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Rich in natural beauty and shrouded in myths and legends, the Greek Islands may just be the Gods' gift to mortals. This eight-day island jaunt covers three of the Cyclades group. From sunning on the black sandy beach of Santorini and partying with locals in Ios, to hiking through medieval mountain villages in Naxos and exploring the 'birthplace of Western civilisation' in Athens - opportunities to discover old and new Greece are plentiful.
8 days / 7 nights
Departing Santorini
Ending Athens
Inclusions:
- 7 nights accommodation
- Transportation
- Ios walk to church of Panagia Gremiotissa
- Meal with a family in Ios
- Naxos walk and distillery
- Cultural Show in Naxos
Exclusions:
- Meals
- Drinks
- Items of a personal nature
- Other non specified activities
Departures:
23 July, 6 & 20 August, 3, 10 & 17 September 2011
12 & 26 May, 09 & 23 June & 07 July 2012
Itinerary:
Day 1 Santorini
Kalimera. Welcome to Greece!
You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 6:00pm. If your flight arrives too late we recommend that you consider booking a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you can ensure you are able to attend this meeting. We will be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader.
Your group leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception.
Check-in time at our joining point hotel is after 2:00pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, however if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Speak to the hotel reception on arrival.
The journey starts in the southern archipelago of Santorini. Renowned for its spectacular natural beauty, Santorini is one of Europe's top tourist hotspots. Work on your tan on a beach of black sand, see the ruins of ancient Thira and Akrotiri or make like the Greeks and hire a scooter to explore this captivating island. In the evening, rub shoulders with friendly locals in packed pubs and cafes, while waiting to witness the magnificent sunset.
We recommend you consider booking one or more extra nights of accommodation before this trip to see all the sights of Santorini.
Days 2-3 Ios
We travel by ferry to Ios (approx. 1hr). Ancient tradition says that Homer's mother was from Ios and that he was buried there although, despite a rocky entrance to a tomb at the northernmost end of the island, there is no proof of this.
From the Port it is a 15-minute walk up the steep donkey path to the picturesque, white village, known as Chora. This is the main village which is perched on the slope overlooking the port. The village is full of stairs and narrow paths making it blissfully inaccessible for cars. The paths are lined with restaurants, shops, bars and nightclubs. This is after all a famous tourist destination and is known as a party island with the lively atmosphere. Golden beaches and characteristic Aegean architecture of whitewashed cube shaped houses and steep narrow lanes and small squares and churches makes it appealing to everyone. The island is said to have 365 churches and chapels, like the days of the year. In the evening the streets and squares are filled with people. The most popular and longest beach of Ios is Mylopotas. It is 1 km golden sand, only 3 km from Chora. Get there before 12 midday before the crowds.
On day 3 take a walk following paths to small and remote sandy beaches. Trek further to the church of Panagia Gremiotissa, perched high with sweeping views, recognised by its palm tree and windmills. During our time here we enjoy a meal with a local family to learn some more about the local way of life.
Days 4-6 Naxos
We travel on by ferry to Naxos (approx. 1hr), the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic islands and also the biggest. Byzantine churches and medieval towers dot the landscape.
Naxos has a variety of great beaches including white sandy beaches, beaches with thicker "stony" sand as well as beaches suitable for water sports. The water is clear and warm. The famous Naxos' Eye is a stone that was created by the combination of sea, sun and other climatic conditions and is now a symbol of the island. You can find it on jewels sold at jewellery shops on the island.
On day 5 make the short walk to Chora Naxos to visit the temple of Apollo (god of sun) known as Portara or Palatia. During our walk we can also see two of the original seven towers of the Venetian Castle which is one of the very few preserved castles in Greece from the era. There are still people living in the Castle area. The old style houses and shops, small tavernas and old bakeries make this an interesting part of the island.
On day 6 take a walk in the Naxos highlands from the mining town of Apiranthos up to the second highest mountain of the island before following old mule paths down to the picturesque villages of Moni and further to Chalki. In Chakli we visit the local distillery producing the speciality liqueur made mainly of lemon in a variety of colours.
During our stay we will join the islanders for a night of Greek music and dancing; a unique opportunity to experience Greek culture and traditions and to make friends with the locals.
Days 7-8 Athens
Day 7 is a long day of travel - by ferry to Athens (approx. 6hrs). There is much to be said and seen of this ancient city, vibrant and refreshed following the 2004 Olympics, yet retaining so much visible history.
Highlights include the changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square, the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the original Olympic Stadium and of course the Acropolis, where you can admire the Parthenon and enjoy an aerial view of Athens. Other sights include the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum, the Dionysus Theatre, Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus.
Many other options are available if you extend your time here, including day trips to the Peloponnese peninsula, taking in ancient Epidavros and the Corinthian canal.
Day 8 is departure day. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is 10:00am. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel reception. There may be a small service fee.
We recommend you consider booking an extra nights accommodation after this trip to see all the sights of Athens.
Combination Return Trip 15 days from $3425 per person:
Combine this tour with 'Athens to Santorini with Intrepid Travel'.
Start this journey in Athens and discover Syros and Mykonos to round out your Greek island experience. Ask your World Travellers consultant for the excellent savings you can make by booking the combination tour.
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