Happy Traveller Season 8, Episode 3: Mountainous Chalkidiki and Ammouliani

San Marino (Roadtrip: Part 1)

Eftychis and Electra set sail for Italy to start a European road trip of 40 days and 10,000 kilometers

Black Forest Germany (Roadtrip: Part 2)

They cross northern Italy, making a short stop in the area of ​​Lake Como. Then they enter Switzerland and are confronted with riveting landscapes in the Swiss Alps. They pass through the puppet city of Basel and continue to Southwest Germany and specifically to the state of Baden-Württemberg, where they explore the Black Forest, one of the most famous and beautiful forests in Europe.

Luxembourg

Our travelers start from the capital, the city of Luxembourg with its multi-layered geography, the impressive castle on the rocks, the manorial architecture and the picturesque old town in the gorge. Then, explore the countryside, starting from the oldest village in Luxembourg and following the route of the so-called "little Switzerland", where you admire impressive gorges, nature-loving hiking trails and special caves with strange geometric shapes. The roadtrip in the endless meadows of Luxembourg leads them to many small picturesque villages, to imposing medieval castles as well as to a modern aqueduct that looks like a skyscraper.

Barcelona (Part 1)

In the first part of their trip to Barcelona, ​​Eftychis and Electra see the dazzling Sagrada Familia and many other famous buildings of Anthony Gaud., Park Guell, Piazza Catalunya, Las Ramplas and Bokeria Market. Also, the coastal road of the city, the statue of Columbus, the beach Barcelona, ​​the old Gothic neighborhood with the alleys and the cathedral. Finally, the modern neighborhood with the tower of the glorious Catalans, the temple of the Sacred Heart of Christ at the top of Mount Tibidabo, the Ciudadella Park and the Arc de Triomphe and many more of the most popular parts of this beautiful city.

Barcelona (Part 2)

They start by bike to explore the center of Barcelona and go to the west side and the Plaza de Espa .a, where they walk in the old bullring that has now become a state-of-the-art mall. They walk in the park of Mirρό and, passing through the twin towers of Barcelona, ​​they end up in the magic fountain and the emblematic national palace on the hill of Montjuίc. Exploring this historic hill of the city, they see the castle that stands above the commercial port and the Olympic Stadium, where at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, Voula Patoulidou won the historic gold medal in the 110 meters hurdles. They also climb to the roof of the cathedral and taste traditional local delicacies, such as tapas and the best Catalan cream in town.

Netherlands (Part 1)

In the first part of the trip to the country, which is largely below sea level, Eftychis and Electra visit the capital Amsterdam, with its historic old town and emblematic circular canals. They go to Utrecht which has one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the Netherlands and tour the open food market with traditional delicacies. They ride a bike in a village with windmills and find out why the windmills in the Netherlands are actually "wind pumps". They go just outside Rotterdam to meet some of our well-known bridges - the ones we see every day on euro banknotes.

Netherlands (Part 2)

Eftychis and Electra continue their visit to the Netherlands. First, they go to Hounda, the birthplace of the most famous Dutch cheese, gouda. They lead to one of the southern islands of the country, where there are large crops of blooming tulips and pass through the impressive bridges of the country which are dams and keep the sea water far and high from the land of the Netherlands. They also go to the north side of the country, to Giethoorn, one of the most doll-like villages in all of Europe that looks like it came out of a fairy tale. They also go to Delft and The Hague, admire the sunset on the most famous beach on the west coast of the country and visit a place where they see what the Netherlands was like with the iconic windmills, centuries ago. Finally, explore the city between the Netherlands and Belgium where there are the strangest national borders of the whole world.

Panama

Happy Traveler embarks on an epic journey through Central America. Eftychis visits Panama and SKAI viewers travel with him to the country that connects North and South America. Initially, it explores the country's capital, Panama City, starting from the historic center with colonial architecture and ending on the modern side with skyscrapers. He goes to see the famous Panama Canal and learns why it is considered one of the greatest marvels of engineering ever built by man. It crosses the bridges that connect North and South America and hike in the tropical jungle to reach an impressive waterfall. He boats on the most important river in the country and goes to visit a native village of Empera. He then takes a cable car ride to admire from above the famous canal about in the middle, between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Guatemala (Part 1)

Happy Traveler has already embarked on an impressive journey to Central America. Eftychis goes to the largest and most populous of the 7 Central American countries, Guatemala. Wander around the old capital Antigua, one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the world. Lively, colorful and built between three imposing volcanoes that create a unique setting. Hike in one of the 37 impressively active volcanoes in the country and bake marshmallows with the heat released by the Earth. Visit Lake Atitlan, a lake that was once declared the most beautiful lake in the world. There he gets on a traditional boat and goes to a picturesque fishing village with Mayan inhabitants - where he learns a lot about the two most popular products produced in Guatemala: cocoa and coffee.

Andorra

The European road trip of 40 days and 10,000 km continues and Happy Traveler visits Andorra. Nestled between Spain and France in the eastern Pyrenees, the tiny state is a popular winter destination with many ski resorts and attracts nature lovers all year round. Our travelers explore the "old Andorra" which is the highest capital of Europe and see the most important and historic buildings of the city. They go hiking in the forest, enjoying unique landscapes with impressive lakes, snow-capped mountains, picturesque villages, stone bridges and places with riveting views. They try flavors that combine French and Catalan cuisine and answer the question "is it worth a traveler to go to Andorra?"

El Salvador and Honduras

Eftychis puts in the "suitcase of his travel experiences" two other countries, El Salvador and Honduras. He sees life in the capital San Salvador and the historic city of St. Anne and wanders into a small picturesque Honduran village. Explore traditional markets and taste strange tropical fruits and local specialties, such as the delicious "pupousa". Impressed by unique natural landscapes and admiring imposing ancient Mayan cities such as the iconic Copan, one of the three most important ancient cities of this wonderful civilization.

Guatemala (Part 2)

Happy Traveler and Eftychis complete their trip to Central America with the second part of their visit to Guatemala, the largest and most populous country out of 7 in the region. Explore the east side of the country on the Caribbean coast and cross the Rio Dulce River by boat and end up in Livingston. It goes to the island of Flores which looks like our Aetolian and then to Tikal, perhaps the most impressive Mayan city. Admire a jewel castle on the river bank and wander into one of the largest markets in Central America.

Normandy (Part 1)

Eftychis and Electra travel to the North of France, one of the most historic areas of the Old Continent, for a journey where the great counterattack of the allies for the liberation of Europe during the Second World War began. They visit the beaches where in June 1944 the historic landing of the allied forces that judged the outcome of the war took place, villages and cities from where the liberation of Europe from Nazi Germany began. They see damaged German machine guns, the makeshift port built by the British for the landing of heavy weapons on the French coast and museum ammunition used by the allies in the operations. Take a closer look at the historic beaches of Omaha, Utah, Sword and Juno. They visit Sainte Mere Eglise, first to be liberated by American paratroopers, and Bayeux, first to be liberated by the Allies and became the seat of the Provisional French Government. Finally, they go to Caen with its imposing castle as well as to Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine.

Normandy (Part 2)

Eftychis and Electra continue their European road trip on French soil, traveling to the provinces of Normandy and Brittany and seeing impressive sights. They start from the emblematic Mont Saint Michel, one of the most photogenic sights in Europe and the second most touristic point in France after Paris. In the Brittany region, they see a huge mysterious meniere while then wandering in the well-preserved old town of Saint Malo with its imposing walls and beautiful islands with forts in the bay opposite. After tasting traditional local flavors, they continue south leading along the French coast to the Atlantic Ocean. They make a stop on the island of Ile de Re in central-western France and continue their journey to the southern borders of the country.

Central Evia

Eftychis explores the beautiful Chalkida with its new and old bridge. During his exploration he sees a rowing team training in the waters of the Strait of Evripos, while he also skates on the popular coastal pedestrian street of the city. Then, it passes through Nea Artaki and ascends to the village of Steni and the imposing Dirfi, before passing to the eastern side of the island which is bathed by the Aegean Sea. Visit picturesque Kymi and try local specialties such as dried figs and the famous 100-leaf baklava. The trek continues to the area around Kimi, where you can see the seaside fishing village of Chile and the monastery of the Savior, as well as the old castle of Kimi. After Kimi, it leads to an impressive gorge to reach the village of Manikia, where it admires and swims in a well hidden waterfall that is considered one of the hidden natural beauties of Evia.

Central and South Evia

Happy Traveler, started a journey to the second largest island of Greece, Evia. Eftychis explored the areas in Central Evia and headed further south. It starts from Agioi Apostoloi in the east of Central Evia and continues its wandering in Aliveri, Amarynthos with fish appetizers and the beautiful Eretria where it walks on the island of dreams. Then, descend to Styra to taste local flavors, to see up close an impressive "dragon house" and to admire the sunrise in one of the most energetic places in all of Greece. The Happy Traveler in an exploration on the island of Evia with the beautiful natural landscapes, the impressive beaches, the picturesque villages and the hospitable people.

South Evia

Happy Traveler completes this year's trilogy on the second largest island in Greece. Continues the trek to South Evia with Karystos, Mount Ochi and the surrounding area. Eftychis explores the wild beauty of South Evia and admires impressive beaches, the waterfall in Platanistos and many picturesque villages. She goes skating in the port of Karystos, climbs to her castle and visits one of the most beautiful vineyards in all of Greece. He climbs Mount Ochi to see the beautiful church of Profitis Ilias as well as the largest "dragon house" of Evia. At the top of the mountain, the view compensates for the long hiking and climbing. Happy Traveler completes the exploration on the island of Evia with the enchanting natural landscapes, the many and beautiful beaches, the picturesque villages and the hospitable people.

Cinque Terre

Happy Traveler travels abroad, specifically to Northern Italy, on one of the most charming shores of the Mediterranean. In the Cinque Terre area, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Eftychis and Electra visit the 5 fairytale and secluded villages of Liguria with their colorful houses, stepped terraces with vineyards and picturesque harbors. Colorful and beautiful, they are perched on the rocks and make you feel that you have traveled in time. They wander to the 5 famous villages, Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al mare in order to find out which is the most beautiful and picturesque. The choice is difficult! An episode with walks on the historic "blue path that connects the 5 villages" and many back and forth on the train line - a marvel of engineering. A visit with delicious Ligurian flavors such as authentic pesto genovese that made our travelers do not want to leave!

Catalonia (Roadtrip Finale)

During this journey, which lasted 40 days, our travelers traveled 10,000 km by car and visited many parts of Europe. On the Euro Puzle Tour, as they called it, they completed the pieces of the "European travel puzzle" that they were missing, some countries they had never been to or specific areas of countries that they had left unexplored on previous excursions. They explore the emblematic Montserrat mountain of Spain with the monasteries that look like our Meteora. Montserrat means "mountain saw" and is named after its characteristic shape. They walk on the mountain paths and see picturesque temples and hermitages in caves that look like they came out of a movie of the time. Then cross the French-Spanish border and head to the impressive medieval town of Carcassonne in southern France. The trip ends with the return to Greece via Italy. A journey to 12 different countries that was completed in a total of 12 episodes. An amazing journey full of beautiful images, stunning landscapes.

Colombia (Part 1)

In the first part of the trip, Eftychis explores the capital Bogota with its beautiful historic center and colorful markets. It also goes to the iconic Montserrat mountain with the monastery, which takes its name from the mountain of Catalonia we saw in a previous episode. Taste local specialties such as a very special soup with four types of potatoes and meat cooked in a strange traditional way. Finally, he goes to the small town of Zipakira where he enters the earth in an old salt mine and admires the impressive "Cathedral of Salt". Next week, he continues his journey to Colombia and visits Medellin and Cartagena.

Colombia (Part 2)

Happy Traveler goes to the third largest city in the country, Medellin, where Pablo Escobar lived and worked. Take a walk in the center and try street food of various kinds and also explore the historic neighborhood of Comuna 13. Visit Lake Guatape and boat over the sunken city at its bottom. Then, it climbs 700 steps and is located at the top of an emblematic rock 200 meters high, where it admires the impressive view of the city from above. Finally, go to tropical Cartagena and take a walk in the historic center, visit the emblematic castle of the Spanish era, and boat on a paradise island in the Caribbean.

Samothrace

Happy Traveler in Greece this week and our travelers set sail for one of the most interesting islands of Greece, the mysterious and idyllic Samothrace. Eftychis and Electra enter the ship as a family from Alexandroupolis and disembark in Kamariotissa, the port of Samothrace. They know the wild beauty of the island, they wander in the alleys of the country but also in the popular municipal campsite. They visit the archeological site of Paleopolis and admire the sanctuary of the great gods and the place where in ancient times the Kaveri mysteries were performed. They hike at the foot of Mount Saos, see the famous pedestals and waterfalls and go to the easternmost beach of the island, Kipi. Of course, they do not fail to try local specialties since Samothrace is also famous for its gastronomic identity. Finally, they go to the south side of the island which is completely different and there is a huge idyllic sandy beach and a beautiful picturesque church perched on the rocks.

