Milos - Boat
Santorini view of the Caldera and Sea
Naxos
Greece - Table and View
Highlights of the Cyclades

Highlights of the Cyclades

From: 
Regular price
$4,449.00
Sale price
$4,449.00

Independent Holiday
including Athens and Island Hopping (Milos, Santorini, Naxos)
12 Days ex Athens 
 

This comprehensive package includes time on three of the glittering jewels in the Mediterranean – Milos, Santorini and Naxos. Beginning with a brief but inclusive two days in Athens this tour then moves into the Cyclades with their pristine beaches, history and delicious local flavours. Whether wandering around the myriad of cafes and galleries or investigating for yourself the truth behind ancient myth and legend, the Cyclades will leave a lasting impression on you.

Highlights:
  • Visit the “most beautiful building in the world” – the Parthenon and see the amazing sculpture work that decorates it
  • Discover the great beaches and exotic beauty of Milos
  • Find your own secluded spot on Santorini to watch the sun set over the glittering Mediterranean
  • Pack a hamper of delicious local foods on Naxos then head into the countryside for a picnic

Day 1: Athens

On arrival into Athens you will be met after customs and immigration by a local operator and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights. The remainder of the day is set aside to unwind.

Day 2: Athens (B)

This morning you will be collected from your hotel for your half-day coach tour of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum.

This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Your expert guide will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Prime Minister's residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Evzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma).

On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts order in the mind", the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis Museum. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight Athens.

Note: Due to certain restrictions in the visiting hours of the new Acropolis Museum the order of the program can be changed. Entrance fees included. Tour pick-up time from hotel should be confirmed with our local operator, usually the day prior. This tour does not operate during Greek National Holidays.

Day 3: Athens – Milos (B)

Today you will be transferred by private vehicle from your hotel to the port for your high-speed ferry travelling to Milos. After disembarking in Milos you will be met by a local operator and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for three nights.

Friendly, likeable Milos has a surreal and dramatic coastal landscape with colourful amazing rock formations that reflect the island’s volcanic origins. Milos also has hot springs, the most beaches of any Cycladic island and some compelling ancient sites.

Day 4: Milos (B)

Day at leisure to explore this fascinating island.
Milos, known for its stunning landscapes and rich history, offers a myriad of attractions. Three of the must-see highlights during your stay on Milos include Sarakiniko Beach, the Catacombs of Milos and Kleftika.

Day 5: Milos (B)

Another day at leisure to continue your exploration of Milos.
A perfect opportunity to load a hamper up with local food and find somewhere for a picnic.

Day 6: Milos – Santorini (B)

Today you will be transferred by private vehicle to the port to embark on your high-speed ferry journey to Santorini. After disembarking in Santorini you will be met by a local operator and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for three nights.

No other place in the world resembles this unique Cycladic island believed by some to be the legendary lost continent of Atlantis which was swallowed by the sea when the volcano erupted. Santorini is known worldwide for its unique views and colourful sunsets.

Day 7: Santorini (B)

Day at leisure to explore at your leisure.
The beautiful island of Santorini was created by the eruption of a super volcano called Thera in ancient antiquity. This eruption has been estimated to have ejected 100 cubic kilometres of material making it one of the four most powerful eruptions of historic times. The concentric shaped islands that remain have created one of the most perfect natural harbours in the world, so it is no surprise that water activities are so popular here. Whether partaking a sailing charter; relaxing on a beach; or taking advantage of the many spectacular viewpoints, Santorini is a delightful location to enjoy the Mediterranean. Famed for the beautiful sunsets be sure to find a good vantage point as the day winds down.

Day 8: Santorini (B)

Spend another relaxing day exploring this beautiful island.
Many people believe Santorini to be the location of Atlantis from Platonic myth and the ancient ruins of Thera, although dated to after the eruption, lend credence to that theory. The uphill walk is rewarded with a fascinating archaeological site which includes Hellenistic Roman and Byzantine periods. For those who prefer, it is a short taxi drive to the top.

Day 9: Santorini - Naxos (B)

Today you will be transferred by private vehicle to the port to embark on your high-speed ferry journey to Naxos. After disembarking in Naxos you will be met by a local operator and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for three nights.

Naxos is the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic Islands with attractive villages and good swimming beaches. The town is built in amphitheatrical fashion on the side of a hill. There are many interesting monuments including some fine Byzantine Churches, the Kastro with its tower and loopholes and the remains of a Mycenean settlement at Grota. Not far from Apolona, one of the most beautiful seaside villages, is an ancient marble quarry at the entrance to which lies a huge half-finished kouros dating from the 6th century.

Day 10: Naxos (B)

Day at leisure to explore the island.
Naxos, with its comparatively reliable rainfall and fertile soil, is the most self-sufficient of all the Cycladic islands. With many varieties of fruit grown locally, the ubiquitous olives, and famed throughout Greece for its cheese, Naxos is a great place to pack a hamper and find a quiet place for a picnic. The main centre is a delightful port town filled with white-washed houses and Venetian mansions. It is a great place to wander about exploring galleries and cafes.

