Greek Island Hopper

Greek Island Hopper Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Welcome to Athens, Greece! Meet our guide for a walking tour of the historic Plaka and dinner at a traditional tavern.

  Your trip begins today in Athens, Greece. Arrive in Athens by 4 p.m. and transfer on your own to our hotel near the Plaka (about an hour by taxi). Early this evening we meet in the hotel lobby for a group orientation followed by a short walking tour of the Plaka, the shopping district located in the oldest part of Athens. Dinner tonight is at a traditional Greek tavern serving delicious family-style meals. You may want to leave the USA a day or two early to allow for more time to explore this fascinating city prior to leaving for the islands. Dinner included.

• Day 2 Explore the magnificent Acropolis and the Parthenon. Ferry to Tinos Island to begin our island hopping adventure.

  After breakfast we enjoy a half day of sightseeing the famous sites of Athens including the Acropolis and the Parthenon. We stop for lunch by the port of Rafina, an area that specializes in delicious, fresh seafood. In the late afternoon we travel by high-speed catamaran for about 2.5 hours to the island of Tinos and the true start of our island hopping adventure. Tinos, in ancient times, was known as Hydroussa and Offiousa, because of its abundance of water (hydor) and snakes (ofis). According to mythology, Poseidon, who was the island's protector, freed it of snakes. As a sign of gratitude the islanders worshipped the god Poseidon and his wife, the sea goddess, Amphitrite. In the area of Kionia the ruins of the temple complex of Poseidon and Amphitrite which dates back to the 5th century B.C. can be seen. After arriving at the terminal on Tinos, we transfer to our hotel in Agios Fokas overlooking the sea. There is free time to rest or explore until the group meets for dinner. Look for examples of the island's famous dovecotes. These interesting structures were used to house flocks of doves. In medieval Europe the possession of a dovecote was a symbol of status and power. The doves were an important source of food and their droppings were a coveted fertilizer. All meals included.
  
  Bus and walking tour of Athens: 3 - 4 hours

• Day 3 Hike through whitewashed villages and among terraced vineyards with views out to the Aegean Sea.

  Today we will take in the sights of beautiful beaches, terraced vineyards and whitewashed houses. After transferring to the village of Feletados, we hike to an overlook behind a monastery for stunning views of the Aegean Sea. Hiking on trails through small villages, we'll stop to linger over Greek coffee and visit with the gracious locals. Then it's on to the village of Volax, almost hidden in the middle of rounded, granite boulders, a geological phenomenon that sets it apart from the rest of Greece. 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 where we can use our free time to explore the seaside near our hotel, swim or relax by the pool. This evening we'll head to Tinos town to explore its cobbled streets before dinner. Don't miss a visit to the famous Church of Panagia Evangelista (or Church of the Virgin Mary). The white marble church draws thousands of pilgrims to view its miracle-working icon discovered in 1823 after the Virgin Mary appeared in a series of visions to a local nun. Tonight we have a chance to sample the cuisine at a local tavern in town. Tinos is known for homemade cheeses, honey and local sausages. All meals included. Driving: 2 hours.
  
  Walking/hiking: 4.5 hours

• Day 4 Ferry to Naxos Island, the largest in the Cyclades. Hike trails that blend archaeological interests with modern day traditional Greek village life.

  We transfer by ferry boat to Naxos Island, the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades, where meadows open into immense beaches. The island's marble was once highly prized for sculpture and often exported. We arrive in Naxos around 1 p.m. and check into our hotel on the beach of St. George. This afternoon we enjoy a lovely hike that literally begins in the backyard of a local family's home at the site of 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 the 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 drink in big views of Naxos town and the port. We finish our hike in the village Halki with a visit to a small distillery that produces Kitron, the specialty liquor of Naxos. This hike nicely blends archaeological interests with modern day traditional Greek village life. All meals included. Ferry from Tinos to Naxos: 3 hours; Driving time on Naxos: 1 hour.
  
  Hiking: 3 hours

• Day 5 Hike to the summit of Mt. Zas (meaning Zues), the highest point in the Cyclades, for views worthy of the gods.

