Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with "Walking on the Greek Islands," where you'll explore the stunning Cyclades with a local tour leader. This adventure takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of Santorini, Naxos, and Paros. Experience the awe-inspiring Cliff Trail hike on Santorini, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, and wander through the ancient olive and citrus groves of Naxos's Tragea Valley. Discover the 1,000-year-old Byzantine path on Paros, and immerse yourself in the unique cultures of these enchanting islands. Enjoy the comfort of family-run, three-star hotels, and indulge in local delicacies as you island-hop through Greece. With all breakfasts, accommodations, and activities included, this small group tour promises a perfect blend of cultural exploration, sightseeing, and culinary delights. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Rafina
Location: Rafina
Accommodation Name: Dorian Inn or Avra Hotel (or similar)
Our adventure begins in Rafina, a port town around 25 minutes’ drive from Athens, the history-soaked capital of Greece.The excitement builds with a welcoming briefing at 8pm, in which the tour leader provides important information about the week ahead.Rest well tonight, tomorrow we wake early to catch a ferry.If you’d like to explore the many ancient wonders of Athens, we highly recommend adding extra days to the beginning or end of the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book. ...more ...less
Day 2 : Ferry to Santorini; explore Fira town
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take the ferry (approximately eight hours) to Santorini in the morning. There’s a selection of restaurants and cafes on board, serving throughout the journey.Santorini (known locally as Thira) is a remnant of a volcanic cone whose top was blown off and many speculate it was the location of the legendary lost Atlantis. This beautiful island has a lot to offer to hikers, including excellent beaches and magnificent views of the Aegean Sea.Walk around the town of Fira in the late afternoon, taking a flat paved path to enjoy stunning views of the caldera.Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)
Day 3 : Hike the caldera from Fira to Oia
Location: Fira, Santorini, Oia, Santorini
Accommodation Name: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 a transfer back to Fira.Accommodation: Hotel Golden Star (or similar)
Day 4 : Free time in Santorini; afternoon ferry to Naxos
Location: Santorini, Naxos
Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy free time in Santorini this morning. Optional excursions 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 approximately two-hour ferry to Naxos.Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Day 5 : Hike through the lush Tragea Valley
Location: Naxos
Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer (one hour) to hike in the lush Tragea Valley, best known for 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.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)
Day 6 : Ferry to Paros; hike the Byzantine path from Lefkes; return to Naxos
Location: Paros, Naxos
Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a one-hour ferry to Paros in the morning, 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 and medieval villages. Then we explore the town, the castle and Byzantine Cathedral of Ekatontapyliani before our ferry back to Naxos in the evening.Accommodation: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Day 7 : Explore Hora town; visit the Temple of Apollo
Location: Naxos
Accommodation Name: Hotel Aeolis (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a walk to explore the main town, Hora, a Venetian Castello town. The market area is a delight to wander through, with 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 8 : Ferry transfer to Piraeus; end Athens
Location: Piraeus, Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Catch the ferry back to Piraeus or Rafina (approximately six hours) and transfer to Athens airport where the trip ends.Please note: the ferry port can change depending on the season.
What's Included
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All breakfasts
All breakfasts are included during the tour.
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All accommodation
All accommodation is included throughout the tour.
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All transport and listed activities
All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included.
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Tour leader throughout
A tour leader will accompany the group throughout the tour.
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Free group arrival and departure transfers
Free group transfers are available for arrival and departure.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation
Single accommodation is not included but is available on request.
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Visas or vaccinations
Visas or vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately.
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Tourist tax
Tourist tax is not included and must be paid locally.
Food
All breakfasts included. In Santorini, it is a basket breakfast in the room. Simple buffet-style Greek breakfast consists of bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs and honey, and coffee/tea. For lunch and dinner, we normally go to different tavernas and restaurants (at times, picnics of locally sourced food will be suggested for lunch instead), where we can sample some typical Greek meze dishes, olives, fresh fish, vegetables and much more.
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Accommodation
We spend seven nights in three-star hotels on this walking trip. On the islands, we use family-run hotels, ensuring our visit benefits the local communities. We also have one night in a hotel in Rafina. Below are the accommodations we typically use: Avra Hotel in Rafina, Hotel Golden Star in Santorini, and Hotel Aeolis in Naxos. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes ferry rides between the islands, with an eight-hour ferry to Santorini, a two-hour ferry to Naxos, and a one-hour ferry to Paros. Transfers are provided for group arrivals and departures, ensuring seamless travel throughout the tour.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes seven nights in three-star hotels. On the islands, family-run hotels are used to ensure the visit benefits local communities. There is also one night in a hotel in Rafina. The accommodations typically used are Avra Hotel in Rafina, Hotel Golden Star in Santorini, and Hotel Aeolis in Naxos. ...more ...less
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
All breakfasts are included in the tour. In Santorini, breakfast is provided as a basket in the room. The breakfast typically consists of bread/toast, butter, jam, fresh juice, milk, local yoghurt, eggs, honey, and coffee/tea.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes various hiking activities such as the Cliff Trail hike in Santorini, a trek through the Tragea Valley in Naxos, and a hike on the Byzantine path in Paros. There are also opportunities to explore local towns, visit historical sites like the Temple of Apollo, and indulge in local delicacies. ...more ...less
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Is there free time during the tour to explore on my own?
Yes, there is free time allocated during the tour. For example, on Day 4, there is free time in Santorini where you can choose to visit the buried city of Acrotiri, the black beaches of Kamari, or the prehistoric museum of Thero.
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What is the transportation method between the islands?
Transportation between the islands is primarily by ferry. For instance, there is an eight-hour ferry ride to Santorini, a two-hour ferry to Naxos, and a one-hour ferry to Paros.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available. For example, in Santorini, you can choose to visit the buried city of Acrotiri, spend time at the black beaches of Kamari, or visit the prehistoric museum of Thero.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 90 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 120 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Walking on the Greek Islands
8 Days Starting in Rafina, Greece and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Rafina, Santorini, Fira, Santorini, Oia, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Piraeus, Athens
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TEJ
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Please inform Exodus of specific dietary requirements
