Walking on the Greek Islands

The group flight usually arrives into Athens in the early evening and will be
met and transferred to the start hotel in Rafina. Land Only clients should
aim to arrive at the hotel this afternoon. In the evening our guide will hold
a short meeting to discuss the plan for the following day, to give advice on
the local area and to answer any questions.

Accommodation: Avra Hotel or similar
*Standard Hotel*

Day 2

In the early morning, we catch the ferry to Naxos. The ferry will leave the
port at 7.25am and takes about 5.5 hours. On board the ferry there is a
selection of restaurants and cafes which will serve food and drinks
throughout the journey. After checking in at our hotel, we will take a walk
to explore the main town, Hora, a Venetian Castello town. The market area is
a delight to wander through, with its craft shops, chapels and quaint
restaurants. On the islet of Palatia stands the impressive Portara, ancient
marble gateway, the entrance to the remains of the temple of Apollo.
Walk: Distance 2km Ascent 50m Descent 50m Time: 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis or similar
*Standard Hotel*

Day 3

Today we trek the lush valley of Tragea, famous for its ancient olive and
citrus groves. It is a great opportunity to discover the most authentic part
of Naxos, where picturesque villages and churches punctuate our walk.  We
will wander along the ancient path in the middle of the Naxian marble
quarries until we reach Kouros, the gigantic statue from the 5th century B.C.
which was damaged during transportation and then abandoned ever since, lying
under trees in the Melanes Valley.

Walk: Distance 8km Ascent 200m Descent 200m Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis or similar
*Standard Hotel*

Day 4

Today there is a free morning to explore Naxos. In the early afternoon, we
take the ferry to Santorini (approximately 2.5 hrs). Santorini (locally known
as Thira) is one of the most famous islands in the world. Known mainly for
its beautiful beaches, it is a remnant of a volcanic cone whose top was blown
off. A huge eruption (estimated 1650 BC) gave it its crescent shape and many
speculate that it was the location of the legendary lost Atlantis. This
beautiful island has a lot to offer to walkers, including magnificent views
of the Mediterranean. In the late afternoon, we will have a walk around the
town of Fira to enjoy the stunning views of the caldera.
Walk: Distance 2 km Ascent 100m Descent 100m Time: 2 hours
Accommodation: Hotel Sunrise or similar
*Standard Hotel*

Day 5

The Six mile "Cliff Trail" is a spectacular walk 400 m high above the
Volcanic Caldera, a photographer's delight and not too challenging. Views out
over the Aegean as far as the eye can see are virtually ever present as we
wind gently up and down to the pretty village of Oia, home to many artists,
galleries, boutiques and cafes. There is time to explore, relax and soak up
the culture before we transfer back to Fira.

Walk: Distance 10km Ascent 300m Descent 300m Max Time: 5 hours

Accommodation: Hotel Sunrise or similar
*Standard Hotel*

Day 6

This morning have free time in Santorini. Optional extras include a visit by
bus to the buried city of Acrotiri, time at the famous black beaches of
Kamari and/or a visit to the prehistoric museum of Thero in town. Leaving
Santorini in the afternoon, we board the ferry to Paros, the journey is
approximately 3 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel Pandrossos or similar

*Standard Hotel*

Day 7

In the morning we visit the cathedral of Paros, built in the 4th century
A.D., a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and a relic of early
Christianity.  We take a bus to reach the heart of the island and the
village of Lefkes, where we join the Old Byzantine path that runs all the way
to the east coast of Paros. The route is believed to be about 1000 years old
and used to traverse the entire island. Today’s route will pass through
beautiful Cycladic villages as well as mediaeval villages. In the afternoon
we take a bus back to Parikia.

Walk: Distance 7km Ascent 100m Descent 350m Time: 4 hours

Accommodation: Hotel Pandrossos or similar
*Standard Hotel*

Day 8

We take the ferry back to Pireus (approx.5hrs) and transfer to Athens airport
where the trip ends. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the
airport for the return flight to London.

Please note: the ferry port can change depending on the season and you might
return to Rafina.