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Greece’s Cyclades Islands: Naxos & Paros

9 days  |  12 days with Crete & Athens extension  |  Loading prices

Group size
12–22 travelers
Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars

80
Activity level

Savor Greece’s iconic eats and history—all perfumed by an Aegean breeze.

If you’ve heard of the islands of Mykonos and Santorini, you already know of the Cyclades. But what about Naxos and Paros? With all the dazzling whites and soothing blues of its famous siblings—and only a fraction of the traffic—they’ll rapidly become some of your favorite destinations. Begin this small group tour in Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, before zipping off to vineyard-covered Paros. Then, sail to Naxos and tour its olive mills and villages before making your way home. Or, get even more out of your time in the sun with an optional stay on historic Crete and stand in the shadows of the legendary Minoan civilization.

Your tour package includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 3 dinners served with beer or wine
  • 1 wine tasting, starring Paros’ two most beloved varietals
  • 2 tastings of olive oils, cheeses, and other Greek favorites
  • 1 hands-on cooking class, teaching you Naxos’ spin on Greece’s cuisine
  • 2 sightseeing tours, leading you from gem to coastal gem
  • 1 expert Tour Director, your storyteller and cultural insider
  • 2 local guides, ready to bring each stop to life
  • Pre-booked transportation, including 1 private deluxe motor coach and 3 ferry transfers
  • Entrances to museums, landmarks, and more—so you can skip the lines

Included highlights

  • Contrasting the ruins atop the Acropolis of Athens with the modern city below
  • Biting into syrupy-sweet loukoumades while walking the markets of Monastiraki
  • Tasting Paros’ two most popular wines at a family-run vineyard
  • Tracing the production of Greece’s famous olive oil, from fruit to press, at a museum on Naxos
  • Standing beneath the marble Portara and imagining the grandeur of the incomplete Temple of Apollo
  • Tasting the fresh flavors of the Cretan countryside in Chania (if you add the extension!)

Itinerary

Overnight Flight

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Athens today.

Athens

Day 2: Arrival in Athens

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Greece! Touch down and transfer to your hotel. Then, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner, served with beer or wine.

Crete & Athens extension

Haven’t had your fill of Mediterranean life? Greece’s largest island, Crete is a melting pot of cultures and a steaming pan filled with flavor. Stay in Chania and use it as your base for expeditions into the Cretan countryside. You’ll visit a winery and olive farm—complete with tastings, of course—and have the chance to explore the city on your own before jetting back to Athens.

Chania

Day 9: Flight to Crete, olive oil farm & winery

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Wine tasting, Liquor tasting, Tasting

Fly to Chania, a coastal city on Crete’s northwestern shore that has passed between Greek, Venetian, and Ottoman hands through the centuries. Then, after dropping off your things at your hotel, strike out into the countryside for a pair of tasty visits.

  • Join a local guide for a tour of a traditional village and its historic monastery, where you'll discover the centuries-old tradition of monk-made wine and learn how these religious communities have preserved winemaking techniques passed down through generations.
  • Continue to a nearby winery and set off on a walk through its vineyards, learning about Crete's vinicultural traditions and the unique varietals that thrive in the island's sun-drenched soil before sampling its fruits during a tasting.
  • Head to an olive farm for an included lunch and tasting. Your menu: extra virgin olive oil served with fresh bread, a shot of raki (Greece’s famous anise-flavored liquor), and more.

Day 10: Free day in Chania

Included meal: Breakfast

To fill your final day on Crete with a little adventure, join us on our optional excursion. Add it to your itinerary, and you’ll trace the island’s southern shores aboard a boat, disembarking to hike the Samaria Gorge and swim in the Mediterranean.

Prefer to explore Chania? Head for the Old Town, a historic quarter tinged by Venetian heritage that also happens to boast a thriving Jewish community.

Athens

Day 11: Flight to Athens

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly back to Athens this afternoon. Then, raise a glass and toast to your trip with a farewell drink this evening.

Flight Home

Day 12: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Reviews

Showing 1-6 of 65 traveler reviews

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Unthinkable!

5 out of 5 stars

2nd-time traveler Anonymous, traveled in Oct 2025

I write this a positive review for the whole EFtour. What I love and appreciate is the non thinking I have to do. I make many decisions in my work and I like to not think about how to get here there etc. what to do eat etc. How well the plan is done including problem solving...

Athens, Paros & Naxos Tour

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Tracy, traveled in Oct 2025

I traveled with a good friend and had a wonderful time on this tour. Our tour leader Alexandra was knowledgeable, helpful and a delight to spend time with. The weather in October was perfect for spending time outdoors: warm -but not hot -during the day, and cool evenings. For...

EF Go Ahead Tours

Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re so glad to hear that you and your friend had a wonderful time and that Alexandra made...

Amazing!!!

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Laura, traveled in Jul 2025

8 people found this review helpful

I’m Hooked on Greece!

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Greece 2025

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Nancy, traveled in Jun 2025

4 people found this review helpful

Absolutely amazing trip! I honestly can’t boast enough about how wonderful it was. Every single detail was planned out perfectly. The excursions were so much fun. They were perfect for every age group. The restaurant selections were top notch. We did not have one single bad...

EF Go Ahead Tours

Thank you for your glowing review! We are so happy to hear that your trip was such a fantastic experience from start to finish. It sounds...

Greece 6/7-15

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Deborah, traveled in Jun 2025

2 people found this review helpful

I had a great time in Greece! It is a beautiful place to be, everything that Sandy planned for us turned out great. I loved the cooking class and the dinner and party afterwards. The restaurant that we went to to eat and do the plate breaking was kind of taken over by...

Fun time on Paros and Naxos!

5 out of 5 stars

3rd-time traveler Gordon Scott, traveled in May 2025

4 people found this review helpful

Great experience on both islands, I think the trip should be a little longer and have a some more free time. Alexandra was top notch!

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Showing 1–6 of 65 reviews

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

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Athens - Atheneaum Eridanus

This luxury hotel is located right in the heart of Athens. Guests enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you’ll find the Monastiraki Flea Market, the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and the...

Paros - Narges Hotel

This charming hotel is located in Aliki, Paros. Guests enjoy a large swimming pool, a poolside bar, and private terraces. Nearby, you'll find Aliki Beach, Paralía Alykís, and the Blue Lagoon Bar.

Naxos - Naxos Green Village Hotel

This charming hotel is located in Naxos Chora. Guests enjoy a seasonal outdoor swimming pool with sun terrace, rejuvenating spa facilities with massage treatments, and a modern fitness center. Nearby, you'll find the iconic...

Chania - Kydon Hotel

This comfortable hotel is centrally located in Chania. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Agora (a covered market) and the Cathedral of Eisodia tis Theotokou.

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare and you’ll get:

  • Round-trip flight for your tour
  • Airport transfers at your destination
  • A great price locked in today
  • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
  • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
  • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

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