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perfect trip!
Walking in the Cyclades: Naxos and Santorini - 8 days
This journey includes two among the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades: Naxos, the island of contrasts, and Santorini, which do not need presentation. One week though green olive-orchards and the sharp contrast of deep blue Aegean Sea, which you will be able to enjoy from the summit of Mount Zas.
You will discover the beauties of Naxos,the place where as the Greek mith tells Theseus abandoned Arianna: in this island, the biggest of the Cyclades, a lively night life coexists with heartfelt traditions.
Santorini feels like no other place on heart: the whitewashed cube-shaped houses and bright blue doors and windos is famous worldwide. You will discover its secrets walking slowly through the narrow paved streets and steep cliffs, result of an explosion of the Thira Volcano thousands of years ago.
To crown it all, you will enjoy the signature flavours of Greek kitchen: dishes based on fresh fish, seasoned with olive oil, a real local specialty.
- Lose yourself among the narrow paved streets of Greek villages;
- Enjoy a spectacular sunset on the sea;
- Discover Akrotiri, the Greek Pompei;
- Immerse yourself in the fascination of Greek myths, from Zeus to the ancient city of Atlantis.
Your trip starts at Santorini airport where you will be met by a taxi which will take you to the port for your ferry to Naxos. The ferry journey between the islands takes two hours. On Naxos you will be met at the port and taken to your hotel. If the day time allows you to do so, you can make the 1,5 hour walk to Chrisostomos starting from the port. This way you get to know the town and will admire great views over Chora whilst stretching your legs.
If your flight arrives too late for the ferry to Naxos and you outbound flight is after 6 pm, you will stay first in Santorini and then in Naxos.
A bus will take you to Chalki, located in the center of the Tragea plain. Today you explore this fertile inner land of Naxos, with secular olive trees and rich vegetation. You will walk on cobblet paths to the majestic statue of an unfinished Korous from the 6th century BC. Along your way you will find the fortified hamlet of Kastro. The walk ends in Melanes, where a bus will take you back to the hotel.
Distance: 10, 14 or 19 Km
Ascent/descent: +150, 300 or 400/-150 or -300 m
After a short transfer to Kynidaros, enjoy a gentle walk to the small village of Eggares. Explore its picturesque churches and two restored olive presses one of which dates back to 1885. Enjoy lunch in one of the tavernas on the stone- built main square before returning to your hotel. Visit of the olive press in Eggares
Distance: 7 Km
Ascent/descent: +100/-400 m
Today you will take another public bus or taxi to the village of Filoti to start today's walk. From the village, built at the foothills of Mt. Zas (also known as Mount Zeus), you climb to the summit of this legendary mountain. Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of Naxos and the surrounding islands. After descending back down, you walk through agricultural fields and along a monastery to the village Apiranthos one of the biggest villages on Naxos.
After a relaxing break in a local café, you can take a taxi or public bus back to Naxos Chora.
Distance: 12 Km
Ascent/descent: +650/-650 m
Today you will travel from Naxos to Santorini. In the morning you may visit the Castle in Naxos town (Chora) and the museum and enjoy a relaxing morning. The hotel bus will take you to the port of Naxos. The ferry usually departs around one o’clock and arrives two and a half hours later on Santorini. As the ferry arrives through the submersed volcano crater you will be impressed by the views to the steep coloured cliffs of this ancient volcanic island and the whitewashed villages on top. It is said that the eruption that happened here 3,600 years ago, ended the Minoan Civilization. It may also have been the source for the legend of Atlantis. You may walk a short round walk from Akrotiri along the caldera or you visit Akrotiri Ancient Site that is within walking distance from your hotel.
Distance: 7,3 Km
Ascent/descent: +240/-240 m
Today a transfer will take you to Perissa, from where you start climbing via an old path to an exposed saddle. This part of the island is one of the very few places that pre-dates the devastating volcanic eruption. First you walk up to Ancient Thira - the capital of the island in Ancient and Roman times, then descend via an old path to the quiet interior of the island, walking through vineyards and through picturesque villages. Continuing through the volcanic landscape, you walk back to Akrotiri village.
Distance: 13 Km
Ascent/descent: +580/-550 m
This morning you will catch a public bus to Fira, the capital of Santorini. Here you can explore the narrow alleyways of this whitewashed town, built on the top of the volcanic cliffs. You may also wish to visit the museum of prehistoric Thira and the Archaeological Museum. In the afternoon, you make the famous walk from Fira to Oia. You will mainly walk along a well-maintained mule-path with fabulous views of the lagoon and the spectacular steep cliffs. When you reach the small town of Oia you will be picked up and transferred back to your hotel.
Distance: 10,3 Km
Ascent/descent: +300/-400 m
A transfer will bring you from the hotel to the Santorini airport.
7 nights in bed and breakfast basis (3 nights in Naxos, 4 nights in Santorini)
You will travel in and out from Athens airport. If your flight arrives before 14:30 hrs., you will be transferred to Piraeus port and travel on the 17:30 hrs. ferry to Naxos (duration of the ferry is app. 5,5 hrs).
If you arrive after 14:30 hrs, you will travel to Athens center by public transport or taxi, and will be transferred to Piraeus the next day in the early morning. You may also book an additional transfer from the airport to Athens with S-Cape.
Your transfer from Piraeus port to your hotel in Athens at the end of your trip is included. You will travel by public transport or taxi from Athens to the airport on your departure day.
GPS tracks are available on request.
What is included:
· 7 nights in hotel with breakfast (4 nights in Naxos, 3 nights in Santorini)
· All the transfer included in the programme: airport-harbour, harbour-Naxos Hotel and viceversa, harbour-Santorini hotel, Santorini-Perissa, Oia-Santorini, Santorini hotel-airport
· Ferry ticket
· Maps and detailed itinerary
· Medical-Luggage insurance
. 24 hours telephone support
What is not included:
· Flights
· Public transport tickets
· Lunches and dinners, except where otherwise noted
· Visits and entrance fees - tips
· Anything not specified under "The price includes"
Optional Services:
These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:
· Single room supplement
. Cancellation insurance
· Any transfer to get to the starting point or to return from the point of arrival, which can be quoted on request.
If you have always dreamed of visiting Santorini, this trip will take you there and to Naxos, the largest island of the Cyclades. The hikes offer continuous moments of wonder - a great view over the gulf, walking between the olive groves, remains of ancient cities. If you'd like to enjoy the sea, you can add a couple of rest days before or after the trip.
Walking in the Cyclades: Naxos and Santorini
Do not miss ideas on trips to discover and enjoy.
Do not miss ideas on trips to discover and enjoy.
