Walking on the Greek Islands

We gather at our hotel and have our first meeting as a group at 8pm – 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: Avra Hotel (or similar)

In the morning, we take the ferry to Santorini (approximately eight hours). 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 on a flat paved path to enjoy the stunning views of the caldera.



Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)

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. Half the path is pathed, while the other is a mix of volcanic soil, pumice and lava. 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)

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)

Today we transfer for one hour to 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 wander along the ancient stoney 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. Our transfer back is approximately one hour.



Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

In the morning, we take a one-hour ferry to Paros, then a 20-minute bus to the heart of the island and Lefkes village, where we join an Old Byzantine path that runs all the way to the east coast of Paros. The route, which is on paved path and over small hills, is believed to be about 1,000 years old and used to traverse the entire island. Today’s trail passes through beautiful Cycladic villages and medieval villages. Then we explore the town, the castle and Byzantine Cathedral of Ekatontapyliani before we take a ferry back to Naxos in the evening.



Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)

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)

We take the ferry back to Piraeus or Rafina (approximately six hours) 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.