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adventure travel

The Best of Greece (And Beyond!)

Greece has become a huge part of my life. I really enjoy sharing it with my groups. I have spent months walking its foot paths, exploring every village I end up in and getting to know the people living there. This has become my home! I have guided now a dozen treks and paddling tours throughout Greece. I am going to show you what I believe are some of the best parts and some of the most beautiful scenery around. My roots run deep since my Grandparents and Mother were born and raised there and lived there, for a great portion of their lives. I feel to really appreciate and see Greece, the best way is not by sitting in a large tour bus looking out the windows and getting off and on from time to time, but to walk the amazing streets and footpaths and paddling its beautiful coastline. I have spent my time trekking from one village to the next, viewing the true Greece.

Our trips explore some of my very favorite places.

We offer a variety of trips throughout the fall and early winter season… some designed specifically for families. Please inquire about our dates and pricing.

Upcoming Adventures

2025 Mountains of Greece and Pilates Retreat

May 5 – 13, 2025

2025 Skopelos Adventure Paddle

May 14 – 21, 2025

2025 Skopelos to Pelion: Mama Mia Tour

May 23-20, 2025

2025 Stefanie Woods: The Best of the Dolomites: Hiking & Groumet

September 7-13, 2025

2025 Sardinia Discovery Tour

September 13-19, 2025

2025 Skopelos Adventure Paddle

September 22-29, 2025

2026 Stefanie Woods: The Best of the Dolomites: Hiking & Groumet

September 15-21, 2026

2026 Sardinia Discovery Tour

September 21-28 2026

Explore the Majestic Mountains of the Gorillas

October 10-15, 2026

The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page - Africa Safari with Stefanie Woods

October 1-10, 2026

Our trip to Greece was nothing short of amazing!  My husband and I both love to travel in smaller groups and try to avoid large tour bus gatherings.

On Kefalonia, a small island, our hilltop hotel had beautiful views of the Ionian Sea.  Each day after a scrumptious breakfast, we would paddle the various coast lines, through sea caves, and stopping at deserted beaches for swimming and lunch breaks.

Our favorite part of the trip was the hiking!  Trekking from village to village is an experience we will never forget!  We had a fabulous guide every day who shared his historical knowledge of the area and was very patient with all!

Just as important to us was the lasting friendships and memories we made.  Our nightly dinners were so fun and entertaining!  We will never forget this experience and honestly want to visit again, with Steph, of course!!

Keith & Mary Clark

Our trip with Stef Woods of Backwoods Adventures to Greece was top notch! The trekking trip combined hiking, sightseeing, and cultural experiences. We had superb lodging and when we moved, all transfers were on time and well organized. Planned meals were wonderful and often a cultural experience. 

The trekking was my most enjoyable part of the trip, which were well planned and beautiful We hiked in four unique and beautiful parts of Crete and in the northern Greece.

The absolute highlight of the trip was hiking in northern Greece (Pindus Mountains). The gorges and villages we hiked to or stayed in were spectacular.

We have done 4 trips with Backwoods Adventures and hope to travel with them on our next adventure vacation. If you are looking for a small group trip that is one of a kind and has an intimate feel, we would wholeheartedly recommend you contact Stef.

Ron & Mary Tucker

The trip to Greece with Stef Woods took us to the places less traveled, the places that capture the true Greece. We were also able to see the sights of Athens and then escaped to a fabulous island retreat, kayaking the beauty of the Ionian coast. Then we embarked on an adventure in the largely undiscovered mountains of northern Greece, hiking among lovely mountain villages, experiencing the hospitality of the local people.
We absolutely loved this trip and highly recommend it as the most authentic Greek adventure you will ever find!

Linda Owen

We absolutely loved the trip – great mix between kayaking and trekking. Great adventures! Loved trekking from village to village and staying in local inns where often greek families are taking care of you. As long as you have good boots and hiking poles you are good to go. Not too difficult but some long days. Gorgeous scenery, of course.