45 min

Zambia (Part 1)

This week, Happy Traveler travels to Africa and specifically to Zambia. In the first part, Eftychis explores the capital Lusaka and sees sights and monuments associated with the country's history. It does not fail to eat in one of the most traditional parts of the city where the locals eat every day. He then gets in a car and goes to Livingston, in the south of the country and very close to the border with Zimbabwe and Botswana. Livingstone, the tourist capital of Zambia, is visited by a railway museum as well as the traditional village of Mukuni, where locals perform local dances with traditional music and song. The first part of the trip is completed, facing one of the 7 natural wonders of the world, the iconic Victoria Falls. The waterfalls created by the Zambezi River are located between Zambia and Zimbabwe and are among the largest in the world.

45 min

Zambia (Part 2)

An episode in Zambia, the country with its stunning scenery, fascinating journeys and unique experiences, is not enough. Happy Traveler continues its journey in the beautiful country of Africa. Eftychis sees the iconic Victoria Falls again, but this time from neighboring Zimbabwe. He walks under the bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe and learns useful information about the way it was built by the British in 1905. On a cruise on the river Zambezi he sees a beautiful sunset with amazing colors, while he goes for safari and keparo. , crocodiles and lions with which he walks side by side. Finally, visit Livingston Island, located in the center of Victoria Falls, and swim right at the point where the waterfall begins, at the famous Angels Waterfalls.

45 min

Rhodope

The Happy Traveler family is traveling within Greece this week and is visiting one of the few prefectures he had not explored before, the remote prefecture of Rodopi. They explore the capital of the prefecture, Komotini with its lively market and the hospitable inhabitants. They go for a walk in the dense forest of Nymphaea and see the view from the ancient fort. They wander to the seaside Fanari with the idyllic sunset and go for a short walk in the neighboring prefecture of Xanthi and Porto Lagos that they had not gone to when they returned to Xanthi. Returning to the prefecture of Rodopi, they explore the coastline with long sandy beaches and multiple lagoons that create places of infinite natural beauty. The route of our travelers includes a stop in Sapes as well as in the historic Maronia with the beautiful mansions. Another episode of Happy Traveler, in beautiful parts of Greece, with natural beauty, impressive colors and hospitable people.

45 min

United Arab Emirates (Part 1)

The Happy Traveler in one of the most spectacular cities in the world. Eutychis and Elektra travel to Dubai, the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates, and bring us their unique experiences through SKAI television. Our travelers learn the history of the city - how a small fishing village on the Persian Gulf has grown rapidly in recent decades to become a cosmopolitan metropolis and one of the world's top travel destinations. They visit the most iconic buildings and sights and wander through the old town with its traditional markets, such as the gold market and the spice market. They see hotels - symbols of luxury and extravagance that are architectural jewels. They climb the tallest building in the world to see the view from a great height and are impressed with the unique fountain show at night in the city center.

45 min

United Arab Emirates (Part 2)

In the city of Dubai, they see different and strange places that one can visit there, such as the lake with countless pink flamingos and also the largest flower garden in the world with flower creations that leave them speechless. They slide down a glass skyscraper above the void and snowboard down an indoor ski resort in a mall. But they also go outside the city to the desert to see camels and incredible landscapes with sand dunes and impressive rocks. They visit a "ghost" village half-buried in the sand, drive through the vast desert landscape and stop for a traditional Bedouin village dinner. Their adventures continue on the east coast of the United Arab Emirates, which is washed by the Arabian Sea and by extension the Indian Ocean. They go to the small seaside town of Khor Fakkan, climb an impressive tower and enter a majestic cave nestled between the mountains.

45 min

Boeotia

Happy Traveler travels within Greece, to a prefecture full of history, picturesque villages and endless natural beauty, the prefecture of Boeotia. Eutychis and Elektra go to Arachova and climb Parnassos to see the ski resort with and without snow. They explore the green landscape by bike and arrive at one of the most impressive mountain caves in Greece, the Korykeio cave. But they also visit the plains of the prefecture, the historical Thebes of Pindar and the picturesque Livadia to admire the springs of Krya and taste the famous souvlaki. On this journey, they reach Asopia, the martyred Distomo, the Monastery of Saint Loukas and the historical Plataies where in 479 BC. it became one of the most decisive battles of the Persian Wars. They see beautiful forests, caves, peaks and natural beauties that remind everyone why Happy Traveler loves traveling in Greece.

