Island Hopping: Tinos, Naxos, and Santorini

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 licenced 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 Guided Tour & Flavors of Athens Food 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.

After visiting Acropolis, get ready for a 3-hour food tour that will truly make you feel like an Athenian! Sense the intriguing Greek cuisine and local food culture through an experiential food tour in the heart of the bustling capital of Greece. Wander through authentic corners of the city and visit a number of dedicated artisans that have perfected their recipes over the decades, specialized food stores sourcing the best products from all over Greece as well as the vibrant central food market.

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 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/Tinos

Private Transfer Athens Hotel to Port:

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

Athens to Tinos:

Tickets are issued at economy class unless otherwise specified.

Private Transfer Tinos Port to Hotel:

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

Tinos free time at leisure:

When people think of Tinos they think of the ‘Greek Pilgrimage Centre’ due to the church of ‘Panagia Megalochari’ as the protector of Greece.

But Tinos is much more than this, partially unknown, partially half-known or understood, but completely unexpected. For many years Tinos has stayed below the touristic radars. But this is no more. The island is no more a simple stop on the ferry from Athens to Mykonos. Tinos IS THE STOP.

Apart from the spiritual/pilgrimage centre of Greece, Tinos has a long tradition in arts and marble working. Marble has been since ancient times a treasure of the island, and even today it still is. This can be seen all around the island in houses, dovecotes or in one of the museums. Tinos is the home island of many famous Greek sculptors, and as the legend says Phidias who made the statues of Zeus in Ancient Olympia and Athena Parthenos as well as the Parthenon, learned the art from Tilian sculptors.

Exploring Tinos will unveil an island of mesmerizing beauty, unlike anything else you have encountered so far.

Tinos

Volax Agape Path Hiking:

Volax! A unique landscape all over the world. Huge, round, smooth granite rocks scattered everywhere. The geologists say that it emerged from the bottom of the seas some million years ago. And there, in the middle of all these rocks, on the foot of Exomvourgo hill and the Venetian fortress, there is a small peculiar village. Once upon a time, its dwellers were famous basket weavers and some of them still are. While walking through the picturesque streets, you might have a glimpse of them weaving, using bamboo, willow and osier shoots.

Leaving Volax behind, we start hiking in a low difficulty pathway. The route passing near dovecotes and watermills leads to Agape, a catholic village that keeps its medieval character with arches and traditional houses, narrow alleys and different levels joined by stone steps. There you will enjoy raki or ouzo and a light meal.

Rest of Day at Leisure:

Get to know one of the most unique islands of Greece. A sacred island, a religious haven for Orthodox Greeks, but also an island full of tradition, style and imagination that is ever present in the love of its habitats for art and aesthetics.
Otherwise, if you are tired from the hiking, retreat to the comfort and relaxation of your hotel.

Tinos

Marble Workshop:

Discover the sculptor in you and live an unforgettable experience creating your own piece of marble art at the picturesque village of Pyrgos.
Experienced local craftsmen will open their workshops for you, introduce you to the art of marble carving, provide you with all the necessary equipment and help you bring your masterpiece to life.
And when you feel the need for a break, traditional delicacies and local raki will accompany your chat with the craftsmen who are willing to divulge not only the secrets of their carving techniques but the history and tradition of this unique village, as well.

Rest of Day at Leisure:

Enjoy the rest of your day at the pampering of your hotel, or visit any of the picturesque villages or crystal clear beaches of Tinos.

Tinos/Naxos

Private Transfer Tinos Hotel to Tinos Port:

The pick up time will be advised at your hotel. Your driver will deliver you to the port for your ferry.

Tinos to Naxos:

Tickets are issued at economy class unless otherwise specified. Tickets will be delivered to your hotel by our local partner.

Private Transfer Naxos Port to Hotel:

Upon arrival at the port, your driver will be awaiting you with a sign with your name on it. He will deliver you 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 326AD. 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 Nation.

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 neighbours, 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 harbour, overlooking the sunset. In the evening, spend your night at bars in Naxos old town and taste cocktails made by Naxian products!

Naxos

Full Day at Leisure:

The town of Naxos 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. Around the pier of the port, anyone will find most of the shops, supermarkets, banks and public services. Also at the seafront, there are coffee shops, restaurants and bars.

