Cyclades: Greece Island Hopping Tour

There is probably no better place to start your discovery tour of Greece than in the city where democracy was born.

If you arrive in Athens early enough, your tour guide will meet you at your hotel and take you on a guided evening tour. You will pause at the Greek Parliament to watch the Greek Presidential Guard or "Evzones" and continue your walk to the Temple of Zeus to admire the largest temple in Greece. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll through the most beautiful pedestrianised area of Athens in Plaka - Dionysiou Areopagitou.

It gradually gets darker in Athens and you walk along the wooded slopes to the origin of democratic power - the Pnyx hill. From there, watch as the last rays of sunlight envelop the Acropolis and let your gaze wander over the Byzantine churches and tavernas catering to tourists. But don't worry, you won't find a tourist menu on the menu where you're about to eat, instead you'll be able to savour authentic Greek cuisine.

After an excellent welcome dinner, you can relax and round off your first evening in Athens.

Today you will set off early in the morning from Piraeus harbour to your first island - Santorini! On arrival, you will first head to a traditional taverna for lunch and then straight off to Akrotiri, where you will discover the history of this archaeological site. Did you know that it is almost 4000 years old?

Afterwards you return to the hotel, where you can let the impressions of the day sink in and explore Fira on your own.

Due to weather and wave conditions, there may be changes to the day's programme.

Today you will discover Santorini and the caldera on foot. You will set off in the morning from Fira or Imerovigli, and you will embark on a spectacular hike on the caldera. This hike ends in Oia, the most famous and romantic town on the island. Take some time to discover this place and marvel at the breathtaking views.

In the afternoon, continue with the ferry to Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades. As the ferry approaches the island, you will see the Portara, the only remaining fragment of the Temple of Apollo. The temple gate sits majestically on a hill and seems to welcome all arriving guests.

After your arrival, stroll with the group through the capital and through the narrow alleyways to get to know the new island better. How does Naxos look to you? Why not find out in a little free time and let this island work its magic on you at your leisure. You will have your first dinner on this island together and find out why the cuisine of Naxos is one of the most famous in Greece.

Hike Distance: 11km Duration: 2-3h Difference in altitude uphill: 80m Difference in altitude downhill: 50m

Due to weather and wave conditions, there may be changes to the day's programme.

You get up early because you have a lot planned: This day will take you on an exploration tour of the island.

You will have the feeling that time has stood still, while the picturesque little mountain settlements reveal all the authenticity of the island. During your mountain village hopping, you will visit places like Chalki and Apiranthos and marvel at their charm. After this you will then have well and truly earned your lunch in one of the most authentic villages on the island.

After a short break, the journey continues as the mystical statues of Kuoros await you. The tour ends with an olive oil tasting in Eggares.

In the evening, you meet up with the group again and enjoy the last rays of sunshine together from the Portara before a magical spectacle of red and yellow reveals itself to you.

Fancy a day off or would you prefer a little excursion?

Get ready for the supermodel of the Cyclades - Mykonos. World-famous and cosmopolitan. First enjoy the ferry crossing from Naxos to Delos. There you will immerse yourself in the past at the archaeological site. Delos was a flourishing and sacred site for the Greeks in ancient times due to the Apollo sanctuary there. The small island has therefore been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.

From Greece of the past, you return to the present and take the ferry to Mykonos. There you have time to explore the island on your own. Why not take a detour to little Venice and take some typical tourist photos there? Because that is also part of Greece.

Have you already been to Mykonos or would you prefer to enjoy some free time? Then a relaxing day on Naxos is waiting for you today!

You take the ferry to the next Cyclades island. Tinos - the rugged, wild island is already waiting for you! You take your luggage to your hotel and explore the island's capital, Chora. Have you noticed that all the capitals of the Cyclades are called Chora? Interesting, isn't it?

During your walk, you will visit the famous church of Panagia Evangelistria, where you will learn more about the Orthodox religion. Then it's off to Pyrgos. In this hidden village you will learn all about the marble craft, visit the museum and be actively introduced to all the secrets of marble art by the locals.

Due to weather and wave conditions, there may be changes to the daily programme.

Marble and museums are not your thing? Don't worry - explore the village on your own and practise your Greek with the locals in the kafenio.

Today you will see what else Tinos has to offer.

Your first stop is at Exombourgo, the most famous hill on the island, from where you can see Naxos, Mykonos and Samos. Your next destination is Volax, which seems to be out of this world. With its unique landscape and scattered boulders, it could just as easily be a lunar landscape.

Fancy a wine tasting with a view? Near Volax you will be able to taste wine from Tinos with a unique view. What's more, it will be accompanied by homemade, authentic food.

If you fancy a little time on the beach, you'll have the afternoon at your disposal.

Today you take the ferry to the last island - Andros! After your arrival and check-in at the hotel, you will later walk a few minutes to a beautiful farm in the lush green village of Livadia, where Harikleia will introduce you to the world of pasteli. Learn how it is made and taste this Greek sweet treat.

The evening is at your disposal. Discover the island on your own and dine in one of the traditional tavernas - your tour guide will give you all the insider tips to make your first evening on Andros unforgettable!

Your day begins with a hike through the green Cyclades island. Ariana, an experienced local mountain guide, who knows the Cyclades inside out, will accompany you and point out all sorts of special features of the island away from the travel literature. The hike takes you to Chora, the island's capital, where you can enjoy some free time after a tour.

In the afternoon, you will return to Athens, where you will have some free time to discover the capital on your own. Together, you will then review the past eventful days over a farewell dinner. 4 islands and countless experiences later, you are blissfully happy and one step closer to authentic Greece.

_Would you like to spend the day without hiking? No problem! Just linger in Chora and unwind with an ice-cold Greek frappé before meeting up with the rest of the group again _.

Hike Distance: 6km Duration: 4,5h Difference in altitude uphill: 227m Difference in altitude downhill: 493m Terrain: A combination of earth and concrete floors in settlements and in the countryside, with many steps downhill. Please note that the hike may be cancelled and replaced by another programme if it is too hot.

Due to weather and wave conditions, there may be changes to the daily programme.

A final breakfast is scheduled for this day before you set off for the airport and leave Greece behind you for the time being. Blissfully, you look back on unforgettable moments and unique memories and swear to yourself on the way to the airport that you will come back soon.

Or would you prefer not to fly back home just yet? Then why not spend a few more days in Athens or visit the surrounding Greek islands? Whatever you decide to do, your tour guide will help you discover the most beautiful places.