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The Greek Islands

Trip type: 
Cultural
Adventure level: 
3. Moderate
Max group size: 
12
Avg user rating: 
Awaiting reviews
Greece, Europe | 15 days
Trip code: 
ZMSWC
What's included: 

Transport - Train, ferry, local bus, metro, on foot.

Accommodation - Hotels/pensions (14nts)

Meals - 1 lunch

Trip Highlights: 
Discover the ancient Acropolis in Athens
Watch the famous Santorini sunset in Oia
Hike through medieval villages in Naxos
see full itinerary >>
Holidays in Greece
You'll follow an itinerary which has been researched and planned by our experts, saving you all the hassle of organising the trip. The itineraries are designed to minimise the time spent travelling and maximise the variety of experiences.
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Itinerary

(Departures in 2012-13)
  • Day 1 - Arrive in Athens
  • Day 2-3 - Syros
  • Day 4-5 - Mykonos
  • Day 6-8 - Santorini
  • Day 9-10 - Ios
  • Day 11-13 - Naxos
  • Day 14 - Athens
  • Day 15 - Tour ends
Extensions and Extras: Extend your holiday and see more of the world. View additional tours for this trip »
Day
1

Arrive in Athens

Arrive in Athens and make your way to your hotel for your overnight stay.

Athens is our starting point for an exploration of the Cyclades. Greece is renowned for its thousands of islands and islets (of which 227 are inhabited), small and lively harbours, delicious fresh seafood, ancient ruins and archaeological sites. Each island is different but all have a friendly atmosphere, beautiful sandy or rocky beaches, crystal clear blue water, and fantastic scenery. 

There is much to be seen in this ancient capital, vibrant and refreshed following the 2004 Olympics yet retaining so much visible history. Highlights include the renowned changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square, the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the original Olympic (Panathinaikon) Stadium, Lycabetus Hill, various museums, the National Garden, Plaka district with the traditional market Monastiraki and of course the Parthenon on top of Acropolis Rock. Make sure you enjoy the view of Athens from this unique vantage point. Other sights include the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus and the Dionysus Theatre. 

Tonight, dine on delicious Greek cuisine and maybe try an ouzo or two. Hotel/pension - 1 nt

Day
2-3

Syros

Today you travel by metro to the port of Piraeus to catch a ferry to Syros (approx. 4hrs), in the heart of the archipelago. 

Syros offers a rare opportunity to see the islands as the Greeks do. Syros, also called Syra, has typical whitewashed houses, farms, terraced fields and features fabulous sandy beaches. Take a walk of the hills behind the island's main town Ermoupolis and wander the narrow alleyways of Ano Syros, keeping an ear open for the traditional Rembetiko music of the lively tavernas. The island is home to delicious sweets. Try the hazelnut, almond or honey filled wafers or the fruit-flavoured jelly which is produced in several one-room shops around town. Hotel/pension - 2 nts

Day
4-5
Mykonos

Mykonos

You travel by ferry to Mykonos (approx. 2hrs). Mykonos is legendary both in ancient and modern times. Known in ancient Greek mythology as the battlefield where almighty Zeus fought against the Gigantes, today the island is best known for its decadence. Mykonos town is a typical whitewashed Greek island town. But its point of difference lies in the many bars and clubs which stay open all night, making this one big island party after dark. 

During the day, you can take short bus and boat rides to some of the nicest beaches in Europe or enjoy cocktails at the infamous Paradise and Super Paradise beach bars. If this isn't your style, choose an altogether quieter spot to chill out and enjoy the natural beauty of the coastline.

On day 5 you take a trip to the sacred island of Delos. In the myths this is the birthplace of Apollo, God of light and his sister, Artemis, the huntress, and was the political and religious centre of the Aegean from the 9th century BC. You travel by boat (approx. 20mins) to explore the archaeological site which covers almost the entire island and its museum. Hotel/pension - 2 nts

Day
6-8
Santorini

Santorini

Again you board a ferry (approx. 3hrs) to the southern archipelago of Santorini. Renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, this is one of Europe's tourist hotspots. 

Work on your tan on a beach of black sand, see the ruins of ancient Thira and Akrotiri or make like the Greeks and hire a scooter to explore this captivating island. 

You make an excursion traversing your way along the crater rim from Fira town past the neighbouring villages all the way to Oia. In the evening, rub shoulders with friendly locals in packed pubs and cafes, while waiting to witness the magnificent sunset.

As this is a combination trip please note that your group leader and the composition of your group may change on day 8 as some travellers leave and others arrive. Hotel/pension - 3 nts

Day
9-10
Ios

Ios

You travel by ferry to Ios (approx. 1hr). Ancient tradition says that Homer's mother was from Ios and that he was buried there although, despite a rocky entrance to a tomb at the northernmost end of the island, there is no proof of this. 

From the Port it is a 15-minute walk up the steep donkey path to the picturesque, white village, known as Chora. This is the main village which is perched on the slope overlooking the port. The village is full of stairs and narrow paths making it blissfully inaccessible for cars. The paths are lined with restaurants, shops, bars and nightclubs. This is after all a famous tourist destination and is known as a party island with the lively atmosphere. Golden beaches and characteristic Aegean architecture of whitewashed cube shaped houses and steep narrow lanes and small squares and churches makes it appealing to everyone. The island is said to have 365 churches and chapels, like the days of the year. In the evening the streets and squares are filled with people. The most popular and longest beach of Ios is Mylopotas. It is 1 km golden sand, only 3 km from Chora. Get there before 12 midday before the crowds. 

On day 10 take a walk following paths to small and remote sandy beaches. Trek further to the church of Panagia Gremiotissa, perched high with sweeping views, recognised by its palm tree and windmills. During our time here you enjoy a meal with a local family to learn some more about the local way of life. Hotel/pension - 2 nts

Day
11-13
Naxos

Naxos

You travel on by ferry to Naxos (approx. 1hr), the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands and also the biggest. Byzantine churches and medieval towers dot the landscape. 

Naxos has a variety of great beaches including white sandy beaches, beaches with thicker "stony" sand as well as beaches suitable for water sports. The water is clear and warm. The famous Naxos' Eye is a stone that was created by the combination of sea, sun and other climatic conditions and is now a symbol of the island. You can find it on jewels sold at jewellery shops on the island. 

On day 12 make the short walk to Chora Naxos to visit the temple of Apollo (god of sun) known as Portara or Palatia. During your walk you can also see two of the original seven towers of the Venetian Castle which is one of the very few preserved castles in Greece from the era. There are still people living in the Castle area. The old style houses and shops, small tavernas and old bakeries make this an interesting part of the island. 

On day 13 take a walk in the Naxos highlands from the mining town of Apiranthos up to the second highest mountain of the island before following old mule paths down to the picturesque villages of Moni and further to Chalki. In Chalki you visit the local distillery producing the speciality liqueur made mainly of lemon in a variety of colours.

During your stay you will join the islanders for a night of Greek music and dancing; a unique opportunity to experience Greek culture and traditions and to make friends with the locals. Hotel/pension - 3 nts

Day
14

Athens

Today is a long day of travel by ferry to Athens (approximately 6 hours). There is much to be said and seen of this ancient city, vibrant and refreshed following the 2004 Olympics, yet retaining so much visible history. 

Highlights include the changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square, the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the original Olympic Stadium and of course the Acropolis, where you can admire the Parthenon and enjoy an aerial view of Athens. Other sights include the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum, the Dionysus Theatre, Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus. Hotel/pension - 1 nt

 

Day
15

Tour ends

Your tour ends today in Athens.