Island hopping: Naxos & Santorini
Itinerary
Days 1-4 – Ancient Athens
While many travelers stay in the cozy but touristic Plaka, we opt for the less busy, hip Psiri district where the Athenians also like to come. You sleep in a trendy hotel but are still within walking distance of Plaka and Monastiraki. In the evening there is a cozy and friendly atmosphere on the terraces and along the souvenir shops. The nice thing about Athens city center is that you meet both tourists and local Greeks as you get lost in its maze of narrow, cozy streets on your way to one of its many outdoor restaurant bars and cafes. Besides walking, the metro is the perfect way to explore Athens and is even adorned with archeological finds discovered during its construction. Head to the parliament building or the Acropolis Museum, one of the highlights of Athens. At the foot of the Acropolis is the Dionysus Theater, the oldest theater in Europe. If you want to visit some extra ruins, choose the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate.
Days 4-7 – Relax on Naxos
Today you will be collected by a private car and driver in Athens and transferred to the harbour at Piraeus. We’ll arrange your ferry tickets for the trip from Piraeus across to Naxos. The journey takes about 3 hours. When you get there, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel. Today you’ll take to the sea and sail to Naxos, the largest Cyclades island, where we’ll arrange a transfer for you to to your charming, family run hotel, conveniently situated just south of Naxos town. Within walking distance you will find the most beautiful sandy beaches, which is most people’s main reason to come to Naxos. In the evening, you have a variety of Greek cuisine at your mercy, from the meaty delight of pita gyros, freshly prepared fish or a salad bursting with locally-sourced feta.
You’ll have the next days free to do as your please, so after breakfast this morning, put your feet up, relax and unwind on the wide sandy beach that’s just minutes from your hotel. Indulge in a refreshing iced coffee feeling like a Greek God and maybe even treat yourself to a Loukoumadis – a kind of Greek doughnut. Later, head out to discover the beauty this island has to offer and take a fulfilling hike. Unlike many other parts of the Cyclades, the interiors of Naxos are lush and rich with vegetation, making it a hiker’s paradise with stunning views throughout. On your final day on the island, hop on a boat and explore the smaller Cyclades while enjoying swimming, snorkelling and lazing around on beautiful beaches.
Days 7-10 – Santorini sunsets
Today you’ll be picked up at your hotel and brought to the ferry harbour. We’ll arrange your ferry tickets for the trip from Naxos across to Santorini. The journey takes about 4 hours. On arrival, our local representative will hold a sign with your name on it and take you to the port capital, Fira, a picturesque town perched on the edge of a majestic volcano crater with awe-inspiring 270-meter high cliffs. Once you’ve settled into your accommodations and taken a moment to unwind, you’ll probably feel like a refreshing dip in the pool to cool off. In the evening, you can stroll through the captivatingly lit streets of Santorini, where the soft glow of lights illuminates the charming architecture and highlights the island’s romantic ambiance. Have a bite to eat at one of the tucked-away tavernas, hidden within small side streets.
Spend the next few days away from the crowds and explore the island by rental car at your own pace. Begin your journey in the authentic Greek town of Oia, where time seems to stand still and the narrow streets beckon you to wander aimlessly. Lose yourself in the captivating beauty of the traditional houses that line your path. Venture beyond the well-trodden paths and discover the lesser-known corners of Santorini. Journey through forgotten villages nestled within the island’s interior, and witness the remnants of ancient excavations in the north and laze on a deserted black-sand beach in the south. We will also arrange a day trip to the volcanic island of Palea Kameni and a walk to the sulphur fuming crater followed by a swim in the hot spring of the nearby Nea Kameni to help you explore the archipelago a bit more.
On your final day, you will be collected by a private car and driver at your hotel and transferred to Santorini airport. You’ll fly back to the UK with hundreds of beautiful pictures and an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation
