Parga and the Underground Kingdom - 4 day kayaking adventure.
-
Code:D00285T
Situated amphitheatrically above the sea, Parga is a unique place combining picturesque mountains and crystal clear waters.
Its landscapes resemble those of an island, the Venetian influence can be felt from every corner and if you look at it from above you will be overwhelmed by the feeling of being in Monaco. Parga has a rich history.
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 just behind the promenade, and the sunset here is magical.
The program is of the adventure type with overnight camping or hotel accommodation, Suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced, as well as for children over 12.
Attention: To pay 50% in advance use promo code - advance
The remaining amount is payable locally (cash/card) or by bank.
ATTENTION: Discounts are not combined, the largest discount is taken into account.
This year we have prepared for you a 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 resemble those of an island, the Venetian influence can be felt from every corner, and if you look at it from above you will be overwhelmed by the feeling of being 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 throughout the centuries. It was ruled by the Venetian, French, 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 just behind the promenade, and the sunset here is magical.
Program:
Meeting in front of Vasil Levski Stadium at 00:00 and departure from Sofia at 00:30. Arrival around 08:00 in Parga. We stop for coffee and breakfast, and buy fish from the local fish market, then head to Valtos Camping, which is located on the sandy beach of the same name. We check in and after a short break, head to the hamlet of Ammoudia. We unload the kayaks, do a briefing and introductory training for beginners in the bay, after which we will enter the kayaks at the mouth of the Acheron River. Paddling upriver we will soon enter deeper into the rich ecosystem of the area, passing by riparian 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 used to carry the souls of the dead on the boat across the River Acheron ("River of Pain") to the underworld if they had an obol (coin) to pay him with. Anyone buried with a coin under their tongue was taken away 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. Not so much for the history and mythology anymore, but for the natural beauty of this river. We will enjoy clear turquoise water surrounded by white gorges, waterfalls, lakes and greenery.
The hike upstream is approximately an hour and a half and the hike downstream is faster.
At dusk, we head to Valtos Beach, unload the kayaks and indulge in a well-deserved rest.
We'll have dinner at the campsite, and those who can't wait will head along the coastal path to Parga.
The paddle for the day is 11 km, half of which is along the crayfish.
Difficulty level 2 out of 4.
After breakfast and coffee, and making sandwiches for the day, we put the kayaks in the water and head left out of the campground to Aphrodite's Cave, which is 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. After exploring the cave, we will moor at Lichnos Beach for rest and lunch. There are three tavernas on the beach. After lunch we will head back, enter the bay of Parga and explore the city from the water.
In the evening we head to Parga to explore the fortress, have dinner and listen to live music.
The paddle for the day is 14 km. but in this adventure the distance is not important, because all the time we maneuver between islets, rocks, crevices, arches and caves.
Difficulty level 2 out of 4.
After breakfast, we board the kayaks again and explore the coast to the right of the campground. The first break will be on a wild beach from which a narrow path leads to a monastery carved into the rocks, and the second will be on a wide sandy beach where we will have lunch. The taverna is on a plateau about 100 meters above sea level and the view covers the entire bay. In the afternoon we paddle back to the campsite, and at dusk we will head in an organized way with the vans to the castle of Ali Pasha, rising on a high hill above Antusa and overlooking the whole bay of Parga. The castle was built in 1814 by Ali Pasha of Ioannina as a military fortress.
For the evening we again provide a free program in the pleasant atmosphere of the campsite, or a walk to Parga.
The paddle for the day is 13 km. but again it is full of picturesque rock formations to circumnavigate.
Difficulty level 2 out of 4.
We gather at 08.00 at the boats. This day will be a short trip and paddle, we will head left from the campground and enter Parga Bay where we will emphasize training and continue to perfect the following techniques:
- Getting in and out of the sea with the kayak;
- Proper paddling forwards, sideways and backwards, stopping;
- Maintaining, correcting and changing course;
- Basic capsize prevention techniques:
- Self-rescue and assisted rescue;
Training is mainly done on single kayaks!
Those who do not wish to participate can simply watch or stay on the beach.
At 11.00 we return to the campsite and all together we collect the equipment, wash and load the kayaks on the trailers and around 14.00 we depart back to Bulgaria.
Expected arrival in front of Vasil Levski Stadium, Sofia is at 23.00.
