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How to Explore the Centaur Path in Pelion, Greece

If you are visiting the Pelion peninsula in Greece, make a stop in Portaria for an unforgettable journey along the Centaur Path, where ancient myth and stunning scenery offer a truly unique adventure. Lace up your hiking boots, let your imagination run wild with legends of the centaurs, and embark on an exploration of Pelion’s enchanting Centaur Path. In this post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about this lovely activity!

The Pelion peninsula

Papa Nero Beach , The Pelion peninsula in Greece

Pelion is a peninsula on mainland Greece in the province of Thessaly. It is mainly known for “Mount Pelion”, an important landmark in Greece . The mountain was, according to Greek mythology, the home of the centaurs.

The most famous one of these half-man half-horse gods was Chiron, who mentored Jason, famous for the story about Jason and the Argonauts in which Jason puts together an all-star team of gods to retrieve the Golden Fleece from a never-sleeping dragon and bulls with breaths of fire.

The story goes that the boat was built with wood from the Pelion mountains. They were able to retrieve the Golden Fleece and many years later Jason and his wife gave birth to a son, Thessalos, who gave his name to the local population, Thessalians.

While there are many things to do in Pelion, like visiting the gorgeous Pelion beaches of Fakistra and Mylopotamos , exploring cute villages like Damouchari , or indulging in delicious vegan Greek cuisine , the Centaur path is one of the only places in the region that has a clear link to the mythology of the centaurs.

In this post, I’ll explain how to reach the centaur path, what to expect, and where to stay and eat nearby. 

The Centaur Path

The Centaur Path in picturesque Pelion is a beautiful walk that immerses you in the region’s rich mythology and stunning natural beauty. Nestled in the heart of the Pelion peninsula in the town of Portaria, this lovely trail winds through lush forests, and tranquil meadows, and offers glimpses of the azure Aegean Sea.

There is a parking space at the start of the trail. If you feel like having a drink or a small bite before embarking on your walk, there’s also a lovely coffee shop at the start of the trail called Nephèle Treats & Tales . The outdoor terrace is a great place to have coffee with cake.

The Centaur Path hike

The Centaur Path itself is a moderately challenging hike. There are various options to walk the trails. An easy option is to climb to the top of the trail that follows the bed of a river stream. This walk only takes around 40 minutes and you can come down again following the same trail. 

It will take you past small waterfalls and over the stream by wooden bridges which are all well maintained and in good condition. 

Another option is to make a round trip. This can be done by taking a combination of cobbled alleys and paved roads. The best way to see the trails and roads that you can take is by using the app Maps.me. 

From the top, where you can find a fountain, turn left and follow the roads and pathways that lead back to the center of Portaria. 

How to get to Portaria

Getting to the charming village of Portaria in Pelion is an adventure in itself. There are multiple transportation options to choose from to reach this cute village.

• By Bus: For an authentic Greek experience, consider taking a bus to Portaria. Regular bus services connect the village to the nearby city of Volos, providing a scenic journey through the Pelion region. Do note that taking a bus in Pelion is not convenient. There are few bus stops and bus hours are irregular.
• By Train: Although there is no direct train service to Portaria, you can take a train to Volos, which is well-connected to major Greek cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. Once in Volos, you can proceed to Portaria by bus or taxi.
• By Taxi: Taxis are readily available in Volos, and they offer a convenient and comfortable option for reaching Portaria. The journey is relatively short (around 12 kilometers) and provides the flexibility to stop and enjoy the breathtaking views along the route.
• Renting a Car: If you prefer independence and want to explore Pelion at your own pace, renting a car is the best choice. There are car rental agencies in Volos, and having a car allows you to visit not only Portaria but also other charming villages and attractions in the region.

While not the most eco-friendly option, renting a car is by far the best choice for exploring the Pelion peninsula as a whole. Buses don’t cover hidden locations and taking a taxi everywhere is very costly. 

Before renting a car, do note that the roads in Pelion can be very steep with ravines and hairpin turns at every corner. Driving here is not for the faint-hearted!

Where to stay in Portaria

Portaria is a cute town and it is worth it to spend a night or two here to explore the area. The Centaur Path is the main attraction in the village but there is also a wonderful farm nearby, Karaikos Farm, where you can take a great cooking class with local ingredients . 

Karaikos farm itself is a great place to stay but note that it is located a little outside the center of Portaria. If you want to stay in the center of Portaria, consider staying at a traditional guesthouse like Archontiko di Marios or Archontiko Naoumidi .

Rather looking for a holiday house in Pelion? Check out my guide with 10 authentic villas in Pelion !

Where to eat in Portaria

Portaria is small but here are some great gems to be found when it comes to good food and great drinks!

• Nephèle Treats & Tales: for coffee, cakes, and outdoor seating.
• Me Mostra: for traditional Greek food
• Lagini Rock Café: for drinks and late-night rock music

The Centaur path: Final thoughts

There you go! I hope you enjoyed this post about the Centaur Path in Pelion. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page . 

Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!

Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Fancy more Greece travel advice?

• Is Thessaloniki Worth Visiting? An Easy Guide for 2023!
• Vegan Hotels Greece: 9 Best Places For Your Next Trip!
• Vegan Thessaloniki: A Full Guide on How to Travel Easily as a Vegan in Thessaloniki
• October 20, 2023

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Thank you Gary (our driver) for getting the Brownies…

Thank you Gary for getting the Brownies to /from PGL for our adventure weekend away - you were really helpful and cheerful, despite the heat and the traffic problems going. Look forward to using Centaur again in the future for other Brownie adventures!

Date of experience : 10 May 2024

Architectural Tour London

This year our architect tour went to London city. our last day was a challenge related to our return flight and also a number of projects outside the city that we wanted to see. therefore we rented a bus with driver via Centaur. Top arranged. The driver (Gheorge) was on time, very nice and drove us safely past all the projects and on time at the airport for check-in. I can recommended it to everyone.

Date of experience : 18 September 2022

Reply from Centaur Travel

Thank you for your kind review and we're delighted to hear that you had a successful trip. Hope to see you again soon.

I booked a minibus through Centaur…

I booked a minibus through Centaur Travel for a family birthday trip to a venue in London. The service was brilliant as was our driver Jonathan who was great. I would definitely recommend this company and would use their services again in the future.

Date of experience : 03 February 2024

Dear Catherine, thank you for your great feedback, which we will pass on to Jonathan and the sales team. We hope to see you again in the future.

A great experience with Centaur Travel

We decided to book with Centaur Travel for a ladies group trip from Gravesend to Eastbourne. We booked the Coach with 57 seats. It was clean, comfortable, and fully air-conditioned. Really happy we chose this coach service. Most importantly, we just want to say a huge thank you to our lovely driver Kenneth! He was an absolute gentleman. Very professional, polite, and approachable which made communication stress-free. He was very kind and accommodating towards our needs – his patience was greatly appreciated. We highly commend him, and Centaur – we will be booking again for future trips! - Kez & Amninder

Date of experience : 25 June 2023

Hi Amninder, thank you for taking the time to send us your fantastic feedback. We are glad you enjoyed your trip and will pass your kind comments on to Kenneth.

Corporate booking for 35 people - great experience This was a business booking for a group…

This was a business booking for a group of 35 people. Centaur gave a quick response to the initial enquiry, their pricing was very competitive and they answered any specific questions clearly. Once booked, Centaur confirmed timings etc in the run up to the event so I was confident all would happen on time. Our driver Gary was excellent; friendly, professional and the journey was smooth and comfortable -even on winding country roads. I would happily recommend Centaur Travel

Date of experience : 23 November 2023

Highly recommend!

We used Centaur Travel during a Rays of Sunshine Wish Day where we needed transport for four families around central London. Our drivers were so helpful from the moment they arrived and even helped us decorate the mini buses! They helped us get everyone on board and moved and transported the wheelchairs for us. They had to navigate unexpected road closures on Piccadilly and we still arrived everywhere on time and with minimal stress. We couldn't recommend their services more!

Date of experience : 12 March 2023

Hi Beth, thanks so much for your kind feedback, and we're delighted you had such an enjoyable trip with us. We hope to see you again soon.

Splendid experience with Centaur Travel

All of our coach drivers over the last two days have been fantastic. They were extremely professional, on time and a big help with quickly getting the children on the coach earlier than planned when the weather turned on us. Excellent dealings with the office team also. A big thank you from all at Haberdashers' Hatcham Primary!

Date of experience : 12 July 2023

Thank you for your fantastic feedback, which we will share with everyone involved in your trip. We hope to see you onboard again soon.

Never again

Unfortunately, I will never be using this service again due to the horrible experience I had this morning. The coach was supposed to arrive at London Bridge Station at 8:30. I ended up arriving at "London Bridge" near monument which is not at all what I was advised on the phone. This is also not clear on the timetable on the website. Also, I arrived at 9:20 which is 40 minutes late. It was my first day at my new job and somehow by a miracle I was not late. I had to run around different tube stations instead of the journey I had initially planned. Plus I had no idea where I was. I am so disappointed and thank God this was a free trial. This was the worst morning I've had in a really long time. On top of this, for some reason it smelled like urine. I was already worried about the coach due to buses always being late but this was another level. I will never again use the service. I am an understanding person and I completely get traffic however, I have no idea how this service works with commuters that need to go in every day. Are you just dropping everyone in late? Not okay.

Date of experience : 30 October 2023

First class service!

We recently used Centaur for a theatre trip in to London. The theatre isn't easily accessible by coach but our driver Glen got us as close as possible, avoiding crossing any roads with our school group, and gave great clear directions to get to the venue. When the show ran later than advertised, Glen was very understanding and made no complaints at all despite being very overdue, giving us regular updates on our new return time which we could communicate to parents. First class professionalism on his part! Carla in the office is always very prompt and friendly with all of her communications, and Centaur were able to price match which offered great value for money. Would highly recommend!

