Vacation Overview
Tour Details
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.
Accomodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEOs). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. If you wish to take a guided city tour in any location where this is not already included in the itinerary, your CEO will do their best to help you arrange this and pay locally.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 14
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 2 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. 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.
Daily Itinerary
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 and enjoy free time to explore over lunch; dinner today is a walking food tour of the old town.
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: Your OMG day
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. Upon arrival, let your interests and energy level guide you. 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.
Board the ferry to Santorini and in no time at all you will recognize the white villages high above. Whether you choose to hike or to take a guided tour, we know Santorini will impress you.
Day 7: Santorini: Fira and Sunset Cruise in the Caldera
Explore Fira this morning with a CEO-led orientation walk before using free time to personalize your time. End the day with a beautiful sunset cruise.
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 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.