Day 11: Naxos (B)

Spend another relaxing day exploring this beautiful island.
Some believe that Naxos is home to the cave in which the young Zeus was raised. The purported cave can be found on Mt Zeus and makes a great day hike. At 1004m, this mountain is the highest in the Cyclades and the effort of the hike up the well-marked and safe path is rewarded with stunning views. For those wanting less exertion, the elegant Fish and Olive Gallery has fast become a favourite shopping destination amongst our clients. With beautiful handmade ceramics jewellery and other arts on display and for sale this shop is a great place to pick up a memento or present.

Day 12: Naxos (B)

Today you will be transferred by private vehicle to Naxos port. Commence own arrangements.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • Hotel accommodation with private facilities
  • Breakfast daily
  • Round trip transfers in Athens on private basis (airport to hotel and hotel to port)
  • Round trip transfers on islands (Milos, Santorini & Naxos) on a private basis
  • Athens sightseeing with Acropolis and Acropolis Museum (Shared coach tour with professional bilingual guide - entrance fees)
  • Economy Class high speed ferry tickets (Pireaus-Milos-Santorini-Naxos)
  • Greece Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • International airfares
  • Government Climate Crisis Resilience Tax - to be paid directly to the hotel on check-out (ranges from EUR3-EUR10 - rates subject to change without notice)
  • Optional tours and excursions
  • Porterage
  • Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Departure taxes
  • Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
  • Visas (unless specified)
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the below (or similar) - Superior Tourist Class Hotels (Greek 4*):
Hotels are indicative and subject to availability at the time of booking. If hotels indicated are not available at the time of request, alternatives will be offered and supplements may apply.

Athens

President Hotel

Milos

Olea Bay Hotel

Santorini

Strogili Hotel

Naxos

Astir of Naxos

Climate Resilience Tax
The Greek government have established a climate resilience tax for all tourists staying in any kind of Hotel, Apartment, Villa, etc. in any destination in Greece. This tax is applied locally and is payable directly by guests at check-in. The tax is a fixed Euro amount and ranges from EUR3 to EUR10 per room per night, depending on the hotel category.
 
Athens Sightseeing and Mainland Greece Coach Tours
Scheduled tours and sightseeing are bilingual unless specified. Wifi may be available on full day tours to Delphi, Argolis and all multi day tours. Many sightseeing tours require a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites therefore a good level of fitness will ensure you get a maximum enjoyment from your visit.
 

Double Beds
Please note a double bedded room can be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In Greece double rooms are very limited.

Ferries
All ferry schedules may be subject to change, due to local conditions (including weather) and/or possible port congestion and the final requirements of the ferry companies. The cancellation or non operation of the ferries is a decision of the shipping company and the Ministry of Shipping. This is outside the control of our operators and Innovative Travel who confirm ferries in good faith.

If certain classes of ferries are not operating for any reason, the next best option will be used whether an alternate ferries or flights. Example: If Hydrofoils are non-operational for any reason, clients booked on them may have to use alternative regular ferries in a first class seat. If there are any additional charges these will be advised by the local operator and will be at the clients expense.

Greek Island ferries are usually quite large, offering restaurant/cafeteria/bar facilities, though normally no swimming facilities. Porters are rarely available at ferry ports, so your luggage should be only as much as you can carry.

Ferry Rhodes / Marmaris: Unlike standard ferries connections between Greek Islands, the ferry between Rhodes and Marmaris is an international one. Our local operator in Rhodes will provide you with a voucher that you will exchange at the port where you will have to queue to receive your boarding pass and pay the Greece departure tax.

Connecting to International Flights from the Islands. We suggest client do not depart from Athens on the same day as they embark on ferries from the Cyclades or beyond. If departures are scheduled for this day we suggest flying directly into Athens airport.

Ferry Tickets
The majority of ferry tickets are paper tickets. A handling fee is included in the price of the tickets when purchased with other arrangements in Athens. If clients are not using the service of our local representative in Athens a delivery and additional handling fee may be charged. ( This applies particularly when an island hopping programme begins on the islands). Ferry tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable once issued. All tickets are issued locally in Greece.

Ferry schedules in Greece are constantly changing. Final ferry tickets are generally issued 2 weeks prior departure. To avoid client disappointment tickets are purchased on the best available scheduled departure at that time. If a client wants to make changes after tickets are purchased a change fees will apply payable locally and clients will be responsible for collecting the tickets from the ferry terminal on the day of departure. Final embarkation timings will be confirmed to clients by our representative in Greece.

The local Greece representatives are available to assist clients in case of emergencies or cancellations of ferries. They will also assist to make changes to a booking – any additions or changes to service may incur charges. These charges will be advised and are the responsibility of the clients and must be paid locally.

Greek Islands
Traditionally the Greek Islands main travel season is from May to October. For clients arriving in April and towards the end of the season, many facilities and hotels may not be operational. The infrastructure on Santorini and Mykonos is well developed the other islands accommodation including Naxos and Paros have less developed infrastructure with accommodation generally a slightly lower standard. This is compensated for by atmosphere and charm.

Transfers
Transfers are supplied by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

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