Greece: Athens and Walking in the Greek Islands
Greece: Athens and Walking in the Greek Islands
10 Days Starting in Athens, Greece and ending in Santorini, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Tinos, Naxos, Santorini
Tour operator:
Tour code:
25966
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece with our "Athens and Walking in the Greek Islands" tour. Begin your adventure in Athens, exploring iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and Ancient Agora, and enjoy a sunset hike up Filopappou Hill. Savor the flavors of Greece with food tours in Tinos and Naxos, where you'll taste local delicacies and visit a Citron distillery. Hike to the castle of Tinos and climb Exombourgo Mountain, then sail and snorkel in the Aegean Sea near Antiparos. Conclude your trip in Santorini with a scenic walk from Fira to Oia and a sunset cruise. Enjoy comfortable hotel stays and delicious meals throughout this immersive Greek experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Athens: Ancient And Modern Greece
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Athenaeum Eridanus Luxury Hotel
Accommodation Name: Athenaeum Eridanus Luxury Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Athens, named after the greek goddess of wisdom, Athena, is a place so rich in cultural history it can be hard to take in the magnitude of its contributions to the world we live in today. From the world's most influential philosophers-Socrates, Aristotle, Plato-to the thinkers who brought about the first democratic political systems, Athens has more than its fair share of history to uncover. Welcome to Athens, and to Greece, and we invite you to join us in discovering what makes Greece the perfect blend of the ancient and the modern.Arrive at any time. After meeting fellow travellers and your CEO during the welcome meeting. Head out on foot to a nearby local taverna and enjoy your first meal together in Greece.TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Athens: The Acropolis To Ancient Agora
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Athenaeum Eridanus Luxury Hotel
Accommodation Name: Athenaeum Eridanus Luxury Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Socrates said "I am a citizen, not of Athens, or Greece, but of the world". Well today you are all citizens of Athens. Explore two of the most important monuments in history. From the home of the Goddess Athena to the peoples places, dive into the history of Athens, greek mythology and the birth of democracy.
After a comprehensive tour of the Acropolis with your local guide, meander down the hill to the Ancient Agora, where you continue to explore the history of this ancient city. Leave the sites behind in time to enjoy a taverna lunch in the Plaka. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring. Your admission pass today includes entry in to four additional historical sites. This evening join your CEO as we head up to Filopappou Hill for a wonderful sunset over Athens.
ACTIVITY: Set off with your CEO on a short hike up Filopappou Hill where at the top, you will toast the climb with the group and watch the sun set over the Acropolis below.
Length: 2-3km
Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Elevation gain: 70-100m
ACTIVITY: Discover the most famous of Athens’ eight hills: the Acropolis, the ultimate architectural and artistic expression of the ancient Athenian spirit. Then visit the Agora, an archaeological sit located beneath the northwest slope of the Acropolis. This site marks a large gathering place and in modern Greek the term means, "marketplace".
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Opt to visit the temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, or explore the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum.
Day 3: Athens: Arrival To Tinos
Location: Tinos
Accommodation: Mr & Mrs White Tinos Boutique Resort
Accommodation Name: Mr & Mrs White Tinos Boutique Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Athens has always been the gateway to the Greek islands and a ferry ride to the Islands is a quintessential part exploring these magnificent islands. Picture the warm sun on your face, the blue water that turns to azure as you get closer to the island and the beautiful white village that starts coming into focus. You've made it, welcome to Tinos!
An early start allows you to make the most of the day. From the port of Rafina, board a ferry to Tinos and make sure to find a good spot to sit and enjoy the view. Upon arrival to Tinos, dive straight into it with a walking food tour of the old town. Remember, there is no such thing as too much tzatziki.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
ACTIVITY: Immerse yourself in the authentic Tinian cuisine on a food and walking tour along the picturesque alleyways of the old town and discover how local tradition is featured in every single bite. Along the way you will savour island delicacies, talk to local shop owners, and learn about ethically sourced products in tandem with Tinos' culinary heritage.
Day 4: Tinos: A Hike Around The Castle
Location: Tinos
Accommodation: Mr & Mrs White Tinos Boutique Resort
Accommodation Name: Mr & Mrs White Tinos Boutique Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
ACTIVITY: Begin at Exombourgo—a rugged mountain in the Cyclades and the site of a ruined Venetian fortress—and walk through the island villages of Koumaros, Skalados, Loutra, and Krokos. Follow the path around Exombourgo Mountain and finish the upward climb at the ruins of an old castle.
Difficulty Level: 2/5
Length: 6.5 km
Duration: 3 hours
Wear comfortable clothing. Closed-toed footwear, a hat and a sun cream.
Do not forget your bottle of water.
FREE TIME: HALF DAY Enjoy a free afternoon to relax at the hotel or head to the beach for a swim.
Day 5: Naxos: The Cheese And Wine Trails
Location: Naxos
Accommodation: Naxos Palace Hotel
Accommodation Name: Naxos Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief orientation walk with your CEO.
ACTIVITY: Gain insight into how renowned Naxian cheese are made during this island food and wine tour. At a small cheese farm located in the heart of Naxos you will meet lovely farmers, feed the animals in the farm, and watch the making of the "arseniko" signature cheese. Share food and drink around the family table and exchange stories together. The vineyard tour consists of an intimate tasting with five local wines paired with Naxian cheese, including the famous "graviera".
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Day 6: Naxos: A Hike Back In Time
Location: Naxos
Accommodation: Naxos Palace Hotel
Accommodation Name: Naxos Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
ACTIVITY: This morning set out on a hike and learn about the history of Naxos. Explore island villages like Halki, Kaloxylos and Moni. See Byzantine churches and stop at a Citron distillery for a liqueur tasting.
Length: 6.5km
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Make sure to bring comfortable clothing, hiking or training shoes, hat and backpack
FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy a free afternoon to relax at the beach or explore more of the old town on your own.
Day 7: Naxos: Sailing And Snorkeling
Location: Naxos
Accommodation: Naxos Palace Hotel
Accommodation Name: Naxos Palace Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a full-day on the water off the coast of Naxos. Set sail for the Antiparos island area keeping your eyes open for dolphins and sea turtles. See the south part and beautiful bays of Paros island and pause for a short swim and snorkel at the Blue Lagoon in Panteronissia islets. Visit the village of Marpissa and enjoy its sandy beaches before heading back to Naxos.
Day 8: Santorini: Fira And Sunset Cruise In The Caldera
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: Santorini Palace
Accommodation Name: Santorini Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
ACTIVITY: Get to know Santorini with your CEO on an orientation walk of Thira
ACTIVITY: Head out to sea to soak in the views of the sun setting over the azure waters over the Agean. Enjoy a dinner, take in the site of picturesque site of Santorini, and toast to another beautiful day in paradise. Opa!
Day 9: Santorini: Your Omg Day
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: Santorini Palace
Accommodation Name: Santorini Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
ACTIVITY: Option 1: Walk from Fira to Oia and partake in one of Santorini's top experiences. As you hike along the rim of the caldera you will see the towns Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira while soaking in some of the best views in all of Greece. The hike is about 10km total and will take most of the day. Part of the path is similar to a sidewalk, some parts are cobblestone and others a simple dirt path.
Option 2: Hop in and let your driver whisk you away to explore Santorini. Transfer to some of the most stunning churches in Pyrgos before reaching the pinnacle of Santorini, the Profitis Ilias Monastery. Here, see the island and the sea from a 360-degree view. Continue to Megalochori Village and stretch your legs while learning local secrets and fun treasures about Greece. Carry on to Oia where there will be some free time for lunch
FREE TIME: EVENING During a free afternoon to relax at the hotel or enjoy a walk in Fira for some final shopping opportunities.
Day 10: Santorini
Location: Santorini
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.
What's Included
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Welcome Meeting
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group.
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Tinos Food Tour
Your Foodie Moment: Tinos Food Tour, Tínos.
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Naxos Food & Wine Tour
Your Foodie Moment: Naxos Food & Wine Tour, Naxos.
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Crater Rim Hike or Santorini Driving Tour
Your OMG Day: Crater Rim Hike or Santorini Driving Tour, Santorini.
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Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Complimentary Arrival Transfer.
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Welcome Dinner
Welcome Dinner.
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Guided Visit of Acropolis and the Ancient Agora
Guided visit of Acropolis and the Ancient Agora.
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Food Tour in Tinos Old Town
Food tour in Tinos Old Town.
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Village-to-Village Hike to Tinos Castle
Village-to-village hike to Tinos Castle with local guide.
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Naxos Cheese and Wine Trail Food Tour
Naxos cheese and wine trail food tour.
What's Not Included
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Meals Not Included
Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options.
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Tips for CEO and Porterage
Tips for CEO and porterage are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in well-appointed hotels for 9 nights, including the Athenaeum Eridanus Luxury Hotel in Athens, Mr & Mrs White Tinos Boutique Resort in Tinos, Naxos Palace Hotel in Naxos, and Santorini Palace in Santorini.
Transport
Ferry, private vehicle, walking.
Meals Included
9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
Group Size
Max 16, avg 14
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Mode of Transport
Ferry, private vehicle, walking.
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.
About Accommodation
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.
What to Take
We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.) It should also be noted that baggage should adhere to strict airline weight limits - 15kg for checked luggage and 6kg for hand luggage.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 9 nights of accommodation in hotels. Specific hotels mentioned include Athenaeum Eridanus Luxury Hotel in Athens, Mr & Mrs White Tinos Boutique Resort in Tinos, Naxos Palace Hotel in Naxos, and Santorini Palace in Santorini.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners. Specific meals include a welcome dinner on the first day, a farewell dinner, and a sunset cruise dinner in Santorini.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
Transportation during the tour includes ferries, private vehicles, and walking.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour?
Yes, complimentary arrival and departure transfers are included in the tour.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a guided visit to the Acropolis and Ancient Agora, a food tour in Tinos Old Town, a village-to-village hike to Tinos Castle, a Naxos cheese and wine trail food tour, a full-day catamaran sailing in the Aegean Sea, and a Santorini sunset cruise with dinner.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there are several instances of free time during the tour. For example, on Day 2 in Athens, the afternoon is free for additional exploration. On Day 4 in Tinos, the afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or head to the beach. On Day 6 in Naxos, the afternoon is free to relax at the beach or explore more of the old town.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 16, with an average of 14 participants.
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Are solo travelers welcome on this tour?
Yes, solo travelers are welcome. They will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. There is no single supplement for solo travelers.
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What should I bring for the hikes included in the tour?
For the hikes, it is recommended to bring comfortable clothing, closed-toed footwear, a hat, sun cream, and a bottle of water. Specific hikes include the Filopappou Hill hike in Athens, the Exombourgo Mountain hike in Tinos, and the hike in Naxos.
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What options are available on the 'OMG Day' in Santorini?
On the 'OMG Day' in Santorini, you have the choice between two experiences: a hike from Fira to Oia or a guided tour of Santorini by vehicle. Both experiences end in Oia.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
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