Islands of Greece: Naxos, Paros and Santorini

Make the most of a unique opportunity to get to the heart of the Athens’ traditional culture. This private dinner invitation to a local Athenian home is a wonderfully interactive way to get to know the city. Enjoy the warm hospitality of a typical Athenian, relishing the traditional Greek and Mediterranean dishes that your host shares with you. What better way to understand a living culture than with good food and conversation? Get to know how your meal arrived at the table and gain insights into the modern lifestyle of an ancient city over a delicious dinner. (Duration: 3-4 hrs, from 18:00 hrs; Private Activity & Transfers; Meals included: Dinner; For special dietary requirements, please inform us ahead of tour; Fitness level: Easy; Please dress comfortably).

Explore the prominent attractions of Athens. At the scheduled time, you will be picked up by a private vehicle and driven to the city center where the Panathenaic Stadium is located. Built entirely of marble, it was the venue of the first modern Olympics held in 1896. Next, drive to the Temple of Zeus to see the ruins of this ancient shrine with colossal columns that was once the largest temple in Greece. As you travel between the various landmarks, your knowledgeable guide will regale you with details about the history and significance of these sites. Journey past the national gardens and the Greek Parliament building to the UNESCO-listed Acropolis of Athens. Walk amid the cluster of ancient structures including the famous Parthenon, Propylaia and the Temple of Athena Nike. While you explore the ruins, learn how they epitomize the ancient Greek civilization and the ideals of democracy. After, set off on the short downhill walk to the Acropolis Museum that was opened in 2004. Browse the aesthetically arranged displays of over 3,000 artifacts before the tour winds up. (Duration: half day; Time: 0900 hrs (or on request); Private activity & transfers; Entry fees are included; Fitness level: easy; Wearing comfortable walking shoes and bringing a hat and drinking water recommended; Please note that this activity involves walking on slippery inclines; The order of the itinerary may vary)

Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Naxos during this cooking class. Your experience begins in Eggares village, a few miles north of Chora, the capital of Naxos Island. Visit the Eggares Olive Press Museum, which features original tools and equipment used in the late 1800s. Learn about the process of manual olive oil extraction and sample the infused olive oils. Next, head to a family home in Galini, a traditional agricultural village. Once you reach, meet your host and pick fresh organic vegetables, fruits, berries and herbs from their garden. Afterward, you can help your host prepare a typical Greek meal that includes zucchini balls, stuffed peppers, leg of lamb and honey-laced doughnuts. While the food cooks, you could sip on a glass of wine and learn about age-old culinary techniques from your host. Later, sit at a long wooden table and enjoy the dishes you learned to make. (Duration: 3 hrs; Time: 1030 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Guide not required; Meals included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

Embark on a luxurious catamaran cruise along the south coast of Naxos and its surrounding islands. Admire the scenic coastline while sailing toward the Small Cyclades, a group of islands that boast quaint fishing villages, clear waters and pristine beaches. Drop anchor at tiny Iraklia Island. Don your snorkeling gear and explore the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea blessed with rich marine life. Swim around the bay and discover hidden caves and sheltered coves. Next stop, is the remote island of Schinoussa with its unspoiled beaches and wild landscapes. Swim in the cobalt blue waters and spot numerous multicolored fish, clams and snails. Sunbathe on the deck or relax under tamarisk trees on the shore. Once you’re back on board, a traditional Greek lunch prepared using fresh local ingredients is served. Later, cast off and head to Alyko Beach that abounds with azure inlets. Above the beach are sand dunes and a cedar forest, which has been declared a nature reserve. (Duration: full day; Time: 0830 hrs; Shared activity & transfers; Meal included: lunch; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Equipment provided: snorkeling equipment; Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Please bring bathing suit, towel & sunscreen; Itinerary subject to weather conditions.)

Discover a wealth of scenic and cultural attractions in Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades Islands. Start your day at the atmospheric Old Town where brilliant white buildings, tiny souvenir shops and quaint cafes line winding alleys paved with ancient marble. Above the Old Town, arrive at Kastro, the sprawling citadel built by the Venetians in the 13th century. Meander past churches, monasteries and mansions bordered by medieval walls, eventually settling down to spectacular seascapes at a terraced cafe on the southern side. Later, make your way to ancient marble quarries and the iconic Portara that used to be part of a temple to Apollo. Keen hikers will love the wildflower laden summer trails that lead to the top of Mount Zas. Alternately, drive past the lush countryside where traditional oil presses and distilleries invite you to sample the famed Cretan olive oil and Kitron, a liqueur made from citron. Finally, savor the sun, sea and sand at Naxos beaches that vary from the golden sands of Agios Prokopos and the intense blue of Plaka to the vibrant Agios Georgios, with its sun loungers and beachside cabanas. (Duration: Full Day; Self-explore Activity; No Guide; No Transfers; Entrance Fees & Meals are not included; Fitness Level: Easy)

Soak in the sights and sounds of Paros island, armed with a local guide. Start at the picturesque fishing village of Naoussa. Past the ruins of the Venetian Fortress and the colorful caiques, visit the lively old market. Listen to live commentary about the history of Paros and its highlights. Next, drive up verdant hills to reach the traditional village of Lefkes, surrounded by pine and olive groves. See whitewashed windmills, dovecotes and houses with traditional architecture. Later, begin your hike on the famous ancient Byzantine Way, paved with slabs of Parian marble. Traverse this mostly downhill trail, framed by wild greenery or vineyards. End your excursion at the hilltop settlement of Prodromos. While walking these streets, learn about this birthplace of the poet Archilochus. Cherish Greek coffee and homemade sweets before dispersing. (Duration: Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Snacks and beverages included; Wear comfortable walking shoes)

