Blue sea, Olive Groves and Sun in Greece™

The Cycladic islands are the prototypical “Greek islands”. Whitewashed houses, turquoise blue seas, olive groves and sun parched landscapes. It is here where man lived in harmony with the environment for thousands of years. An element of this cultural identity is Cycladic cooking which is timeless, organic and instinctive.
The trip starts in Athens, and after visiting the Acropolis and the new Acropolis museum, we will hop in our ferry to Tinos, a wonderland of natural beauty, dotted with more than forty marble-ornamented villages found in hidden bays, on terraced hillsides and atop misty mountains. Next stop is Naxos, the biggest and one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades, if one can be in position to choose. It is an island with incredible landscape interchanges, Venetian castles and traditional villages perched on the cliffs of its mountains.
Final stop is Santorini and probably you know how it looks like. Photos of vibrant blue waters overlooked by whitewashed stone homes nestled above multicolored cliffs are constantly fueling wanderlust around the world.

Trip Highlights

– Indulge in a feast of varied tastes in different Cycladic islands
– What, no mousaka??…Expect slow food and slow pace of life in Tinos
– Be amazed with the mountains of Naxos, a place of goats, shepherds, and tiny, solitary, whitewashed churches
– Wander through whitewashed villages in Santorini, while enjoying breathtaking views to the caldera and the volcano

 

Itinerary: 4 Days, 3 Nights

Day 1

Arrival in Athens and welcome dinner
Often referred to as the cradle of Western civilization, Athens has been continually occupied by people for the last 7,000 years. You can’t move without bumping into an ancient ruin or building, which evokes imagery of the Greek gods or the thoughts of their philosophers.

In the afternoon we will meet at our hotel for an introductory talk and after a walk around Plaka, the oldest neighborhood of Athens, we will have our first dinner together in a traditional restaurant. Of course, Greek cuisine plays a starring role and we have spent many hours digesting countless delicacies during the research of this important aspect.

Overnight in Athens, in our select 4 star hotel
Dinner included

Day 2

Visit Acropolis and Acropolis museum.

In the afternoon take the ferry to Tinos
No matter how many photographs you’ve seen, nothing can prepare you for watching in person the Acropolis standing after thousands of years. Alongside with a specialized guide you will explore the site and afterwards we will head towards the long-waited Acropolis museum.

In the afternoon we will drive to the port of Rafina and from there we will take the ferry to Tinos.
In Tinos, all the fascination is hiding in the more than forty extraordinarily well preserved villages, in the stone huts, in the architectural details of the unique dovecotes, in the “handmade” terraces that cover the whole island.

Overnight in Tinos, in
Breakfast and dinner included

Ferry:
Rafina to Tinos 17:30-21:20
Driving distance: 
Athens to Rafina port 30 km / 40 min

Day 3

Visit the village of Pyrgos and cooking lesson
In Tinos, all the fascination is hidden in the more than forty extraordinarily well preserved villages, in the stone huts, in the architectural details of the unique dovecotes and in the “handmade” terraces that cover the whole island.

In the morning we will drive to Pyrgos, a historical village with great tradition in marble carving where even the cemetery is a feast of that fine art. From Pyrgos, we will head to the village of Tripotamos and we will visit a local house where are we going to learn how to make traditional Cycladic dishes during a cooking lesson.

Overnight in Tinos, in Hotel Suites
Breakfast and lunch included
Driving distance: 
Tinos town to Pyrgos Village 23 km / 40 min
Pyrgos Village to Tripotamos 18 km / 30 min
Tripotamos to Chora  5 km / 10 min

Day 4

Ferry to Naxos and cooking lesson
Next destination is Naxos. As the ferry arcs toward the island, you catch the first glimpse of the Portara, a marble gateway on the headland, all that remains of an ancient temple to Apollo. Of course, this is just the beginning of your adventure here.

Greek cuisine reflects the rich agricultural production of our small yet blessed country, and is a reflection of our economy, history, social life, customs and even religious beliefs. In Naxos, the wide variety of produce available allows people to create eclectic dishes based on creative recipes. So today you will learn how to prepare a typical Greek-Family meal with the well-known pure Naxian products at a family farm which dates back to the 16th century and still has no electricity, so everything will be cooked with wood fire.

Overnight in Naxos, 4 Star Boutique Hotel
Breakfast and dinner included
Driving distance:
Naxos to Melanes 15 km / 20 min
Melanes to Naxos town 15 km / 20 min
Ferry:
Tinos to Naxos 11:30-13:50

Day 5

Drive to the interior of the island and food tour at the village of Apeiranthos
Today you will discover the tapestry of local customs and traditions, which brings the spirit of Naxos to life by visiting some of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades. First, we will drive from the plain to the highlands reaching the village of Chalki the former capital of the island, where you’ll taste Naxos’ famous citron liquor at a traditional distillery. From there we will continue your scenic drive climbing to the mountain village of Apeiranthos, known for its marble streets and medieval architecture, where you are going to participate in a food tour. You going to sample some crusty bread with the local smoked ham, pork in a rich tomato garlic sauce, goat cheese with honey, and a special dessert.

Overnight in Naxos, 4 Star Boutique Hotel
Breakfast and lunch included
Driving distance:
Naxos town to Chalki 25 km / 35 min
Chalki to Apiranthos 10 km / 15 min
Apeiranthos to Naxos town 35 km / 45 min

Day 6

Stroll in Naxos town, ferry to Santorini and dinner in Oia
The town of Naxos is regarded to be one of the most beautiful towns in the Cyclades, particularly popular for its fine architecture that is composed of Venetian and Cycladic elements. In the morning we will explore the impressive Venetian castle that stands on top of it.
Later on in the day we will catch the ferry to Santorini and after settling in your hotel you will be transferred to Oia for an exceptional dinner facing the most famous caldera in the world.
Overnight in Santorini, Winery hotel 1870
Breakfast included
Driving distance: 
Santorini Port to Fira 10 km / 25 min
Oia to Fira 11 km / 20 min
Ferry:
Naxos to Santorini

Day 7

Sunset wine tour
Sip your way around Santorini on a half-day wine tour, visiting three traditional wineries dotted around the picturesque island. While savoring different varietals made from grapes such as the indigenous Assyrtiko, you will learn about the ancient vineyard of Santorini, the history of the island through the centuries, and how the volcanic soils influence its wine-making.

Overnight in Santorini, Winery Hotel
Breakfast and dinner included

Day 8

Say farewell to Greece or continue on your own
Breakfast is at your leisure at the hotel and following that, your trip in Greece concludes with independent departures to the airport or other areas of Greece. You can end your trip here or else join us for an extension to the nearby island of Crete, a unique world where civilization is counted by the millennia.
Breakfast included