Greece: Walking in the Greek Islands

Athens has always been the gateway to the Greek islands and an island hopping trip is part of everyone's vision when you think about exploring this magnificent part of the world. Imagine the warm sun on your face, the blue water that turns to azure, and the beautiful white villages that starts coming into focus. Welcome to Tinos, and to Greece, and we invite you get off the beaten track and live in the moment. Meet very early at our Athens hotel. Depart early for the port of Rafina, where we board our ferry to Tinos, find a good spot to sit and enjoy the views. Arrive in Tinos and enjoy free time to explore over lunch; dinner today is a walking food tour of the old town.

Please note that flights should arrive to Athens no later than 4am. We recommend that you book a pre night at our hotel or nearby for the night prior so you don't miss the group transfer.

Included Experiences

• Welcome Meeting - Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. 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.
• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Tinos Food Tour: 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.

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.

Included Experiences

• Castle of Tinos Hike: 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: Enjoy a free afternoon to relax at the hotel or head to the beach for a swim.

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.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Náxos Orientation Walk: Enjoy a brief orientation walk with your CEO.
• Naxos Food & Wine Tour: 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".

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.

Included Experiences

• Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon to relax at the beach or explore more of the old town on your own.
• Byzantine Hiking Experience: 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. Make sure to bring comfortable clothing, hiking or training shoes, a hat and a backpack.

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.

Included Experiences

• Naxos Sailing Tour: Enjoy a full-day on the water off the coast of Naxos while keeping your eyes open for dolphins and sea turtles. You will pause for a short swim and snorkel at the Blue Lagoon in Panteronissia islets. See the south part and beautiful bays of Paros island and enjoy its sandy beaches before heading back to Naxos.

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. Upon arrival, let your interests and energy level guide you. 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. Board the ferry to Santorini and in no time at all you will recognize the white villages high above. Whether you choose to hike or to take a guided tour, we know Santorini will impress you.

Included Experiences

• Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
• Crater Rim Hike or Santorini Driving Tour: 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 further exploration, then be transferred back to Fira for a dinner on your own.

Explore Fira this morning with a CEO-led orientation walk before using free time to personalize your time. End the day with a beautiful sunset cruise. 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.

Included Experiences

• Santorini Orientation Walk: Get to know Santorini with your CEO on an orientation walk of Thira
• Free Time: During a free afternoon to relax at the hotel or enjoy a walk in Fira for some final shopping opportunities.
• Santorini Sunset Cruise: 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!

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.

Included Experiences

• Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.