Note: The organisers reserve the right to change the programme depending on weather conditions in order to maximise the safety of participants.
Our mission is to pass on our knowledge to you, so during the event everyone will learn or improve the following techniques:
- Lifting, Carrying;
- Getting the kayak in and out of the sea;
- Effective forward paddling;
- Paddling backwards, stopping;
- Lateral movement;
- Changing direction;
- Maintaining, correcting and changing course;
- Techniques for dealing with environmental phenomena;
- Group behaviour;
- Basic techniques to avoid capsizing;
- Self-rescue and assisted rescue;
- Basic principles of movement at sea.
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.
Space for luggage is limited. You can bring a backpack, pack, tent and food.
No need to bring tables and chairs, we've got you covered.
We leave from the parking lot in front of the main entrance of the National Stadium "Vasil Levski", Sofia and return there again, we do not offer personal visits.
ACCOMMODATION: Overnight accommodation at Valtos campsite, which is 7.5 euros per night and 6.5 euros per tent - these are payable by everyone on site. The campsite offers accommodation in bungalow type rooms. The area is densely populated with hotels and guesthouses, if you wish you can make a reservation.
Traditionally, meals are at the campsite. It is recommended to bring prepared food for at least the first day. We have provided everything needed for a field kitchen and to feed the whole group. You do not need to bring absolutely anything.
If you want to eat at our campsite, each participant has to bring their own ingredients or buy them on site. We can't miss the opportunity to buy fresh fish and fish delicacies from local fish markets, fishmongers or shops to barbecue at the campsite.
If desired, anyone can eat at the tavern or buy food from local shops.
During the trip from Sofia to Greece, we will have a refrigerator in the van in which we can stow perishables. Our first stop is at a 24-hour convenience store in Kresna where we can buy water and groceries. The campsite usually has fridges in the communal kitchens.
We have a coffee machine at your disposal and the coffee is unlimited. It is your responsibility to prepare your own dry food and sandwiches for the kayak treks, and you must have food and water provided for the time on the water according to your personal needs.
The events we organise are of the adventure type and are open to all, beginners and experienced people alike, as well as children over a certain age described in the event. Each event has a published difficulty level and the distance we will cover on the day. The routes are chosen so that there is a beach and dive break approximately every hour. You will feel more comfortable if you have at least average fitness.
All availability is posted on our website in real time. To confirm your participation in the program you need to register on the website and place an order.
The order is equivalent to a contract.
You add the desired event to your cart and complete the order by selecting your desired options.
You can pay the full amount or pay 50% in advance. When paying in advance, please use the promo code "advance".
Possible payment options are by bank or card.
Upon successful completion of your order, you will receive a confirmation email. Once we receive payment, you will receive a confirmation email stating "Your order is confirmed". We will contact you before the event.
Where the participants for whom you are placing the order are more than one, please complete the form below to send us their details
https://bit.ly/3PsYVR0
Money paid will be refunded immediately if the reason for the event not taking place is due to travel restrictions, if we do not form a group or due to a significant deterioration in the weather across the region. Depending on weather conditions, an alternative kayaking destination in another region of Greece may be chosen.
The maximum number of participants in the organised transport is 20 and the programme is run with a minimum of 8 participants.
If a group cannot be formed with the minimum number of participants, the organizer will notify all registrants up to 7 days before the event date.
The ratio of guides to participants is approximately 1-10
In case of cancellation of the event due to inability or illness, requested more than 14 days before the announced date, we will provide you with a voucher for another event of ours at the paid value.
If you wish, it is possible to participate with your own kayak and you can transport it yourself or we can transport it.
Participation is subject to further arrangement and is only allowed if you strictly follow Dopamine Team's instructions and program!
Documents required:
- ID card
- Health insurance for the duration of the event, which we will require from you, cost 4-6 BGN per person. It is also taken online at http://bit.ly/3MuEGl8 and paid to the insurer (personal details are required and we prefer you do not provide them).
We recommend you also take out travel cancellation insurance at this link: https://bit.ly/3T6fmFb
PRICE PER PERSON: 480 BGN
For a company of at least 4 people the price is 432 BGN per person.
All vacancies are published on our website in real time. To confirm your participation in the program you need to register on the site and place an order. Add the desired event to the cart, enter the promo code "advance" to pay 50% in advance or if you wish pay the full amount.
