Three days Self-Guided escooter exploration in Akamas and vicinity (with optional walks) - Latchi based

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​Rich Cultural heritage
While travellers will be based in a modern hotel on the coast and rather far from any community, the trip provides them with opportunities to explore nearby areas that are rich in cultural heritage. Laona (plateau) is the main such nearby area, and home to a collection of well preserved stone-built villages (nine of them are presently inhabited), at the edge of Akamas peninsula. The area's remoteness contributed to the preservation of its architectural heritage.   Despite its proximity to the coast, the area escaped mass tourism development that characterises many of Cyprus coastal villages. The villages are perfect for relaxation and ecotourism, as well as for trying typical Cyprus dishes in the many restaurants  as well as tasting local wine (there are a few local wineries). The wider area boasts yet more picturesque villages, medieval chapels, watermills and a medieval bridge. Nearby Polis Chrysochous (under 10 km away from the hotel), the small town in the wider area, has a lively old quarter.

Cultural attractions on (or near) the itinerary include :
1) Many picturesque stone-built villages (Droushia, Inia, Neo Chorio, Pano Arodes, Kato Arodes, Kritou Terra, Peristerona and more)
2) Medieval chapels (including Agios Minas  close to Smigies picnic site, Agia Paraskevi, Agia Ekaterini
3) Skarfos medieval bridge
4) Watermills (including one near Agia Paraskevi chapel and one near Skarfos medieval bridge)
​5) Wineries
6) Medieval/ancient ruins inside Akamas and at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias
7) Deserted villages (eg Evretou)

Three days of escooter exploration of the coast, on Laona Plateau, on paved roads inside Akamas and through stone-built villages (with optional walks)
The trip constitutes a three-day exploration on escooter on Laona plateau, inside Akamas, along Chrysochou bay and around Evretou manmade lake. Travellers have at least four different routes to choose from. At the same time, along or very close to the coast, travellers have at least four different destinations (Smigies in Akamas, Baths of Aphrodite Cave, Latchi port, Polis Chrysochous) that can really be done over a number of days, and offer various experiences: different walks, possibility for cruises and coastal sea exploration, beach going, snorkeling and sea turtle spotting during the hot season, exploring a small laid-back town. A day inland, around the crescent-like Evretou manmade lake and passing by watermills, a medieval bridge and more adds even more diversity to the trip. A trip to the south coastal end of Akamas peninsula (with a visit to Avakas Gorge as a bonus), is a possibility, however the distance would definitely require a multi-hour recharge of the escooter battery. At the same time, as the scooters are foldable, travellers could, if they prefer, do one-way trips on the scooter and return in a taxi (two escooters should fit in the trunk of a normal sized taxi). 

Natural Beauty, cultural heritage, gastronomy and wine
The trip takes participants through some excellent combinations of nature and cultural heritage on the island. A coastal plateau dotted by picturesque stone built villages, descents to the coast, and a route around a crescent like manmade lake. Participants will get opportunities for wine tasting as well as for dining in good village restaurants in Cyprus. Interested participants may combine the trip with some walking, swimming, snorkelling (possible sea turtle spotting during the hot season) and sea exploration. 

Latchi​
​Travellers will be staying in a modern hotel on the coast between Latchi and Baths of Aphrodite Cave. There is no village here and the coast is not densely built. There is significantly developed tourism infrastructure in the form of restaurants, coffee places, bars and shops at the nearby fishing port of Latchi, or further east, in Polis town.

Day of Trip	​Distance in km	​Total ascent (m)	​Total descent (m)	Average elevation (m)	Escooter trip - Description
Day 2	14.5	300	300	150	The three Options below could be combined ​Opt 1: a circular route inside Akamas, to Smigies locality, via stone-built Neo Chorio village. Opt 2: A ride to and from Baths of Aphrodite Cave (just abt 4 km long) Opt 3: A ride to/from Latchi port (under 10 km)
Day 3	51	1,500	1,500	250	An ascent to the Akamas ridge and Laona plateau via the village of Androlykou and a descent to the South Lara beach (with probably a break at the beach). Then the rider does largely the reverse route.
Day 4	54.5	1,200	1,200	150	A route around Evretou crescent-like manmade lake, which can be viewed from different view points.
(Other) Day 5	54.5	1,050	1,050	200	An ascent and a descent to/from the Laona plateau from its east side.
(Other) Day 6	71.5	1,600	1,600	300	Especially recommended for those who want to explore also Avakas Gorge (on foot, they could use their escooter helmet in there). A route through the Laona villages, including Kathikas. A descent to the west coast ends at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias. Return along the same route​

The itinerary (summary)
Day 1 - Arrive at the hotel - relax, receive the escooter, possibly visit nearby places
Day 2 - There are different routes along the coast. Travellers could certainly do all of them on the same day. However, depending on the experiences that they want to have, it could take them a good number of days to do all of them (say three).
   Day 2 a) The route takes participants to Smiyies picnic area (via stone-built Neo Chorio village) and back (walks, sightseeing)
   Day 2 b) Travellers can take a circular short ride to mythical small Baths of Aphrodite Cave (walks, sightseeing, swimming etc)
   Day 2c) Travellers may visit Latchi port, in the opposite direction (cafe going, cruising). They could also go further east to Polis Chrysochous, the small town in the region (sightseeng, exploring).
Day 3 - The suggested route takes travellers via Androlykou village, the south part of Akamas ridge and Ineia village to south Lara beach. The descent to the west coast is recommended, with the return on the same road until Inia. Travellers could spend time at Lara beach and/or explore stone-built villages in the Laona plateau including Droushia, Ineia, Pano Arodes, Kato Arodes and Kathikas (it has many restaurants and a winery with excellent views).
Day 4  Explore Evretou manmade lake
The suggested option takes travellers inland and around crescent-like Evretou manmade lake, on the way visiting a number of picturesque villages including Peristerona, Filousa, and Simou. (sightseeing, exploration, possible walking)
Day 4 Other a)
Other possibility for the last day trip would be an ascent and a descent to/from the Laona plateau from its east side. The route goes through picturesque villages (Kritou Terra, Pano Akordaleia, Kato Akordaleia) and medieval chapels (Agia Ekaterini, Agia Paraskevi) (sightseeing, exploration, possible walking).
Day 4 Other b) descend to Avakas Gorge
The longest option takes travellers further south, closer to a more developed part of western Paphos. Those travellers who like to could explore Avakas Gorge and or pause at Agios Georgios tis Pegeias for a break and visit to local historical sites. (sightseeing, possible walking, winetasting, meal)
​Day 5 - morning - end of the trip

Detailed Itinerary (description for 4 nights trip)
On Day 1 travelers arrive to the hotel (and their rented Escooter equipment is delivered to them).  Depending on the time of arrival they could relax and or visit nearby places (eg Latchi port in the evening). 

On Day 2 the explorers have possibilities for different routes and different experienes along Akamas north coast.
One possibility would be to ride to Smiyies picnic area (via stone-built Neo Chorio village), where they have a choice of at least three circular walks, that can be combined from a length of between 2.5 km to upto 8 km. The vistas are great year round. In summer they may opt for one of the shorter walks (or none at all).
Additionally or alternatively, explorers could ride to nearby small mythical Baths of Aphrodite cave. There are a few possibilities for walks here (circular Adonis trail and/or Aphrodite trail, or a walk on the dirt road along the rugged coastline). Explorers could also visit the nearby beach. 
Another route (could be an additional ride to the other two rides) could be to Latchi port, where there are a number of coffee places, restaurants and shops. There are boats for rent and many cruises from Latchi towards Blue Lagoon and Fontanta Amorosa, some of which are half day while others are full day. 
The waters on the north Akamas coast are relatively calm and swimming here during the hot season (roughly April to November) is highly recommended. If travellers are lucky, while snorkeling during the hot season they may spot some of the few thousands of sea turtles that visit Cyprus annually.

Escooter riding is an excellent way to explore our rural Cyprus

​
​The main suggested routes for Day 4 takes escooter explorers inland, around crescent-like Evretou manmade lake, on the way visiting a number of picturesque villages including Peristerona, Filousa, and Simou. There are opportunities for coffees at village coffee shops and hopefully chatting with locals. Other attractions on the way include Skarfos medieval bridge (and a nearby watermill, there are more in the vicinity), the deserted Evretou Turkish Cypriot village (found a couple of km away from the paved road) and an ancient plane tree in Simou village (a good place to recharge and have a break). One could do a walk near the lake. The route passes through Polis, so riders may also explore the lively old quarter of this laid-back town. 

​Another suggestion for Day 4 would take explorers to the Laona plateau via the villages of Kritou Terra, Pano Akourdaleia and Kato Akourdaleia (and pass the medieval chapels of Agia Ekaterini and Agia Paraskevi). 

Yet another possible Day 4 route (the longest of them all, it will need longer battery recharging on the way) takes travellers further south, to a more developed part of western Paphos. They could explore the villages on the Laona plateau (+ have lunch at one of the village restaurants or visit a winery close to Kathikas). The road becomes wider as it goes south; the view towards the coast is quite lovely. The route descends to the sea near Agios Georgios tis Pegeias locality, home to ancient and medieval ruins and constructions. Those who prefer to, could walk inside the south part of Lara coastline. Avakas Gorge is very close. Helmets are recommended (remember you have one for riding your scooter).     

Day 2 - Medieval Agios Minas inside Akamas peninsula

Taking a cruise to Blue Lagoon

The Day 3 route comprises first of an ascent to the Akamas ridge and the Laona plateau via Androlykou village, followed by a descent (along a cement road that offers excellent vistas) to the west coast of Akamas (known as Lara coast) and specifically to the south Lara beach. We recommend a pause for coffee/food/ beach going/swimming/snorkeling. The return leg of the ride is more or less on the same route. Depending on travellers preferences, they may want also to spend time at the village of Inia or explore other villages on the Laona plateau and/or visit a local winery, especially if they do not do the long ride to Agios Georgios tis Pegeias.