Date of experience : 18 May 2023

Thank you for your fantastic review, and we're so glad you had a great trip with us. We will be sure to pass on your feedback to Glen and Carla, and we hope to see your group onboard again soon.

Excellent experience

This was the first time that I made a booking for a van hire. The customer service was helpful and explained everything clearly and concisely. On the day, we were allocated a driver called Maurice who was exceptional. He was on time, polite and drove us safely there and back and accommodated our needs. He was an excellent representative of your organisation and because of this you are guaranteed our custom again

Date of experience : 11 June 2023

Thank you for your amazing feedback which we will pass on to Maurice and the rest of the team.

Please can you thank all your team

Please can you thank all your team, and particularly the drivers, for accommodating us so well. Everyone we have liaised with has been so helpful and kind, your team has really helped us out over a very stressful period.

Date of experience : 02 May 2023

Thank you so much for your kind feedback, and we hope the event was successful despite the stress! We will pass on your feedback to all staff involved.

Accommodating suitcases - no problem …

Visiting friends and I took the Centaur coach home from London to Kent on the day of a recent train strike. Our out-of-town guests had lots of suitcases and Centaur were excellent in replying to my email about it and accommodating them on the day. They notified the driver in advance that they had suitcases and all went off without a hitch. Great service. Thank you so much.

Date of experience : 05 October 2022

Thank you for your really nice feedback Trish. We're glad you enjoyed the trip with us and hope to see you onboard again soon.

Reliable service

The buses were well-maintained and the drivers were punctual. We felt very confident with using Centaur for our travel.

Date of experience : 28 June 2023

Exceptional!!! This was our first experience in hiring…

This was our first experience in hiring out a private coach for a family trip to the seaside. Honestly had the best experience. To get a quote was super easy and even making slight amendments were simple. The team were great over the phone and via email. Once the coach did arrive on the day the driver Kiss was not only patient with us (very loud excitable children were on board) but also went above and beyond. Thank you so much Kiss, I hope you get to read this. Overall, highly recommend this company. Lastly I got over 5 quotes and they were the cheapest. I will definitely be a returning customer.

Date of experience : 24 August 2022

Hi Mariam, thank you so much for your fantastic review. We're really glad to hear you had a great experience, and we will certainly share your feedback with Kiss. Thank you.

Highly recommend

Very professional service, from start to finish. Highly recommend! We booked for a hen group of 18 and the driver (Michael) was really accommodating, friendly and professional. Big thanks for making our travels stress free.

Date of experience : 01 August 2022

Hi Debbie, thank you for your kind feedback. We're so pleased you enjoyed your trip with us, and we hope to get the opportunity to transport you again in the future.

Amazing Customer Service

Amazing Customer Service My husband had to travel to London for work unexpectedly and we booked him on to a coach on Sunday night. Unfortunately in my hurry I booked him on the wrong coach and we didn't realise you have to book before 6 the day before travel. I emailed explaining what I had done and they emailed back first thing on Monday morning, refunded the money straight away and booked him a 2 day free trial on the right coach. I emailed several times over the week and every time they replied straight away. The Reservations and Customer Service Manager is super efficient and professional and the drivers of the coaches have been friendly and approachable. Highly recommend them for commuting to London, much cheaper than a train and more comfortable and convenient.

Date of experience : 28 August 2020

Great Company

I work for a LondonDMC company. We receive a lot of briefs through which all need quotes that freqently change and need updating. Centaur are always speedy with their replies and are happy to help however they can.

Date of experience : 25 January 2023

All went swimmingly!

Thank you for taking the stress out of what could have been a stressful morning - the driver was lovely and, most importantly, punctual! Thank you Carla for all your help organising this!

Date of experience : 01 October 2022

We hired a coach for a away rugby trip…

We hired a coach for a away rugby trip to Hastings. The game was called off on the day due to weather, the coach did not leave the garage before we informed Centaur. We were offered no refund. We then rebooked with a small discount for the rearranged game. The oppo could not field a side. We this time cancelled on the Thursday evening for the Saturday game. We again lost all our money. We have paid over £1200 and the coach did not leave the garage on either occasion. One being cancelled on the Saturday morning the other on the Thursday night for a Saturday trip. We have paid nearly £1200 for this and not been offered a penny back and now do not get e mails answered either. These things happen when you are a sports club, so if you are a sports team stay well clear, there are many other companies that offer 50% back if your game is cancelled and the coach has not left the garage, or at least answer your mail!! UPDATE: Since writing this I have been contacted by Roland at Centaur- I have to say his mail, the way he has addressed the issues and wanted to look after us in the form of Customer Care has been outstanding- It seems that my efforts before hit the wrong desk and after the e mail I received today Ive changed the score as they could not have done more to put this correct for all parties- Thank you Roland and Centaur - We will love to use you again

