Final packing, check passports and boarding passes. Make sure chargers, swim kit and hiking layers are in carry-on; confirm car hire details with Stathis (phone/email).
Light breakfast at home or airport café. Aim for something easy and hydrating — fruit, yogurt and coffee to keep you comfortable on the short flight.
Arrive at Thessaloniki Airport (SKG) check-in / drop checked luggage. Reconfirm meeting point for the 19:00 group gathering or any last-minute transport updates.
Lunch near the airport or in the departures hall. Keep it light — a sandwich or salad — since evening timings are later and travel may be tiring.
Free time to rest, work or shop duty-free. If needed, change into travel layers (light jacket and comfortable shoes) and stow swimwear in your carry-on for quick access.
Return to the terminal, complete security checks and move to the departure gate. Group members who are meeting at 19:00 can use this time to sync plans and confirm car hire messages from Stathis.
Meet at the agreed airport point for your group rendezvous. Use this chance for quick introductions and to hand off any printed confirmations for car hire or accommodation.
Board Flight: Thessaloniki (SKG) → Paphos (PFO). Settle in, rest, and hydrate — arrival schedule is late so try to get some sleep on the short hop.
Arrive in Paphos (PFO). Proceed through passport control and baggage claim; look for the contact from the car hire (TBC with Stathis) at the arrivals area.
Collect hire cars and complete paperwork. If the hire is delayed, use this time to organise the drivers and route to Polis (roughly 30-40 minute drive depending on traffic).
Drive from Paphos Airport to Polis (estimated 30-45 minutes). Follow the coastal route for a quick orientation of the area — lights and sea glimpses set the tone for the trip.
Check into apartments in Polis. Quick room allocation, drop bags, set out chargers and lay out swim/hike kit for tomorrow. Leave a note of the morning meeting point if needed.
Late-night snack & team check-in at the apartment or a nearby 24-hour café (if open). Grab water, a light bite and run through the next day's schedule: late morning start and 12:00 Latchi pickup.
Wind down for sleep. Set alarms for a relaxed wake-up; tomorrow's plan starts with rest and a noon departure to Latchi for the Akamas 4x4 buggy adventure.
Leisurely wake-up after the late arrival; make coffee and a light breakfast at the Polis apartment — fruit, Greek yogurt and strong Cypriot coffee to hydrate and fuel for the day.
Quick group check-in: confirm vehicle assignments with Stathis, review emergency numbers, and lay out swim/hike layers and sunscreen; pack a small daypack with water and camera.
Drive from Polis to Latchi Harbour (20-30 minutes). Enjoy the coastal route and use the short stop for photos of the Mediterranean shoreline.
Coffee & pastries at Latchi Harbour — stop at Cafenio Andreas (or the harbour café near the boats) for strong coffee, koulouri or a flaky filo pastry and to meet the local guide.
Briefing at the 4x4 buggy base near Latchi: safety talk, sign waivers, get fitted with helmets and gloves, and receive route maps for the Akamas off-road circuit.
Depart on the 4x4 buggies for the Akamas coast adventure — wind through rugged tracks, olive groves and dramatic sea cliffs with planned stops for photos and short swims if conditions allow.
Photo stop at Lara Bay overlook: stretch legs, spot Mediterranean turtles (season dependent), and take panoramic photos of the secluded beaches and the Akamas headland.
Coastal lunch break at Latchi Fish Tavern (Almyra Fish Restaurant or To Pelagos recommended) — enjoy grilled sea bass, fresh salads and local wine or refreshing soft drinks (book ahead for larger groups).
Resume the off-road route, heading toward the Baths of Aphrodite trailhead; short walk opportunity to the small spring and folklore viewpoint when the group wishes to stretch.
Arrive back in Polis for a planned 15:00 office visit — pop into the Polis municipal office for quick local info, a restroom break and to confirm any afternoon logistics with Stathis.
Team meet & greet at the local bakery: enjoy coffee and light snacks (ft. koulouria, baklava or fresh spanakopita) while swapping photos from the day's off-road adventure and confirming Troodos logistics.
Optional stroll along Polis Limni promenade: browse small shops, stop for gelato or a second espresso, and take a relaxed coastal walk to digest after lunch.
Return to apartments for downtime: shower, change out of dusty off-road clothes, charge cameras and phones, and rest before the evening; quick debrief about tomorrow’s swim-and-speedboat requirements.
Early evening aperitivo at Yialos Fish Restaurant or Rakkanis Café in Polis — enjoy a sunset drink with mezze, fresh bread and a chance to discuss the Troodos hike group and BBQ allocations.
Group dinner reservation at Ouzokafenes (or local taverna recommended by Stathis) — sample Cypriot meze, halloumi, and share stories from the Akamas buggy run; request the legendary local lamb dishes if available.
