Island-Hopping Tour of Naxos & Santorini With Athens

Street art covers the facades of derelict buildings, ancient Greek architecture juts out of the skyline, and the Acropolis looms over the city on a giant cliff. Welcome to Athens, a cityscape that blends age-old architecture with contemporary design, culminating in a fascinating mix of traditional and modern style. Equally spectacular as it is grimy, Athens’ charm is rarely bested because it is a truly authentic representation of the Greek progression, from Ancient eras to the present day. You will spend your day freely exploring the heritage and cultural gems that lie across the city before indulging in supper.

The Acropolis can be seen from virtually any point in Athens. The site, along with the Pantheon, is regarded as one of the most important pieces of architecture that honor Ancient Greek civilization. Today, you will ascend the cliff it rests upon to view these two heritage sites and learn more about them. Embedded in the very pillars that frame them, the stories of the old world can be felt as you look upon these mighty feats of architecture. Their timelessness echoes through Athens, and you will tour other significant sites within Agora, Thiseion, Plaka, and Anafiotika.

Your Greek island-hopping vacation will begin with departure to Naxos. After arriving on the gorgeous island and dropping off your belongings at your accommodation, you can spend the afternoon meandering Chora’s maze of streets and boutique restaurants that serve traditional Greek meze. You can even come across stunning monuments, such as the Temple of Apollo.

After barely scraping the surface of what Naxos has to offer, you will spend the day exploring as much of the mountainous island as possible. Beginning with stops at the charming villages of Chalki, Filoti, and Apeiranthos, the authentic Greek experience will reveal itself through traditional cuisine and breathtaking views. The island has many claims to fame, one of the most significant being its renowned citron liqueur, which you may sip on at the characterful Vallindras distillery before venturing to the remnants of the Temple of Goddess Dimitra. Dinner will be up to you; however, there is nothing quite like a traditional Greek village culinary experience.

Staggering islands lay across the breadth of the Mediterranean Sea. Of these, the smallest Cycladic Island, Koufonisia, is one of the most enchanting to visit. Bolstered by investments to attract visitors, Koufonisia’s charm comes from its lack of crowds and castaway coves. By cruising to pristine beaches and setting up camp on the shores, you will find moments of peace and quiet on a postcard beach flanked by sea caves worth exploring.

Wake the next morning to set off for Santorini. On the beautiful water of the Mediterranean Sea, blue-domed houses peek out from the rising cliffs of Santorini and watch over the endless stretch of water. It is here, under the golden sun and amidst the fragrant wine vineyards, that you will find refuge from the worries of life and unwind in decadent style. After trotting along the flowered pathways that weave through Santorini, you will catch the wafts of scintillating wines, which will usher you to an estate table. Here, you may sip quietly on prestigious vintages as the sun sets beyond the horizon.

Stepping in and out of modest taverns and weaving through boulevards of chatting locals, you will find Santorini to be a dreamy destination. The days will feel long and lazy, and you will board a catamaran and set sail for the seas to watch the sunset against the beautiful landscape of Santorini. Out on the water with no crowds in sight, the evening stars will twinkle blissfully, concluding a few nights spent on this island paradise.

Return to Athens for your departure home, but begin with a slow morning before you leave for the airport. You will certainly miss Greece the moment you leave today; however, your moments of experiencing the country’s marvelous highlights will live on with you forever. You can stroll around the spirited neighborhood and visit a few remaining heritage sites that you may have missed. Soon, your private driver will transfer you to the airport so that you can connect with your flight home.