Island Hopping: Naxos, Sifnos, and Milos

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Arrival/Athens

Athens Airport to Hotel:

Upon arrival, your driver will be awaiting for you at the airport with a sign with your name on it. You will be transferred to your hotel.

Athens Orientation Tour:

A perfect choice for your first day in Athens! Find your bearings, get the feel of a city which has been inhabited for 4000 years and discover its most significant landmarks.
With your friendly and knowledgeable local guide you will embark on an intriguing private sightseeing tour, where you will walk past all the must-sees of the ancient and modern city such as the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Plaka, Anafiotika, Syntagma and Monastiraki.

You will admire some of the most significant sites and attractions, learn about our culture and way of life and feel like a local.

Save yourself the stress and worry and let us show you the city’s most important landmarks as well as amazing hidden treasures off the beaten path.

Athens

Acropolis & Flavors Combo Tour:

A perfect tour to get a true feel of Athens! Ascent to the top of the sacred rock of the Acropolis to be confronted by one of the world’s most important structures in history, the Parthenon. Once there you will enjoy a guided tour which will reveal the magnitude and the rich heritage of Athens and the cultural achievements of the Greek civilization of the Golden Age.

Rest of Day at Leisure:

Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5th Century BC (the “Golden Age of Pericles”) – the culmination of Athens’ long, fascinating history – the city’s values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens, and erected unique, splendid monuments – a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and in two centuries since it has become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivaled charm.

A large part of the town’s historic centre has been converted into a 3-kilometre pedestrian zone (the largest in Europe), leading to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape.

Around the Acropolis

Your stroll could start at the temple of Olympian Zeus (6th c. B.C.), one of the largest in antiquity and close by Hadrian’s Arch (131 A.D.), which forms the symbolic entrance to the city. From there, walking along Dionysou Areopaghitou Street (on the south side of the Acropolis) you pass the ancient Theatre of Dionysos (5th c. B.C.) where most of the works by Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylos and Aristophanes were performed. Continuing, you will reach the ruins of the Asklepieion (5th c. B.C.) and the Stoa of Eumenes (2th c. B.C.) and from there the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which was built in 161 A.D. and is nowadays the venue of the performances of the Athens Festival.

From there you climb up to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the site of some of the most important masterpieces of worldwide architecture and art, the most renowned of which is the Parthenon temple. Apart from this, also impressive are the Propylaea, the temple of the Athene Nike and the Erechtheion, while you must not skip a visit to the Museum, located close to the Parthenon. Moreover, from the rock you have an impressive view of the city.

Only 300m away from the sacred rock of Acropolis stands the impressive Acropolis Museum, one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Athens. It is made of steel, glass and concrete and it houses 4,000 priceless finds from the Acropolis monuments that represent its history and function as the most important religious centre of ancient Athens.

Athens

Majestic Sounio Tour:

Get ready for a day that will bring you closer to the blue waters of the Aegean Sea; watch the sunset from the majestic Temple of Poseidon, and enjoy an utterly beautiful site close to Athens.

You will start from Athens to enjoy the unique experience of watching the sunset from the Temple of Poseidon.

The drive along the impressive coastline of Attica is a beautiful experience in itself. The winding road follows the contours of the countless successive little coves and bays, offering amazing views of this dramatic landscape which the ancients associated with Poseidon’s kingdom.

Rest of Day at Leisure:

Athens’ heyday was around 400 years BC, that’s when most of the classical monuments were built. During the Byzantine and Turkish eras, the city decayed into just an insignificant little village, only to become the capital of newly-liberated Greece in 1833. Ahead of the 2004 Olympics, almost
the entire infrastructure was transformed: the Metro, trams, new ring roads and viaducts have eased the pressure of the heavy traffic.

Athens is still a rather messy and chaotic place—it wouldn’t be Athens otherwise—and despite all the improvements, still retains a great deal of its oriental charm. The whole coastal stretch from Piraeus to the old Hellenikon airport has been improved with new plantings, viaducts and paths for walking. The Plaka district is becoming more and more popular and it is on the way to catching up with Psyrri, Gazi and Rouf as regards restaurants.
Discover the beauties of the Anafiotika district, at the feet of the Acropolis, and visit the ancient village still housed in the midst of the city.

Athens / Naxos

Private Transfer Athens Hotel to Airport:

The pick up time for your transfer will be advised at your hotel. Your driver will deliver you to the Athens Airport.

Domestic Flight to Naxos:

Private Transfer Naxos Airport to Hotel:

Upon arrival, your driver will be awaiting you at the arrival gate with a sign with your name on it, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Rest of Day at Leisure:

The island of Naxos has a history of over 5000 years, in prehistoric and Neolithic times. It flourished after the 700 BC when Ancient Greeks were around. Romans ruled the island, between 338 BC and 326 AD. It became part of the Byzantine Empire, between 362-1204 AD. The Venetians ruled Naxos from 1207 until the island fell in to the Ottoman rule in 1566 until 1831, when it was liberated by the Modern Greek State.

