TABLE OF CONTENTS
Trip Highlights
Tour details
Itinerary
What's Included
Itinerary Changes
Terrain
Condition Grading
Starting point and getting there
Food, Weather
Gear checklist
Currency & Banking
Passports, Visas
Greece has always been among the most popular holiday destinations worldwide, especially due to its countless amazing islands. Each of them has something special to offer, and apart from the most popular such as Santorini, Mykonos and Crete there are a number of other islands which are less touristy, yet extremely beautiful and worth visiting.
This trip takes you to islands ideal for those who don't like tourist-packed places and who are feeling adventurous and want to discover destinations off the beaten path. It starts in Athens, and after visiting the Acropolis and the new Acropolis museum, we will hop on our ferry to Andros. It is the second-largest island of the Cyclades, with a long and proud seafaring tradition and a walker's paradise. Its wild mountains are traversed by fertile valleys with bubbling streams and ancient stone mills. After spending three nights in Andros take the 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. For the last part of the trip spend a day in Syros, exploring Ermoupolis, the leading commercial and industrial center of Cyclades, as well as its main port, since it was founded in the 1820s.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the Acropolis, the quintessential landmark of Western civilization
- What, no mousaka??...Expect slow food and a slow pace of life in Andros
- Hike on cobblestone paths through stunning landscapes of villages, olive groves and dovecotes in Tinos
- Take a walk on paved stairways and wander between neoclassical mansions in Ermoupolis, capital of Syros
TOUR DETAILS
- Days/Nights: 9 days / 8 nights
- Single supplement: Cost based on request. Availability limited.
- Condition grading: Moderate
ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrival in Athens and welcome dinner
Your trip begins in Athens. Ancient and modern, with equal measures of grunge and grace, bustling Athens is a heavy mix of history and edginess. The historic center is an open-air museum, yet the city's cultural and social life takes place amid these ancient landmarks, merging past and present. The magnificent Acropolis rises above the sprawling metropolis and has stood witness to the city's transformation. In the afternoon we will meet at our hotel and after a brief orientation meeting, we'll set off to explore the old part of this lively city. To conclude the night, we will have our first dinner together in a traditional Greek restaurant while getting to know each other in eager anticipation of our adventure.
Overnight in Athens in a 4* hotel
Dinner included
DAY 2
Visit the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum. In the afternoon take the ferry to Andros
No matter how many photographs you've seen, nothing can prepare you for seeing in person the Acropolis standing after thousands of years. Alongside a specialized guide explore the archeological site and later enrich your experience with a visit to the long-awaited new Acropolis museum. In the afternoon drive to the port of Rafina and embark the ferry to the island of Andros. On this lush island, spring tends to be a feature of each village and waterfalls cascade down hillsides most of the year. Our hotel is located in the handsome main town of Andros, also known as Chora, which is a ship-owner enclave packed with neoclassical mansions.
Overnight in Andros Town in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Driving distance:
Athens center to Rafina port 30 km / 50 min
Port of Andros to Andros Town 30 km / 1 hr
Ferry:
Rafina to Andros 17:30-19:30
DAY 3
Hike from Andros town to Menites and back
This hike is really a must on the island of Andros. We walk steep ancient paths connecting the main town with the village of Menites. On this hike you get a marvellous impression of the large valleys above Chora, with beautiful views of the town itself. It also brings you to one of the wateriest spots on the island with the wonderful valley of Menites. In the afternoon, stroll on the narrow streets of Andros town, home of famous Greek captains and ship owners, with a remarkable combination of medieval, neoclassical and island style evident in its houses. Flights of stairs, a spacious square with trees, narrow streets, remarkable churches and museums, shops, cafes and restaurants play their part in the beauty of the place.
Overnight in Andros Town in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 11,5 km / Hiking Duration: 4 hr
DAY 4
Hike from Andros town to Apikia, Gyalia beach and back
Today's hike is a beautiful circular route with lush vegetation, passing through major settlements of seamanship and rural Andros, parallel to Pythara ravine. From Andros town we ascend along one of the most beautiful cobblestone paths of the island, towards the village of Apikia and the views along our route will take your breath away. From there, the paved footpath descends with destination Gyalia Beach and alongside the river we cross a verdant landscape with oaks, olive and walnut trees, leading to a traditional restored olive press, the Bistis-Mouvelas Tower and Stenies, a seafarer's village.
