This is a walk which explores the lands where one of the most important of the Mediterranean's early cultures thrived. The Cycladic civilization (which gave this island group its name) lived on these islands from 3000 BC to 1000 BC. Hikers will explore the history, culture and beauty of these gorgeous islands: Tinos, Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini. It is like walking in the footsteps of the ancient Greek gods.
But this is not just a hiking trip into the distant past. It is a great way to see these famous Greek islands. Although they are steeped in history from ancient times, they have been populated for thousands of years. Many cultures have left their mark on these lovely little islands. One of the pleasures of visiting places such as the Cycladic is learning to recognize the art and architecture of the different eras.
On Tinos, you will visit the picturesque village of Pyrgos. This is a traditional village with many marble workshops where artisans put the local green marble to use. You will dine in the most pleasant Greek way; in a taverna-an outdoor restaurant.
You will not only see the remains of ancient civilizations, you will also enjoy modern Greek villages and towns. On Santorini, you will walk from the town of Fira (which is the main town on Santorini) to the village of Oia, which is well-known for its beautiful sunsets. Back in Fira, you will have time to explore this pretty town and its famous wineries or the still active archaeological site of Akrotiri.
The hiking trip also includes a tour of Athens and, of course, Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Archaeological Museum, and Panathinaikon Stadium.
This hiking adventure is designed for active people in good physical condition who enjoy walking on hills-some of which are steep-and altitude gains of 2,600 to 2,925 feet. After all, the best views are from above.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: You will be met at the airport by your guide where you will be transferred from the newly built airport "Eleftherios Venizelos" to the hotel which is conveniently located in the heart of Athens. Once you have settled in you will be met by your guide for a short evening walking tour of Athens and enjoy dinner in a traditional Greek tavern in the old part of Athens, named Plaka, overlooking the Acropolis.
Day 2: Athens-Tinos. After breakfast, you will have a half-day sightseeing tour of Athens. You will have the opportunity to visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Archaeological Museum and Panathinaikon Stadium, the stadium where the first Olympic Games were held in 1896. Lunch is in a tavern by the port of Rafina, the second biggest port in Athens. Early in the afternoon you are transported to the island of Tinos by high-speed catamaran (duration of the trip is approximately 1.5 hours). You will then be transferred to your hotel which overlooks the sea. Your afternoon is free to walk down to the port to visit the miraculous icon of Our Lady and tour the town.
Day 3: This morning, after an early breakfast, you will be driven to the village of Kalloni (approximately one hour drive). Your walk will take you on a dirt road (uphill and downhill) while catching a unique view of the little islet named Satellite and the seaside village of Panormos. The last mile or so will be on a road with little traffic that brings you to the picturesque village of Pyrgos, where you will enjoy your lunch. Pyrgos is a traditional village with many marble workshops where you will have the chance to see how the locals work with green marble. In the afternoon you will return back to the hotel and in the evening have dinner in a local tavern to taste the local recipes. Overnight at the same hotel.
Day 4: After an early breakfast, you will catch a high-speed boat to Mykonos Island (15 minute ride). After settling in to the hotel, you will take a small boat to the historical island of Delos. The group will spend some time on the island discovering its ancient ruins. The picnic lunch will be on Delos before the short return to Mykonos town. You will walk among the small winding streets and sugar-cube like buildings - the archetypal postcard image of the Cyclades. Dinner will be in a tavern in Little Venice. Tonight you will spend the evening in the town of Mykonos. (Weather conditions may not permit crossing. In this case, the guide will take you on a trek of the island of Mykonos).
Day 5: In the morning, you will be transferred by high-speed boat to Naxos Island (via Paros Island), the biggest and most fertile island of the Cyclades. You will arrive on Naxos Island in the early afternoon and settle in to the traditional hotel by the seaside village of Agia Anna, close to the beach. You will be taken to the village of Koronida where the walk will start and it will end in the seaside village of Apollonas, with the chance to admire the famous statue of Kouros. By private bus or taxi you will be returned to the hotel where you will have the rest of the afternoon off to swim or take an optional visit of the old part of Naxos town.
Day 6: After breakfast, you will travel by taxi to Apiranthos village and have a short visit of this picturesque village with its three small museums. Afterwards you will walk towards the highest peak of Mt. Zas (3300 foot altitude) and continue downhill on a dirt road until you reach the village of Filoti. Your descent will be on a road (with no traffic) back to Filoti village to catch a taxi back to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore.
Day 7: After breakfast, you will take a high-speed boat to the fairest island of the Cyclades, Santorini. You will arrive early in the afternoon to settle in at your hotel leaving the rest of the afternoon free to admire the breathtaking view of the volcano. You will meet later in the evening for dinner.
Day 8: After breakfast, your walk starts from the main town of Fira. From the cable car station you path starts out as a stone-path and then it turns into a footpath ending at the village of Oia, made famous for its sunsets. Once you have had time to explore this village you can opt to either walk back to Fira, or return by taxis. The rest of the day is free to explore the island, visiting either some of its famous wineries or the still active archaeological site of Akrotiri. You dinner tonight will be in a local tavern that overlooks the volcano.
Day 9: Santorini-Athens. This morning you will have a free time for swimming at the black beach of Perissa or optional excursion to the still active volcano! Late in the afternoon you will be transferred to the international airport of Santorini to catch the flight to Athens and be transferred to your hotel. Your farewell dinner will be in the old part of Athens called Plaka.
Day 10: After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to catch the flight back home.
2008 Dates: April 12-21, May 17-26, June 7-16, June 28-July 7, July 26-August 4, September 6-15, October 4-13.
Meeting Point: Athens Airport. Transfers are included at pre-set time.
Difficulty of Walk: Walking along dirt roads and footpaths with some loose stones. Some cliff side paths. On the coast walking is on sand and shells.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$4,200 per person, shared.
$460 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 9 nights hotel accommodation
- 5 guided walking days
- All meals
- ½ day guided tour of Athens
- Entrance fees to museums on itinerary
- Guide
- Boat transfers
- Luggage transfers
- Transfers to/from airport
- Tax.
Excludes:
- Drinks.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Greece
Walking Tours
Island Vacation
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