The largest town and capital of the island is Chora or Naxos town, with 6,533 inhabitants, when the population of the entire island is approximately 18000 people. There are more than 64 villages, most of which are mountainous
and are known for their excellent cool climate and their unsurpassed local cuisine. The main villages are Filoti, Apiranthos, Vivlos, Agios Arsenios, Koronos.

Naxos is the most fertile island of the Cyclades. It has a good supply of water in a region (Cycladic islands) where water is usually inadequate. Mount Zas or Zeus (1004 meters) is the highest peak in the Cyclades, and tends to trap the clouds, permitting greater rainfall. This has made agriculture an important economic sector with various vegetable and fruit crops, as well as cattle breeding, making Naxos the most self-sufficient island in the Cyclades.
Naxos is also known within Greece for its potatoes and dairy products. Its mountainous interior will surprise you and so will its resemblance to the island of Crete.

The lush area (for the standards of the Cycladic islands, that are basically dry and Volcanic) known as the Tragea has plains of olive trees, Lemon trees and grape vines, upland valleys, and a cluster of villages, Venetian towers, and Hellenistic watch towers.

Those who would visit the island will find lots of blessings to count: for starters, there are rolling green hills and valleys with clusters of Byzantine churches, Medieval towers, and villages with beautiful neoclassical houses. Naxos has the longest accessible coastline among the Cyclades islands, with beautiful sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Visitors may find well-organized beaches, as well as, more serene and picturesque coasts. It has a number of beaches, such as those at Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, Alikos, Kastraki, Mikri Vigla, Plaka, and Agios Georgios, most of them are located near Chora. Visitors can also admire the temple of Demeter in Sangri, the giant Kouros statues in Melanes and Apollonas village, the Portara, the Venetian Castle of Chora and the impressive Venetian towers scattered along Naxos Island.

Naxos

Naxos Yesterday & Today Island Tour:

Starting from your hotel we head to the small village of Damalas and our first stop for the day, the traditional pottery workshop found at the entrance of the village. As the ceramist works the clay on the pottery wheel and lets us in on his secrets we witness earth turn into a work of art. Then we move to the south-west side of the village, to learn about the production of olive-oil. The village’s restored olive press helps us gain precious insight into practices and a way of life that now belongs to the past.

Moving on we arrive at Halki, home to the second site on our journey, the distillery that first made the –today– iconic liqueur “Kitron”, Vallindas Distillery. We get to know everything about the production and the consumption of one of the three liqueurs in the country.

Our next stop is in the paleochristian church of Panagia Drosiani, that is considered to be one of the oldest in the Balkans.
The next location we visit is the mountain village of Apiranthos. The marble-paved alleys, the majestic view, the distinct traditions and the rich culture are only a few of the charms of the village.

Last but not least, we visit the lush settings of Flerio, a very important area all through antiquity not only for the high quality marbles but also for the fresh water it provided the island with. Nowadays a fragment of Flerio’s former glory survives in the impressive 7th century BC, 6,4-meter long statue of Kouros.

Rest of Day at Leisure:

Chora, is the capital and main port of Naxos island. The influence of Venetian architecture is obvious in Chora’s kastro. The presence on the island of descendants of the Venetians means that Naxos has both Catholic and Orthodox churches. The Castle in Naxos Town was built by Marco Sanudo, in the 13th century, during the Venetian Rule of the island. It is considered an excellent specimen of medieval architecture, with 3 gates, 12 towers and a watch tower. Some of these have been destroyed, but much of the original structure still stands, such as the Trani Porta and the Paraporti Gates, and the Glezos Tower. A stroll inside the castle is a must. Throughout the castle area there are arrow alleyways, arched paths, Venetian manors, the house of Marcos Sanudos and the 16th century Catholic Church. At the entrance of Naxos port, there is Portara, the giant gate of the Apollo’s Temple, which stands on a small islet in front of the port. The town today has expanded mostly towards the south, around the beach of Agios Georgios, which is the most popular. This is a nice sandy beach, with shallow waters, sheltered from the winds and perfect for small children. There is a sports centre with modern equipment for all kinds of water sports. Many people, however, prefer the little beach of Grotta, on the northern side of town, close to the harbor and below the Portara.

Naxos

Naxos Food Tour:

Naxos is a gastronomic paradise which provides a wide variety of unique produce. Our livestock gives us choice meat and dairy products, prized for their taste. The fertile western side of the island fills our kitchens with the famed Naxian potato, while the mountainous areas provide us with olive-oil every winter. Follow us through Naxos’ narrow lanes, while together we enjoy our delicious produce which includes our famous Naxos citron and a historical walk around Venetian Castle.

Rest of Day at Leisure

What’s a trip to the islands without a day on the beach? With smaller crowds than its Cycladic neighbors, Naxos makes it easy to find your own slice of paradise, whether you want privacy or a more lively scene.
Terminology tip: If a beach is described as “organized,” that generally means it has sunbeds and umbrellas available to rent and plentiful restaurants.

