Greece: Athens and Walking in the Greek Islands

Athens, named after the greek goddess of wisdom, Athena, is a place so rich in cultural history it can be hard to take in the magnitude of its contributions to the world we live in today. From the world's most influential philosophers-Socrates, Aristotle, Plato-to the thinkers who brought about the first democratic political systems, Athens has more than its fair share of history to uncover. Welcome to Athens, and to Greece, and we invite you to join us in discovering what makes Greece the perfect blend of the ancient and the modern.

Arrive at any time. After meeting fellow travellers and your CEO during the welcome meeting. Head out on foot to a nearby local taverna and enjoy your first meal together in Greece.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

ACTIVITY: EVENING Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Socrates said "I am a citizen, not of Athens, or Greece, but of the world". Well today you are all citizens of Athens. Explore two of the most important monuments in history. From the home of the Goddess Athena to the peoples places, dive into the history of Athens, greek mythology and the birth of democracy.

After a comprehensive tour of the Acropolis with your local guide, meander down the hill to the Ancient Agora, where you continue to explore the history of this ancient city. Leave the sites behind in time to enjoy a taverna lunch in the Plaka. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring. Your admission pass today includes entry in to four additional historical sites. This evening join your CEO as we head up to Filopappou Hill for a wonderful sunset over Athens.

ACTIVITY: Set off with your CEO on a short hike up Filopappou Hill where at the top, you will toast the climb with the group and watch the sun set over the Acropolis below.

Length: 2-3km
Duration: 45 minutes - 1 hour
Elevation gain: 70-100m

ACTIVITY: Discover the most famous of Athens’ eight hills: the Acropolis, the ultimate architectural and artistic expression of the ancient Athenian spirit. Then visit the Agora, an archaeological sit located beneath the northwest slope of the Acropolis. This site marks a large gathering place and in modern Greek the term means, "marketplace".

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Opt to visit the temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, or explore the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum.

Athens has always been the gateway to the Greek islands and a ferry ride to the Islands is a quintessential part exploring these magnificent islands. Picture the warm sun on your face, the blue water that turns to azure as you get closer to the island and the beautiful white village that starts coming into focus. You've made it, welcome to Tinos!

An early start allows you to make the most of the day. From the port of Rafina, board a ferry to Tinos and make sure to find a good spot to sit and enjoy the view. Upon arrival to Tinos, dive straight into it with a walking food tour of the old town. Remember, there is no such thing as too much tzatziki.

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

ACTIVITY: Immerse yourself in the authentic Tinian cuisine on a food and walking tour along the picturesque alleyways of the old town and discover how local tradition is featured in every single bite. Along the way you will savour island delicacies, talk to local shop owners, and learn about ethically sourced products in tandem with Tinos' culinary heritage.

Lesser known and lesser visited, Tinos is what you imagine in your mind's eye when you picture the Greek islands. In the southern part of the island, a rocky outcrop known as the castle is your backdrop as you hike around the castle from village to village and learn about the history and culture of the island.

After a delicious breakfast, set off for the trailhead and begin your hike in Exombourgo. Pass through various small towns on this moderate hike and finish in time to gather for a well deserved lunch at a local restaurant. The rest of the day is at leisure. Spend time relaxing by the pool overlooking the Agean or walk down to the beach right from the hotel. Some time in the water is calling your name.

ACTIVITY: Begin at Exombourgo—a rugged mountain in the Cyclades and the site of a ruined Venetian fortress—and walk through the island villages of Koumaros, Skalados, Loutra, and Krokos. Follow the path around Exombourgo Mountain and finish the upward climb at the ruins of an old castle.

Difficulty Level: 2/5
Length: 6.5 km
Duration: 3 hours

Wear comfortable clothing. Closed-toed footwear, a hat and a sun cream.
Do not forget your bottle of water.

FREE TIME: HALF DAY Enjoy a free afternoon to relax at the hotel or head to the beach for a swim.

Each Greek island is distinct from the other and has its own unique feel and specialties that can be found only there. This is one of the main reasons why island hopping in Greece is so rewarding; each day is a unique adventure. Naxos welcomes you with an exclusive food and wine experience making and tasting local Arseniko cheese and visiting a vineyard to learn and sample some of the locally produced wine.

Leave Tinos by Ferry for Naxos. After a fulfilling-and filling-afternoon discovering Naxos' cheese and wine trail, arrive at your hotel in time for a late afternoon swim.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief orientation walk with your CEO.

ACTIVITY: Gain insight into how renowned Naxian cheese are made during this island food and wine tour. At a small cheese farm located in the heart of Naxos you will meet lovely farmers, feed the animals in the farm, and watch the making of the "arseniko" signature cheese. Share food and drink around the family table and exchange stories together. The vineyard tour consists of an intimate tasting with five local wines paired with Naxian cheese, including the famous "graviera".

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Even though we may love our modern conveniences, it's impossible not to imagine what life was like over 500 years ago, especially, on a small island. Here on Naxos you have the chance to briefly step back in time on a hike that gets you out into the countryside with a local guide, learning about how the valley of Tragea helped the entire island to flourish economically and socially over 500 years ago.

Transfer from your hotel to the trailhead where you start our journey. Along the way, discover this island's hidden treasures, meet locals and enjoy a delicious lunch. Early afternoon is spent at the hotel, with some time off to refresh and relax, an opportunity to enjoy the local beach right down the street from your hotel.

ACTIVITY: This morning set out on a hike and learn about the history of Naxos. Explore island villages like Halki, Kaloxylos and Moni. See Byzantine churches and stop at a Citron distillery for a liqueur tasting.

Length: 6.5km
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Make sure to bring comfortable clothing, hiking or training shoes, hat and backpack

FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Enjoy a free afternoon to relax at the beach or explore more of the old town on your own.

There is no better day in the Aegean than sailing around the Islands, jumping off to cool down, swimming in the azure water or snorkelling to search for fish and lost treasures. A trip to the Greek islands wouldn't be complete without a day out on a boat.

Head out for the entire day on a small sailing yacht. Stop at Piso Livadi in Paros, where you will have time to explore and choose from one of the local tavernas to grab a bite to eat. You return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy a full-day on the water off the coast of Naxos. Set sail for the Antiparos island area keeping your eyes open for dolphins and sea turtles. See the south part and beautiful bays of Paros island and pause for a short swim and snorkel at the Blue Lagoon in Panteronissia islets. Visit the village of Marpissa and enjoy its sandy beaches before heading back to Naxos.

There is no island more famous in Greece than Santorini. Its white building with blue domes are famous the world over and there is no better place to end our island hopping. Spend the afternoon discovering Fira with your CEO before a sunset cruise this evening.

Board the ferry to Santorini and in no time at all you will recognize the white villages high above. Head to Fira for a short orientation walk of the town where you can enjoy lunch on your own. This evening, head back to the port to embark on a sunset cruise. Bring your bathers, as there will be time for snorkelling and swimming. A beach barbecue will be served during your cruise.

TRANSPORT: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

ACTIVITY: Get to know Santorini with your CEO on an orientation walk of Thira

ACTIVITY: Head out to sea to soak in the views of the sun setting over the azure waters over the Agean. Enjoy a dinner, take in the site of picturesque site of Santorini, and toast to another beautiful day in paradise. Opa!

Let your interests and energy level guide you today. You have the choice between two fantastic and distinct experiences today. If you are ready to get out and walk, choose to hike from Fira to Oia. If you would rather take it easy, join a guided tour of Santorini by vehicle. Both experiences end in Oia, so you may even run into your fellow travellers along the way.

Whether you choose to hike or to take a guided tour, we know Santorini will impress you. This evening, join your CEO and fellow travellers for a final dinner together.

ACTIVITY: Option 1: Walk from Fira to Oia and partake in one of Santorini's top experiences. As you hike along the rim of the caldera you will see the towns Oia, Imerovigli, Firostefani, and Fira while soaking in some of the best views in all of Greece. The hike is about 10km total and will take most of the day. Part of the path is similar to a sidewalk, some parts are cobblestone and others a simple dirt path.

Option 2: Hop in and let your driver whisk you away to explore Santorini. Transfer to some of the most stunning churches in Pyrgos before reaching the pinnacle of Santorini, the Profitis Ilias Monastery. Here, see the island and the sea from a 360-degree view. Continue to Megalochori Village and stretch your legs while learning local secrets and fun treasures about Greece. Carry on to Oia where there will be some free time for lunch

FREE TIME: EVENING During a free afternoon to relax at the hotel or enjoy a walk in Fira for some final shopping opportunities.

Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in the Greek islands will live on.

Depart at any time. Please note, your transfer to the airport is included.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.