Greek Classics, Spectacular Sunsets and Authentic Cuisine

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Athens

   Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

   Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   Love at First Sight

   Athens has plenty of rooftop venues to take advantage of the opportunity to see the Acropolis shining at night. They have become popular hubs for nightlife among locals. One of our favorite rooftop bars is POINT A (Acropolis Point), which is the only bar that provides views of both the Acropolis and the modern elegant lines of the Acropolis Museum, lit beautifully at night. POINT A has a relaxed vibe and Greek cuisine with a twist. It’s perfect for couples and even families or groups of friends. If you happen to stay around the Monastiraki district, you should definitely visit A for Athens cocktail bar and restaurant, a popular venue among locals. Hytra and GB Roof Garden are full-on luxury restaurants and bars that can provide perfect romantic evenings. We guarantee that if you spend your first night dining at one of those places, you will quickly fall in love with the mind-blowing views and lively city.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Athens

   

   Athens Highlights Mythology Small Group Tour

   Discover the myths behind the greatest landmarks in Athens. Learn about Greek gods and heroes, and discover what really hides behind ancient myths. At the same time visit the best landmarks and sites in Athens, such as the Acropolis (Parthenon, theater of Dionysus, temple of Athena Nike, temple of Erechtheion, and the sanctuary of Asclepius), Olympian Zeus’ temple, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Hephaestus.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

3. Day 3 Traveling to Naxos by Ferry / Arrival in Naxos

   

   Naxos awaits you today! A driver will pick you up from from your accommodations and take you to the port of Piraeus, where you'll catch your ferry to Naxos. The duration of the journey is around 3 hours 30 minutes/5 hours 30 minutes based on your preferred departure time.

   The largest island in the Cyclades, Naxos frequently appears lists of the most authentic Greek islands and for good reason, as it is large enough to not rely solely on tourism. Gracefully lying in the heart of the Aegean, this dazzling Greek jewel is an ideal destination for those who wish to indulge in life's simple pleasures, great food, and gorgeous sandy beaches. What visitors love most about Naxos is the genuine rural charm found in the island’s picturesque mountainous villages, which dot the rugged landscape. Naxos has been the source of quality marble for centuries, and its ancient marble quarries, and their products, are some of the island's many highlights. Naxian marble was used to create the extraordinary sculptures that can be admired on the island of Delos and the archaeological site of Delphi. At sunset, enjoy a leisurely walk along the harbor of Chora (Naxos' old town) towards the island's most imposing landmark: the Portara. This massive marble doorway dates back to 530 B.C. and was built to honor the god of light, Apollo, although it was never fully completed. The myths and legends surrounding the island of Naxos are worth the trip alone. After sunset, head to one of the local tavernas found inside the fortified walls of the Venetian castle, the Kastro.

   Upon arriving at the port, you'll be taken to your accommodations in Naxos.

   

   Portara, the Great Door of Naxos

   Portara is the symbol of the island. If you come to Naxos by ferry, it is one of the first things you see as you approach the island. This marvelous, massive marble door frame is what’s left of a portal to an Ionic temple devoted to Apollo, which started in the 6th century BC but was never finished. It's located on a small promontory overlooking the island of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It is a memorable location, and we find it incredibly photogenic at sunset, so we recommend visiting after your first dinner on the island.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Naxos

   

   Naxos Villages Group Food Tour

   On this tour, you will explore the island’s local culture, from village to village, meet people, and taste traditional products! This culinary journey goes through picturesque Naxian villages, indulging in wonderful food at each stop. It begins with traditional starters in a charming small village off the beaten path. Then, passing marble quarries, you will ascend to the highlands to relish cheese, wine, and flavorful main courses in Apeiranthos. Save room for dessert because in Chalki, the former island capital, you'll sample Naxos' renowned citron liquor at a century-old distillery and savor a delectable locally prepared custard pie. Return with cherished memories and an authentic taste of Naxian life!

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

5. Day 5 Your Second Full Day in Naxos

   

   Naxos Old Town Castle & Portara Private Walking Tour

   Choose between a morning or afternoon tour to explore the rich history and charm of Naxos. Start at the iconic Portara or the Sphinx by the Town Hall and journey through the island’s fascinating past, from ancient Greek ruins to medieval fortresses. Conclude your tour with a stroll through the Old Town’s enchanting streets, marveling at treasures like the Cycladic figurines at the Ursuline School and the breathtaking views from Portara during sunset.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Full-Day Catamaran Group Cruise

   Explore Naxos and its neighbors aboard a catamaran. Step aboard, get acquainted with the rest of the group, enjoy a cup of coffee and get ready for a memorable sail. You'll swim and snorkel in beautiful, secluded beaches and coves, and enjoy a traditional lunch with chilled drinks, including ouzo, raki, and wine. Between the natural beauty and local refreshments, this will be one of the highlights of your trip.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

6. Day 6 Traveling to Santorini by Ferry / Arrival in Santorini

   

   Today you will travel from Naxos to Santorini by ferry. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations and take you to the port. Then you will take the ferry to Santorini, which takes around 1 hour 30 minutes / 3 hours based on your preferred departure time.

   “Intelligent adults come here and turn into infants,” Craig Walzer, owner of the Atlantis Bookstore. Santorini is every traveler's dream. The whitewashed houses and blue domed churches perched atop of soaring cliffs, the narrow cobblestone streets and unsurpassed views of crystal-clear blue waters -- these all greet you as you step foot on this fairytale land. Intertwining myth and reality, Santorini is every bit as beautiful as the countless postcards, magazine covers, and Instagram photos claim. The village of Oia is world-famous for its sunset, where thousands of spectators line up every evening to witness the magic as the sun bids farewell to the sky and the canvas lights up in fierce hues. Fortunately, the sunset can be enjoyed from much of the rest of this crescent-shaped island. Santorini is also home to Akrotiri, the Greek take on Pompeii. Inhabited since Neolithic times, this city was built up by the Minoans, a seafaring civilization that predated the ancient Greeks, only to be destroyed in the catastrophic eruption that shaped Santorini, which forms part of a massive volcanic caldera. Covered in ashes for millennia, Akrotiri is still being uncovered. We suggest visiting the neighboring center of the caldera, where you can enjoy hot springs, visit the volcanic crater, and enjoy stunning views of Santorini itself. Santorini’s unique ecology, climate and volcanic ash soil paved the way for a flourishing wine industry. Its indigenous varietals will make your stay even more enjoyable.

   Upon arrival to Santorini's port, you'll be taken to your hotel in Fira.

   

   For Romantic Souls or Party Seekers

   Santorini has many opportunities for fun. The beach clubs of Perivolos generally begin partying in the afternoon, with events and music, while the island's scattered discos begin their parties in the evening. The island's nightlife is centered around Fira, home to Santorini's leading nightclubs and a multitude of cafes, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Oia's nightlife is more relaxed, centered around its breathtaking sunset views, enjoyed with wine or a cocktail.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Santorini

   

   Santorini Highlights Group Tour

   Discover Santorini's highlights on this group tour. Visit Oia’s iconic blue domes and castle ruins, enjoy a wine tasting at Artemis Karamolegos Winery, and take in stunning views from Prophet Elias Monastery. Explore the traditional villages of Pyrgos and Megalochori, and end the day with a spectacular sunset at a special spot.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Blindingly White

   Santorini's characteristic yposkafa houses dug straight into volcanic rock and resembling caves on the inside, are one of the island's most romantic features. The history behind this architecture is a bit less charming, however. Due to harsh winter winds, the need for protection from raids, and the high costs of living above a cliff, many poor ended up burrowing along the caldera's cliffs. The houses are generally white, both to cool homes otherwise basking in the sun and due to a law from the 1930s that once required citizens to use whitewash to fight the epidemics that once ravaged Santorini and its neighbors. Explore this unique architecture by visiting the Folklore Museum of Santorini, followed by a walk through Fira or Oia.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Departure Day

   Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you straight to Santorini's airport.