FULL FOUR DAYS kayaking off the beaches of Parga; Use of double or single kayaks according to preference and availability. (All our boats are high class and manufactured by the world leaders) Kayak equipment: modern lightweight paddle, PALM life jacket and spritz; Qualified kayak guide; Instruction and training; Photos along the routes.
In order to be different and to get the maximum comfort during your stay on land, we have provided for you full camping equipment, namely:
Tables, chairs and tent (if needed); Gas barbecue; Coffee machine with coffee included; Two mobile refrigerators; Ice machine; Utensils; Supplies (kitchen rolls, foil, garbage bags);
Overnight accommodation at Valtos campsite, which is €7.5 per night and €6.5 per tent - these are payable by everyone on site. The campsite offers accommodation in bungalow type rooms. The advertised fare does not include transport, you can travel free of charge with the kayaks' means of transport until places are exhausted or with your own transport, the price does not change; Food, drinks and other personal expenses; Tent and air mattress hire at prices from 20 BGN for the whole period (if you wish to hire a tent and air mattress, we ask you 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 can also be taken online at http://bit.ly/3MuEGl8 and is payable to the insurer (personal details are required and we prefer you do not provide these).
We recommend you also take out travel cancellation insurance at this link: https://bit.ly/3T6fmFb
WARNING:
During the event, participants must strictly comply with the regulations of the drivers, be in good physical health, have no illnesses and injuries of which they have not notified the organizer.
There is NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE for the use of all supplies, camping equipment and optional extras.
You only need to keep and take care of the inventory.
The participation fee offered by Dopamine Team Ltd is for the service of transporting kayak and camping equipment, renting kayak and camping equipment, logistics, providing an instructor and guide.
If there are other prices listed they are for information purposes only and are not subject to the sale of goods and services by us!
Any discounts at tavernas and campsites (if any) are shared with you and we do not take advantage of them.
Equipment
Personal responsibility is the provision of:
1. Drinking water. 1;
2. Sunglasses (with high UV protection; the presence of polarization is recommended);
3. Sun hat/head towel;
4. Swimsuit or beachwear;
5. Gloves for kayaking (can also be for a bike);
6. Sunscreen (high factor);
7. Beach shoes (quick drying) - there are sea urchins in the sea!
8. A light, airy, light and comfortable outer garment (for sun protection when paddling). Long sleeved lycra with UV protection is best;
9. Thin water/windproof jacket;
10. Lightweight and compact beach towel or scarf;
11. Folding knife, thermos, and beverage jug;
12. Waterproof mobile phone case;
13. ID card and money in local currency, if needed for the day;
14. Food for the day depending on personal preference;
15. Dry (waterproof) bag with a capacity of 15 - 30 l;
16. Depending on conditions, a pair of dry clothes to change into (stowed in a waterproof bag/pack);
17. For diving enthusiasts - mask, snorkel, fins.
18. Flashlight and/or headlamp.
Personal items for the campsite:
1. Tent, mattress (shawl) and sleeping bag (or blanket);
2. Toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste, soap and shampoo);
3. Drying towel (microfiber towels are more compact);
4. Mosquito spray/lotion.
Level of difficulty
Difficulty level according to the distance of the adventure programs:
1 out of 4
- Introduction to kayaking performed in lakes, bays with calm waters.
- Distance from shore less than 1.6 km
- Distance covered in a day - 3-6 km.
- Overall time on the water for the day - 2-3 hours
- No previous experience required
- No swimming skill required
2 of 4
- Distance from shore less than 1.6 km
- Paddling for the day - 6-14 km.
- Overall time on the water for the day - 3-4 hours
- No previous experience required
- No swimming skill required
- Participants must be able to spend at least 1hr in the kayak.
3 of 4
- Distance from shore less than 1.6 km
- Paddling for the day - 14-20 km.
- Overall time on the water for the day - 4-6 hours
- No previous experience required
- No swimming skill required
- Participants must be able to spend at least 1hr in the kayak.
4 of 4
- Distance from shore greater than 1.6 km
- Paddling for the day - 16-25 km.
- Previous experience is required.
- No swimming skill required
- At least average physical fitness required
- Participants must be able to spend more than 1hr in the kayak.
Warning:
Difficulty level may change depending on weather conditions, wind and waves.