Sail along the Aegean coast aboard a traditional open-air Greek fishing boat. Drift around the coast of Paros, passing by the golden sand beaches of Tripiti and Farangas. Glide smoothly through the turquoise waters of the southern Aegean Sea to the island of Antiparos, in the central Cyclades. Explore its picturesque little coves and spend time swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Then, head south of Antiparos to a bay with massive outcroppings and caves. Don your snorkeling gear and explore the diverse reefs and windswept caves that sit at the edge of the sea. Check out the caves ranging from tiny cliff cavities and rock shelters to grottos and caverns. Swim around the caves that are home to striking limestone and gypsum formations. Below the surface, you’ll see schools of small fish, hermit crabs, moray eels and the occasional multi colored nudibranch. (Duration: half day; Seasonal: 1st May-15th Oct; Time: 1000 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: snacks; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance; Equipment provided: snorkeling equipment; Please wear non-slippery shoes; Please bring bathing suit, towel, hat & sunscreen; Operates subject to weather conditions)

Get to know the island of Paros at your leisure on this day. Set out right after breakfast to explore this pretty little island by the azure blue Aegean Sea. Stop by the famous Byzantine church and visit a traditional village, learning all about the culture, lifestyle and cuisine. Make your way down to the beach, enjoying a leisurely swim in the sea and picking up a tan. You could also enjoy a boat ride around the island. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try windsurfing or diving in the Aegean. End a lovely day at Paros with a traditional local lunch, feasting on fresh seafood, salads and fragrant olives, paired with delicious Greek wines. (Duration: Full Day; Self-guided Activity; Fitness level: Easy; Please wear waterproof shoes, bring bathing suit, towel & change of clothes).

Drive to Profitis Ilias, Santorini’s highest point, to take in panoramic vistas of the landscape and the Aegean Sea around. Next, heading to the picturesque Megalochori village, learn about the wealthy wine merchants of the past. Explore the winding cobbled streets, lined with traditional Cycladic houses, neoclassical buildings and pirate hideouts. Make your way to the well-preserved Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri. Stepping inside, follow wooden walkways to explore this fascinating ancient city, protected under roof structures. Later, set off to the lively seaside village of Perivolos. Stroll on the boulevard, enjoy a swim and bask on the black sand beach, listening to groovy tunes. After lunch, sample Santorini’s delectable wines at a local winery, and learn about indigenous grape varieties and local vine-growing traditions. Finally, visit the photogenic village of Oia, that boasts spectacular views of the caldera, and see cliffside dwellings built into volcanic rocks. Full Day; Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch is not included; Fitness level: Easy)

Spend a lovely afternoon sailing to the beautiful Santorini Caldera aboard a yacht. Head out from your hotel and take a short walk to the designated meeting point, where you will be picked up and driven to your cruise boat. Settle down on a comfortable deck chair or laze in a hammock, enjoying the breeze and the cerulean blue Aegean Sea, as you sail along. On reaching the caldera, disembark at the shore to enjoy spectacular views and a leisurely swim, while the crew prepares a delicious meal. Back on board, relish a sumptuous dinner as you make the leisurely trip back to land. You will be driven back from the pier to the same designated meeting point where you were picked up at the start of the tour. (Half Day; Shared Activity & Transfers; Meals included: Dinner; For special dietary requirements, please inform us ahead of tour; Fitness level: Easy; Please bring bathing suit, towel & change of clothes).

Set off on a small group tour of the wineries of Santorini, with tastings of local wines. Learn from your guide about the microclimate and volcanic soil of the region, which give Santorini wines their special bouquet of flavors, aroma, and textures. Drive through the rolling countryside to arrive at a large winery nestled amid miles of lush vineyards. Learn about the history and the tradition of wine production in the first industrial winery of the island. Architecture enthusiasts will marvel upon learning about the unconventional manner the winery was constructed. From here, you’ll move on to a more exclusive winery, set in the very unique space of pumice rock–carved chambers. Move on to the next winery estate to sample the region’s famous Assyrtiko wines and discover the art of successful pairing. (Duration: Half Day; Shared Activity & Transfer; Transfers from central meeting points only; Fitness level: Easy; Tour includes Wine Tastings & Light Snacks. Must be 18 years or older to participate.)

Explore Athens at your own pace, and take all the time you need to really get to know this ancient city. Be sure to visit Plaka’s stairs and the atmospheric Anafiotika within the historic heart of the city. Stroll around in the lush National Gardens and check out the open-air cinema, or drop by the expansive Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre. Athens is not all about the past, though. You could also explore trendy neighborhoods like Kolonaki and Monastiraki for some lively dining and entertainment options. Discover Greek coffee culture, look out for interesting graffiti and visit contemporary art galleries for a truly immersive tour. Visit the Varvakios Agora food market to check out the local produce. Shop for souvenirs at weekly flea markets that spring up across town. On Sundays you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Parliament Building on Syntagma Square. Take in Saronic Gulf views from the Piraeus waterfront, or catch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill.