Island Hoping in the Cyclades

The cycladic complex of islands, is the most representative of the archetypical Greek style. Fishing villages with white houses and narrow streets, hundreds of chapels, rocky landscape contrasting with the deep blue sea and bays with sandy beaches. The aim of the tour is to take you to the best spots as well as to the interior of the islands where you will discover the culture and habits of the islanders.

Day 1: Arrival in Athens.
Meet at the airport with your English speaking guide. There is one major transfer (arranged to fit the majority of clients) from the newly built airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” to the hotel, which is conveniently located in the heart of Athens. Settle to the hotel. In the evening meet with your guide for a short walking tour of Athens and enjoy dinner in a traditional Greek tavern in the old part of Athens, in Plaka, overlooking the Acropolis.
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Day 2: Athens-Tinos
After breakfast, half day sightseeing tour of Athens, the hostess of the next Olympic Games in 2004. Visit Acropolis, the Parthenon and Panathinaikon Stadium, the stadium where the first Olympic games were held in 1896. Lunch in a tavern by the port of Rafina, the second biggest port in Athens. Early in the afternoon (approximately at 16.00 o’clock), by high-speed catamaran we go to the island of Tinos. (Duration of trip approximately 1,5 hours). Transfer to your hotel that is overlooking the sea. Free afternoon to visit the miraculous icon of Our Lady at the most important church down by the port.
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Day 3: Walking in Tinos
After an early breakfast in the morning, by taxis (or private A/C bus depending the size of the group) we go to the village of Kalloni, where our trekking starts. (Approximately one hour drive) We will walk for 13 km. on dirt road (uphill and downhill) with a unique view of the little islet named Satellite, and the seaside village of Panormos. The last 2 km are on asphalt road with almost no traffic at all though. (Total duration of the trek is 4 hours) We end up at the picturesque village of Pyrgos, where we will enjoy our lunch. Pyrgos is a traditional village with many marble workshops where we will have the chance to see how the locals work with green marble. In the afternoon return back to our hotel. Optional visit of the famous Kechrovouni convent. In the evening dinner in a seaside tavern to taste the local recipes. Overnight at the same hotel.

Day 4: Mykonos
After breakfast, we have some free time for swimming before we go to the port (around noon time) to catch the high-speed boat to Mykonos Island, (duration of the trip 15 minutes). After settling to our hotel, we take a small boat to Panormou bay, with its outstanding beach. We walk from Panormou bay all the way to the Hora. In the afternoon optional visit of the Hora: The Church of Panagia Paraportiani, the Windmill cultural museum and the Archaeological museum. Dinner in a tavern in Little Venice.

Day 5: Naxos
In the morning transfer by high-speed boat to Naxos Island (via Paros Island), the biggest and most fertile island of the Cyclades. Arrival in Naxos Island around 13.00 o’clock in the afternoon. We settle to the traditional hotel (15 minutes drive from the port to Agia Anna) in the seaside village of Agia Anna, close to the beach. By taxis we go to Koronida village, where our trekking starts. Duration of trekking approximately 3 hours, we end up in the seaside village of Apollonas, where we will admire the famous statue of Kouros. Return back to the hotel by private bus or taxis. Rest of the afternoon free for swimming or optional visit of the old part of Naxos town.

Day 6: Naxos
After breakfast, we go by taxi to Apiranthos village. Short visit to the picturesque village with it’s three small museums and then our walk starts. We walk towards the highest peak of Mt. Zas (1004 meters altitude) and then we continue downhill on dirt road till the village of Filoti. Duration of trekking, approximately 4-5 hours and then descend from the asphalt road (not traffic) back to Filoti village to catch a taxi back to our hotel. Rest of the day free.

Day 7: Santorini
After breakfast, we take the high-speed boat to the fairest island of the Cyclades, Santorini. We arrive early in the afternoon, around 14.00 o’clock and settle to our hotel. Rest of the afternoon free to admire the breathtaking view of the volcano. Meet in the evening for dinner.

Day 8: Santorini
After breakfast, we start our trek from the main town of Fira. The path starts from the cable car station. For the first 40 minutes, it’s a stone-path, which then turns into a footpath. We end up to the village of Oia, the most famous village for its sunset. (Approximate duration of trek, 3 hours) Then we return back to Fira, either on foot or by taxis. Rest of the day free to explore the island, either visit one of its famous wineries or the still active archaeological site of Akrotiri. Dinner in the evening in a tavern, overlooking the volcano.

Day 9: Santorini-Athens
Free day for swimming at the black beach of Perissa or optional excursion to then still active volcano! Late in the afternoon transfer to the international airport of Santorini to catch the flight to Athens. Transfer to your hotel. Farewell dinner in Plaka.

Day 10:
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight back home. End of services.

Price: 2100 Euros (Participation 4-5 persons)
1900 Euros (Participation 6-8 persons)
1700 Euros (Participation 9-11 persons)
1600 Euros (Participation 12-16 persons)
Single supplement: 220 Euros
Triple reduction: 90 Euros

• 10 days/9 nights in double room in B/B basis in hotels (Category A hotel in Athens and on the islands).
• English-French speaking expert tour leader.
  
• Trekking activities mentioned in the program.
  
• Full board (picnic lunches and dinner in taverns)
  
• All transfers by private A/C buses and/or taxis
  
• Entrance fees to the museums during Athens sightseeing.
  
• Half-day sightseeing tour of Athens (entrance fees included).
  
• Professional guide during sightseeing.
  
• Air ticket Santorini-Athens (economy class)
  
• All high-speed boat tickets on the islands.
  
• All transfers from the port to the hotels on the islands.

NOT INCLUDED:

• Personal expenses.
  
• Drinks.
  
• Optional gratuities to leader, guides and local staff.

DATES: April 26-May 5, May 24-June 2, June 14-23, July 12-21, August 2-11
September 6-15, September 27- October 6, October 25- November 3

Notes:
-At time of booking you will be invoiced at the highest price level. (The smallest group size we can operate). The group size will be finalized one month prior to departure day, so you will be billed accordingly to the final number of clients who booked the trip.
-staff, trip doctors are excluded from the count.
-If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodation, we will do our best to find you a roommate of the same sex. If it is not possible, you will be charged half of the single supplement only.
-We suggest you allow an extra day or two in Athens before or after the trip in order to explore the hostess of the next Olympic games. In this case, please contact us to help you with reservations and suggest you things to do.

Walking
Our trips are designed for active people who enjoy trekking, even going up steep hills. We expect participants to be in good physical condition. We typically walk along either dirt roads or stony footpaths, some of which can be irregular underfoot. In Santorini there are some optional short stretches of footpath, which, although not dangerous, may be uncomfortable for vertigo-sufferers. On the coast we also walk on sand and shingle for short stretches. Some days involve altitude gains of 800-900m. A stick may be useful.

Accommodation.
We spend all nights in comfortable 4-5 * hotels in double room with private bathroom and in all (but one) with A/C. (Only the hotel in Naxos doesn't have A/C in the rooms)

Transport
We travel from Athens to the islands and between the islands by high-speed catamaran boats, on the islands we travel by taxis or A/C mini buses (depending the size of the group) and on foot and from Santorini to Athens by airplane. Our baggage travels by plane, bus, taxi and high-speed boat. The trip starts and ends in Athens. There is one major transfer on the first day arranged to fit the majority of the clients, therefore clients are requested to book a flight that will arrive in Athens airport no later than 16:00 o'clock. It usually takes about 40-50 minutes to clear Customs and collect the luggage. A guide will be waiting for you, outside the exit of your gate. If you arrive earlier than the others you will be asked to wait at the airport and will be given directions from your guide on the spot.

Leadership and group size
Your tour leader will be with you throughout the week to guide you along the route, help organize and interpret in the villages and assist the group in any other way possible. Our leaders are fluent in English and Greek as well as often-another language, and have walked and often lived in the area before. They will try and give you a real insight into the local way of life. Although not specialists, they are interested in the area's flora and fauna and usually carry field guides. They always have maps and a compass. We expect to run this trip with a group of 4-16 participants.

Money-food.
Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, accommodation and transport (as per itinerary) are included in the tour cost; personal expenses and drinks are excluded. You will not be charged for any hidden extras. We suggest that you bring a minimum of €100 or $100 with you to pay for any drinks or snacks and any souvenirs or unexpected items