Agios Georgios is the closest to the main town and generally filled with families enjoying the shallow waters.
Neighbours Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios also have plenty of amenities on their sweeping sands, with enough shoreline that you’ll be able to stake out a spot but sufficient tavernas to keep you fed.
The more isolated beaches of the southwest coast—including Plaka, Mikri Vigla, and cedar-lined Aliko—are some of the best on the island. They’re farther out from the main town, and your travel will be rewarded with quieter sands and scenic surroundings.

Tip: Enjoy a relaxed stroll along the Naxos harbor, overlooking the sunset. In the evening, spend your night at bars in Naxos old town and taste cocktails made by Naxian products!

Naxos / Sifnos

Private Transfer Hotel to Naxos Port:

The pick up time for your transfer will be advised at your hotel. Your driver will deliver you to Naxos Port.

High Speed Ferry from Naxos to Sifnos:

Private Transfer Sifnos Port to Hotel:

Upon arrival, your driver will be awaiting you at Sifnos Port with a sign with your name on it, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Rest of Day at Leisure:

Located on the western side of the Cyclades island group, Sifnos is considered as the yummiest island in Greece, thanks to its flourishing culinary scene.

Other than that, Sifnos has the typical Cycladic ambiance, including whitewashed houses and chapels, innumerable dovecotes, a breathtaking natural landscape and, of course, amazing beaches!

The moment you’ll get off the ferry in Sifnos, you’ll feel like entering a whole new world! The island’s atmosphere is deeply calming, while the air is scented with almond and orange aromas that will seduce you. The tiny whitewashed villages, the cobblestone, embellished with colorful flowers, alleys, the luxurious Sifnos hotels, and the mesmerizing sandy Sifnos beaches ooze charm in abundance!

Sifnos

Sifnos Cooking Class:

Learn the secrets of Sifnean cuisine in a ‘mouth watering ‘ class from A to Z.
It all starts in the farm, where fresh ingredients are collected, while the owner/chef explains a lot about the anhydrus (waterless) farming he is practicing. After the farm, it is time to move to the kitchen, where all together under his guidance and assistance cook a fantastic meal for everybody to enjoy!
Bon Appetit!

-Optional- Pottery class:

In the premises of the farm a pottery workshop is in operation. It is a perfect opportunity to combine a great cooking experience with a pottery class, by making your own souvenir from Sifnos.

Sifnos

Sailing at Sifnos:

Sail to reach uninhabited and hidden bays inaccessible by land!
Arrive in magical and remote places with crystal clear waters and swim, snorkel and enjoy the beautiful landscapes on board a 14m/46ft charming and comfortable wooden ‘Gulet’ sailing boat.
And when you get tired from swimming, a nice lunch will give you back your strength for more exploration and to carry on cruising along the coastline.

Sifnos / Milos

Private Transfer Hotel to Sifnos Port:

The pick up time for your transfer will be advised at your hotel. Your driver will deliver you to Sifnos Port.

High Speed Ferry from Sifnos to Milos:

Private Transfer Milos Port to Hotel:

Upon arrival, your driver will be awaiting you at Milos Port with a sign with your name on it, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Rest of Day at Leisure:

Enjoy your first day in Milos relaxing, swimming in the pool or beach next to your hotel and explore your new destination.

Milos

Best of Milos Tour:

The best way to explore Milos in a day, this road takes you to all the major sites of the island, such as the Catacombs, Adamas town, Sarakiniko beach and Papafrangas Cave.

And after you have indulged in history and culture, the perfect stop for a cool, refreshing swim and some nurturing lunch, will give you the resting time you so deserve.

Rest of Day at Leisure:

Get to know the most exotic island in the Aegean. The island where the Venus de Milo was discovered, and one of the most impressive islands in the Cyclades. Volcanic rocks paint the beaches red, pink and orange. Sarakiniko and Kleftiko, with their white rock formations, emerald green waters and caves eroded by the sea, are steeped in stories of pirates. The catacombs, the exotic beaches, the multicoloured Klima, Emborios and Mandrakia, with their quaint buildings cut into the cliffs, and Plaka’s sunsets… All of these cry out in unison: Milos is unique.

Milos

Boat trip to Polyegos and Kleftiko:

A unique opportunity to visit the mesmerizing island of Polyegos and also get to experience the pirate life of Kleftiko. The experienced crew of this beautiful monohull yacht will sail from Pollonia to Polyegos island for a first stop to swim and then sail along the east side of Milos and south to Kleftiko. In our tour you will get to see the following locations:
-First swimming stop in the island of Polyegos at the “Blue Waters” the famous yachting destination.
-Second swimming stop in Gerakas beach, with the white impressive sand.
-Sail along the south side of the island
-Third swimming stop in Kleftiko, the pirate bay of Milos. This is a longer stop for snorkeling and cave touring.
-Forth swimming stop (if time allows us) at the beach of Tsigrado.

Departure

Departure Day:

Today, you will have to say goodbye to beautiful Greece. Your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Milos Airport where you will take the domestic flight back to Athens. Once arriving at Athens Airport, check-in to your international flight and depart Greece directly.