Kelly

I just returned from another fabulous trip with Stef and Backwoods Adventures. Like me, most of Stef’s clients are repeat clients – many for several trips – and for my money, there is no higher compliment than that. Stef’s organization, calm, sense of fun, and her true desire to share some of her favorite, unspoiled places is what keeps us coming back. Exploring, and engaging in, new places that expand your perspective, and doing so with a guide you know and trust, is the best way to travel.

Anne Veige

I recently went on a trip of a lifetime with Stef Woods and Backwoods Adventures to Argentina and Antarctica. For Antarctica, Atlas Ocean Voyages was our “home” away from home for 9 days and we were treated with kindness and respect each and every day of the cruise. The raw, pristine  beauty of Antarctica definitely leaves a lasting impression. Stef also arranged a side trip for our group to Iguazu Falls (a gigantic waterfall system on the border of Argentina and Brazil), where we also had lovely accommodations and service.  Stef also arranged once-in-a-lifetime excursions that were definitely out-of-the-ordinary and wicked fun – kayaking in Antarctica and a jet boat ride that took us up-close and personal to Iguazu Falls. The overall vibe of the trip and the people we traveled with was very positive, fun, educational, adventuresome, relaxing, engaging, and simply . . . wonderful. This experience with Backwoods Adventures is tenderly and fondly imprinted on my heart, never to be forgotten. I look forward to traveling with Stef again!

Julie McCabe

Our first trip was a two-week kayaking adventure in 2017. We had never done a group tour and the idea frightened me! We have just completed our fourth – maybe fifth? – trip with you and I now can’t imagine doing this with anyone else! We have been to mainland Greece, Mexico, Crete and Antarctica with you. When we travel with you, we see the real place. The hidden gems (I’m not telling!), the authentic food, the sweetest accommodations, and the local guides who are always so very gracious, proud of their homeland and so intent on making sure our every need and wish is met, and that we have the best time. The pace is perfect, and you always bend over backwards to accommodate the physical limitations of any in the group who need it. Your knowledge of local culture and customs, of the trails we hike, of weather conditions and potential transportation challenges, and just everything, is proof of how well-vetted your trips are. Your kindness, and respect for the people, the customs and the land we are so fortunate to be sharing, is inspiring as well.

Gayle & Randy Stauffer

 

We have been lucky to have experienced multiple adventures with Backwoods Adventures, led by the amazing Stefanie Woods. From the mountains of Greece, to kayaking the Ionian Sea, the many villages of Crete, and the healing waters of the Aegean, every day was nothing short of extraordinary. The adventure itself was thrilling, set amidst the amazing nature and beauty of wonderful Greece.

You are in great hands with Stef. She is of Greek heritage and considers Greece her other home. She is extremely knowledgeable of the country, its customs, the trails, the waters, and is committed to everyone having a trip of a lifetime. She takes a personal interest in all guests on the trip and is a ton of fun.

The wonderful food is always a highlight. After a busy day of trekking or kayaking, you are provided with a traditional Greek feast.

Each group we have traveled with has bonded in a special way. They will become your friends when you are home, sharing the love of exercise in the outdoors, travel and fun. If you are looking for an adventure vacation, unsurpassed beauty and exceptional service, Stef and Backwoods Adventures will provide that unique and unforgettable journey for you.

Joni and John Stright

As I reflect back on a variety of travels over my lifetime, some packaged tours but mostly self directed, I can honestly say that never have I experienced such level of professionalism and execution of details all focused around providing the greatest overall experience.

Bravo Backwoods Adventures! From Greece to Antartica (& 2 big trips to Europe & Africa already scheduled the next 18 months), Stefanie takes you off the beaten path while not compromising on first class accommodations; active excursions and incredible culinary experiences. It is fair to say that traveling with Backwoods Adventures will change your life and you will meet some of the best people doing it.

Lolo Nelson