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 Day 1
Arrive at Athens's airport. A group transfer
is arranged from the airport to the hotel to fit the majority of flight
arrival times. After getting settled in, we meet for a group orientation
then head out for a short walking tour. We enjoy a welcome dinner in a
traditional Greek tavern, with folklore program, located at Plaka, the old part of Athens
overlooking the Acropolis. All meals are included, from dinner on Day 2
through breakfast on Day 10.
Day 2 (3 - 4 hrs Bus and Walking)
After breakfast, we enjoy a half day of sightseeing at the famous city of Athens,
including the Acropolis and the Parthenon. Lunch is in a typical Greek tavern by the port
of Rafina. Late afternoon, we travel by high-speed catamaran (about 1.5 hours) to the island
of Tinos and transfer by taxi or motor coach to our hotel overlooking
the sea. There is free time to rest or explore until the group meets for
dinner.
Day 3 (4 hrs Walking/hiking - 2hrs driving)
We depart by private motor coach or taxi (depending upon group size) to the village of Feletados where our hike begins.
We hike up to an overlook behind a monastery, with stunning views of the Aegean Sea. We continue hiking on trails through
small villages where we can stop for a Greek coffee. It's on to the village of Volax, almost hidden in the middle of rounded,
granite boulders.
 Volax is noted for its traditional handmade woven baskets. A footpath winds down the valley to Agapi.
We return to our hotel in the late afternoon, and have free time to
explore the seaside near our hotel and go for a swim or relax by the
pool. We suggest a visit to Our Lady Church located near the port, to
view the miracle-working icon. Tonight we have a chance to sample the
local cuisine in a seaside tavern.
Day 4 (3 hrs hiking - 3hrs driving - ferry time Tinos - Naxos 3hrs)
In the morning, transfer by high-speed boat to Naxos Island (via Paros Island), the largest
and most fertile of the Cyclades. We arrive in Naxos around 1 p.m. and get settled in our traditional
hotel in the seaside village of Agia Anna. We then hop in taxis and head to the next village of Koronida
to begin our 3-hour hike to the seaside village of Apollonas. There we'll have a chance to admire the famous
Kouros statues. We return to our hotel by private bus or taxis. Free time for swimming or exploring on your
own the old part of Naxos town before meeting for a late dinner.
Day 5 (4-5 hrs hiking - 3hrs driving)
After breakfast we drive to the little chapel at Santa Marina and the start of today's hike to the summit of Mt. Zeus.
The trail starts off as a dirt path, which becomes stone at the top. The views from the summit are breathtaking!
We enjoy a picnic lunch near the chapel, under a large shady tree. Then we continue hiking along a road to the village
of Filoti and return to our hotel by taxi. The remainder of the day is
free for swimming or personal exploration.
Day 6(1-3 hrs hiking - ferry time Naxos - Santorini 3hrs)
We have a chance to linger over breakfast at our hotel, or walk along the beach before catching our high-speed boat
at noon to Santorini, the fairest of the Cyclades islands, and arrive
around 3 p.m. We proceed to our hotel and settle in. The remainder of
the afternoon is free to admire the breathtaking view of the volcano and
wander on one's own. We meet in the evening for dinner.
Santorini is one of the best known of the Cyclades and differs from the other islands due to its geological morphology,
the result of a now-dormant volcano. In 2000 B.C., an eruption submerged the central part of the island, and the thriving
civilization was destroyed. A huge underwater crater, called Caldera, was left behind.
 Day 7 (5 hrs hiking)
Today we enjoy a 5 hour hike which includes a picnic lunch stop, from Fira to Oia. We begin on a stone path,
which then turns into a dirt footpath, along the edge of the caldera. The views are tremendous! By mid afternoon
we arrive in Oia, a village famous for its spectacular sunsets. We return to Fira by taxi. The remainder of the afternoon
is free for exploring the narrow streets of Fira on your own. The group meets for dinner at a tavern overlooking the volcano.
Hiking: 3 hours.
Day 8 (1-2 hrs walking)
The day is free for swimming at the black beach of Perissa or taking an optional excursion to the volcano. Or you may wish to visit
one of the wineries or the still-active archaeological site of Akrotiri. In the late afternoon we transfer to the airport to catch a flight back to Athens.
We transfer to our hotel, check in, and then head out to our farewell dinner in the Plaka. This ends our adventure on 3 of the most beautiful Greek Isles.
Walking: 1-2 hours. (Lunch is on your own, if you chose to do one of the optional activities).
Day 9 (1-2 hrs walking)
After breakfast, a group transfer to the airport is arranged to meet the majority of departing flights.
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