Date of experience : 25 November 2023

Poorly treated in the 789A service to Tonbriedge

I took the 789A service from Canary Wharf this evening July 18, 2023. As it was my first time, I was uncertain about how to signal for the bus to stop when returning to Tonbridge. I was supposed to get off at the first stop for Shipbourne Road. I gathered all my belongings, hoping to signal to the driver that I intended to disembark. However, the bus did not stop, and I remained in my spot, hoping that he would stop at the next stop. Unfortunately, he did not. It seemed like there was someone more noticeable than me who correctly signaled, prompting the bus to stop. As I got off, I approached the driver and politely asked, "This is my first time using the bus, and I missed my stop. How should I signal for a stop?" I explained that I was standing but missed two stops. To my disappointment, the driver rudely replied, "You need to tell me; otherwise, I won't know. I have been doing this for 15 years, and I checked the mirror and cameras inside, but you did not come forward or inform me." However, none of the previous passengers shouted; they simply stood, which is what I expected. I I reiterated that I had been standing, but it seemed like my kind of person needed to shout, while those who were more visible did not. I genuinely appreciate the service, but my first experience was far from pleasant, and I felt discriminated against. As the only BAME person on board, I felt invisible and insignificant! It's worth highlighting that to my knowledge, the ticket does not provide any indication that one needs to notify the driver, but there are designated stops where the bus should halt. Instead, I ended up walking back quite a distance. On a positive note, the morning service driver (789A) was helpful and even provided guidance when I mentioned it was my first time. However, the evening driver for the 17:10 service from Canary Wharf behaved poorly and did not value me as a customer. As a first-time user, it was not a great customer experience.

Date of experience : 17 July 2023

Hello Jacobina, we're really sorry to hear about your experience yesterday evening, especially after a positive experience in the morning. We will discuss the issue with the driver and review how we can make the process of alighting coaches clearer for customers. If you would like to discuss this further, please get in touch with our team at [email protected]

Mythology.Guru » Creatures » Europe Creatures » Centaurs From Greek Mythology and Legends +15 Facts

Centaurs From Greek Mythology and Legends +15 Facts

Discover with us the legends of the Centaurs of Greek Mythology . Discover their creation and most popular myths in history.

Table of Contents

Centaurs Of Greek Mythology

Centaurs are half-human and half-horse creatures in Greek mythology . They have the body of a horse and the torso, head and arms of a man. They were considered to be the children of Ixion, king of the Lapiths, and Nephele, a cloud made in the image of Hera . However, according to a different myth, they were all born from the union of a single Centaur with the Magnesian mares.

One of the best known Centaurs is Chiron or Cheiron, a wise Centaur. Although most Centaurs were described as lustful and savage, Chiron was a notable exception; modest and civilized, he was known for his medicinal skills and teaching abilities.

He lived on Mount Pelion in Thessaly and was the tutor of several mythical Greek characters such as Achilles and Aesculapius . He was immortal; however, Heracles accidentally wounded him with an arrow treated with the blood of the monster Hydra, causing him excruciating pain. Then, when Heracles asks his father to release him. Prometheus and Zeus demanded that someone be sacrificed, Chiron volunteered and died, both to free Prometheus and himself from pain.

Centaurs in Greek Mythology

The centaurs of Greek mythology were a particular tribe that were unlike anything else known in history. These creatures were a common subject in the arts, and were generally depicted with the head, torso and arms of a man, with the rest of their body belonging to the equine species.

Centaurs were so popular because they were totally unpredictable and wild. There were the good guys and the bad guys; some of them were often drunk and violent, eating raw meat and drinking too much wine. They were usually followers of the god Dionysus, who always wanted drunken and festive followers and servants. Since they were savages, they lived far from people, creating their own colonies.

Origins of the centaurs

In Greek mythology, the centaurs had a father known by the name of Ixion, who was one of the sons of Ares. Ixion killed his wife’s father, but Zeus took pity on him and forgave his actions after some time. However, to do so, Zeus tried to test him. He created a replica of Hera and sent it to Ixion. Ixion was deceived and tried to seduce the woman. The result of their mating was the monstrous children they called centaurs.

There is another version of the myth about the origins of the centaurs. According to this version, their father was Centaurus, who was not well known among men and gods. It was believed that he was the son of the god Apollo.

Centaur in Greek mythology. There were many Greek writers and historians who mentioned centaurs in their myths. The best known was Pindar, who described this tribe in detail, giving us information about the origins of the Centaurs. Other authors and poets such as Homer referred to similar monsters and creatures , but never used the term Centaur to name them.

The bad reputation of centaurs in Greek myths

Centaurs had a very bad reputation in Greek myths and mythology . They were mostly famous because they were extremely violent towards women and other people . There are numerous myths and stories about centaurs raping women in Greek myths. One of these stories concerns the centaur Nessus who tried to rape the wife of Herakles, Deianeira. However, this woman not only managed to defend herself, but also killed the centaur.

