Duration: 10 Days/9 Nights
Departures 2012: Oct 11, plus private departures.
Departing from: Athens, Thursday evening Day 1
Tour finishes: Santorini, Day 9
Price 2012: €3,100 Euro per person for minimum of six people.
Please contact us for more information about tiered pricing scale for private groups. * shorter and less expensive itineraries also possible! Contact us for details.

The Cyclades island chain is known the world over for its natural beauty, rich history, traditional towns and fabulous food. There are two problems though, one is negotiating the ferries, and the other is that there are too many islands to choose from!We became greedy with all of the beautiful possibilities, and finally developed an itinerary that we think flows well, is not too hectic, and allows us to really explore and experience five unique islands: Tinos, Paros, Naxos, Ios and amazing Santorini.We will take you on gorgeous walks to the best spots, including the “hidden” interior of the islands where local culture and traditions are still very much alive.

For private departures we also have a 3-day Crete extension to explore the ancient Minoan civilization on that beautiful island, and we can shorten the tour by a day or two if your time and budget require that. We can find an itinerary to suit everyone!

Day 1 (Thursday): Arrival in Athens. Transfer on your own from Athens International airport to our hotel in the city center. Meet your guides at 7:00 p.m. for a short walk to the Plaka – the historic center of Athens – for a drink overlooking the Acropolis followed by dinner at a local taverna. Overnight in Athens. Hotel and dinner included.

Day 2 (Friday): Athens-Tinos. After breakfast we have a guided visit of the amazing new Acropolis museum that overlooks theParthenon. Here you will learn about Athen’s 4,000 year history and that of the Acropolis and Parthenon in particular. We then have a one-hour transfer to the port of Rafina, where we’ll have lunch and then depart for the island of Tinos by high-speed catamaran (approx. 2.5 hours). Tinos is one of the larger islands of the Cyclades group and yet one of the least visited by foreign tourists. You’ll love our quiet hotel right near the sandy beach, where Peter and his family tend to our every need. Overnight Tinos at the Ninemia Suites hotel.  Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 3 (Saturday): Explore Tinos. Our walk takes us up into the hills along ancient terraces and tracks, and past some of the thousands of dovecotes brought to the island by the Venetians in the 17^th century. We stop for coffee in a cute little village before continuing on to Tripotamo, where we help make lunch with our wonderful host, Nicoletta, who uses ingredients from her own garden. After lunch we walk down to the port of Tinos, with views out over the turquoise Aegean Sea and the nearby islands as we go. Take some time in town to admire the famous church, peruse the shops, or relax with a cold drink at a sidewalk café by the old port. Or, head back to the hotel and have a swim at the sandy beach! Overnight Tinos. Hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Day 4 (Sunday): Transfer to Paros.A short ferry this morning takes us to the nearby island of Paros. The source of superb marble, Paros was prized by the Greeks and Romans, and the local stone was used in many classical masterpieces. Our walk takes us from the ancient quarries of Marathi to the island’s former capital, Lefkes. After lunch we continue along a Byzantine path paved along much of its 4km length with marble slabs. Time to relax before strolling into town for dinner. Overnight Paros. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 5 (Monday):  transfer to Naxos and explore the island’s capital
This morning we have a late morning ferry to the island of Naxos, our home for the next two nights. We get in around lunch time and have the afternoon free to explore the winding alleys which lead from town up to the Venetian castle. Later this afternoon, watch the sunset from the Portara, the unfinished temple of Apollo which dominates the harbor entrance.  Enjoy dinner tonight in the little habour front. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 6 (Tuesday):  Naxos hike from Halki to Kouros. This morning we will shuttle to the center of the island to the former capital of Halki, where we visit one of the oldest distilleries of kitro, a local liqueur, and enjoy a Greek coffee in the village square before walking through olive groves and past a crumbling Venetian fort to a special spot for our lunch. Our hike’s last segment leads us to the truly impressive colossal statue of Kouros. Relax back at the hotel, free night tonight! Overnight Naxos. Hotel and breakfast included. Dinner not included.

Day 7 (Wednesday):  transfer to Ios. A short ferry transfer to the idyllic island of Ios. We hike around scenic Gialos Bay and explore the charming white-washed alleys of the island’s capital. One of the smaller and more difficult islands to get to, Ios has a lovely laid back atmosphere that you will easily slip into. Overnight Ios. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 8 (Thursday):  transfer to Santorini – hike the crater rim. The spectacular volcanic island of Santorini awaits. Blown apart by a massive eruption in 1500 BC the steep volcanic cliffs are surmounted by gleaming white washed villages. Santorini is surely one of the most beautiful and captivating islands in the world. We arrive first at the colorful town of Fira, where we have lunch and take some time to wander its’ backstreets and peruse the shops, then we walk along the rim of the crater to our hotel in the elegant town of Oia (pronounced “Ee-ah”). Experience the unforgettable sunset, lingering in the after glow before heading into the welcoming cobbled streets of the old Oia for dinner together. Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 9 (Friday):  the Minoan city of Thira
Today we have a short transfer to the other side of the island. The landscape is completely different but the views are no less amazing. We have a steep climb up to begin with, and then explore the ruins of ancient Thira, one of the oldest settlements in the Mediterranean! Delightfully free of tourists, the site offers an interesting view into ancient Greek cultures.  Afterwards, head down to the coast and tuck into a fresh seafood feast by the sea. There’s time for a swim several times today, so bring your suit!  We return to our hotel after lunch and then get together for one final dinner in lovely Oia. Overnight Santorini.  Hotel, breakfast and dinner included.

Day 10 (Saturday ):  Morning flight to Athens (or, continue on to Crete)
You are free to leave Santorini when you wish, in fact, you might like to extend your stay a day or two, or head off to another island, or extend your tour be carrying on to Crete with us. The choice is yours. There are morning flights to Athens, arriving at 9:30 for connections to international flights from Athens. There are also later flights in the day. Santorini is served by Aegean Airlines and by Olympus Airlines to Athens as well as by other carriers which fly directly to other European hubs. For example, Easy Jet flys to London for as little as 60 pounds Sterling. Breakfast included.  Flight and airport transfer not included.

General Information

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime!