon we return to the campsite, pack up our gear and head to Bulgaria.
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Training and improvement:
Our goal is also to pass on our knowledge to you, so during the event everyone will learn or improve the following techniques:
- Getting the kayak in and out of the sea;
- Proper paddling forward and backward, stopping;
- Maintaining, correcting and changing course;
- Basic capsize prevention techniques, - Self-rescue and mutual rescue.
- For the advanced there will be individual exercises.
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Transportation:
You can travel free of charge with the means of transport for the kayaks and equipment, until the free places are exhausted or with your own transport, the price does not change. Luggage space is limited, you can bring: suitcase or duffel bag, tent, food, water and backpack. No need to bring tables and chairs, we've got you covered. It is possible to participate with personal transport.
We leave from the parking lot in front of the main entrance of the National Stadium "Vasil Levski", Sofia and return there again on Sunday.

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Accommodation:
We will be staying for three nights at a campground that has all the amenities and is one of the cleanest and most settled campgrounds in the area.
There are hotels and guest rooms near the campground. If anyone wishes they can make their own reservations.
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Food and drink:
Traditionally meals are at the campsite. We have provided everything needed for a field kitchen. We buy our fish from the local fish market in Parga and you can buy the other products locally or bring your own. It is also advisable to have prepared food for at least the first day. During the trip we will have a refrigerator.
For breakfast we have provided pancakes, and during the kayak trips you should have daily food and water provided according to your personal needs.
There are also some great tavernas in and near the campground.
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Conditions:
This adventure is open to everyone, beginners and experienced, and children 10 and older.
You will feel more comfortable if you have average physical fitness.
Anyone wishing to participate, in addition to clicking the "I will attend" button, must register with an email containing three names and a current contact phone number at info@dopamineteam.eu.
The link below outlines the required personal equipment everyone should have:
bit.ly/3J6prg1

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PRICE PER PERSON: 440 BGN
For early booking, until 28 August 2023 or for a minimum of 4 people the price is 396 BGN per person.
To confirm your participation in the program you need:
- After confirmation of availability by email or phone, transfer a 50% deposit to the Dopamine Team account:
BG98INTF40015039767329
Reason for payment - Kayaks Sivota 2023 (remaining amount to be paid on the spot in cash or by card)
You can pay 50% in advance or the full amount by card from our website at the following link: https://bit.ly/3MzLnCF using promo code - advance
The deposit will be refunded immediately if the reason the event does not take place is due to travel restrictions, if a group does not assemble, or due to significant weather deterioration throughout the region. Depending on weather conditions, an alternate kayak destination may be selected.
In the event of cancellation due to inability or illness, requested more than 14 days prior to the advertised date, we will provide you with a voucher for another event of ours for the amount paid.

Price includes:
- Full four days kayaking off the beaches of Parga;
- Use of double or single kayaks according to preferences and possibilities. (All our boats are high-end and are manufactured by the world leaders: PRION, WILDERNESS SYSTEMS, PERCEPTIONS, as we annually update the kayak equipment to enjoy maximum comfort - if you have paddled with old, Chinese or low-end kayaks, you will immediately notice the difference);
- Kayak equipment: modern lightweight paddle, PALM life jacket and spritz;
- Qualified kayak guide;
- Instruction and training;
- Photos along the routes.
To be different and to get the maximum comfort, we have provided for you:
Full camping equipment:
- Tables, chairs and tent if needed;
- Gas BBQ;
- Gas cooker;
- Coffee machine with coffee included;
- Two mobile refrigerators;
- Ice machine;
- Utensils;
- Supplies (kitchen rolls, foil, garbage bags);
All you need to do is keep and take care of the inventory.
All supplies and optional extras are included in the price.
We will eat primarily at the campground. You may bring your own food for the days of your stay or purchase from local stores. During the kayaking trips you should have daily food and water provided according to personal needs.
The participation fee offered by Dopamine Team Ltd is for the service of kayak rental, kayak equipment, bivy equipment, logistics, providing instructor and guide.
If there are other prices advertised they are for information purposes only and are not subject to the sale of goods and services by us!
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Price does not include:
- Overnight camping (10-12 euros per night) - payable locally;
- Hotel accommodation according to season prices. Hotel accommodation (prices per night, prices as per room rate);
- Food, drinks and other personal expenses;
- Tent and air mattress rental - 10 BGN for the whole period (who wishes to rent a tent and air mattress, needs to request them in advance);
- Health insurance for the duration of the event, which we will require from you, cost 4-6 BGN per person. It is also taken out online at http://bit.ly/3MuEGl8 and paid to the insurer.
We recommend you also take out travel cancellation insurance