In his last moments, Nessus tried to apologize and gave the women a love drug that she used to seduce her husband. However, Nessus had played with her, as the love drug was a poison and Heracles suffered so much that he decided to throw himself into the flames and die, rather than suffer this agony.

The good centaurs, Cheiron and Pholos

It would be a mistake to think that all centaurs are bad. There were two different, good centaurs who were actually quite famous in Greek mythology and history. The first was Cheiron, a centaur, a scholar who sought harmony in nature, so he learned many things about medicine, art, philosophy and liberal arts. He also learned about disciplines and sciences that were usually irrelevant to centaurs.

Cheiron was mostly known as the tutor of the god Apollo, and as an advisor to many people and deities such as Peleus, whom he advised to marry the goddess Thetis. Although the goddess resisted the wedding at first, she decided to marry Peleus and gave birth to the hero Achilles.

The second known good centaur was Pholos, who was a friend of Heracles. Pholos allowed Heracles to stay with him and gave him a feast. Heracles asked for wine and Pholos opened the jar with the best wine to give him, but the other centaurs smelled it and attacked the cave where the two men were celebrating. The battle was fierce and many centaurs and men were wounded.

One of them was Cheiron, who was so badly wounded that he wished to die, although he was immortal. Prometheus heard Cheiron’s cries and offered to die and give him his immortality. In fact, the centaur died leaving Prometheus with eternal life.

War with King Pirithous

The Centaurs went to war when a part of Thessaly was inherited by the king of the Lapps from his father Ixion. Because they were grandsons of Ixion, the Centaurs believed they were also entitled to the land and fighting broke out before peace was established.

King Pirithous was to be married and, as a token, invited the Centaurs to the wedding feast. They then lived up to their reputation by getting drunk, raping the guests and attempting to kidnap the bride.

This resulted in a battle in which they were all expelled from Thessaly, with the exception of Chiron. He was the only immortal of the Centaurs and was considered to have great grace and wisdom. He was the teacher of Jason and Achilles, as well as Asclepius and Actaeon.

Centaurs in the modern arts

In modern times, centaurs have made a comeback in the arts and literature, especially in the fantasy genre. There are some magical and science fiction stories such as those in Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia, as well as Piers Anthony’s Xanth series that have major characters who are actually centaurs.

Science fiction has also used the characters ; Titan, Wizard, Demon series by John Varley, Wellworld series by Jack Chalker, Knight Moves by Walter Jon William and The Journal Entries series by Elf Sternberg feature some very important centaurs as protagonists.

Famous myths

The creation of the centaurs, as mentioned above, is one of the most popular stories about them. It has been related by several Greek and Roman scholars, among them Pindar and Cicero.

The centaurs’ strange lineage eventually led to their involvement in another popular story: the battle of the Lapps. Despite their wild habits, they were invited to attend the wedding of their half-brother, Pirithous, who was another son of Ixion and the new king of Lapiths.

At this wedding, the rustic creatures tasted a wine much richer than the poor drinks they prepared in their caves. They quickly became intoxicated, and decided to take some of the elegant women of Lapiths (who were, again, much finer than anything they had seen before) back to their caves. They even tried to kidnap Pirithous’ bride! Naturally, a fight broke out.

The strident centaurs used everything they could find as weapons, from heavy rocks to displays of decorative horns. However, the Lapp men had fine armor and weapons made of silver and gold. They eventually won the battle, killing many of the centaurs.

Another important myth concerns Chiron who, not being related to Ixion, did not appear in the battle of the Lapps. Chiron was a noble and immortal creature. However, after training dozens of heroes, he met a painful death. One of his beloved pupils, Heracles, had brought a new weapon for Chiron to examine: a spear poisoned by the blood of Medusa.

The spear accidentally struck Chiron in the helmet, and he was immediately stricken with pain from the poison. As an immortal, he could not die, although he was in horrible pain, so he had to come up with a creative way out of the world. He offered his life to Zeus, but in return, he asked the king of the gods to allow Herakles to free Prometheus. This sacrifice was accepted, and Chiron passed into the stars as a constellation.

Centaurs have stood the test of time, proving to be one of Greece’s most inspiring inventions. They continue to haunt the forests of today’s fantasy novels.

In JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, a tribe of centaurs lived in the Forbidden Forest, just outside the magical school of Hogwarts. Rowling’s creatures were highly territorial and protective of their home. They carried heavy spears, which they used to chase away anyone who entered their forest. They were also gifted oracles, able to read the future in the stars.

In CS Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia , the Centaurs appeared as wise prophets and brilliant military strategists. With a glance at the stars, they could predict the outcome of a battle and make necessary adjustments. Some of them were also trained in the art of healing.

In the Disney movie Fantasia Centaurs can be seen helping the god Dionysus make (and drink) wine by the barrel.

why is the centaur Chiron among the stars?

