Hike on the Cyclades islands on this informative 12 day journey!

Itinerary:

Day 1: ATHENS
Flight to Athens: Arrival at the hotel for one night

Day 2: TINOS
Transfer to the port of Rafina and ferry to the island of Tinos: Arrival at the hotel for two nights. Guided tour of Tinos Town to visit the church of Panagia Evangelistria, from the liberation wars the most important place of pilgrimage (“Greek Lourdes”). Then visit the Greek Orthodox Monastery Kechrovouni, which, in its construction resembles a Cycladic village. Continue to the “Catholic villages” in the middle of the island. Visit the Baths of the Roman Catholic Monastery of Ursulines (possible to speak to the nuns). In the afternoon climb the Venetian castle Exombourgo of Tripotamos with an amazing view (only in favorable weather conditions, about 45 minutes); followed by hiking (approx. 2 hours) in an old Venetian footpath back to Tinos. If it is open: Guided tour of the excavations of the ancient place of worship of Poseidon and Amphitrite in Kionia.

Day 3: SIROS
Single day excursion to the island of Siros: Until the 19th century Siros was the hidden capital and main port of Greece. Guided tour (approx. 2.5 hours) through the capital of the island, with the Orthodox Ermoupolis and Roman Catholic Upper Siros: Orthodox Cathedral, Catholic Episcopal Church, town hall and theater. Panoramic view from the Upper Siros, which has retained its medieval character. Free time for personal exploration. In the evening return to Tinos.

Day 4: PAROS
Travel to the island of Paros. Stay in the hotel for five nights: Guided tour the island’s capital Parikia: neo-byzantine church Ekatontapiliani / Katopyliani (6.-10 cent.), One of the most important churches of Greece, with a baptistery from late ancient Christian period. Stroll through the old town and the picturesque castle district with its small churches.

Day 5: MARATHI, NAOUSSA
A small path to the ancient marble quarries at Marathi. Continue to Lefkes, medieval capital of Paros and one of the island’s most beautiful villages: Stroll in the picturesque village. After hiking (approx. 1.5 hours) in the old Byzantine path to Prodromos. After the lunch break we continue to the picturesque seaside village Naoussa: Walk around, visiting some beautiful little churches, and some free time. In return might make a detour at Kolybithres: Opportunity to hike (approx. 50 minutes) to the Mycenaean Acropolis Koukounaries with magnificent views.

Day 6: PARIKIA, ANTIPAROS
Opportunity to visit a Greek Orthodox Divine Liturgy in the main church of Panagia Katopylianis. Then some free time in Parikia. Afternoon excursion to the neighboring island of Antiparos. Here there is nothing that we “must” see. After a walk, free time for swimming, walking or a short hike on the island. Autonomous return to the hotel. Possibility to visit a Roman Catholic Liturgy in Parikia, Paros.

Day 7: DELOS, MYKONOS
Trip to the island of Delos, one of the most important sites of Greek history and mythology: Walk (approx. 2.5 hours) through the major archaeological sites (the temple of Apollo and Artemis, the route of Leo, theater, the terrace of the deities of the East, Hellenistic Quarter with mosaic floors), panoramic view from Kythnos. We then continue to the island of Mykonos and then walk through the village, which has become the model of a Cycladic village. Some free time for personal exploration, chance for a swim. Return to Paros.

Day 8: NAXOS
Go by ferry (approx. 1 hour) to the island of Naxos. Walk in Naxos: The district of the castle with the Archaeological Museum and the Roman Catholic Cathedral (if open). Then route to Halki, we will visit the church of Panagia Protothroni with important frescoes. After the lunch break we continue to the church of Panagia Drosiani, the oldest church in the island with remains of frescoes from the early Byzantine period. Then go to Ano Sangri, to St. Nicholas Church (external visit) and to the rebuilt archeological site of the temple of Demeter and Apollo (possibly hike approx. 1 hour, depending on the schedule of ferries). Then we go back to Naxos: Walk in the unfinished Temple of Apollo on the peninsula “In the Palace”, according to mythology is the place that held the wedding of Dionysus and Ariadne. Return to Paros.

Day 9: SANTORINI, VOLCANO CRATER
With the ferry to the volcano island Santorini / Thira: Stay at the hotel for three nights. If time allows (depending on arrival time), go by boat across the small island Nea Kameni in the center of the caldera, hiking (approx. 1 hour) to the volcano crater George.

Day 10: PROPHET ELIAS, EPISKOPI GONIAS
On route to the mountain with the monastery of Prophet Elias, the highest point of the island with an amazing panoramic view. From there walk (approx. 1.5 hours) on the excavations of dorian Thura for Seladi with remarkable finds from the Hellenistic period. Follow-up (approx. 45 minutes) to the beach of Kamari (lunch break). The afternoon trip to the Episkopi Gonias: Visit the Episkopi church over the walls of a temple of Demeter and a late ancient Christian basilica with the remains of frescoes. Then you can try the volcanic Santorini wine at a winery.

Day 11: AKROTIRI, FIRA, OIA
Way on the south side of the island where we see Akrotiri, the Minoan capital of the island. Detailed tour of archaeological sites (homes with precious frescos). Then walk to the capital of Fira island and visit the archeological museum with the findings of Akrotiri. In the afternoon hike (approx. 3.5 hours) along the crater rim of Fira to Oia on the northern side of the island with stunning views – the highlight of a stay in Santorini. In the evening you will have the opportunity to enjoy the very-advertised Oia sunset (return late at night in the hotel).

Day 12: RETURN HOME
Transfer to airport and return home.