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G Adventures
OFFER ID 1548251
Greece: Walking in the Greek Islands
When someone says, "Let’s go to Greece!" the first images that come to mind are the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean, white sugar-cube houses set high into the hills above the sea, and ancient sun-bleached ruins. And while these highlights are absolutely worth the trip, this eight-day odyssey will have you exploring the Greece many never see. You'll start by visiting Tinos, a sleepier island, relatively unknown to the masses that's renowned for the Church of the Annunciation, a Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site. From there sail to Naxos with its Venetian fortified mansions, cobbled alleys, and hilltop castle. From catamarans to kayaks and picturesque Byzantine churches to Citron distilleries, you’ll spend time learning more about the history of Ancient Greece and the melding of cultures through time.
Highlights
Greek food tour in Tinos. Hike to the castle of Tinos. Food and Culture tour of Naxos. Sail and snorkel in the Aegean Sea.
Accommodation
Hotels (7nts).
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 14
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Tinos Food Tour, Tínos
Your Foodie Moment: Naxos Food & Wine Tour, Naxos
Your OMG Day: Crater Rim Hike or Santorini Driving Tour, Santorini. Food tour in Tinos Old Town. Hike village-to-viilage to Tinos Castle with local guide. Naxos cheese and wine trail food tour. Naxos village-to-village hike. Full-day catamaran sailing in the Aegean Sea. Sunset Cruise with dinner from Santorini. Farewell dinner. Tips for all included meals and activities, except for CEO and Porterage. Departure transfer. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
7 nights from $3,999 per person
G Adventures: Greece: Walking in the Greek Islands
Day 1: Athens: Ferry to Tinos
Athens has always been the gateway to the Greek islands and an island hopping trip is part of everyone's vision when you think about exploring this magnificent part of the world. Imagine the warm sun on your face, the blue water that turns to azure, and the beautiful white villages that starts coming into focus. Welcome to Tinos, and to Greece, and we invite you get off the beaten track and live in the moment.
Meet very early at our Athens hotel. Depart early for the port of Rafina, where we board our ferry to Tinos, find a good spot to sit and enjoy the views. Arrive in Tinos, lunch today is a walking food tour of the old town. Enjoy a bit of time in town before heading to our hotel for check-in.
Day 2: Tinos: A Hike Around the Castle
Lesser known and lesser visited, Tinos is what you imagine in your mind's eye when you picture the Greek islands. In the southern part of the island, a rocky outcrop known as the castle is your backdrop as you hike around the castle from village to village and learn about the history and culture of the island.
After a delicious breakfast, set off for the trailhead and begin your hike in Exombourgo. Pass through various small towns on this moderate hike and finish in time to gather for a well deserved lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the day is at leisure. Spend time relaxing by the pool overlooking the Agean or walk down to the beach right from the hotel. Some time in the water is calling your name.
Day 3: Naxos: The Cheese and Wine Trails
Each Greek island is distinct from the other and has its own unique feel and specialties that can be found only there. This is one of the main reasons why island hopping in Greece is so rewarding; each day is a unique adventure. Naxos welcomes you with an exclusive food and wine experience making and tasting local Arseniko cheese and visiting a vineyard to learn and sample some of the locally produced wine.
Leave Tinos by Ferry for Naxos. After a fulfilling-and filling-afternoon discovering Naxos' cheese and wine trail, arrive at your hotel in time for a late afternoon swim.
Day 4: Naxos: A Hike Back in Time
Even though we may love our modern conveniences, it's impossible not to imagine what life was like over 500 years ago, especially, on a small island. Here on Naxos you have the chance to briefly step back in time on a hike that gets you out into the countryside with a local guide, learning about how the valley of Tragea helped the entire island to flourish economically and socially over 500 years ago.
Transfer from your hotel to the trailhead where you start our journey. Along the way, discover this island's hidden treasures, meet locals and enjoy a delicious lunch. Early afternoon is spent at the hotel, with some time off to refresh and relax, an opportunity to enjoy the local beach right down the street from your hotel.
Day 5: Naxos: Sailing and Snorkeling
There is no better day in the Aegean than sailing around the Islands, jumping off to cool down, swimming in the azure water or snorkelling to search for fish and lost treasures. A trip to the Greek islands wouldn't be complete without a day out on a boat.
Head out for the entire day on a small sailing yacht. Stop at Piso Livadi in Paros, where you will have time to explore and choose from one of the local tavernas to grab a bite to eat. You return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Santorini: Fira and Sunset Cruise in the Caldera
There is no island more famous in Greece than Santorini. Its white building with blue domes are famous the world over and there is no better place to end our island hopping. Spend the afternoon discovering Fira with your CEO before a sunset cruise this evening.
Board the ferry to Santorini and in no time at all you will recognize the white villages high above. Head to Fira for a short orientation walk of the town where you can enjoy lunch on your own. This evening, head back to the port to embark on a sunset cruise. Bring your bathers, as there will be time for snorkelling and swimming. A beach barbecue will be served during your cruise.
Day 7: Santorini: Your OMG day
Let your interests and energy level guide you today. You have the choice between two fantastic and distinct experiences today. If you are ready to get out and walk, choose to hike from Fira to Oia. If you would rather take it easy, join a guided tour of Santorini by vehicle. Both experiences end in Oia, so you may even run into your fellow travellers along the way.
Whether you choose to hike or to take a guided tour, we know Santorini will impress you. This evening, join your CEO and fellow travellers for a final dinner together.
Day 8: Santorini
Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in the Greek islands will live on.
Depart at any time. Please note, your transfer to the airport is included.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
101 Eisenhowert Parkway
Roseland, NJ 07068
USA
(973) 228-3033