WELCOME TO GREECE

This magnificent adventure describes a leisurely route across the beautiful landscapes of Greece’s Cycladic island group. Our mainland jump-off point is none other than Athens, one of the world's greatest capital cities and a bustling metropolis that fuses antiquity and modernity to spectacular effect. Then it's on to Santorini and our first hike along the crater rim to a spectacular sunset in Oia. On Amorgos, we tread ancient, cobblestone donkey routes past Byzantine monasteries and olive groves, while on Naxos, we follow the 'Four Villages Route', a walk through beautiful, undulating countryside and some of the prettiest villages in the islands. And of course a visit to the isles would not be complete without a taste of glam Mykonos, famous the world over as a first class, gay-friendly destination.

ITINERARY IN BRIEF
For detailed itinerary (PDF), click here
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Day 1 • Arrival in timeless, vibrant Athens.

Day 2 • Guided Athens walking tour: Plaka, Acropolis, Ancient Agora.

Day 3 • We fly to the island of Santorini, "Pre-Historic Pompeii." Afternoon hike to the site of Ancient Thira and the ruins of an 11th century BC Dorian settlement.

Day 4 • A walk through Fira, the main town on Santorini, and hike through the town's narrow walkways along the caldera rim to Oia, a truly magnificent route.

Day 5 • Day at leisure on Santorini—beach, shopping, volcano boat trips, donkey rides.

Day 6 • Ferry to the isle of Amorgos, for many the highlight of the tour, accurately described as "the soul of Greece."

Day 7 • Today’s hike involves three charming villages—Langada, Tholaria, and Potamos, built above a deep valley and the harbour of Aegiali.

Day 8 • Chora and Monastery of Chozoviotissa, built AD 1099. Hike the spine of the island, one of the most fabulous routes hikes in the Cyclades.

Day 9 • Ferry to green and fertile Naxos; walking tour of Naxos Chora, the main town.

Day 10 • Today’s hike is the 'Four Villages Route' through some of the prettiest villages on the island.

Day 11 • We ferry to the island of Mykonos, the glitziest and gayest of the Cycladic Isles, famous for its beaches, picturesque charm, and busy nightlife. Evening walking tour and dinner in town.

Day 12 • Morning boat trip to the sacred island of Delos; we walk the huge site and enjoy a view from the top of Delos Mountain. Return to Mykonos.

Day 13 • A full day to explore Mykonos—shop, sun, swim, cruise, cavort—your Tour Leader can help plan your day.

Day 14 • Fly back to Athens; optional visit to the Museum of Cycladic Art, 350 objects representative of every phase or type of Cycladic artifacts.

Day 15 • Departure from Athens.

INCLUSIONS 3- and 4-star accommodation Internal transportation Breakfasts and 9 dinners Sightseeing and entrance fees Tips for hotel, porters, drivers Transfers (Land/Air) on tour dates Services of a Tour Leader

EXCLUSIONS Lunches, 5 dinners, drinks Excursions listed as 'optional' Items of a personal nature Air departure taxes/fuel surcharges Visa fees (if applicable) Transfers (if early/late) Transfers (if Land Only) Tour Leader gratuity

OUT FACTOR

Though still a traditional and relatively devoutly religious country, Greece is one of the more tolerant societies in the Western world. Gay culture, though not as organized and obvious (ie ghettoized) as in other European countries, is met with tolerance, or at least indifference, by the vast majority of the population. As long as you are respectful of local sensitivities, ie discrete, the locals will be almost invariably charming and welcoming. Of course, in places like Mykonos and, increasingly, Santorini, practically anything goes.

PLEASE NOTE

This itinerary is correct at time of publishing. For a more detailed itinerary, download a PDF here. We reserve the right to make changes as necessary due to reasons beyond our control. For booking terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Terms.