Overnight in Andros Town in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 9,8 km / Hiking Duration: 4 hr
DAY 5
Ferry to Tinos, visit Pyrgos and from there hike to Panormos
Don't you just love it when you stumble across a local's secret spot when travelling. Well, here's one more to add to the list: Tinos island in Greece. 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, in the "handmade" terraces that cover the whole island. Early in the afternoon 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 do a short hike to the seaside village of Panormos while the fragrant sea air and gentle climate of the island will refresh our spirits.
Overnight in Tinos Town in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 2 km / Hiking Duration: 1 hr
Driving distance:
Andros Town to Port of Andros 30 km / 1 hr
Tinos town to Pyrgos Village 23 km / 40 min
Panormos village to Tinos Town 27 km / 50 min
Ferry:
Andros to Tinos 9:30-11:00
DAY 6
Hike from Falatados to Livada beach and back
Falatados village is located in the rugged interior of the island, which is largely untouched by mass tourism. A dreamy mosaic of sleepy villages, terraced vineyards and fertile valleys, dotted with tiny chapels and dovecotes. With Falatados as a starting point, hike an ancient footpath shaded by plane trees, following the course of a brook and head towards Livada beach. There, massive breakers have battered the rocks, whipping them into weird shapes by the north wind. Locals have developed their own Beaufort scale to measure the winds: kapelato will blow your kapelo (hat) off, kareklato will knock you off your karekla (chair), and trapezato will blow over the whole trapezi (table).
Overnight in Tinos Town in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 12 km / Hiking Duration: 5 hr
Driving distance:
Tinos town to Falatados village 13 km / 20 min
Falatados village to Tinos town 13 km / 20 min
DAY 7
Hike from Volax to Tinos town. Afternoon ferry to Syros
The village of Volax is like a habitat for hobbits. Cottages crouch among smooth round boulders which tumble down the mountain like giant bowling balls. Nobody knows how these peculiar rock formations evolved. Some say there was a volcanic eruption; others claim that meteorites rained down from the sky. The 20th-century Greek philosopher Cornelius Castoriadis simply concluded that Tinos was "not made by human hand". From Volax hike to the imposing rock of Exombourgo, with its medieval castle on top of it and then descend towards the town through the Venetian trail that many centuries ago already connected the harbor and the fortress. Later in the afternoon and after lunch take the ferry to the nearby island of Syros, the biggest naval center of Greece in the 19th century which rests on the glory of its past greatness.
Overnight in Syros Town in a boutique hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 7 km / Hiking Duration: 3 hr
Driving distance:
Tinos town to Volax village 13 km / 20 min
Ferry:
Tinos to Syros 15:00-16:00
DAY 8
Explore Syros town and ferry to Athens
Syros is the Ermoupolis! Once Venice's prized Aegean colony, at that time Greece's biggest port, is spread across two hills, one crowned with a Greek Orthodox church, the other with a Roman Catholic church' a legacy of the Italians, who have also made their mark on the architecture. Ermoupolis certainly remains one of the most beautiful towns in Greece and is characterized by gorgeous neoclassical mansions and 19th-century tenement blocks. In the morning we will explore its labyrinthine alleyways and we will talk about the history of this fascinating city. Later in the afternoon we will hop again on a ferry towards Athens, where we are going to have our farewell dinner.
Overnight in Athens in a 4* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Driving distance:
Piraeus port to Athens center 10 km / 30 min
Ferry:
Syros to Piraeus port 16:00-20:00
DAY 9
Say farewell to Greece or continue on your own
Breakfast is at your leisure at the hotel and following that, your Tripin Adventures trip in Greece concludes. Transfer independently from our accommodations in Athens to the international airport for return flights home or continue exploring one of Europe's oldest cities.
Breakfast included
WHATS INCLUDED
Price includes:
All accommodations based on double occupancy
Hotel taxes and service charges
All transportation during the trip
All activities mentioned in the program
Ferry tickets
Entrance fees to the Acropolis archaeological site and the Acropolis museum
Tourist guide for the archaeological site of the Acropolis and for the Acropolis museum
Services of a guide throughout the tour
Transport and handling of one reasonably sized suitcase and one carry-on per person
Included meals:
Breakfast, lunches and dinners as indicated in the itinerary
Not Included:
Domestic and/or international air fare
Medical expenses
Travel or emergency evacuation insurance
Gratuities for leader/guide or driver
Alcoholic beverages and meals other than outlined in itinerary
Visas if needed
Transfer to and from the airport/port
Other items of a personal nature
Anything not mentioned in above program
ITINERARY CHANGES
We are constantly updating our unique itineraries based on new information and experiences available. The walks, accommodations, and visits listed may be adjusted. The itineraries presented are subject to modification and change by Tripin Adventures. We reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in our judgment, conditions warrant, or if we deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants, anything not mentioned in above program.
TERRAIN
This trip level is Moderate and is suitable for most people that are in fairly good physical condition. Although the daily distances are not that far, it has been rated moderate as there are quite significant elevation gains and losses. The itinerary includes walking tours in cities and villages, and five days with moderate hikes of 1-5 hours. Although the paths are quite well-kept the terrain often tends to be very stony and rocky. You will mostly be walking on footpaths, mountain trails and on some tarmac roads and be prepared for few steeper passages.
CONDITION GRADING
Moderate
Trips designated "Moderate" are more active and require a bit more endurance. Hikes and treks includes occasional steep ascents. Trip members should be experienced hikers in good physical condition, capable of walking 3-5 hours
STARTING POINT AND GETTING THERE
Starting point is: Athens.
Getting There & Away:Athens airport Eleftherios Venizelos, is about 27km east of Athens. Athens is connected with direct flights with various cities in Europe, North America and Asia.
Getting around: We can arrange for a transfer from the airport to your hotel. If you want to come by yourself, the metro and the suburban rail provide quick connections to central Athens (1 hour / 10 euros ticket). The bus option is cheaper though it takes longer (1h 30 min / 5 euros ticket). You can also take a taxi (1 hour / 35-50 euros).
FOOD
Simple, nutritious and flavorsome, the food is one of the pleasures of travel through Greece. Rustic Greek Cuisine reflects the history and bounty of its diverse regions and relies in the fresh, seasonal home-grown produce and generally simple, unfussy cooking that brings out the rich flavors of the Mediterranean.
Greece's relaxed and hospitable dinning culture makes it easy to get into the local spirit. Greeks love to eat out and share impossibly big meals family style. Given the long summers and mild winters, alfresco dining is central to the dining experience. Service could be slow by Western standards, but why being in rush either way.
As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. Wherever possible we will cater for dietary needs for any included meals, but there may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own. Note that alcohol and soda are not included.
WEATHER
Spring, summer and fall in Greece are sunny and warm. The daytime temperatures average 25-30 C though temperatures in the 35s are possible in the summer months. Nighttime temperatures cool off slightly to 20 C. Rain showers are rare in the islands, but it's often breezy and rainy on the coast.
GEAR CHECKLIST
Greece has a temperate climate. Base your clothing on the "layering system", if it is hot you can "peel off" layers quickly, if it is cooler and windy you can quickly "dress up". The lighter you travel, the easier you travel. Use your best judgement and pack as lightly as possible. You will appreciate light luggage towards the end of your trip.
Please consider taking along the following items on your trip.
OFFICIAL PAPERS
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
LUGGAGE
- Duffel bag or rolling luggage
- Daypack to carry camera, water bottle and snacks etc.
- Luggage locks and tags
OUTERWEAR
- Midweight polar fleece sweater
- Rain jacket and rain pants, or poncho
CLOTHING
- Hiking shorts
- Casual clothing made of light-weight fabrics
- T-shirts
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Hiking pants, loose and easy to move in
- Underwear
- Swimsuit
CLOTHING ACCESSORIES
- Sun hat or baseball cap
FOOTWEAR
- Lightweight and supportive hiking boots, broken-in with good ankle support
- Beach sandals
- Casual, comfortable shoes for evening
ACCESSORIES
- Sunscreen and lip protection
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Beach towel
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
- Security pouch or money belt
- Trekking poles or walking staff
- Camera, memory and batteries
- Reading and writing materials
- Watch with alarm or travel alarm
- Travel pillow
- Motion sickness remedies
- Personal first-aid kit
- Insect repellent (lowrisk)
- Electric adapter plug/converter
This is not a fixed list, but more of a guideline, so feel free to add and remove items as you see fit.
CURRENCY & BANKING
Greece has adopted the Euro as its currency. The easiest way to obtain local cash is from an ATM. Greek ATMs accept cards bearing the Cirrus, EC, Euro card, Visa and Plus symbols. If you take cash, US or Canadian Dollars can be easily exchanged at banks. Most major credit cards, Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted. It is advisable to have some Euros with you upon arrival to be used for a taxi if necessary. You may want to check the website www.xe.com for current exchange rates.
PASSPORTS
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the conclusion of your trip. Please make sure that you have blank pages in your passport for your visa (if required), entry and exit stamps (one for each). Please make a copy to take with you in the event yours is lost or stolen and keep it separate from your actual passport.
VISAS
Currently a Greek Tourist Visa is not required for citizens of Canada, United States, Britain and Australia. If you hold another passport, please check online http://visacentral.com/visas.php
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