• visiting the most beautiful villages in the Aegean Sea
• hiking winding paths past terraced hillsides and olive groves
• savoring scrumptious Greek food
• watching amazing sunsets from craggy coasts
• touring Athens, including visits to the Acropolis, the greatest monument in the Western world, the Parthenon, and Panathinaikon Stadium, the stadium where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896

Our trip is designed for women who wish to explore the Greek islands. We will hike along ancient footpaths, sample Greek delicacies at local taverns, sit back to watch the street life, and swim in the azure seas. The Cycladic complex of islands is the most representative of the archetypal Greek style: fishing villages with whitewashed flat roofed houses and narrow streets, hundreds of chapels, rocky landscape contrasting with the deep blue sea, and bays with powdery white sandy beaches. On this trip we will visit the best spots as well as journey to the interior of the islands where we can experience firsthand the culture and habits of the islanders.

women who enjoy relatively easy walking on a mixture of dirt tracks and well-constructed stone mule paths, some of which can be irregular underfoot. Most days the hiking is 3 to 4 hours and there are occasional steep places. The longest hike, climbing Mt Zeus which is 3100 ft and takes 4 - 5 hour, is optional.

•  comfortable 3* hotels in double rooms with private bathroom and A/C

• 9 days/8 nights in double room on B/B basis in hotels (3*hotels in Athens and local guesthouses on the islands).
• English speaking Greek expert tour leader and Adventures in Good Company guide
• All activities mentioned in the itinerary
• All breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 6 dinners (see itinerary)
• All transfers by private A/C buses and/or taxis
• Half-day sightseeing tour of Athens (entrance fees included)
• Ferry tickets (Athens-Naxos / Naxos-Santorini / Santorini-Athens)
• All transfers from the port to the hotels on the islands
• Arrival & Departure transfers at the scheduled time (otherwise it is on your own)
  

Plan to arrive at the Athens airport (ATH) in time for the group transfer at 4pm. Otherwise you will need to take a taxi which we can help arrange if you wish

 

We will have you back to the Athens airport by 10 am

E-mail: Travlgrrl@aol.com or Call 1-800-842-4753 for more information

 

October 3 - Arrival in Athens
Transfer from Athens Airport to your hotel. In the evening meet with your guide for a short walking tour of Athens and enjoy a welcome dinner in a traditional Greek tavern in the old part of Athens, in Plaka, overlooking the Acropolis. (D)

October 4: Athens - Tinos
After breakfast, we enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Athens, the hostess of the Olympic Games in 2004, with a professional guide. We visit the Acropolis, the greatest monument in the Western world, the Parthenon, and Panathinaikon Stadium, the stadium where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896. Late in the afternoon we depart to the port of Rafina to embark on the ferry that will take us to Tinos (5.30pm-9.10pm). (B, L, D)

October 5: Trekking Tinos
We depart by private motor coach to the village of Feletados where our hike begins.  We hike up to an overlook behind a monastery, with stunning views of the Aegean Sea.  We continue hiking on trails through small villages where we can stop for a Greek coffee.  Then on to the village of Volax, almost hidden in the middle of rounded, granite boulders.  Volax is noted for its traditional handmade woven baskets.  A footpath winds down the valley to Agapi.  We return to our hotel in the late afternoon, and have free time to explore the seaside near our hotel and go for a swim or relax by the pool.  After a rest we all transfer to Tinos town, where we can spend some time shopping and visit Our Lady Church, one of the most important Churches of Greece, to view the miracle-working icon. (B, L)
Total hiking time: 3 - 4 hrs  

October 6: Tinos to Naxos
This morning we take the ferry to the island of Naxos. We arrive shortly after noon and are taken to our hotel. Naxos is the largest of the Islands and known for its natural beauty. After lunch we'll have a chance to explore it with a hike along an old footpath to the picturesque village of Ano Potamia. After refreshing ourselves at the village spring, we continue uphill to the Apano Kastro (Upper Castle) with expansive views of the town and the port. This is the highest point of our hike and about a 400 ft elevation gain. Our hike finishes with an easy walk to the village of Halki and a visit to a small distillery that produces Kitron, the local specialty liquor.  If the hike does not appeal to you, swimming and strolling in the old part of the town are a delightful option. (B, L, D)
Total hiking time: 2 - 3 hrs

October 7: Naxos
We start today with a drive to the little chapel at Santa Marina. Today's hike to the summit of Mt. Zeus, the highest point in the Cyclades, is probably the most challenging hike on this trip but the incredible panoramic views from the summit make it well worth it. We enjoy a picnic lunch at the top before continuing our hike along a road to the village of Filoti, the second-largest town on Naxos.  From there we are transported back to our hotel and have the rest of the afternoon free for swimming or visiting the old part of Naxos town. If you prefer not to hike, spending the day relaxing and wandering through town or swimming are excellent options. (B, L)
Total hiking time: 4 - 5 hrs

October 8: Naxos - Santorini
We can linger over breakfast this morning or go for a walk along the beach before taking a noon ferry to the fairest island of the Cyclades, Santorini. Santorini, probably the best known of the Cyclades, was shaped by a huge volcanic eruption in 2000 B.C. that destroyed the town in the central part of the island and left a huge crater behind. Our ferry arrives about 3 pm and after settling into our hotel we have the rest of the afternoon free to admire the breathtaking view of the volcano.  (B, D)

October 9: Santorini
Today we hike from our hotel in Fira to the picturesque village of Oia. Starting from the cable car station, the first 40 minutes is a stone-path that turns into a footpath. The hike goes along the rim of Caldera (the collapsed crater) where the picture opportunities are legion. We end up in the village of Oia where we have time to explore its narrow passageways and quaint shops before returning to Fira. There may be some time at the end of the day to visit one of its famous wineries or just wander in its picturesque alleys and do some shopping. That night we share dinner in a tavern overlooking the volcano.
(B, L, D)
Total hiking hours: 4 - 5 hrs with picnic time
 
October 10: Santorini - Athens
We have free time today. One very popular option is swimming at the black beach of Perissa. The black sand comes from the old volcanic eruption and the swimming here is great! Or optionally you may want to visit the still active volcano or one of the wineries that dot the landscape. In the afternoon we transfer to the airport of Santorini for a short flight back to Athens. After transferring to our hotel we go out for a final farewell dinner, celebrating the end of our island hopping tour and our new understanding of Greek life. (B, D)

October 11: Departure
You are free to leave anytime this morning and we will transfer you to the airport at about 10am. Alternatively October is a good month to visit Athens and there still is much to see!