The best known cheese of Naxos is the local Graviera, (Greek Gruyere) with an intense taste, made out of cow’s milk. Kefalotiri, is a yellow semi hard cheese, made of a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk and it is ideal for preparing the fried cheese called saganaki. Arsenikotiri, is a local variation of Kefalotiri, specially processed. Mizithra, is a soft like velvety cheese and the sweet Mizithra that is similar to ricotta and cottage cheese and it does not contain as luch fat. Anthotyro, is a tasty soft cheese, as it is an over one year old Mizithra, lightly salted. Manouri, is a soft cheese with a light taste. Xynotyri, is a soft cheese with an intense and a bit acid taste. Touloumotiri is a moist, snow- white cheese. Provio, is a distinctive cheese made of Sheep’s milk (similar to Feta Cheese). Olive Oil Cheese, is the Arsenikotiri, aged for over three months in Olive oil and it is spicy and a good snack to enjoy it with traditional Greek Raki. Apart from dairy products and the domestic potatoes, the island produces lemons, Olives and Olive oil, onions, garlic and tomatoes. The local spices are of excellent quality (Oregano Thyme etc) and the two local varieties cultivated in Naxos, are commonly found in the extensive area of Cyclades, are Asyrtiko and Aidani. However, imported varieties are also used to produce a variety of excellent quality local wine.

Naxos / Santorini

Private Transfer Naxos Hotel to Santorini Port:

The pick up time will be advised at your hotel. Your driver will deliver you to the port for your ferry.

Naxos to Santorini:

Tickets are issued at economy class unless otherwise specified. Tickets will be delivered to your hotel by our local partner.

Private Transfer Santorini Port to Hotel:

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

Rest of Day at Leisure:

The island’s beauty has been waxed lyrical over the years, fully earning the epithet “kalliste” (the most beautiful). Along with “Strogili”, this was one of the former names lent to the island over its troubled history.
Its history is one of battles and conquers, of a tragic eruption and a blossoming renaissence – events that haven’t altered Santorini’s charm but that undoubtedly scarred it.

Together with the inhabited Therania and five other smaller islands, Thera (Santorini’s Greek name) belongs to the namesake archipelago which is the vestige of a volcanic caldera. Places of unspoiled nature and postcard-like views, the islands are reachable by boat and bear the original appeal of the old-fashioned Santorini. The main island is split further into picturesque villages masterly painted in dazzling blue and white hues, outlining the holiday resort’s multi-faceted personality and its extraordinary variety of landscapes.

The scent of wine grapes and vineyards stretching lazily down Santorini’s unrefined hills; the unique taste of tomatoes grown solely on volcanic soil and the soaring temperature of the island; the subtle sand or the smoothness of white pebbles and turquoise waters of some of Europe’s most suggestive beaches; the upbeat sound of the buzzing nightlife; the spectacle of the sun setting behind the village of Oia and the caldera to finally plunge into the skyline.

Santorini gratifies all 5 senses, treating the traveler to enchanting views and thousands of colors.

Santorini

Santorini Morning at leisure:

Relax on your hotel, or stroll down the alleys and shops of Fira. Enjoy a nice coffee of cold beverage while time passes slowly and relaxing, while you are waiting for the cruise in the afternoon.

Caldera sunset cruise:

Starting from the port of Vlychada port, the cruise passes by Red and White Beach, with a stop at Black Mountain. It will then pass by the Lighthouse South of the Caldera and the Hot Springs at the Volcano. The next stop in Thirassia where lunch will be served. You will then sail towards the port of Ammoudi for a spectacular view of Oia. The return route will offer beautiful Fira views and sunset views before entering the port of Vlychada.

Santorini

Santorini Food & Wine Tasting:

Enjoy the best of Santorini’s gastronomy with a Greek Food & Wine Tasting Tour.

Combine a visit to two of Santorini’s wineries with a 3-course delicious Greek meze style menu at a lovely traditional restaurant where you will enjoy local food and wine. This tour is your one-stop source for everything there is to know about the food and wine culture in Santorini – and tips on Greek gastronomy. This tour is ideal for foodies, wine lovers, adventure types, and anyone who wants to have a complete gastronomic experience in Santorini.

Rest of Day at Leisure In Santorini:

Without mentioning dazzling panoramas, the mesmerizing sea or vibrant villages, Santorini’s culinary tradition would be something worth experiencing on its own. Borrowing a pronounced Mediterranean diet from the mainland, Santorini shares a tendency to use vegetables, quality olive oil, meat and fresh seafood generously, creating its own cuisine by adding products that are cultivated solely on its fertile soil.

In Santorini a visit to one of the local art galleries is a must: evocative handicrafts, folk art and jewelry can be bought at accessible prices, guaranteeing a souvenir that mirrors the authenticity of the villages. Another worthy shopping experience is all about local produce. The diversity of products makes it hard to choose from the numerous delicacies grown on the island’s volcanic soil. The island’s grapes make a heavenly wine that is exported worldwide and can be bought in any of the local wineries. Last but not least comes Santorini’s trademark tomato, the locals’ pride and a must try for food-aficionados – wonderfully appetizing and juicy.

Departure

Private Transfer Santorini Hotel to Airport:

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

Santorini to Athens:

Tickets are issued at economy class unless otherwise specified.

Departure:

Today, you will have to say goodbye to the beautiful Greece.