Unique Travel Experience
Cultural Fusion
Athens - Mykonos - Naxos
Details
A journey through the heart of Greece and uncover the beauty of its iconic islands. From the ancient wonders of Athens to the vibrant beaches of Mykonos and the tranquil shores of Naxos, this trip promises an unforgettable holiday. Next, set sail for Mykonos, the glamorous jewel of the Cyclades. Known for its iconic windmills, pristine beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Mykonos offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Spend your days lounging on the golden sands of Paradise Beach, exploring the charming alleys of Mykonos Town adorned with dazzling white buildings and vibrant bougainvillea, or dancing the night away at world-renowned beach clubs. Conclude your odyssey on the serene shores of Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades. Here, pristine beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, inviting you to unwind and soak up the Mediterranean sun. Discover the picturesque villages nestled amidst verdant valleys, where whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets exude traditional Greek charm. Explore ancient ruins, such as the iconic Portara overlooking the sea, or embark on a culinary journey through the island’s gastronomic delights, from fresh seafood to local specialties.
- Duration : 9 days | 8 nights
- Departures : Every day from April to October
- Type : Beach Holiday, Culture and History, Culinary, Family, Solo
- Activities available : Cruise, Tour, Food tour, Cooking and more
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Day 1
Welcome to Athens !
Private transfer from Athens Int’l Airport (ATH) to Athens city center. Hotel check-in. Follow our recommended self guided walk through all major landmarks such as Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, Psyrri and Plaka. A great introduction to the historic center and its hidden gems! Along the way, you can refuel with a ‘souvlaki’ or a ‘cheese pie’ with local feta cheese. At the end of the tour, we recommend sitting in one of the beautiful little cafes in Plaka and enjoy the sunset with some ‘ouzo’ and Greek ‘meze’!
Day 2
Take a Walk to Ancient History
The best way to see Athens is a walking tour. You can feel the vibes, explore every sense and meet the locals! We’ll start the day by walking to the Acropolis hill where you’ll enjoy a guided tour to Parthenon, the Erectheion & the surrounding monuments. We’ll then descend to Acropolis museum, in order to have a tour to its fascinating exhibitions. Our exploration will continue on by crossing Andrianou Street, the most distinctive street of Plaka neighborhood, the imposing Roman Agora the vivid life of Monastiraki Square and the surrounding streets Evening return to hotel
Day 3
White sanded glamour
Private transfer to Milos port to take the ferry to Mykonos. Private transfer to the hotel. Hotel check-in. Mykonos is famous for its amazing beaches and beach bars, so why not head to one of them once you get settled into the hotel? All beach bars offer sunbed service and our recommendations is to soak up the sun and enjoy a delicious Greek salad and a glass of ‘ouzo’ on the beach.
Day 4
Cruise to unspoiled beaches and the secret island of Apollo, Delos
Explore the unexplored beauties of the Aegean Sea with the Catamaran First stop, the sacred island of anticity – Delos, the birthplace of God Apollo. Discover the wonderful mythological history of Delos and capture with your camera the amazing archaeological site. Next stop is the gorgeous Rhenia, an earthly paradise with crystal blue aquamarine waters. You will enjoy cool dives, discover hidden coves, enjoy delicious lunch and cool drinks. The cruise schedule will be completed with a quick stop in the famous Little Venice.