Once he was accidentally wounded by Heracles, he lived in great constant pain and, as an immortal, could not die a natural death. The only release from an eternity of pain was to exchange his immortality for the mortality of Prometheus. For this Zeus placed him in the stars becoming part of the constellation Sagittarius.

Constellation of Sagittarius

In Greek mythology, Sagittarius is usually identified as a centaur: half human, half horse. However, perhaps due to the Greeks’ adoption of the Sumerian constellation, there is some confusion surrounding the identity of the archer. Some identify Sagittarius as the centaur Chiron, the son of Philira and Cronus, who is said to have turned into a horse to escape his jealous wife, Rhea, and tutor of Jason.

Since there are two centaurs in the sky, some identify Chiron with the other constellation, known as Centaurus O, as an alternative tradition, that Chiron devised the constellations Sagittarius and Centaurus to help guide the Argonauts in their quest for the Golden Fleece.

A competing mythological tradition, such as that of Eratosthenes, identified the Archer not as a centaur, but as the satyr Crotus, son of Pan, to whom the Greeks attribute the invention of archery. According to the myth, Crotus often went hunting on horseback and lived among the Muses, who asked him to place him in heaven, where he was seen demonstrating archery.

The arrow of this constellation points to the star Antares, the “heart of the scorpion,” and Sagittarius is ready to strike if Scorpius attacks nearby Hercules, or to avenge Scorpius’ death of Orion.

Redemption from savagery

Some scholars think that the Centaur represents a conflict in human nature. Being half human and half animal, the Centaurs were unable to realize their humanity, causing their nature to become increasingly bestial and savage and, in effect, to be caught between two worlds. The fact that even a few like Chiron manage to overcome this condition suggests that they were ultimately able to redeem themselves from savagery.

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Frank Armitage’s Former SoCal House in Photos

The late disney imagineer’s onetime ojai retreat just hit the market for the first time, asking $3 million., wendy bowman, wendy bowman's most recent stories, oscar de la hoya is seeking $20 million for his all-new nevada mansion, a famed disney imagineer’s former socal retreat can be yours for $3 million, billy baldwin and chynna phillips’s california home just hit the market for $3.8 million.

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The living room.

A centaur mural Frank Armitage created for his former partner is included in the sale.

The living room features a wood-burning fireplace and glass doors leading outside.

The wood-burning fireplace is encased in stones.

An expansive deck rests just outside the living room.

The kitchen.

The dining area.

A window-lined family room is currently being used as an art studio.

An office space.

A primary bedroom on the main level.

A primary bathroom.

An additional primary bedroom can be found on the lower level.

The primary bedroom on the lower level has its own entrance.

An exterior view of the house.

One of two cottages on the property was built with local river rock.

Another cottage with a full bath and kitchen has served as a music studio.

A private lane leads to the home.

Picturesque vignettes can be found throughout the premises.

A lounging spot.

The land is filled with hiking trails.

Views include the Ojai Valley and Topatopa Mountains.

The floor plan.

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Should I Use a Travel Agent? Our Travel Expert Says It Makes All the Difference.

The new age of travel agents know how to find deals, book off-the-beaten path adventures, and get you out of any jam. Especially if you know who to use.

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I’ve always thought that planning my own trips was the most cost-effective way, but I’ve been hearing more about travel agents making a comeback and saving their clients a lot of money. What kinds of outdoor trips should I turn to a travel agent for, and are there any who specialize in working with adventurers like me?

Technically, I’m a professional traveler. As a journalist, it’s my job to research and connect with locals to get beneath the surface of a destination. So I have never really used travel agents. What could they plan better than I could?

A lot, it turns out. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know many travel specialists, and I consider them magicians. My big aha moment happened two winters ago on a trip to Iceland . A massive storm shut down internal flights for a day, causing me to miss my return flight to the U.S. Normally, I would have spent frustrating hours on hold with the airline. But because I’d paid $65 to have Ana Gloria Garcia, an air-support specialist at the travel agency EmbarkBeyond, find and book the most affordable and convenient flight option for me, she handled the rebookings while I soaked in the Blue Lagoon.

During the pandemic, agents became advocates helping travelers get refunds on canceled flights and trips. As travel has come roaring back, an agent’s superpower is now their access to the best hotel rooms, most in-the-know guides, free amenities, and more, says Cory Hagopian, senior vice president of sales and partnerships for Virtuoso , a global network of travel agencies.

And they’re attracting a young clientele. According to a recent industry survey , 38 percent of millennials and Gen Zers are opting to use travel agents as opposed to booking on their own trips. That number is far greater than Gen Xers and baby boomers, of whom only 12 and 2 percent respectively use agents.

What Do I Gain from Using a Travel Agent?

I recently had a friend tell me she spent close to 40 hours researching a family trip online. She probably could have gleaned the same intel from an hourlong conversation with a travel adviser. Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks for things you might not have considered, says Erika Richter, a spokesperson for the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Their firsthand knowledge, vast network, and on-the-ground connections all combine to provide a unique perspective for crafting the perfect itinerary for you.

