Cyclades islands Adventure

Early in the morning, we meet at Piraeus port, where you will be welcomed by your tour leader. We board the ferry to Naxos island, the largest of the Cyclades islands (approx. 5 hrs by ferry). Upon arrival, you will have free time to enjoy lunch and a quick swim in the sea, if you like. Depending on the arrival time in Naxos (according to the ferries timetable), this afternoon we will either take you on a hike to Chalki village or you will enjoy a welcome walking tour in Naxos town (Chora).
If we arrive on time and is possible to do a longer hike (depending also on the time of the year), then you will be transferred to the beautiful village of Chalki, which was once the commercial hub of the island. Located in Tragea valley with its numerous olive groves, we will start ascending towards the village of Moni. On our way, we will pass by a few Byzantine churches, with the most famous being Panagia Drosiani. Arriving at the village of Moni, you can enjoy the stunning view to the south and walk through orchards, olive groves, oaks and plane trees, before starting descending back to Chalki village. This is a loop-hike of easy difficulty.

Hike duration: approx. 3 hours | Distance: 8 km | Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

In case it is not possible to do this longer hike today (due to late ferry arrival or shorter day light), we will instead enjoy an introductory walking tour in the Chora of Naxos. We will visit the Venetian castle and the old town, while your guide will give you a first insight on the history and culture of the island. Before dinner, when the sun goes down, we will not miss the chance to walk through the paved footpath towards the islet of Palatia and admire the impressive marble gate of Portara and the stunning sunset views it offers. In the evening, we will enjoy a welcome dinner during our first day all together!

Walking duration: 1 – 1.5 hours | Distance: 2 – 2.5 km | Level of difficulty: easy

 Dinner        3* Hotel in Naxos

Enjoy a good breakfast today, as we will explore hiking the best of Naxos inland, with its fertile valley, olive groves, vineyards and traditional villages. From Chora, we will transfer to Kurunochori village, which is the starting point of today’s hike. Passing by small, traditional villages (Mili, Ano and Kato Potamia), you will have the chance to visit two beautiful Kouros statues lying there since the ancient times, as well as an abandoned Jesuits monastery, a secret gem of Naxos! Our hike ends at Melanes village, where you will enjoy lunch in a traditional family run taverna.

In the afternoon, we will visit the magnificent Temple of Demeter, near the village of Sangri. This beautiful temple is a fine example of the finest Naxian marble, built during the 6th century BC, dedicated to the goddess of harvest and fertility.
Return to Chora later in the afternoon, evening free to enjoy Naxos the way you wish.

Hike duration: 4.5 – 5 hours | Distance: 12 km | Level of difficulty: easy to moderate 

Breakfast, Lunch                 3* Hotel in Naxos

Today’s hike is one of the most popular hikes in Naxos and we can give you two reason to hike it: a climb to the summit of Mt. Zas, the highest mountain of Naxos and of all the Cycladic islands (1004 m), plus an ascent to the mountain where Zeus was born and raised! Starting from the village of Filoti, we hike up to the Agia Marina church. While ascending the old footpath, we enter the Natura 2000 protected area. During the trek, we can also admire gorgeous panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding islands. This is a circular trail and, on the way back, we will pass by the cave of Zeus, ending at Aria Spring.

Hike duration: 4 – 4.5 hours | Distance: 9.5 km | Level of difficulty: moderate | Elevation gain/loss: +580m/-580m

After we descend from Mount Zas, you can enjoy lunch in one of the numerous local tavernas in Filoti. Depending on the hike we will have done the first day, this afternoon we will either take you on a walking tour in Naxos Chora (around the Venetian Castle and the Portara marble gate) or to the quaint village of Chalki where we will visit a traditional citrus distillery and taste Kitron liquor, one of the local products Naxos is known for

Breakfast                  3* Hotel in Naxos

Nobody can resist the charm of the never-ending, golden sandy Naxos beaches and its clean, greenish blue waters. You will have this morning free to spend it the way you wish before we depart for Santorini. You can choose among a fantastic horse-riding tour, a cooking class, a bike tour or simply wonder around the narrow streets of Chora, purchase local products and souvenirs or relax on the beach.

In the afternoon, we will take the ferry to Santorini. Prepare yourself for this striking, magical, volcanic island and feel its unique and inspiring aura! The views from the boat once we enter the caldera are simply stunning and captivating…

Our first day in Santorini  includes a wine tasting experience of signature local wines and a walk around the capital city of the island, Fira.

Nobody can resist the charm of the never-ending, golden sandy Naxos beaches and its clean, greenish blue waters. You will have this morning free to spend it the way you wish before we depart for Santorini. You can choose among a fantastic horse-riding tour, a cooking class, a bike tour or simply wonder around the narrow streets of Chora, purchase local products and souvenirs or relax on the beach.

In the afternoon, we will take the ferry to Santorini. Prepare yourself for this striking, magical, volcanic island and feel its unique and inspiring aura! The views from the boat once we enter the caldera are simply stunning and captivating… Our first day in Santorini includes a wine tasting experience of signature local wines and a walk around the capital city of the island, Fira. Santorini is a worldwide acclaimed wine destination, so don’t miss the chance to taste some local varieties! For the kids, we can offer fresh juice or refreshments.

*Horseback riding/ mountain biking, cooking class etc. are optional activities. You may consult your tour leader for options, prices and availability.

 Breakfast           3* Hotel in Santorini

Today we will take the hiking trail that leads from Fira to Oia, all the way along the Caldera cliff edge. It is a scenic route with no particular difficulties, offering spectacular views over the caldera. Passing by Firostefani, Imerovigli and Skaros, we will finally reach the picturesque settlement of Oia in approx. 3.5 hours. Once in the picturesque village of Oia, you will have free time to walk around its picturesque streets, visit the tiny beautiful shops or relax in one of the numerous cafes/restaurants with roof top terraces offering fantastic caldera views and enjoy your lunch.

Later on we’ll follow the steps down to Ammoudi bay, where we’ll board a beautiful catamaran yacht and enjoy a memorable sailing cruise inside the caldera. You will have the chance to swim in the Hot Springs, discover more of Santorini’s beauties and enjoy BBQ dinner on board, prepared by the crew.  On top of that, you will enjoy Oia’s famous sunset right from the deck!

Hike duration: 3.5 – 4 hours | Distance: 9 km | Level of difficulty: easy to moderate

 Breakfast, BBQ Dinner      3* hotel in Santorini

Today we will enjoy a fantastic day in Santorini, discovering the natural and historical beauty of the south! In the morning, we will first visit the traditional village of Pyrgos, which was declared as a “protected settlement” in 1955. Pyrgos is a typical Fortress Settlement of the Cyclades islands and on its hilltop you can find ruins of Kasteli Castle, one of the five ‘kasteli castles’ on the island. We will afterwards ascend towards the monastery of Prophet Elias, located on the highest hill of Santorini, offering 360 panoramic views of the island! From there a breathtaking, yet slightly rough, descending trail begins that will take us to the archaeological site of Ancient Thera. Located at 360m height, on Messavouno mountain, it was named after the mythical king of the island, Theras, and was inhabited since the 9^th BC century.

From there, we will follow the descending hiking path towards Perissa. Once there, you will have free time to relax, enjoy swimming, water sports, scuba diving or a walk along the long black sandy beaches of Perissa and Perivolos and lunch in one of the seaside restaurants.

We will afterwards head south and visit the archaeological site of Akrotiri, also known as the “Greek Pompeii”, one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean*. Unique findings, two-storey prehistoric buildings and houses, dated back to the Bronze Age, will definitely amaze you!

*For those of you who love sea kayak, we can arrange an unforgettable sea kayak experience, instead of visiting Perivolos beach. Starting from Akrotiri, you will paddle by the Red and White beaches, discovering the south coast of the island beyond the ordinary way! Views of the spectacular rock formations, swimming and snorkeling in crystal waters, beautiful beaches and a light picnic are all part of this amazing adventure!

 Breakfast                  3* hotel in Santorini

This is the last day of our weekly adventure in the Cyclades islands. You have the morning free to explore the town of Fira, purchase any souvenirs you may want, before we take the ferry back to Athens.

 Breakfast          Depends on your schedule