Draft Itinerary for STEEP UK visit to Zakynthos

Hosted by Earth Sea & Sky (ESS)

Monday 24th April – Sunday 30th April 2006

Monday
24 April 2006
Arrive at Zakynthos Airport at 20.45 hrs, to be met by Yannis and Maddy and escorted to your accommodation at Gerakas by taxi transfer.
We will ensure that there is a taverna open for dinner for you.

Day 1
Tuesday
25 April 2006
Breakfast in your accommodation – fresh rolls, coffee, tea etc.
Welcome at Gerakas Information Centre at 10.30am:
Presentations from Yannis, Earth Sea & Sky. – About ESS, the history of Zakynthos, tourism, current situation generally and at Gerakas.
Coffee break
Presentations from Cumbria Group
Approx 1pm: Lunch and then siesta/free time
5pm: Tour of Gerakas and our properties
Free time, perhaps walk the self-guided Gerakas Trail – take your cameras.
7.30pm: Welcome dinner at Gerakas in the evening, exact restaurant to be confirmed, but meet at Gerakas Bar at 7.30pm.

Day 2
Wednesday
26 April 2006
Breakfast in your accommodation
10am: Meet at Information Centre for tour of Zakynthos by people carrier, with ESS. We will drive you around the island showing you as much diversity as possible. We will take in Kalamaki, Laganas – hideous tourist resorts, Keri Village and Keri Lake (salt water marais), Volimes – traditional Zakynthian mountain village. Bring cameras/video equipment.
5pm approx: Return to Gerakas. Free time.

Day 3
Thursday
27 April 2006
Early breakfast in your accommodation
8.45am: Meet at Information Centre. - Beach clean at Gerakas Beach at 9am, involving ESS, Cumbria team, NMPZ and potentially local school children. Take part for 1 hour. Strong gloves and refuse sacks supplied.
Coffee break/Lunch
11-12pm (approx) at Info Centre: Meet with National Marine Park*
Afternoon: Free time.

Day 4
Friday
28 April 2006
Weather permitting:** Eco-tourism catamaran cruise in the area of the National Marine Park, Laganas Bay. Take in Pelouzo Isle, Marathonissi (Turtle Island) and Keri Caves.
Breakfast in your accommodation
10am: Meet at Information Centre for transfer to Porto Roma by car.
ESS will be your guide for the day, Akis will be your captain.
Environmental information on the turtles will be given, and hopefully we will see them. Bring your swimming things, camera and lunch. Drinks and snacks available on board.
4pm: Return to Porto Roma, transfer back to Gerakas. Free time.

Day 5
Saturday
29 April 2006
Breakfast in your accommodation
10.30am: Meet at Information Centre for meeting with local Zakynthians: business people, hoteliers, small scale property owners, excursion company reps etc, farmers/vineyards – Zakynthian Farming Cooperative?
Discussion and coffee
Lunch and then free time.
7.30pm: Fair well dinner at Gerakas Taverna.

Sunday 30 April 2006
Early departure from Gerakas, 2x taxis to take you to the airport will arrive at 05.45 hours.

I have tried to factor in as much free time as possible for your group. This also gives us flexibility with the weather for the catamaran trip.

* James, can you let me have your ideas for the agenda for discussion with the NMPZ on 27th April. Topics could include constitution/make up of Park and avenues of funding, working with local people, product initiatives etc. I have contacted Laurent Sourbes to confirm his participation, and also get his ideas for the agenda.

** If the weather is inclement we will have to change the programme around slightly
I will confirm nearer the time who will be attending the meeting on 29 April, but will probably include groups listed