Greek Island Walking Holiday

Arrive Athens and check-in to hotel. Athens has been the capital of Greece for less than 200 years but it has grown rapidly in size. It is part of the Plain of Attica, an area of amazingly varied scenery, of high mountains and pine forests with a stunningly beautiful seacoast and myriad harbours.

Overnight Standard Hotel

This morning we take a walking tour of Plaka and soak up the atmosphere of this old town. You may stroll around the shops, try the freshly caught fish and seafood, listen to bouzouki music in an outdoor cafe. You’ll notice the contrast between the modern capital and the old one – the well-heeled inhabitants of Kolonaki on the one hand and the vibrant Plaka quarter on the other. Time is also left for personal sightseeing, so your tour leader will suggest things to see and do – a tour of the Acropolis, climbing the winding path to the top of this sacred rock (used since neolithic times) is a particular favourite. Here are the majestic ruins of the Athens of Pericles: the Propylaea (or marble entrance hall), the Parthenon (built by Ictinos 2500 years ago), the Temple of Athena Nike (the Wingless Victory) and – the monument most venerated by the ancient Athenians themselves – the Erechtheion. Tradition relates that gods Athena and Poseidon quarrelled here. The sea-god struck the rock with his trident, causing salt water to gush out, while Athena struck it with her spear and brought forth an olive tree. As olives were deemed to be more useful, the other gods let her take the city under her protection.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We transfer from our hotel to Piraeus and board the ferryboat for Syros. The ferry voyage takes about 4 hours. We disembark at Syros harbour and transfer to our hotel. Syros is the capital of the Cyclades and has an area of about 35 square miles. Ermopouli, the capital, is situated on the east of the island, its port a bustling centre of inter-island commerce. We plan to explore the coastline along the south of the island or you can also make your way through old Ano-Syros, a maze of tiny unspoiled streets affording great views of the coast. On our second day on the island we may take a walk along coastal trails (3 - 5 hours). Pherekides, the teacher of Pythagoras, was born on Syros. The island also produces ‘loukoumi’ (Turkish Delight).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving Syros we sail to Paros (approx 2 hours) and transfer to our hotel. Paros is one of the most attractive of all the Cycladic islands, with an area of 64 square miles. Its capital is Paroikia, on the west coast. Dominating the interior is Mount Profitas Ilias (770m) on the slopes of which are the famous marble quarries. The island was the birthplace of the poet Archilochos, the inventor of Iambic verse. Among the many places of interest are the marble quarries, the fishing villages and a Venetian Fortress. Especially interesting is the church, Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors), about which legend says that when the 100th door is discovered the Greeks will take back Constantinople (Istanbul). You may choose to take a walk along one of the well preserved Byzantine paths that cross the island using public transport to reach the trailhead at the traditional mountain village of Lefkes. You may also choose to take an excursion by small craft to the nearby island of Antiparos (optional). Whilst there, head for the southerly end of the island, to an interesting stalactite cavern. There is also the opportunity to explore the marine life of the area with local oceanographers who run diving and snorkelling trips.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We sail from Paros usually by the island of Ios to Santorini (approx 4 hours) which lying some 128 nautical miles southeast of Piraeus, is the most southerly of the Cycladic Islands. Formerly a huge volcano, its centre disappeared in an enormous explosion around 1450 BC and now forms a lagoon. The eruption overwhelmed the Minoan settlements at Akrotiri as well as those on Crete. As you sail through the centre of this crater towards the harbour Athinios, the views that meet you are spectacular. Whitewashed towns cling to the edge of the crater and in the middle of the lagoon you will see the volcanically active Kameni islands. The island is largely waterless and the mining of pumice ash was once one of the main industries. Two walks are available on Santorini; one day we plan to take the coastal path to Oia. Situated on the west of the island, it is one of the best spots to watch the sunset into Homer’s wine dark sea. We also plan to walk to the ruins of the former capital Thira. Its 6th century BC site is of much interest with its temples and spectacular views. Santorini (or Thira, as the island is also known) is one of the most picturesque areas in the Aegean and the familiar images of whitewashed churches with blue-domed roofs adorn this beautiful landscape. It is also an area of particular interest to those keen on the Lost Atlantis legend (see note below). There are good beaches of black sand at Kamari and Perissa and plenty of time for personal explorations. For those who wish, there is the opportunity to take the dramatic path to the peak of the active volcano, to stand in the centre of the Caldera. Followed by a leisurely cruise, via warm springs to the tiny island of Thirisia, blown apart from Santorini in the cataclysmic eruption of 1450 BC (optional).

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

After our voyage from Santorini (approx 3 hours) we disembark at Naxos harbour and walk to our hotel. The island of Naxos itself is the largest and some would argue the most beautiful of the Cyclades. The god Dionysus is believed to have lived on the island and taught the inhabitants to cultivate wine. Indeed, Naxos white wine today has a good reputation. Myth also has it that Theseus deserted Ariadne at Naxos on his way back to Athens from Crete. Over the years, the island has been subjugated by many nations, including the corsair Barbarossa. The interior is divided by fertile and well-watered valleys. There are many places of interest on the island, linked by a good road network. Naxos town is not architecturally recommended but the Kastro, just above and behind the town, encloses an area of picturesque though decaying houses, Venetian in style and with coats of arms. Besides wine, the island also exports olive oil, corn, fruits of many kinds and marble which is comparable in quality to that of Paros. On one of our days on Naxos, there is an option to walk to the summit of Mount Zeus, the highest peak on the Cyclades. Taking a taxi inland we shall walk for about 1 to 2 hours to reach the peak, which offers excellent views back over the island. The path taken is good but gets rocky towards the summit, so walking boots or shoes with good ankle support are recommended. For individual sightseeing there are regular buses and taxis available. Good beaches are St. George, St. Prokopios and St. Anna. You may choose to take an optional boat trip out to the islands of Delos and Mykonos.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

We take the ferry back to mainland Greece today sailing through the Aegean sea, (approx 5.5 hours). The journey takes us through the Cyclades islands and the boat pulls into Piraeus harbour in the late afternoon. On arrival we transfer to our hotel to enjoy our last night in Greece’s bustling capital.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Our tour ends this morning in Athens.

Included meals: Breakfast