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 a 3* hotel
Dinner included
No matter how many photographs you have 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 you will head towards the long-waited Acropolis Museum.
After lunch the rest of the day is free to explore other parts of the town. Athens is a modern city and, as such, it has a multitude of shops and shopping centers. Take a stroll and discover the most unique souvenirs to remember your time here.
Overnight in Athens, in a 3* hotel
Breakfast and Lunch included
In the morning, we will transfer to the port of Piraeus and from there we will take the ferry to 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. This is just the beginning of your adventure here.
Upon arrival in Naxos we’ll check into our hotel and drop our things off before heading to a nearby beach for the rest of the day. Tough life, right? We’ll meet up this evening to explore Chora, the main town of Naxos, and its impressive Venetian castle that stands on top of it. It 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.
Overnight in Naxos, in a 4* hotel
Breakfast and Dinner included
Driving distance:
Athens center to Piraeus port 10 km / 25 min
Ferry:
Piraeus port to Naxos 08:45-12:15
Today we will explore the inner part of the island. We will start with a short hike at Naxos’ main marble quarrying area where two unfinished naked, marble statues, of supernatural dimensions, from the first half of the 6th century B.C lying down in a village garden. Our route is directed through crops, olive groves, hills with terraces and areas with low vegetation to finish at the village of Ano Potamia.
From here we will take our transfer to drive to the most beautiful mountainous villages of Naxos, Halki, the former capital of the island and Apiranthos the so called “marble village”. After lunch we will visit one of Naxos’s oldest remaining olive mills at Eggares village, dating back to the late 1800s. Here we will have the chance to taste local olive oil and learn how the oil is produced in the island for centuries.
The rest of the day is free to relax at the beach! Head to the main town or stay at the beach to enjoy an iconic Greek sunset!
Overnight in Naxos, in a 4* hotel
Breakfast and lunch included
Hiking distance: 4 km / Hiking Duration: 1 hr
Driving distance:
Naxos town to Melanes 10 km / 30 min
Ηalki to Apiranthos 10 km / 20 min
Apiranthos to Naxos town 26 km / 45 min
DAY 5: Do it like A Greek! Take a cooking lesson and learn all the secrets of the Mediterranean diet
The Greek cuisine reflects the rich agricultural production of our small and yet blessed country and gives us even today indirect information about the land's economy, history, social life, customs and even about the people's religious beliefs.
So today you will learn how to prepare a typical Greek-Family meal with the well-known pure Naxian products, in a traditional house in Kaloxylos, a village in the heart of the island.
After lunch we head back to the hotel. Take a dip at one of the island's iconic beaches before meeting up with the group for dinner. Tonight we dine together in the main town of Naxos.
Overnight in Naxos, in a 4* hotel
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Driving distance:
Naxos town to Kaloxylos 20 km / 30 min
Kaloxylos to Naxos town 20 km / 30 min
Immortalized by 20th-century poet Odysseus Elytis as 'the daughter of supreme wrath', Santorini is a collection of five volcanic islands floating on the blue of the Aegean Sea like an incomplete jigsaw puzzle.
You probably know what it looks like; multicolored cliffs soar out of a sea-drowned volcanic crater, topped by whitewashed buildings and you will not be disappointed.
We catch the ferry to Santorini and after settling into our hotel we head to Fira the main town of the island. Built on the edge of the caldera Fira town offers breathtaking views and stunning vistas at every turn. Here we will have a wine tasting and enjoy our first sunset dinner on the island.
Overnight in Fira, in a 3* hotel
Breakfast and dinner included
Ferry:
Naxos to Santorini 10:30-11:45
This morning we set out to explore Oia. Built on a steep slope of the caldera at the northern tip of the island, Oia is one of the most popular and picturesque towns on the island. Explore the marble-paved streets, stopping at the famous blue-domed churches for iconic photo opportunities. Or opt for a flying dress photoshoot and make a fairy tale come true on Santorini!
In the afternoon we head to the water as we embark on a sunset cruise!
Sailing in the caldera is a highly rewarding experience, permitting you to admire the island from a different perspective and discover a fascinating world of volcanic serenity and unparalleled splendor. We will swim in hot springs next to the volcano known for their therapeutic benefits, have barbecue on board and soak in the spectacular colors of the world’s famous Santorinean sunset. Watching (another) breathtaking Santorini sunset from the sea is the perfect, relaxing way to finish our tour!
Overnight in Fira, in a 3* hotel
Breakfast and dinner included
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. 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
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.
