Greek Islands Walking - Andros & Tinos

Our trip begins at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH). The latest your flight can arrive is 2.45pm. We will travel together as a group to the port of Rafina, and take the 5.30pm ferry to Andros Island. The ferry crossing takes approximately two hours after which we take the public bus to Chora on the north coast, our base for the next three nights.

Andros is the second largest of the Cycladic islands, situated approximately 70 kilometres from mainland Greece. The landscape here is characterised by cypress trees, fertile valleys, mountain ridges, scattered houses and secluded beaches. The island abounds with patisseries serving traditional deserts and spoon sweets, fruits and nuts preserved in a sugar syrup, all best enjoyed with a coffee and glass of cold water. Stay: Paradise Art Hotel (Comfortable)

This morning we walk from the hotel, ascending via a cobblestone-paved path, alongside high cypresses and through olive groves. For centuries these paths were the main routes between villages allowing for trade and communication. The walls on both sides of the path are constructed with large vertical slabs of slate in the distinctive traditional way.

We pass through the villages Lamira and Mesaria with their imposing churches and natural springs then descend to an ancient Venetian bridge crossing the river bed. Higher up the mountain the Monastery of Panachrantos comes into sight. The Monastery appears to be literally clinging to the side of Gerakonas Mountain. Even though we do not climb all the way up to the Monastery, the views over the island from the highest point of our walk are lovely. We descend through the green valley of the Livadia river back to Chora.

The remainder of the day and evening is free to explore the marble-paved streets and elegant architecture of Chora, built on a small peninsular between two sandy beaches. You could visit the excellent Goulandris Museum of Modern Art which showcases both Greek and international artists.

Today's 13.5 kilometre walk is expected to take approximately four- and-a-half hours with a total ascent and descent of 400 metres. Stay: Paradise Art Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

Most of today's linear walk is along paved mule tracks and dirt roads. Throughout the walk we enjoy great views over the Aegean Sea, Chora and coastal villages.

We take the public bus or taxi's to the tiny village of Kochilou and start our walk here. We ascend along a wide kalderimi, the Ottoman name for paved paths, through orchards to the ruin of the fortress of Paleokastro, also named Faneromeni. From this lovely spot we enjoy a 360 degree view over southern Andros and the bay of Ormos Korthiou. Descending through the Dipotama Gorge and flora-rich valley to Sineti, we pass by old water mills arriving back into Chora on foot.

Today's eight-and-a-half kilometre walk is expected to take approximately three hours with a total ascent of 150 metres and descent of 470 metres along stoney paths. Stay: Paradise Art Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

Morning walk to Apikia descending via old mule tracks through the valley. Ferry to Tinos Island

This morning we take a circular walk on a paved path to Apikia where we can see the village's well shaped like a lions head and numerous natural springs. We descend through the valley on ancient, walled mule tracks. Walking back into Chora, you could stop for a swim at Nimborio Beach. The afternoon is free to enjoy a last stroll through the alleys of Chora and sit for a hot meal at a local restaurant.

Later we travel by public bus to the port at Gavrio and take the late afternoon ferry to Tinos Island, the crossing is approximately one-and-a-half hours. Tinos is a wild and beautiful island with lush green valleys, hidden beaches and over 60 sleepy, picturesque villages. The island is famed for the Church of Panagia Evangelistria, an important site for Greek pilgrims visiting its sacred icon of the Virgin Mary, found where the church now stands.

Today's five-and-a-half kilometre walk is expected to take approximately two hours with a total ascent of 80 metres and descent of 370 metres. Stay: Aeolos Bay (Comfortable) (B)

Today's walk leads us around the Exobourgo mountain and ruined Venetian fortress. This rugged granite mass stands high, ringed by small villages. Taking taxis to Falatados we walk through valleys and terraced fields, villages with narrow alleys, numerous churches and a monastery. In the wide valley between Loutra and Kambos are the decorated dovecotes that are symbolic of Tinos Island.

There are 1,300 two-storey towers dotted throughout the Island, built by the Venetians in the 15th Century to rear doves and pigeons for eggs, food and carrying messages. The artistic decorations on the upper facades are based on triangles and circles representing the sun and its rays. We arrive back to the hotel on foot.

Today's 16 kilometre walk is expected to take approximately seven hours with a total ascent of 220 metres and descent of 500 metres. Stay: Aeolos Bay (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we take a public bus to the north coast to start our circular walk from the marina in Ormos Panormou. Following a gravel road and cobble path we reach Pyrgos and enter via marble steps. This white village is said to be the prettiest in the whole of Tinos. Its marble craftsmen are famed for their handiwork which you can admire in the marble reliefs on the houses. Enjoy a rest and coffee under the shade of the 200 year old plane tree in the main square before descending back to Panormos with views of the bay.

Today's eight kilometre walk is expected to take approximately two-and-a-half hours with a total ascent and descent of 200 metres. Stay: Aeolos Bay (Comfortable) (B)

This morning is left free. You could take a stroll around the streets of Tinos and visit the Panagia Evangelistria before enjoying a seafood lunch at one of the fish tavernas in the Old Town. Try the fresh calamari accompanied with Savori, a spicy sweet and sour sauce.

In the afternoon we take the ferry back to mainland Greece and drive to our hotel in Athens for the final night of the holiday. Stay: Crystal City Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Athens.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Athens at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) a 40 minutes' drive from the hotel. (B)