Day 5
Beach life
Discover beaches among the most beautiful in the world, recharge, soak up the sun and swim in turquoise waters of Kalo Livadi, Paraga, Elia ! From pristine sands and crystal-clear waters to chic beach clubs and trendy bars, Mykonos offers a beach experience like no other. At evening feel the cosmopolitan vibrancy at the romantic streets of Town
Day 6
White sanded Paradise
Next day brings you to Naxos! Our representatives will transfer you to port for hydrofoil to Naxos Island. Get ready for classic Cyclades beauty and perfect beaches for watersports action ! This island host some of the best landscapes ! Take the opportunity and walk the maze of white-washed stone alleys of the Old Town which lead to its picturesque port. Seize the day and sit in one of the numerous bars and restaurants that place their tables outside to enjoy the island vibe and indulge into some people-watching while having some seafood meze
Day 7
Koufonisia day cruise
Board a traditional boat and departure for a cruise to amazing koufonisia islands Duration of the tour. This daily cruise will give you the opportunity to get to know some of the most remote beaches of Koufonisia. You will swim in crystal clear waters; you will see volcanic remnants and sea caves that beguile! is about 8 hours. A light meal (BBQ style) is included, accompanied by soft drinks or wine.
Day 8
Experience authentic Cyclades
Free day to enjoy the perfect beach of Agios Prokopios. If you like join our day tour! You will experience Naxos like a local! Visit locations off the beaten track and dive into the island’s vast history, local tradition, and food culture! Explore Naxos while combining its awe-inspiring ancient heritage with its modern-day local tradition and culture. Admire the magnificent ancient temple of Demeter. Visit a local pottery workshop and learn the secrets of this ancient form of art. Discover fresh flavor of Kitron liqueur and get to know how it is made in a traditional distillery. Finish your day with local olive oil tasting at the Olive Press Museum in Eggares.
Day 9
Pictures and memories for home
Private transfer to airport for your flight back home
Included :
Accommodation in Athens x2 nights
Accommodation in Mykonos x3 nights
Accommodation in Naxos x3 nights
Hydrofoil tickets (Athens – Mykonos – Naxos)
Air tickets economy class (Naxos – Athens )
Private transfers from/to airport/port/hotel
Acropolis tour with English speaking guide (private)
Mykonos cruise (shared)
Koufonisia Cruise (shared)
24/7 support during your trip with concierge services
Travel Insurance (while in Greece)
Note : We can offer all activities on private basis upon request
Excluded :
Lunch/Dinner (unless otherwise stated)
Personal expenses
Gratuities
Hotel local taxes (paid locally approx. €6 to €10 per room/night)
International air tickets
ATHENS
DAY TRIP TO MYCENAE – NAFPLIO – EPIDAURUS (Duration: approx. 10hrs)
We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the ancient Mycenae and Epidaurus and will add an old-Greece touch to our day with a short stop at the coastal city of Nafplio. We visit Mycenae, the Golden Kingdom of Agamemnon and admire the most famous ancient theater of all times, Epidaurus.We reach the ancient city of Mycenae (1,5hrs drive) where the Cyclopean Walls “take our breath”, as until today no explanation can be found regarding their construction. Mycenae is considered the greatest and richest kingdom of the later Bronze Age (around 1350B.C).Next stop is the beautiful seaside city of Nafplio, the first capital of Greece, where we enjoy a traditional Greek lunch. The oldest area of the city is called Acronafplia, with various traditional spots and above it we can see the Castle of Palamidi, and the Castle of Bourtzi in a small island emerging from the Argolic gulf.Then, we head to the epicenter of the ancient drama: the theater that is considered the one with the best acoustic balance worldwide, the Ancient Epidaurus. Today in Epidaurus, modern artists organize newer versions of ancient tragedies as well as the Festival of Epidaurus.
DAY TRIP TO DELPHI & ARACHOVA (Duration: approx. 10hrs)
Drive through Boeotia plain, hearing tales about the ancient Greek Mythology, King Oedipus, God Apollo and find yourself being immersed in the myths and monuments of Ancient Greece. Our first stop is Kryas Springs, an extremely picturesque valley in the city of Levadia. Walking routes along the banks, streams, limestone formations as well as stone and wooden bridges create the perfect scenery for a short stroll. Next stop: Delphi Archaeological Site. Marvel at some of the most important and unique archaeological monuments, such as the Athenian Stoa, the Treasury of the Athenians, the Polygonal Wall, and of course the Temple of Apollo and the Archaeological Museum, which hosts globally known artifacts like the Naxian Sphinx, the frieze of the Treasury of the Sifnians, the bronze Charioteer and the statue of Antinoos. Our final stop is the picturesque village of Arachova. Here we are suggesting you have your lunch, in one of the many traditional restaurants, walk around the narrow alleys and buy local delicacies, such as Formaela cheese.