45 min

United Arab Emirates (Part 3)

They go to the international exhibition DUBAI EXPO which is the largest and most spectacular international exhibition in the world. They visit the brand new Museum of the Future that opened in Dubai a few months ago, where you take a trip into the future, specifically the year 2071. Next, they head to the country's capital, chic Abu Dhabi, where they stroll along the popular promenade and admire the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque with a capacity of 41,000 people. They also see Abu Dhabi's Louvre Museum, climb a 300-meter observatory to see the city from above, and enter the historic Emirates Palace Hotel to enjoy the famous Edible Gold Cafe. Finally, before returning to Greece, they explore the desert of Abu Dhabi and go to an impressive salt lake that has become a favorite destination for travelers in recent years.

45 min

Andros (Part 1)

In the first part, the Happy Traveler's family disembarks in Gavrio and explores the north-east side of the island with the iconic Fasa lighthouse on one side of Cabo Doro. They admire the wild scenery on the beach of Pyrgos and go horse riding on the water on the idyllic beach of Fellos. In the morning, they go to the picturesque country of Andros and see the most spectacular sunrise in the Aegean Sea. After watching the sun rise behind the Tourlitis lighthouse, they board a boat and explore the coastline west of the capital, stopping at Achlas beach with its lagoon, the picturesque church of Agios Nikolaos, the Grias lighthouse and the famous beach. Then, they go for a walk in the market of Andros, enter the cave of Aladdin, visit the green village of Menites with its small stone bridge and also the Monastery of Panahrantou, where they talk to the Abbot and admire the incredible view.

45 min

Andros (Part 2)

Eutychis and Electra go to the west of the island with the village of Stenies and the holy monastery of Agia Marina which looks like an impregnable fortress. They hike across the Achla River to see a stone arched bridge that will momentarily make them feel like they are on Epirus. After a short walk, alongside the water of the river, they face the impressive waterfalls at Gerolimni Achla. They drive inland of the island, passing through impressive landscapes with picturesque settlements, while at Kypri beach they meet windsurfing champions who do one of the most impressive and innovative versions of surfing that looks like they are floating above the water. They go for a walk in the picturesque Batsi in the daylight but also at night which is even more picturesque. They continue, admiring the western coast of Andros which also has the oldest settlements of the island. They visit the picturesque Korthi in the south and explore the beach "Tis grias to pidima".

45 min

Kythira (Part 1)

In the first part, the happy travelers disembark at Diakofti and are impressed by the incredibly green waters that challenge them for a swim. Soon after, they visit a cave and climb Agia Moni to see the view from above. They explore the picturesque country with its narrow streets, welcoming residents, traditional shops and the iconic castle. They see the bridge of Katunio and go to the west side of the island where the green village of Mylopotamos is located with the impressive waterfall and the historical cave of Agia Sophia. They then descend to the fantastic beach of Limniona from where they start hiking to reach the famous green lake. Our travelers still have a lot to see on the island of Kythira, which is why their journey will continue in the next episode.

45 min

Kythira (Part 2)

In this episode, happy travelers will wander around Kapsali with its picturesque harbor, taverns and imposing lighthouse. They will visit Agia Pelagia, Avlemonas and the southeast coast of the island. Then, with special equipment, they will go down the impressive Paleochora gorge to end up at one of the top beaches of the island. They will discover the cave of Agia Sophia, located in Kalamos and will hear from a local the story about the village of "Kalokairines", which became a novel. Fantastic seas, amazing people, great food and breathtaking scenery! This is Kythera through the eyes of Happy Traveller.

45 min

Smolikas (Part 1)

This Saturday Happy Traveler takes us to the second highest mountain in Greece in an episode full of adventure, beautiful natural landscapes and traditional mountain villages. We will start by driving to the Northwest side of Smolika to the historical village of Samarina where we will see traditional customs and taste local flavors. Then we will head to the South side of Smolika, to the village of Pades where we will have a traditional feast. We will explore the impressive Drakolimni of Smolika and then, we will climb even higher, to the top of the second highest mountain in Greece.

45 min

Smolikas (Part 2)

SKAI's happy travelers wrap up season 7 with what they do best... travel... lots of travel. Impressive locations, spectacular images, exciting adventures and life experiences. In the first part of the episode, Eutychis continues his exploration in Smolikas, in beautiful mountain villages of the region, such as Palioseli, Distrato, Armata, Smixis and Perivoli. He enjoys the impressive natural landscape of Pindos and returns to the studio for the year in review. We remember all the places the show visited this year and we see how our travelers hopefully reached 90 countries and having now passed through all the prefectures of Greece. We see the top 10 things they did and finally we will get a taste of the new destinations we will see on Happy Traveler in the coming season: India, Vietnam, Peru, Seychelles and many other places in Greece and abroad!

45 min