Most travel advisers specialize in certain regions and countries and travel to them frequently, so they have up-to-date intel on not only the best safari camps but the perfect tent to book for the most incredible views and the best local restaurants you won’t find on Tripadvisor. They want their client’s trips to go well to keep them coming back, so it’s in their interest to have sussed out hotels and itineraries before they send you out into the world.

Nicole Forster, 29, considers herself a savvy traveler. She’s been to 20-plus countries and enjoys destination research. But when it came to planning her honeymoon in Africa, she felt overwhelmed, so she reached out to Danielle Meyer at Coastline Travel Advisors , which specializes in bespoke itineraries. “Originally, I wanted to go to South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Madagascar,” Forster recalls. “Danielle convinced me that if we wanted to relax, we should stay in South Africa and save the other countries for separate trips.”

Over five phone conversations and multiple emails, they crafted a 15-night itinerary that included Cape Town, the winelands, the Cape Peninsula, and a safari at the Thornybush Game Reserve. Forster established her budget early in the process, and Meyer sent her a variety of lodge options to choose from.

“I initially wanted to start with the safari, but she pointed out that we’d be jet-lagged and would need to wake at sunrise for game drives,” says Forster. “The safari was our highlight, so it was a perfect way to end the trip.”

Not only did Meyer book all of the flights, hotels, and transfers, but she created a detailed, day-by-day trip app for the couple that included useful information like check-in times at hotels and how much to tip guides .

Agents also act as advocates. If something goes wrong during your travels, they’re on call 24/7 to handle it. When Forster left the battery and charger for her camera at a hotel, Meyer arranged for an on-the-ground contact to go to a camera store and buy new ones that would be delivered to her hotel the next day.

The cost for the honeymoon planning: $150 per person. “I wouldn’t use a planner for a trip to Hawaii ,” Forster says, “but if I ever took a big trip like this again, I’d 100 percent work with an expert.”  

When to Consider Using a Travel Agent

For savvy trip planners, the best time to use a travel agent is for complicated international travel. It can save you hours of planning and peace of mind that if anything goes wrong in your chosen far-flung destination, there’s someone a What’sApp message away to handle it.

Domestically, I’d consider using a travel agent when planning a multi-week national park trip or multi-island trip in Hawaii. They will save you time, guarantee you get the best guides, and help you land reservations at always-booked lodges and hotels.

Dream Trips Delivered

Jessica Cook and her husband both work in the travel industry. Decision fatigued, they handed their honeymoon logistics over to the team at Askari Travel , an agency that specializes in South Africa. Their original plan was also an African safari, but just as they were about to put a deposit down, the Omicron variant of the coronavirus made headlines. Worried about getting stuck abroad, they reached out to Askari’s founder, Muriel Truter, who is from Zimbabwe, and upon her advice, changed their focus to South America.

Knowledge is priceless, and advisers act as your insiders. They know what you don’t and fill in the blanks of things you might not even have considered.

Truter suggested they stick to Colombia rather than country-hop. Cook supplied a budget and a wish list: 12 days, no more than three destinations, a barefoot-luxe feel, and adventures like horseback riding and mountain biking. The rest was a surprise that Askari pretty much nailed, with the exception of one hotel.

“Everything felt so authentic, but this one hotel on Barú island felt really fabricated and was full of American tourists,” recalls Cook. She immediately messaged the Askari team, saying, “Hey, this place really isn’t our vibe,” and within an hour they were on a water taxi headed to Blue Apple, a B Corp hotel—and an Outside pick for tropical adventures —on Tierra Bomba island. “It was honestly the best trip we’ve ever taken,” she says.

Are Travel Agents Expensive?

It depends. Cost varies. Some travel agencies won’t charge any fee, as they receive a commission from the bookings, while some high-end agencies will charge pricey annual membership fees for their services. Still others charge nominal “professional” fees starting at $150. Fees often fluctuate based on the length and intricacy of a trip and how far out you do the planning (6 to 12 months is recommended). You may occasionally come across agents who charge a percentage of the total trip price or hourly rates.

Basic travel enquiries are generally free. In 2016, Leah Smith, founder of Tafari Travel , opened an old-school brick-and-mortar location in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood so her services would feel less intimidating to first-time users. “With our retail-office location, we’ve become part of the community, and both clients and non-clients are welcome to pop in and ask whatever questions they may have, no charge,” she says.

Matt Lindsay, founder of the surf-guiding and travel company LuxSurf Travel , builds relationships with resorts and property owners to get discounted rates that he can then pass on to guests.

Dominic Allan, the founder of Real Latin America , specializes in travel to Belize and Nicaragua and caters to independent travelers who are happy to book their own flights and hotels but are seeking his local intel. Allan’s three-tier pricing structure starts at $300 for up to three hours of phone calls, during which he might weigh in on where to eat (or not to), the best room to request in a certain lodge, or whether you really need a guide to hike.