Return to the apartment for a final gear check: lay out swimwear, towels and a light windbreaker for tomorrow’s swim; set alarms and confirm car plans for the 08:15 departure on Friday.
Relaxed wind-down: review photos, back up footage, and get a good night's sleep to be fresh for the compulsory sea swim and 'Wild Ride' speedboat on Friday.
Gentle wake-up and quick check-in with the group; lay out swim kit, towel and a warm layer for after the swim, and pack a small dry bag with phone, ID and some cash.
Light breakfast at the apartment — Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts or a koulouri, plus coffee; hydrate well because the compulsory sea swim follows shortly.
Drive (or carpool) to Latchi Harbour, arrive early to secure parking and meeting spot near the La Plage entry; final swim-warmup and briefing for participants who must swim to unlock the speedboat event.
Assemble at the La Plage entry for roll-call and safety briefing; organisers confirm which names have completed the compulsory swim requirement.
Sea Swim at La Plage — group plunge and 15-minute swim toward the landmark 'Penis Rocks'; stay close to the safety bouys and lifeguard/guide if one is present.
Optional short snorkel or float near La Plage for swimmers to cool down; non-swimmers can relax at the shore café and enjoy a hot drink while cheering on the group.
Shower and change at the harbour facilities or in cars; towel off, warm up with fresh coffee from the Latchi Harbour cafés and swap quick swim photos.
Coffee at Latchi Harbour — recommended stop at Fig Tree Café or the little harbour espresso bar for strong coffee, fresh orange juice and a pastry while the speedboat manifest is finalised.
Pre-boarding briefing for the 500hp speedboat 'Wild Ride' — safety gear distributed, sea forecast and route explained, and final check that only swimmers join the ride as per the group's rules.
Depart Latchi Harbour on the 'Wild Ride' — experience the adrenaline of the 500hp speedboat skimming the Akamas coastline, with photo stops at sea caves and dramatic cliffs.
Return to Latchi Harbour and head to lunch at To Pelagos or Almyra Fish Restaurant; swimmers get priority seating — enjoy grilled fish, fresh salads and local Halloumi.
Leisurely stroll around the harbour, gelato stop or browse local boat souvenir stalls; relax and let the sea-spray wear off before the afternoon’s free time.
Optional mini-activity choices: short walk to Baths of Aphrodite trailhead for a gentle scenic wander, or return to Polis for a siesta and gear drying at the apartments.
Group reconvene at the Polis apartment or a reserved café (Rakkanis Café recommended) to freshen up, change into evening clothes and prepare for the poker night logistics.
Free time to rest — charge devices, back up photos from the speedboat and stretch; hikers for Saturday might use this window to check boots and layers for Troodos.
Early aperitif at Yialos or the harbour-front bar in Polis for those who want to wind down with a meze plate and a drink before the evening’s poker — social catch-up and final sign-ups for the game.
Light dinner or heavy snack for poker players — order shareable mezze at Ouzokafenes or a takeaway gyro so players are fueled but alert for the Texas Hold’em evening.
Gather at the 'seedy bar below the office' as arranged by Stathis; organisers set up poker tables, chips and drinks — brief rules and buy-in confirmed for the Texas Hold’em tournament.
Poker tournament begins — friendly competition with designated dealer rotations; socialize between hands and enjoy local beers or small plates served by the bar.
Mid-game break for refreshments and photos — recap the day’s highlights (swim and speedboat) and remind winners of tomorrow’s Troodos hike start time and BBQ rules.
Final rounds and wrap-up of poker; announce winners, settle tabs and plan a gentle late-night walk back to the apartments or a last drink at the harbour if energy allows.
Return to apartments, remove wet swim kit if any remains, and lay out hiking layers for the Troodos early start on Saturday; set alarms and get rest after a full day.
Wake-up call and quick gear check — put on base layers, hiking boots, waterproof shell and refill water bottles; pack snacks, sunscreen, hat, and a small first-aid kit.
Light breakfast at the apartment — Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts, a piece of fruit and strong coffee to fuel the hike; load communal gear (first-aid kit, spare layers) into cars.
Depart Polis for the Troodos foothills — convoy briefing with drivers (Hanane & Christian leading navigation), estimated drive time ~1 hour via B7 and E903 with scenic stops planned.
Arrive at Troodos trailhead (suggested: Caledonia Falls / Troodos Forest area) — quick stretch, restroom break and final distribution of maps and walkie-talkies; reminder: only hikers get BBQ access later.
Begin Troodos hike on the Caledonia/Fourteen Springs loop — moderate gradient through pine forest, expect bird song, mountain air and occasional muddy patches; pace kept relaxed for the mixed group.
