"On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the identity of her father brings 3 men from her mother’s past back to the Island they last visited 20 years ago". Why is Mamma Mia such a phenomenon? You will discover the authentic atmosphere and setting that inspired both the film and cast of Mamma Mia. Our family tour covers the best of the Sporades Islands, including the locations where the story and film is set. The Islanders themselves played an important role in the film and are happy to recount their experiences of the filming, but mostly they just want families to have a great time! The three Islands provide a veritable playground of exceptional beaches, charming fishing villages and unspoilt natural locations.

Athens.  For those clients arriving into Athens on Day 1, you will be met and assisted on arrival at Eleftherios Venizelos airport in Athens, and then transferred to the hotel where we will be based for two nights. Please ensure that you have provided Kumuka with your flight arrival details.

The pre departure meeting will be held at 6pm in the hotel foyer. This will give you a chance to meet the Local Guide and also your fellow travellers.

If you arrive into Athens early, you may like to get acquainted with the area, and walk through the streets of Plaka. Dinner is included at the  hotel.  (D)

Athens - High Speed Ferry to Skiathos.  This morning after breakfast, you will be assisted onto the private transfer to the Port of Agios Konstantinos, and then on to the high speed ferry across the Northern Aegean Sea to Skiathos Island. This is the premier Island of the Sporades.

The Sporades Island group lies off the eastern shore of mainland Greece and consists of 11 islands of which only 4 are inhabited: Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnisos and Skyros. These Greek islands are characterized by dense vegetation and mountainous terrain and are known worldwide as having some of the bluest and cleanest seas one will ever encounter. The waters of Aloniossos Island in particular are considered as the cleanest in the Aegean Sea and have been declared a Marine Park because they are home to a breeding ground of rare monk seal, the Monachus Monachus. Alonissos was conquered by the Romans in the 2nd century AD and then the Byzantines arrived, who built the walls of the castle of Chorio. After the Byzantines, several other peoples ruled the island, such as the Venetians, and the Turks in 1538. Alonissos became part of Greece in 1830.  Skiathos Island is the most developed Sporades Island from the point of view of tourist facilities and offers goods services and organisation. There are also many watersports and training available.

On arrival at Skiathos, you will be transferred to the hotel, and the rest of day is free for you to relax. The beaches of Skiathos have fine sand, and the waters are beautiful and clear, perfect for swimming or snorkelling.  (B,D)

Skiathos - Mamma Mia Experience.  Today we transfer to the port to embark on a full day cruise on-board a traditional Greek Boat. Our carefully selected itinerary today will visit some of the most important locations from scenes in the film of Mamma Mia. It was here that stars like Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan committed to celluloid the now world famous storyline of the ABBA musical. It is said that the stars fell in love with the location and, unlike many filming experiences, had an incredible time during their own Mamma Mia experience.

Departure is from the Port of Skiathos at 09:30 towards the neighbouring island of Skopelos. Lunch is in a traditional taverna and we return to the Port of Skiathos at around 17:00, and transfer to the hotel. On the cruise you will get views of some beautiful beaches which make for great photo opportunities which you would not usually get “on-land”. During the cruise you visit three of the beaches of Skopelos. These are beaches that you would probably not be able to get to when you stay on the island.  (B,L,D)

Skiathos to Skopelos.  Today we transfer from the Port of Skiathos for a high speed ferry to the Island of Skopelos. On arrival we transfer to the hotel, and the remainder of the day is free. Dinner is in a traditional local taverna. 

Skopelos is another of the Sporades Islands, loacted in the Aegean Sea. Staying two nights in Skopelos gives you the opportunity to visit traditional villages, the beautiful town and some of the other beaches that although were not used in the filming are also magnificent. Together with the cruise you will be able to have a complete view of this island. You can relax on the beaches, swim in the turquoise waters, maybe take a walk on the island, or a boat trip. (B,D)

Skopelos to Athens.  This morning we transfer to the Port for the high speed ferry to the Port of Agios Konstantinos on the Greek mainland. You will be assisted with a private transfer to Athens or Athens Airport.  (B)

Please note that accommodation is NOT included today in Athens, but Kumuka will be more than happy to assist with booking post tour accommodation if needed.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka free phone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information.

No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance.

At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Europe trip.

Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com  provides you with visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. During the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, so please allow extra time to do this.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com.

Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs.

Greece’s population is 98% Orthodox Christian, please consider covering shoulders and knees when entering a church or monastery, and refrain from taking photos when there is a service taking places.

We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities.

Personal Effects:

Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music CDs/Ipod, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.

English will be widely spoken in the major tourist attractions of the main cities. Take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Greek food is considered  amongst the Greeks as being the the secret to their longevity.  Meals are created from virgin olive oil, fresh mediterranean vegetables and meats and using aromatic herbs and spices. It is the use of fresh primary ingredients that makes the cuisine so healthy. The main ingredients in Greek cuisine are lamb and pork, olives, cheese, eggplant, zucchini, and yoghurt. The desserts are dominated by nuts and honey.

The most characteristic and ancient element of Greek cuisine is olive oil, which is frequently used Greek dishes. It is produced from the olive trees prominent throughout the region, and adds to the distinctive taste of Greek food. Important vegetables include tomato, aubergine (eggplant), potato, green beans, okra, green peppers, and onions. Honey in Greece is mainly honey from the nectar of fruit trees and citrus trees: lemon, orange, bigarade (bitter orange) trees, thyme honey, and pine honey from conifer trees. Greek cuisine uses some flavourings more often than other Mediterranean cuisines do such as oregano, mint, garlic, onion, dill and bay laurel leaves. Other common herbs and spices include basil, thyme and fennel seed.

The terrain has tended to favour the breeding of goats and sheep over cattle, and so beef dishes are uncommon. Fish dishes are common in coastal regions and on the islands. A great variety of cheese types are used in Greek cuisine, including Feta, Kasseri, Kefalotyri, Graviera, Anthotyros, Manouri, Metsovone and Mizithra.

The busiest shop in any Greek village is the local bakery. Bread was once the staple food of Greece and is still eaten at every meal, with large hunks dipped in remaining sauce and olive oil, or coated with tsatziki (garlic-cucumber-yogurt dip), tarama salata (fish roe salad) or melitzana salata (eggplant salad). There is nothing better than going to a local bakery and buying a loaf of fresh village bread and eating it while it is still hot. Some village bakeries still use wood burning stoves.

Greek sweets is where the "longevity theory" falls apart. Whilst everyone else just bakes a cake, and that is the end of that, the Greeks will then pour aromatic syrup and soak it until every bit of the cake has absorbed the syrup. This dish is called Revani, a favorite for the kids too, because it is also served with ice cream. There are also the arabic inspired sweet bites like Baklava and Kataifi.

If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we arrive at the port of Piraeus in Athens and transfer you to Athens or the airport. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well.

All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).

Please be aware that accommodation availability can fill very quickly especially during high season and recommend that you book this as soon as possible.

Kumuka endeavors to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Although Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka cannot be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by a third party.

Details and prices of optional activities will be advised by your tour leader.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

UK OFFICE

Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782

Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com

AUSTRALIAN OFFICE

Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au