MYKONOS
DISCOVER AUTHENTIC MYKONOS (Duration: approx 4hrs )
After your pick up from the hotel or cruise ship(*), we will depart in the morning at 10:30 a.m. starting from the port of Mykonos, to enjoy the tour around the island from a different point of view, full of traditional and authentic images and experiences. Our first stop will be at a very well known site which all the island’s visitors must see, in order to capture a panoramic Mykonos Town photo shooting. Following the picture taking we will visit the picturesque small port of St. Ioannis, an area which was named after a small church dedicated to Saint Ioannis and one of great historical significance. We will visit the church, along with the Saint’s cell where the annual fair in his name is also being held. The small port in front of us is the starting point of the local fishing boats which are protected here from the island’s strong north winds. Right afterwards we will depart towards the Mykonos’ airport, where we will have a panoramic view of the airport’s runway and perhaps we are lucky enough to catch a plane taking off or landing. Leaving the airport behind us, we will be headed towards Ano Mera Village and pass through one entirely different scenery, one of the island’s most typical agricultural and stock raising areas, where we will observe small local cultivated fields and even some domestic animals in local family owned farms. We will head towards the Ano Mera village’s colorful square, where one of the island’s two monasteries is located (“Panagia Tourliani”) and we will be guided through its chambers. You can also take a glimpse at the nearby open air market with vegetables and other local products . After capturing all these images of Mykonian countryside and its lifestyle, we will reach the farm of the Mykonian Spiti, where we will be guided by our escort and always under the directions of the farm’s superintendent. Whoever wishes may also use the farm’s tools and get involved with the farming work and tasks in co-operation with the superintendent. Take this opportunity to get closer to the domestic animals and the farm’s traditional organic cultivation. There is a Light Snack option for anyone who is interested to taste the local products from the traditional farm. As we continue our tour, we will be passing by some of the most distant beaches of Mykonos, named “Kalo Livadi”, “Kalafati” and also see “Agia Anna”. At the end of the tour we will drive you back to your hotel or the location of your choice
MYKONOS EBIKE TOUR (Duration: approx. 4hrs)
An ideal tour for the explorers of Mykonos’ cultural and natural heritage. The cycling tour starts at the organic vineyard and farm “Mykonos Vioma”. Dimitra’s dad has run the farm for 30 years, he took it on as a ruin and has created the only biodynamic vineyard on Mykonos. We first cycle at the rural part of the island –some off-road also, through a short single track- in Ano Mera, before visiting a family church, which will give us the opportunity to interpret Mykonos’ local traditions, typical landscapes and religious customs. At the village of Ano Mera we rest, refresh with homemade lemonade & a snack and allow you free time to visit its monastery and museum. Then we will cycle down to Fokos beach where we have enough time for swimming & underwater photo shooting (weather permitting) OR alternatively hiking. When we return, we will have lunch with our farm-to-table & local Greek tapas, as well as taste our wines, and take in the beautiful view. Finally, you may enjoy a tour of our vineyard and of course play with, or hand feed our farm animals.