Evretou manmade lake

Avakas Gorge

Equipment

Our E-scooters

Electric specifications
    Motor : 52V 600W rear hub brushless motor
    Battery : Lithium Polymer Batteries/LI-PO 26AH
    Charger : 2 AMP (takes more than 8 hours, huge battery)
    Controller : Smart stable
​    Display : LCD display

Mechanical specifications
    Frame :  Magnesium aluminum alloy, foldable
    Tires : 10*2.5 CST
    Rims : Aluminum alloy 6061-12
    Fork : Suspension Fork and rear suspension
    Handlebar : Aluminum alloy, adjustable, foldable, 109 - 118 cm
    Brakes : Zoom, Disc Brakes
    Weight : About 24 kg
​    Passenger's max weight : 120 kg

Fork suspensions, lights, disc brakes (on front and back wheels)

foldable handlebar

10 inch (front and) back wheel with suspension, trafficators, light

Great looking electric scooters

Foldable and easily transportable

Included accessories (besides a helmet and a lock, a charger, minitool, minipump and a carrying bag)

Helmet

Lock

Summary of our services
We offer Independent Self–Guided travellers interested in exploring beautiful Cyprus, a menu of services:

• Extensive information on our inhouse designed route that presents the best Cyprus has to offer, combining top elements of its cultural and natural heritage. We provide information on each day's route and instructions to find one's way, as well as relevant useful information material on Cyprus (including GPS readings).
• Arranging rental of electric scooter equipment and providing relevant support. 
• Arranging all applicable equipment transport
• Booking of appropriate accommodation on the route, where possible in small, family run establishments.
• Booking of meals, including breakfast and dinner (as per the package) and optionally lunch packs , with a high element of local cuisine, where available.
• Arranging all applicable luggage transport.
• Arranging transfers to location of arrival/departure and other transfers if required.
• On the ground support for the independent traveller.

The package
It includes the following:
a) Information on the escooter travel routes and nearby attractions, in the form of GPS readings, and a pdf roadbook.
b) Accommodation in a hotel on the coast between Baths of Aphrodite and Latchi -  (Aphrodite Beach Hotel or Souli beach hotel, if no availability at Aphrodite Beach Hotel) on a bed and breakfast basis.
c) Escooter equipment rental and relevant support
d) Escooter equipment transfer to the hotel at the start and from the hote at the end of the trip
e) On the ground support

Notes : 
1) The package includes neither transport to the accommodation (on Day 1) nor from the accommodation (on Day 5). We can arrange such transportation upon request.
2) In the unlikely event that all accommodation that we cooperate with along the coast is occupied, travellers will have the option to accept alternative accommodation, reschedule or cancel the booking.  
    
Prices
The price for the standard package per person, for
a)  Double Occupancy basis is 360 Euro.
b) A solo traveller is 520 Euro.
c) Single rooms (when more than one person in the group) is 435 Euro.​

​BOOKING PROCESS
1) Once Customers study the extensive material, once they have their questions answered and are ready to proceed, they book the trip with us.
2) Then Cyprus Walks Etc works on the bookings.  We make a best effort to come back to the Customers with a reply within two working days. 
If there is availability for all places (including alternative accommodations) then we notify the Customers and we proceed to step 3. 
Otherwise, if some of the properties (including alternatives) are unavailable we notify the Customers. If they don't want to change the dates we provide them with full refund and cancel the booking. 
3) We communicate to provide the Customers with the relevant material (GPS readings, PDF or printed files) at least one week before the trip.

CANCELLATION POLICY

If Customers cancel:
Cancellation charges for a booked trip:

• Until Day 31 prior to travel date: 100 Euro per booking
• Day 30 to Day 16 prior to travel date : 20%
• Day 15 to Day 3 prior to travel date: 50%
• Day 2 prior to Day 1 prior to travel date: 80%
• Day 0 of the trip onward: 100%

If Cyprus Walks Etc cancels
If Cyprus Walks Etc cancels for severe expected weather or other reason we provide our customers with full refund for the services paid to us. Where possible we provide alternatives, which customers can select instead of refunds if they prefer.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
We expect that all users of our services will make all necessary arrangements to, and will for the duration of their trip with us, be covered by adequate insurance related to our services (personal accident, medical expenses, etc).

NOTES
​1) Please keep in mind that travellers may buy services from us for a longer version of the trip (eg, a 4-day route to explore both Evretou crescent-like manmade lake as well as Agios Georgios tis Pegeias). Or they may be interested in one of our other packages (eg the one in wine land and Troodos that is Omodos based).
2) Please note that at the time we supply the escooters to the travellers, we would require their passport (or similar) to have relative info with us as well as pre-authorization on their credit card, as security for the use of our scooters.

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