Value Versus Savings

If you’re just looking for deals and steals, you might not be ready to work with a travel adviser, says Richter of the ASTA. “Anything you invest in with a travel adviser comes back to you in the form of amenities, customer service, peace of mind, better access to unique experiences, and handcrafted itineraries,” she says. “You could save money by cutting your own hair, too, but most people go to someone who knows what they’re doing.”

Agents work with preferred partners who can guarantee perks for clients, such as free upgrades, early check-in or late check-out, and resort credits. Those add-ons often translate into savings, says Justin Huxter, cofounder of the UK-based Cartology Travel . “We had a client go to Maui for a week, and because of our partnership with the resort, breakfast was included,” he says. When breakfast costs $120 for two, that’s a savings of $840.”

Some of the Best Travel Agents in the Adventure World

Some of my go-to resources for finding a person to work with include travel expert Wendy Perrin’s annual Wow List of tried and trusted agents, the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s adviser network , and the ASTA’s advisor directory .

In addition to the agents mentioned throughout this story, others I highly recommend for adventurous travelers include:

• Dan Achber of Trufflepig , for Africa and the Middle East
• Miguel Cunant of Sri Lanka in Style
• Javier Echecopar of Journey Costa Rica
• Daniel Fraser of Smiling Albino , for Southeast Asia
• Elizabeth Gordon of Extraordinary Journeys , for Africa
• Kleon Howe of the Art of Travel , for French Polynesia
• Jay Johnson of Coastline Travel , for Hawaii and California
• Antonello Losito of Southern Visions Travel , for Puglia, Italy
• Rabia Malik of Fora Travel , for general worldwide travel
• Robyn Mark of Mayamaya Travel , for Africa, the Alps, Patagonia, and Japan
• Marisol Mosquera of Aracari , for Peru and Bolivia
• Zach Rabinor of Journey Mexico
• Raluca Spiac of Beyond Dracula , for Romania

Travel-advice columnist Jen Murphy is now a believer in using a travel agent. Thanks to their expertise and connections, she’s avoided dozens of trip catastrophes. 

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The 2025 Real ID deadline for new licenses is really real this time, DHS says

If you plan on flying around the country in 2025 and beyond, you might want to listen up.

You have about 365 days to make your state-issued driver’s license or identification “Real ID” compliant, per the Department of Homeland Security.  

The Real ID compliance is part of a larger act passed by Congress in 2005 to set “minimum security standards” for the distribution of identification materials, including driver’s licenses. This means that certain federal agencies, like the Transportation Security Administration or DHS, won’t be able to accept state-issued forms of identification without the Real ID seal.

It's taken a while for the compliance to stick, with DHS originally giving a 2020 deadline before pushing it back a year, then another two years and another two years after that due to “backlogged transactions” at MVD offices nationwide, according to previous USA TODAY reports.

You won’t be able to board federally regulated commercial aircraft, enter nuclear power plants, or access certain facilities if your identification documents aren’t Real ID compliant by May 7, 2025. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here’s what we know about Real IDs, including where to get one and why you should think about getting one.

Do I have to get a Real ID?

Not necessarily. 

If you have another form of identification that TSA accepts, there probably isn’t an immediate reason to obtain one, at least for travel purposes. But if you don’t have another form of identification and would like to travel around the country in the near future, you should try to obtain one. 

Here are all the other TSA-approved forms of identification:

◾ State-issued Enhanced Driver’s License

◾ U.S. passport

◾ U.S. passport card

◾ DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST)

◾ U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents

◾ Permanent resident card

◾ Border crossing card

◾ An acceptable photo ID issued by a  federally recognized , Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe

◾ HSPD-12 PIV card

◾ Foreign government-issued passport

◾ Canadian provincial driver's license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card

◾ Transportation worker identification credential

◾ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766)

◾ U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential

◾ Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

However, federal agencies “may only accept” state-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards that are Real ID compliant if you are trying to gain access to a federal facility. That includes TSA security checkpoints.

Enhanced driver’s licenses, only issued by Washington, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, and Vermont, are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards, according to DHS. 

What can I use my Real ID for?

For most people, it's all about boarding flights.

You can only use your Real ID card to obtain access to "nuclear power plants, access certain facilities, or board federally regulated commercial aircrafts," according to DHS.

The cards can't be used to travel across any border, whether that's Canada, Mexico, or any other international destination, according to DHS.

How do I get a Real ID? What does a Real ID look like?

All you have to do to get a Real ID is to make time to head over to your local department of motor vehicles.

Every state is different, so the documents needed to verify your identity will vary. DHS says that at minimum, you will be asked to produce your full legal name, date of birth, social security number, two proofs of address of principal residence and lawful status.

The only difference between the state-issued forms of identification you have now and the Real ID-compliant card you hope to obtain is a unique marking stamped in the right-hand corner. The mark stamped on your Real ID compliant cards depends on the state.