Compare Walking on the Greek Islands by Exodus Travels vs 8-Day Greek Island Hopping From Athens: Paros and Naxos by Tours4Fun

Day 1 Start Athens; to Rafina and overnight

We gather at our hotel. When the time’s right, we’ll also have our first meeting as a group – a good chance to get to know your leader and fellow group members. Rest well tonight; tomorrow we wake early to catch a ferry. Accommodation: Dorian Inn or Avra Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Morning ferry to Santorini; then explore the town of Fira

In the morning, we take the ferry to Santorini (approx. 8hrs). There’s a selection of restaurants and cafes on board, serving food and drinks throughout the journey. Santorini (known locally as Thira) is one of the most famous islands in the world. Known mainly for its beautiful beaches, it is a remnant of a volcanic cone whose top was blown off. A huge eruption (estimated 1650 BCE) gave it its crescent shape and many speculate that it was the location of the legendary lost Atlantis. This beautiful island has a lot to offer to walkers, including magnificent views of the Mediterranean. In the late afternoon, we walk around the town of Fira to enjoy the stunning views of the caldera. Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)

Day 3 Walk along the caldera from Fira to Oia

The 6mi (10km) Cliff Trail is a spectacular walk 1,310ft (400m) high above the volcanic caldera, a photographer’s delight and not too challenging. Views of the Aegean are virtually ever present as we wind gently up and down to the pretty village of Oia, home to artists, galleries, boutiques and cafes. There’s time to explore, relax and soak up the culture before we transfer back to Fira. Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)

Day 4 Free time in Santorini; afternoon ferry to Naxos

This morning we have free time in Santorini. Optional extras include a visit by bus to the buried city of Acrotiri, time at the black beaches of Kamari and/or a visit to the prehistoric museum of Thero in town. Leaving Santorini in the afternoon, we board the ferry to Naxos, the journey is approximately two hours. Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Day 5 Explore the town and visit the Temple of Apollo

Today, we take a walk to explore the main town, Hora, a Venetian Castello town. The market area is a delight to wander through, with its craft shops, chapels and quaint restaurants. On the islet of Palatia stands the impressive Portara, an ancient marble gateway and the entrance to the remains of the Temple of Apollo. Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Day 6 Morning ferry to Paros; hike the 1000 years old Byzantine path from Lefkes; evening ferry back to Naxos

In the morning, we take the ferry to Paros (approx. 1h). Then we take a bus to reach the heart of the island and the village of Lefkes, where we join an Old Byzantine path that runs all the way to the east coast of Paros. The route is believed to be about 1,000 years old and used to traverse the entire island. Today’s route will pass through beautiful Cycladic villages and mediaeval villages. Then we Explore the town, the Castle and the Byzantine Cathedral of Ekatontapyliani before we take a ferry back to Naxos in the evening. Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Day 7 Walk the ravine of Potamia villages in Tragea Valley, visiting the ancient statue of Kouros

Today we trek the lush valley of Tragea, best known for its ancient olive and citrus groves. It is a great opportunity to discover the most authentic part of Naxos, where picturesque villages and churches punctuate our walk. We will wander along the ancient path in the middle of the Naxian marble quarries until we reach Kouros, a gigantic statue from the fifth century BCE, which was damaged during transportation and then abandoned ever since, lying under trees in the Melanes Valley. Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

Day 8 Ferry transfer to Piraeus; end Athens

We take the ferry back to Piraeus or Rafina (approx. 6 hrs) and transfer to Athens airport where the trip ends. Those on the group flights will be transferred to the airport for the return flight to London. Please note: the ferry port can change depending on the season and you might return to Rafina.

Day 1 Athens Arrival

Upon arrival our friendly staff will transfer you to your hotel. Balance of day at leisure.

Day 2 Athens City Tour

In the morning let us introduce you to Athen's rich history with a morning city tour, including a visit to the Acropolis. Balance of day at leisure.

Day 3 Athens - Paros

Our friendly staff will transfer you to the port for your ferry to Paros. Upon arrival at the port of the island of Paros you will be met, assisted and transferred to your hotel by our friendly staff. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4 Paros

Day at leisure to explore this beautiful island, with the sandy beaches, natural bays, innumerous vineyards, hundreds of churches and white-washed houses.

Day 5 Paros - Naxos

After breakfast transfer to the port for your ferry to Naxos. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 6 Naxos

Discover the beauties of the largest Cycladic island, located in the middle of the Aegean sea. Valleys that end to sandy beaches, narrow streets with old houses of stone, the Venetian Castle and Byzantine churches are a few of Naxos’ characteristics.

Day 7 Naxos - Athens

After breakfast you will be transferred to the port to embark to the ferry back to Athens. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Athens.

Day 8 Athens Departure

After breakfast departure transfer to the airport for your flight back home.