Islands and Myths Family Adventure

Islands and Myths Family Adventure Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Athens, Greece. Arrive into Athens by 4 p.m. and transfer on your own to our hotel. Early this evening we meet in the hotel lobby for a group orientation followed by dinner at a traditional Greek tavern serving delicious family-style meals. All meals included from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 9.

• Day 2

  This morning our adventure begins with a high-speed catamaran boat ride from the port in Piraeus to the Cycladic island of Paros. Lying right in the middle of the Aegean Sea, the collection of islands known as the Cyclades is the most picturesque of Greek Islands. These are the classic "white islands" renowned for their whitewashed villages and surrounding deep blue sea. Paros is the third largest of the Cyclades, and with its rolling hills, endless vineyards, and golden sandy beaches it is certainly one of the most beautiful. Upon arrival we check into our lovely hotel and enjoy lunch. Afterwards, we take our first hike, a classic route on the island called the "Byzantine path" from Lefkes to the village of Prodromos. Lefkes is a village 1000' above sea level on a verdant hill near the center of the island, which offers breathtaking views of the entire island. This beautiful village used to be Paros' capital during middle ages and is full of traditional whitewashed houses mixed with Venetian architecture, splendid churches dating from the 15th century, windmills and beautiful dovecotes. From here the path follows the terrain of the surrounding countryside, which is scattered with ancient olive groves, cypresses and eucalyptus trees. We spend the night in Naoussa, a charming harbor lined with small, colorful fishing boats, which is considered to be one of the prettiest villages in all the Cyclades.
  
  Hiking: 1 ½ hours.

• Day 3

  After breakfast we transfer to the port of Punta where we board a ferry for an all-day exploration of nearby Antiparos. This charming island boasts spectacular beaches and one of the deepest and most famous caves in Greece. The Antiparos cave was discovered in ancient times and is well over 200' deep - huge stalactites and stalagmites abound! A small chapel dedicated to St. Ioanni the Spilioti marks the entrance. Even on a hot day we'll feel the damp chill inside as we descend deeper and deeper into the enormous cave. Famous visitors have carved their names on the walls. Keep a sharp eye out for the signatures of Lord Byron, the English Romantic poet, and King Otto, the King of Greece, who visited here in 1840. Next we're off to a beach with crystal clear waters where we can explore under the sea with mask and snorkel. After having lunch in a small, traditional tavern, we take a short hike and visit the main settlement of Antiparos on the north side of the island. The Enetic castle of Antiparos stands hidden in the center of the settlement. It was constructed in the 1400s to house and protect the settlers from frequent pirate raids. We return to Paros for the evening.
  
  Cave walking: 1 hour (400 stairs each way); Swimming; Hiking: 1 hour

• Day 4

  Today offers a taste (literally!) of traditional Greek island life. Thus far you have enjoyed four days of delicious Greek cuisine, so it is only fitting that you have a chance to learn about its preparation. Roll up your sleeves, for this morning we participate in a Greek cooking class with a local woman who will teach us traditional Parian cuisine in her lovely garden. While our food is cooking we can take a short hike down to the beach for a quick dip. Upon our return we enjoy our traditional Greek lunch with our hostess. We round out our afternoon with a visit to the village of Marpisa where we meet with a farmer who produces delicious Greek honey and wine. Overnight on Paros.
  
  Short hikes and swimming.

• Day 5

  We transfer by ferry boat (45 minutes) to Naxos Island, the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades, where meadows open into immense beaches and the interior is ruggedly mountainous. We arrive in Naxos around 1 p.m. and check into our traditional hotel near the lively town of Chora. Our comfortable hotel is an easy walk away from Agios Prokopios, a beach known for its golden sands and turquoise waters. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Europe! We take time to enjoy the warm water before dinner. Overnight on Naxos.
  
  Swimming.

• Day 6

  Today we enjoy a lovely hike that literally begins in the backyard of a local family's home at the site of the Kouros of Melanes statue. The unfinished kouros statues of Naxos are world renown. Historians deem that these incomplete statues depicting young men were supposed to support a temple roof. Ultimately the project was abandoned by the ancient sculptors due to faults in the marble and stone. It is believed that they were used to depict local heroes, or possibly the god Dionysus who inhabited the island according to mythology. The statues have not been moved from the location where they were found over 2500 years ago! We follow a footpath to the picturesque village of Ano Potamia and enjoy a refreshing break at the village spring before continuing onto the Apano Kastro (Upper Castle) where we take in the big views of Naxos town and the port. We finish our hike in the village Halki, located in the central area of Tragea, which is the largest olive cultivation area of the Cyclades. This hike nicely blends archaeological interests with modern day, traditional Greek village life. Overnight on Naxos.
  
  Hiking: 4 miles, 3 - 4 hours.

• Day 7

  Today is all about soaking up the Aegean. There's plenty of time this morning to enjoy one more of Naxos' amazing beaches or stretch our legs with a half day hike in the surrounding countryside. The hike, with splendid views across the island, will take us to the monastery of St. John Chrysostom (locally known as Agios Chrysóstomos). St. John Chrysostom was the Archbishop of Constantinople (398 A.D.) and is considered an influential theologian and writer in the early days of Christianity. Our ferry back to Athens (approx. 4 hours) leaves late this afternoon, putting us in our city hotel late in the evening. We enjoy dinner onboard the ferry. Overnight in Athens.
  
  Hiking: 2 hours; Swimming 1-2 hours.

• Day 8

  Following breakfast we enjoy a half day guided tour of the famous sites of Athens including the Acropolis and the Parthenon. First inhabited in Neolithic times, the Acropolis (meaning "high city") is considered today one of the most important ancient monuments of western civilization. A visit to its various temples and monuments is a fitting way to wrap up our journey to Greece. This afternoon is free for you to do a bit of exploring on your own and to indulge in some last minute shopping before packing up for tomorrow's departure. We meet again for our farewell dinner at a local Greek eatery in the lively Plaka, the old Turkish quarter of the city. Overnight in Athens.

• Day 9

  Trip concludes after breakfast.  Transfer on your own to the airport or continue your stay to explore more of Greece.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.  The final hiking selection is left up to the trip leader due to weather and trail conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available.  If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is one -half of the full single supplement.  Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available. 

All accommodations and meals as indicated in the itinerary; all transfers on the islands and in / around Athens; high speed boat and ferry between islands; all activities as mentioned in itinerary and necessary equipment; half day sightseeing tour of Athens with entrance fees and a professional guide; skilled bi-lingual trip leader.

Airfare to Athens Greece, airport transfers, optional side trips, optional taxis, excess baggage charges, airport taxes, trip cancellation insurance, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks or snacks, laundry, optional gratuities to the guides and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Easy Active [2].  Trip members should be experienced walkers/hikers/swimmers in good physical condition and comfortable outdoors. A typical day will consist of 2-5 hours of activity be it touring, swimming or short hikes. The visit to Antiparos Cave involves climbing down and then up approximately 400 steps – although there are optional turn-around points.

The Cycladic Islands enjoy a Mediterranean climate with average temperatures in the 70s. The months of July and August can be hot with temperatures in 90s. That said, these are also the months of the northerly winds known as the "meltemia." These winds reduce humidity (especially in the Cyclades) and provide an enjoyable breeze.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering.  To obtain maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection.  This gear list has been created to help you choose equipment for the trip.  Try to bring only what is necessary - this will help you and the field staff. 

Weather

Summers on the Cyclades Islands are sunny and warm.  The daytime temperatures averages are in the high 80° - 90°F, and nighttime temperatures cool off slightly to 70° F.  The months of July and August are also the months of the northerly winds known as the “meltemia”. These winds reduce humidity and provide a welcomed breeze. Rain showers are rare but not unheard of.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing and medications in your carry-on baggage in case your luggage is delayed. This is true for your kids too!
• Copies of birth certificates – It's become quite common these days for a family to have more than one surname. Maybe a mother has kept her maiden name, or perhaps the children are from different unions. Even if you are the nuclear family, copies of birth certificates aren't a bad thing to have along if your passports are lost or stolen.
• Parental permission – If you're traveling with your kids without your spouse, in some countries (e.g. Mexico), you may need proof that the absent parent has given permission for the child to travel with the other parent. It's simple enough to write up a letter, sign it, have it witnessed and notarized.
• Packing: This is a vehicle supported tour; your luggage is transported for you. Your belongings should fit in the equivalent space of a large duffel bag. Tip: Roll your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate the contents. In addition, since much of the time is spent in water, having a few extra, large zip-lock bags can be very handy for wet items.
• Clothing: Always test your clothing layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding.
• Hiking Boots: Make sure boots are broken-in and bring moleskin Second Skin® or Blister Block® for foot treatment. Thin liner socks of silk or synthetic fibers worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters.