Cyclades Family Adventure

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

Greek summers in our childhood memories evoke images of whitewashed houses, turquoise-blue seas, olive groves, and sun-parched landscapes on the dreamy Cycladic islands. We cherish the Cyclades for shaping the backdrop of our sweet summer holidays, and we hope your family can build similar memories. Our family trip to the Cyclades is meticulously crafted to delight kids, parents, and grandparents alike, offering an unforgettable Greek adventure! Our journey commences in Athens, where we'll explore the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum before setting sail for the islands. Our initial destination is Paros, a perfect introduction to the Cyclades: adorned with white villages, pristine beaches, and charming churches. During our three-day stay, we'll delve into the island's heart, trekking between villages and gliding across the Aegean Sea. Next, our path leads us to Naxos, the largest and most fertile island in the archipelago. Renowned for its expansive, sandy beaches and rugged inland terrain, Naxos boasts Mount Zeus, the Cyclades' tallest peak, promising breathtaking hikes and panoramic vistas. While on Naxos, we'll pay a visit to a quaint family farm, engaging in crafting our own Greek lunch using locally sourced products. Our stay extends for three days, after which you have the choice to return to Athens or extend your adventure to enchanting Santorini!

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Experience the Acropolis, the quintessential landmark of Western civilization
  • Set sail from Paros in a traditional boat and anchor at secluded beaches and inlets
  • Hike in the mountains of Naxos, a place of picturesque landscape ornamented with shepherds, goats, and tiny, solitary, whitewashed churches
  • Visit a family farm and learn to cook authentic local dishes

TOUR DETAILS

  • Days/Nights: 8 days / 7 nights
  • Single supplement: Cost based on request. Availability limited.
  • Condition grading: Easy active

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrival in Athens and welcome dinner

Athens, often called the starting point of Western civilization, has been a bustling city for over 7,000 years. Everywhere you turn, you'll spot ancient ruins and buildings that bring to life the tales of Greek gods and the wisdom of philosophers. Ιn the afternoon, we'll gather at our hotel for a fun chat to kick things off. After a stroll through Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, we'll share our first dinner at a cozy traditional restaurant. Get ready to dive into the world of Greek cuisine—we've dedicated hours to exploring and savoring the most delicious dishes for this special occasion!

Overnight in Athens in a 4* hotel
Dinner included

DAY 2

Acropolis Marvels and Paros bound!

Imagine stepping into a real-life ancient city where gods and heroes roamed! At the Acropolis, a magical place that's stood for thousands of years, we'll have a tour with a guide who knows all the secrets. Ever wondered who built these amazing temples? Or what stories these ancient stones could tell? Get ready to explore and ask all the questions you want! After our adventure at the Acropolis, we're off to the Acropolis Museum, where ancient treasures come to life. Then, we'll zip off to the port for a ferry ride to Paros, a place with fairytale-like villages and beaches made for exploring. Once we settle in, we'll wander through the town's cozy alleys and share stories over a yummy dinner together.

Overnight in Paros in a 4* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Ferry:
Piraeus to Paros 8:45-12:20

DAY 3

Family Hiking and beach time in Paros

After a delicious breakfast, we've got an awesome adventure planned for the day that the whole family will love! We'll embark on a scenic 3.6 Km hike along the historic Byzantine trail, paved with marble. This ancient path links two fascinating villages—Lefkes, steeped in neoclassical architecture and once the island's capital, and charming, pint-sized Prodromos. Once we've explored these amazing places, it's time for a well-deserved beach break! Bring along your snorkels and beach essentials as we head to a stunning sandy beach. It's the perfect opportunity for the kids to play and explore the crystal-clear waters while the grown-ups relax and soak up some sunshine. Don't forget the sunscreen—it's going to be a fantastic day of adventure and relaxation for everyone!

Overnight in Paros in a 4* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 3.6 km / Hiking Duration: 2 hr

DAY 4

Sailing adventure in the Aegean

Feel the gentle sea breeze and bask in the glorious sunshine aboard a Caique, those wonderful Greek wooden boats that have sailed the Aegean Sea for generations. Today, we'll have the incredible opportunity to sail on one of these historic vessels. Our adventure begins in the charming fish-village of Aliki, where we'll set sail towards Panteronissia, a group of tiny islets often called the Blue Lagoon for its crystal-clear waters. As we navigate our way to the island of Antiparos, we'll make several stops for refreshing swims in the sparkling sea. Plus, lunchtime is a treat as we enjoy a delicious meal prepared and served on the boat, using fresh ingredients straight from the captain's family property. After a full day of cruising, swimming, and making memories, we'll head back to the hotel, carrying with us the tales of our amazing day at sea.

Overnight in Paros in a 4* hotel
Breakfast and lunch included

DAY 5

Agia Roumeli to Agios Ioannis

Leaving Paros, our next stop is the incredible island of Naxos – a place that has everything a family could wish for! Picture this: long sandy beaches, ancient towers to discover, green valleys, charming villages, and delicious local treats all waiting for us. Today, we'll take it easy and delve into Naxos's main town. You'll spot the amazing old fortifications, remnants of when Naxos was the bustling center of the Duchy of the Aegean during the Venetian Period. But history here is like a storybook with layers – mixing Venetian and Frankish influences from the past. Together, we'll wander through the charming medieval town's narrow streets, stepping back in time. And of course, what's a trip to Greece without beach time? Choose your favorite spot along the coast to relax and play under the sun. As the day winds down, we'll regroup for a magical sunset stroll and a delicious family dinner.

Overnight in Naxos in a 4* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Ferry:
Paros to Naxos 11:55-12:45

DAY 6

Farm-to-Table Greek cooking experience

Get ready for a lunch treat today – but it's not just about tasting delicious Greek dishes, it's about diving into their secrets! Greek cuisine is like a big storybook, reflecting our country's bountiful land and weaving together history, customs, and even the way we celebrate. In Naxos, the variety of fresh produce is our playground for crafting unique and tasty dishes with creative twists. Join us at a 16th-century farm that's kept its old charm – no electricity means we'll be cooking everything over an open fire. It's the perfect setting to learn how to prepare a classic Greek family meal using the finest, pure Naxian products. This isn't just a cooking class; it's a chance for the whole family to get hands-on, discover the magic behind Greek flavors, and create special memories together. Let's cook up a storm and enjoy a day filled with delicious discoveries on this authentic Naxian farm.

Overnight in Naxos in a 4* hotel
Breakfast and lunch included

DAY 7

Village hike and farewell gathering

Today, we'll kick off our adventure by driving to the charming village of Melanes, the starting point of our scenic hike. As we trek along, you'll be surrounded by the beauty of whitewashed houses and rolling hillsides, making our way to the spot where the two 'small' Kouroi (ancient male statues) of Naxos have laid for an incredible 2600 years. For lunch, we'll explore the mountainous village of Apeiranthos, famed for its marble streets and medieval-style architecture. Afterward, it's your time to unwind with a free evening at the beach, making the most of the beautiful shores and relaxation. Later in the evening, we'll gather once more for a special farewell dinner, reminiscing about our incredible adventures and creating lasting memories together.

Overnight in Naxos in a 4* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Hiking distance: 3.6 km / Hiking Duration: 2 hr

DAY 8

Farewell or Santorini extension

Breakfast is at your leisure at the hotel and following that, your Tripin Adventures trip in Greece concludes with independent departures to the airport or other areas of Greece. If you feel like continuing travelling, join us for an extension to the breathtaking island of Santorini!

Breakfast included

WHATS INCLUDED

Price includes:
All accommodations as listed (or similar) 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 Acropolis museum
Tourist guide for the archaeological site of 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, Easy Active and is suitable for most people that are in fairly good physical condition. In some days we hike; others involve exploring ruins, villages, and towns on foot. It includes walking tours in cities and villages, and two days with hikes of 2 hours. The paths are quite well-kept and the terrain in Greece tends to be very stony and rocky, especially during the gorge-walking. You will mostly be walking on footpaths, mountain trails and on some tarmac roads.

CONDITION GRADING

Easy active
Trips designated “Easy Active” are perfect for first-timers, or travelers looking for a mild physical challenge. A typical day will consist of 1-3.5 hours of activity.

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 euro’ ticket). The bus option is cheaper though it takes longer (1h 30 min / 5 euro’ ticket). You can also take a taxi (1 hour / 35-50 euro’).

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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