Paros is one of Greece’s most popular islands. Just a few hours away by ferry from Athens’ port of Piraeus and very close to Mykonos Island, it is easy to get to and perfect even for a quick escape. Its beautiful beaches and vibrant, cosmopolitan nightlife have turned it into a magnet for holiday-makers. Naxos Greece is in the centre of the Cyclades islands, in the heart of the Aegean Sea. It is the biggest and the greenest island of the Cyclades, boasting a magnificent natural landscape! The island’s rich history is reflected in the many archaeological sites. Crescent-shaped Santorini Island is the most precious gem of Cyclades islands. The island itself though hides several gems where with this tour, you are given the chance to explore, see and admire.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Paros Island: The Byzantine Lefkes –Prodromos trail is paved with marble paving stones most of the way. It starts from the verdant village of Lefkes and crosses slopes with cultivated terraces and a small Byzantine bridge. The final destination is to the beautiful village of Prodromos with its impressive maze-like alleys.
Naxos Island: Plaka beach is the longest sandy beach in the Cyclades.
Santorini Island: Akrotiri site -the Pompeii of Greece, Lava islets -an active volcano, Canava - from vineyards to distillery, Santorinian fava - a gastronomic treasure, Oia sunset - an incredible beauty.
Day 1: ARRIVAL PAROS
Arrival in Paros airport or port where you will be met and transferred to your hotel, for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure to start exploring this fascinating island, stroll down the picturesque streets of the town and get involved in the Mediterranean spirit by dining in one of the local taverns or drinking your first ouzo at one of the beach bars. Alternatively, you can choose the half-board basis offered as an optional extra (not included):
''M'eat'': Greek cuisine at local taverns. Requires minimum participation of 2 persons. Includes 14 return private transfers and 14 dinners. Does not include: drinks.
Overnight in Paros.
Day 2: PAROS, EXPLORING THE CAPITAL TOWN ‘’PARIKIA’’
Wake up to breakfast at your hotel. Today we suggest you start getting a bit familiar with the destination, by taking a city walk through the capital Parikia, which is also called Paros town. Do not miss to visit the most famous church on the island, the 'Panagia Ekatontapylianí' (the church with 100 gates). This 6th-century church is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture.
Overnight in Paros.
Day 3: PAROS, VILLAGE EXPLORATION
Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel. Today we suggest exploring the villages nearby. Marpissa and Prodromos were built as fortified settlements and all houses were interconnected by internal doors, so there would be an escape route in a case of a pirate attack. Close to Marpissa, there is modern dairy Parion, where a local Greek family makes yoghurt, fresh myzithra and xynomyzithra cheese, cheese matured in olive oil and piquant kefalotyri cheese. At Prodromos village you will be amazed at the number of churches, and the 16th-century Church of Aghios Ioannis Prodromos, dedicated to the patron saint of the village. Next is Lefkes village, settled up in the mountains offers fascinating views over the island and its charming alleys, typical old Greek houses and traditional tavernas, cafés and shops make this village a very scenic and pleasant place.
Overnight in Paros.
Day 4: PAROS, A NIGHT OUT
Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a slow day of rest and relaxation. Later, in the evening, do not miss the opportunity to explore the lovely Venetian port at Naousa. The port, along with the adjacent Aghios Dimitrios beach, represents the heart of the island’s nightlife. Worthwhile shops and interesting galleries operate in Naousa but also lots of bars and scenic taverns. Sip a glass of ouzo or wine with a grilled octopus while sitting under the shade of a tree in a small tavern by the sea and continue your evening in one of the lively bars.
Overnight in Paros.
Day 5: PAROS, ON THE BEACH
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have a complete day off to relax or continue exploring on your own. If you have not yet visited Chryssi Akti or Kolybythres beach perhaps now it is time…!
Overnight in Paros.
Day 6: PAROS – NAXOS (1hr, by ferry)
After breakfast, transfer to the port of Paros to catch the ferry boat to Naxos. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and settlement. This evening is free at leisure to start exploring Naxos Chora, the main town of Naxos, a wonderful mixture of Venetian and traditional Cycladic architecture. Above the Cycladic whitewashed houses of Chora stands the imposing Venetian castle, setting out a medieval charm!