Scenic photo stop at a viewpoint or waterfall cascade — regroup, snack on energy bars and local carob or dried figs, and refill water as needed; Hanane points out local flora and trail highlights.
Continue along the ridge toward the Troodos crest, passing rocky outcrops and panoramic vistas — Christian leads a short interpretive talk about geology and island history on the move.
Picnic lunch on the trail (pre-packed or shared platters) — local halloumi sandwiches, tomato-cucumber salad, olives and crusty bread enjoyed with thermos tea or bottled water; soak up the mountain atmosphere.
Resume the hike for the descent leg — slower pace to protect knees, opportunities to spot endemic wildflowers and, if weather allows, distant sea glimpses toward Akamas across the plain.
Arrive back at trailhead; cooldown stretches and quick boot-change if needed; short debrief where hikers sign the attendance list so Chris knows who’s cleared for the evening BBQ.
Drive from Troodos back toward Polis area, stopping at a village viewpoint (suggested: Pedoulas or Platania turnoff) for coffee and cake — warm up, swap photos and relax en route to Chris' house.
Arrive at Chris' house near Polis; hikers help unload supply boxes and set the charcoal pit for the legendary lamb souvla while others shower and change into casual evening clothes.
Social hour in Chris' garden — pre-dinner meze served (tzatziki, taramasalata, marinated olives, and fresh bread) with local commandaria or wine; background music and storytelling about the day’s highlights.
Final BBQ prep: Chris and helpers baste the lamb souvla over the coals, check roast rotation schedules, and prepare grilled vegetables and halloumi; non-hikers are welcome to assist but not to plate until serving.
Private BBQ feast begins — succulent lamb souvla carved and served family-style with roast potatoes, village salad, grilled halloumi and fresh pita; toasts and speeches encouraged to celebrate the hike group's achievement.
Post-dinner wind-down: coffee, local desserts (baklava or loukoumades) and optional short folk-music session or singalong; photographers share slides from the Troodos hike and earlier activities.
Free social time in the garden — mingle, exchange contact details and relax by the coals; quieter participants can take a gentle stroll nearby or sit with a hot drink and enjoy the evening air.
Group tidy-up: assist with clearing plates and stowing leftovers for tomorrow’s early departure planning; confirm car packing order for the 05:00 Sunday convoy to Paphos Airport.
Return to Polis apartments (short drive) for those staying overnight; quick gear recheck and lay out travel items for the early morning; set alarms and confirm airport car rotations with Stathis.
Relax and bedtime — light stretching and phone charging; mental recap of the day’s mountain hike and BBQ, and reminder to remove any perishable items from apartments before the 05:00 departure.
Wake-up call and final gear check: gather passports, boarding passes, phones, chargers, and any leftover snacks; double-check that everyone who attended the Troodos BBQ has their luggage ready for the convoy.
Quick light breakfast at the apartment — coffee, bottled water, leftover bread or pastries from Chris’ BBQ, and pack a travel mug; redistribute any perishables into coolers or discard before departure.
Final apartment sweep: ensure lights are off, windows closed, keys collected and any rental paperwork left in the agreed spot; pair up drivers and confirm the route to Paphos with Stathis.
Load luggage into cars and perform a final headcount; secure small valuables in hand luggage and ensure hiking boots and wet items are stowed away to avoid last-minute delays.
Depart Polis in convoy for Paphos Airport (PFO) — anticipated drive time ~1 hour; follow the coastal route and keep radio/phone contact for any quick stops or traffic updates.
Arrive at Paphos Airport car hire return area: refuel, top up agreed fuel level, complete vehicle inspection with the hire desk, and collect return receipts; passengers can step inside the terminal to warm up.
Security & check-in: proceed to the airline desk for bag drop if not already done online; allow extra time for car hire paperwork and any unexpected queues at the counters.
Clear security and head to the departures lounge; purchase a coffee or pastry at the airport café if needed and use the restroom before boarding — aim to be at the gate well ahead of the 08:10 flight.
Gate call and final boarding preparations: gather carry-ons, confirm group is assembled, and take a quick group photo near the gate to capture the end of the trip.
Flight departs Paphos (PFO) for Thessaloniki (SKG) — sit back, relax and use the flight time to nap or review photos and contact details exchanged during the trip.
Arrive Thessaloniki (SKG): disembark, pass through arrivals, collect checked baggage and reunite with any members whose onward travel differs; exchange ‘thank you’ messages to drivers and organisers (including Stathis & Chris).
Post-arrival logistics: if driving home from SKG, meet carpool partners and load luggage; if using public transport or taxis, confirm bookings and split final costs for car hire fuel and group expenses.
Final goodbyes and wrap-up: share a digital album link or agreed chat group for photos, note any lost-and-found items with the apartment hosts, and plan a post-trip debrief or reunion for highlights and laughs.