Highlights of the Cyclades

Regular price: $5,265.00
Sale price: $5,265.00

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Island Hopping Holiday including Athens, Milos, Santorini & Naxos
12 Days ex Athens

Departs: Daily

Athens (2) | Milos (3) | Santorini (3) | Naxos (3)

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:

24/7 local operator support in Greece
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

Itinerary
Accommodation

Day 1: Athens

Welcome to Greece. On arrival at Athens International Airport you will be met 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 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.

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. (Hydrofoil/Catamaran Athens/Milos). After disembarking in Milos you will be 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 & Day 5: Milos (B)

Two days 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. Load up 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. (Hydrofoil/Catamaran Milos/Santorini). After disembarking in Santorini you will be 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 & Day 8: Santorini (B)

Two days at leisure to explore this unique island.

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.

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. (Hydrofoil/Catamaran Santorini/Naxos). After disembarking in Naxos you will be 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 & Day 11: Naxos (B)

Two days 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.
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)

This morning you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to Naxos Harbour and commence your own arrangements.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

24/7 local operator support in Greece
11-nights’ hotel accommodation
Breakfast daily
Round trip transfers in Athens on private basis (airport/hotel & hotel/port)
Round trip transfers on islands (Milos, Santorini, Naxos) on a private basis
Half day Athens sightseeing with Acropolis & Acropolis Museum (entrance fees included)
o First Class: Group coach tour with professional guide
o Deluxe Class: Private vehicle tour with professional guide
Economy class high speed ferry tickets Piraeus/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-EUR15 - rates subject to change without notice)
Optional tours and excursions
Porterage
Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
Personal Expenses
Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
Visas (unless specified)
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the below (or similar):

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

First Class: President Hotel

Deluxe Class: Electra Metropolis Hotel – Acropolis View Room

Milos

First Class: Olea Bay Hotel

Deluxe Class: Breeze Boutique Hotel – Sea View Room

Santorini

First Class: Strogili Hotel

Deluxe Class: Santo Pure – Sea View Suite

Naxos

First Class: Astir of Naxos

Deluxe Class: Sundunes – Sea View Suite

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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.