Overnight in Naxos.
Day 7: NAXOS, VILLAGE EXPLORATION
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Today we suggest exploring the enchanting mountain villages, starting from Chalki, the old capital of Naxos is located. You can optionally visit a distillery of the citron, a local liqueur distilled from lemons. Continuing the exploration to Apeiranthos the island’s oldest village. There you will have the chance to optionally visit the archaeological, the geological, the folkloric and the museum of the history of nature. Apeiranthos is a village which has retained its traditional appearance with its very narrow streets paved with marble, beautiful two-storey houses built from local stone, sloping alleys, Venetian towers and charming little cafes. Your last stop before heading back to the hotel will be the village of Melanes where a large unfinished 6th century BC Kouros.
Overnight in Naxos.
Day 8: NAXOS, CULINARY ART
Delight in a tasty breakfast at the hotel. If you still have not tasted the shining stars of Naxos’ cuisine then it is time to visit Filoti country village. There are some 150 family dairies scattered around the village of Filoti, producing both fresh and mature cheeses from raw goat’s milk from freely grazing herds. Their freshness and quality are astonishing. Famous is the PDO gruyere of Naxos and other cheeses made with mixed cow’s and goat’s milk which you can taste in a local village tavern accompanied with fried potatoes from Naxos, famous for their rich flavour. In the island’s lowlands, you’ll find the earth planted with potatoes almost right up to the sea. End up amazing your taste with PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) Citron liqueur of Naxos.
Overnight in Naxos.
Day 9: NAXOS, NIGHT OUT
In the morning, enjoy breakfast at your hotel. This day is at your own leisure but later in the evening do not miss the opportunity to explore the Naxos’ nightlife with the vast majority of its bars to be located in the heart of the capital along the seashore and tucked away in its cobbled alleys. From quite taverns to cosy bars and trendy night clubs, you can listen to whatever music you prefer, drink fizzy cocktails and make memories that will stand the test of time.
Overnight in Naxos.
Day 10: NAXOS, ON THE BEACH
Have breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have a complete day off to relax or continue exploring on your own. We suggest diving in Mikri Vigla beach, Agios Georgios beach, and Plaka beach.
Overnight in Naxos.
Day 11: NAXOS – SANTORINI (3hrs, by ferry)
After breakfast, transfer to the port of Naxos to catch the ferry boat to Santorini. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and settlement. At leisure on this amazing island of Santorini. Explore and enjoy all that the island has to offer. History and nature have combined together to make Santorini unforgettable.
Overnight in Santorini.
Day 12: SANTORINI, HISTORY, LOCAL WINES AND TRADITIONAL CUISINE
Recharge your energies with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Get ready to explore the island of Santorini on your own. Stroll the delightful alleys, and admire the white Cycladic houses lining the cliff tops. Perhaps, get in touch with history while visiting the Akrotiri site, known also as the Pompeii of Greece. Explore the local viticulture and vineyards, by visiting a Canava, admiring its vineyards and distillery and tasting volcanic wines. Then, indulge in the incredible local food. The number of great restaurants is impressive, and the traditional dishes promise to amaze you. Late in the afternoon, you can visit the fascinating, little village of Oia to watch a hypnotizing sunset.
Overnight in Santorini.
Day 13: SANTORINI, ON THE BEACH
Wake up to breakfast at your hotel. Today you will have a complete day off to relax at your hotel or continue exploring on your own. Santorini boasts a unique landscape, the amazing red and black volcanic beaches, the lunar landscape of Vlychada beach, and, of course, volcano’s crater in Nea Kameni, all remind the origins of the island, which was shaped by volcanic eruptions.
Overnight in Santorini.
Day 14: SANTORINI, THE SUNSET
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. The exploration of the island of Santorini continues at your own pace.
Overnight in Santorini.
Day 15: DEPARTURE SANTORINI
After one last breakfast at your hotel, bid farewell to Greece as you hop onto a comfortable transfer to Santorini Airport or Port, where you will catch your flight or ferry to your following destination. We hope the memories of this trip will stay with you for a lifetime – have a safe journey!
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