  We drive to the little chapel at Santa Marina where we start today's hardy hike to the summit of Mt. Zas (meaning Zues), the highest point in the Cyclades at approximately 3,400', for views worthy of the gods. According to Greek mythology, the young Zeus was raised in a cave on this mountain. The trail starts as a dirt path and becomes a stone walkway at the top. The panorama from the summit is breathtaking! We enjoy a picnic lunch near the chapel, adding to our appreciation of flavorful Greek food eaten beneath the gorgeous Mediterranean sky. Then we continue hiking along a road to the village of Filoti, second-largest town on Naxos. We return to our hotel by taxi so we can devote the rest of the day to swimming or exploring. All meals included. Driving: 2 hours.
  
  Hiking: 4-5 hours

• Day 6 Ferry to Santorini, the fairest of the Cyclades, known for its spectacular sunsets.

  Linger over breakfast at our hotel (Greece has the best yogurt in the world!) or walk along the beach before catching our ferry at noon to Santorini, the fairest of the Cyclades islands. Santorini 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 a caldera, was left behind. We arrive on Santorini around 3 p.m. and proceed to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is free to admire the breathtaking view of the volcano and wander on your own. We meet in the evening for dinner. All meals included. Ferry from Naxos to Santorini: 3 hours.

• Day 7 Hike from Fira to Oia, along the crater's edge high above the sea.

  Today we hike from our hotel in Fira to the picturesque village of Oia. Set high above the sea, our hike begins on a stone path that turns into a dirt footpath while following the edge of the caldera. The views are tremendous – don't forget the camera! After stopping for lunch, late this afternoon we will arrive in Oia and explore its narrow passageways and quaint shops. This evening we transfer back to Fira, and the group will meet for dinner at a tavern overlooking the volcano. Looking for a late night? Santorini is definitely a fun nighttime destination! All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 5 hours.

• Day 8 Enjoy free time to explore Santorini's famous red or black sand beaches, the Akrotiri archaeological site, or shop in town

  We rise to our last morning in the enchanting Cyclades. The day is free to explore Santorini on your own. Visit one of the famous red or black sand beaches, the Akrotiri archaeological site, or do some last minute shopping in town. The climate and volcanic soil on Santorini are perfect for growing grapes, making a visit to a local winery to taste the island's unique vintage a real treat. In the late afternoon we transfer to the airport for our return flight to Athens. Upon arrival we head back into the city for a farewell dinner celebrating our wonderful adventure to three of the most beautiful Greek Isles. All meals included.
  
  Optional activities

• Day 9 Depart Athens anytime today or continue your explorations of this ancient, yet cosmopolitan, country.

  The trip concludes after breakfast this morning. Transfer on your own to the airport, or continue your stay to explore more of Greece. Breakfast included.

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.  Often, single rooms are smaller than the double rooms.

All accommodations and meals as noted in the daily itinerary; all transfers on the islands by private bus or taxi; half day sightseeing tour of Athens with entrance fees and a professional guide; skilled bi-lingual trip leader; high speed boat and ferry tickets and airline ticket Santorini-Athens economy class.

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 guide(s) and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. Trip members should be experienced walkers/hikers in good physical condition, capable of walking 2-4 hours a day on rocky trails with some steep sections. Days 3 and 5 have longer hikes, up to 5 hours. The trails are well maintained, but can have loose and/or sharp rocks.

Spring and summer on the Cyclades Islands are sunny and warm. The daytime temperatures average 65-80° F though temperatures in the 90s are possible in the summer months. Nighttime temperatures cool off slightly to 60° F. Rain showers are rare, but it's often breezy on the coast.

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 get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• 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 a vehicle supported tour; your luggage is transported for you. Please pack your gear and clothing into one piece of luggage (plus daypack).
• Make sure your hiking boots are broken-in, and bring moleskin Second Skin® or Blister Block® for foot treatment. Wearing thin liner socks made of silk or synthetic fibers under your regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters.
• Hotels with swimming pools provide towels. For visits to the beach, you will need your own towel. Sarongs make excellent lightweight, quick drying, compact travel and beach towels. Another good option is the REI MultiTowel or similar.