COOKING CLASS IN TRADITIONAL FARM (Duration: 6hrs )
Although this activity highlights the traditional factor of the Mykonian lifestyle, on the other hand a “traditional” description of its “programme” hardly does it justice. This may sound vague, but during these 6 hours (approximately) you will experience the traditional Greek way of life, the culture, the Greek art of cooking. It is not what you will do, it is mostly how you will do it. During this time you will learn tips and cooking methods, but most importantly you will instil the hospitality and the everyday lifestyle of a traditional Mykonian family. To become a bit more specific, after you are collected from your hotel (or the port or the location you prefer) and transferred to the Mykonian Spiti, Teta will wholeheartedly invite you into her beautiful Mykonian home and create a charming and intimate evening that will turn this visit to the “Island of the Winds” into a highlight of your trip. She will teach you about Mykonian culture and history, share stories about her family’s life and make you feel just as if you are visiting close relatives or friends. She will share stories about Mykonian true lifestyle and chat with you while you will taste and enjoy some Mykonian meze snacks like dakos with kopanisti cheese and tomato, louza (sun dried pork fillets), wine and Cretan raki. You will wander through her vegetable garden, learn about local organic farming and enjoy a wonderful time.And then onto the kitchen where we you will make tzatziki, spinach pie, stuffed peppers and tomatoes and everything else in our Mykonian Spiti’s traditional menu. All guests, will be supplied with protective equipment (aprons) from the Mykonian Spiti estate. Most cooking ingredients will be readily available in special bowls in the kitchen area ready for the menu preparation. Teta will guide you through the whole procedure, giving the opportunity to everyone to master their cooking skills. There is a small intermission between the preparation and the tasting stage, which can be used for a short period of relaxation and to enjoy the company of those around you, but after that lunch or dinner starts, where you can consume as much as your belly holds. There are many other details to the “class” that we could share with you but the essence is that as you can see, this is much more than learning to cook a fabulous Greek meal. It is also about family, conversation, food and culture and becoming a member of a family that perhaps you didn’t even know you had. It is quality time in the home of someone close to you, finding yourself in their kitchen helping to cook, enjoying the experience of meeting new people and honouring us by becoming a part of our family.
NAXOS
NAXOS VILLAGES SUNSET TOUR (Duration: approx. 5hrs)
The driver will pick you up from your hotel and head inland to discover the island’s most charming villages – Filoti, Apeiranthos, and Halki. The first stop will be in Filoti, the largest village of the Cyclades archipelago. You’ll walk through its streets while discovering some of the most surprising local stories, such as that of the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Then, you’ll move on to the center of the island of Naxos and visit Apeiranthos, also known as the marble village. You’ll explore its alleys to admire the Venetian towers and the many traditional taverns so characteristic of the town. Anyone hungry? You’ll have free time to enjoy a delicious dinner in one of Apeiranthos’ restaurants. After a hearty meal, you’ll return to the minibus and travel to Halki – the last stop. The sunlight will have almost faded and that’s the moment when Halki is filled with magic. You’ll explore its streets and will enjoy the beautiful sunset sinking over the mountains of Naxos – the perfect finishing touch to the tour. Duration: Starts around 05.00pm – Ends around 10.00pm
PRIVATE E-BIKE TOUR WITH FARM VISIT & OLIVE OIL TASTING (Duration: 4.5hrs )
Dive into a tour full of history, culture, and nature! To start, wander amidst ancient olive groves, canes, and fragrant citrus orchards as you bask in the natural splendor of Melanes Valley. Your journey through time kicks off at the awe-inspiring Kouros statue followed by the enchanting Eggares valley. But that’s not all – delve into Naxos’ agricultural heritage at a stone mill olive press. Discover the ancient fascinating olive oil production process and delectable olive oil/products tastings – a real treat for the senses. Your adventure continues with an exclusive visit to a hidden local farm, off-limits to the public. Witness the magic of authentic Naxian farm life, from milking to cheese-making (season permitting), followed by a cheese, vegetables and wine tasting experience. Then, as you make your leisurely journey back, savor the breathtaking Aegean archipelago views and pedal alongside the Aegean Sea, letting the wealth of knowledge acquired on this unforgettable adventure wash over you. *Wind permitting, the tour can be extended with a short swim in an secluded beach close by.
FULL DAY CRUISE ARROUND NAXOS (Duration: approx 10hrs )
This 10-hour cruise around Naxos island is the perfect opportunity to discover hidden gems of the Aegean and spend a fun day relaxing, swimming, sailing and trying delicious food. Embark on a luxurious yacht and live an exciting adventure in the Cyclades! The itinerary depends on weather conditions, and the places that can be visited include the popular Rina cave, the secluded beach of Kalados, the nearby islands of Paros and Antiparos, as well as the islands of Schinoussa, Irakleia and Koufonisia. Many of the spots are only accessible by boat, while there is a chance to encounter dolphins on the way! At these locations, you have the opportunity to swim and snorkel in pristine, crystal-clear waters, observe marine life with waterproof cameras, hike on the hills of the various islands, visit traditional villages and even learn how to sail. In addition, you will learn about the history of important monuments and discover thrilling legends of the area while passing by several historical and cultural points of interest. All the equipment necessary for the water activities is provided by the hosts, including snorkeling gear, waterproof flashlights and cameras, life jackets and raincoats. Furthermore, snacks, fruit and beverages are available on board and you have the option to have lunch at a traditional tavern. Starts at 08.15am – Ends at 06.00pm)
DAY TRIP TO MYKONOS AND DELOS from NAXOS (Duration: approx 10hrs )
Sail across the Aegean Sea from Naxos and visit the uninhabited island of Delos to explore the most sacred of all the Greek islands from ancient times. Get 3 hours of free time to wander around the ruins and see the excavated artifacts in the small museum. Then, cruise to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos for a further 3 hours of free time. Use the time to explore Mykonos Town and stroll the pretty alleys of the romantic Little Venice district. Climb the hill to see the famous windmills up close and get spectacular views of the surroundings. Sail back to Naxos in the early evening.
Departure around 08.30am
Return around 06.30pm
NAXOS CULTURAL FOOD TOUR AT THE VILLAGES (Duration: approx 5hrs )
An invitation is being extended to you for an island tour that engages all of your senses as you explore the villages of Naxos beyond the pages of guidebooks! With the assistance of a local escort, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the island’s local culture by exploring various villages, meeting locals, and sampling traditional products. Throughout the tour, different villages will be visited where a multi-course meal will be indulged in at each location. Starting with local appetizers in a secluded village, the tour will proceed to the mountain village of Apeiranthos, well-known for its marble streets and medieval architecture, where cheese, wine, and a flavorful main course will be enjoyed. The meal will conclude in the former capital of the island, Chalki, where Naxos’ famous citron liquor will be tasted at a 100-year-old distillery, and a locally-prepared custard pie will be savored as a special treat.
Starts at 10.00am – Ends at 03.00pm)
NAXIAN GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCES
CHEESE & WINE TRAILS
A great experience that provides a unique opportunity to meet the locals, be immersed into the authentic Naxian life, make cheese, taste homemade delicacies, go on a vineyard tour, taste delicious local wines and learn about cheese & wine making in the island of Dionysus, the God of wine!
OLIVE OIL ROUTES
A delicious tribute to one of nature’s most precious gifts, one that has been offered to the island of Naxos with abundance. Another important reflection of the local culture.
NAXIAN SPIRITS
Care for a fun and informative tour that focuses on exploring what alcoholic goodies Naxos has to offer? Ever heard of the renowned “Kitron”? Feeling adventurous enough to taste strong traditional alcohol? Interested in visiting a wine bar and two century old distilleries and learn a different side of the island’s history?
THE WINE TOUR
To all the wine lovers out there, this tour is just for you!
Join this unique wine experience and enjoy the chance to tour around Naxos in the company of a highly knowledgeable, local wine maker and explore different terroirs and wine making techniques.
TRADITIONAL COOKING CLASS
A unique traditional cooking experience that takes place in a small scale dairy farm, located on a hilltop with breathtaking views to the sea as well as to the farming lands of southwest Naxos.
Detailed itineraries are available upon request.