Greece’s Cyclades Islands: Naxos & Paros
9 days | 12 days with Crete & Athens extension |
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 Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day
Board your overnight flight to Athens today.
Athens2 nights
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.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Athens
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting
Nothing can prepare you for the sheer sense of awe you’ll feel when you first come face-to-face with Athens. This morning, meet up with a local guide for an introduction to Greece’s bustling capital, home to the world’s first democracy and more than 3,400 years of recorded history.
- Pause for photos at the Panathenaic Stadium, built entirely out of marble. (It’s the only such stadium in the world.)
- Drive by Syntagma Square—home to the Neoclassical Greek Parliament building—and admire the plaza’s imposing marble steps, fountain, and lush shade trees.
- Spot the Arch of Hadrian, built to honor the Roman emperor, and the remains of the sixth-century Temple of Zeus.
- Set off on a walking tour around the Acropolis—a millennia-old, UNESCO-listed citadel and the enduring image of Greece. First properly developed by the renowned politician Pericles, it now holds the ruins of the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and dozens of other archaeological sites.
Afterward, enjoy a free afternoon in Plaka—the “neighborhood of the gods” strewn with dozens of monuments and filled with outdoor cafes. Prefer to taste your way through Athens? Add our optional excursion to your itinerary and dig into the markets of the Monastiraki district.
Paros2 nights
Day 4: Ferry to Paros & wine tasting
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Dinner
This morning, head to Piraeus—Athens’ principal port—and board a ferry bound for the golden beaches and whitewashed villages of Paros. A few hours later, you’ll dock in Parikia and take some free time to explore the island’s capital.
Tonight, after freshening up at your hotel, make your way to the village of Naousa for a special, singularly Greek evening.
- Visit the family-owned Moraitis Estate and learn about the production of red and white wines as you tour part of its 25-acre vineyard.
- Sit down for a five-part wine tasting—featuring Monemvasia, malagousia, and other varietals produced on-site—served alongside a multi-course dinner.
- Return to Naousa and wind down with a leisurely walk before transferring back to your hotel for the evening.
Day 5: Free day in Paros
Included meal: Breakfast
If you’ve had one eye on the Aegean Sea since you first spotted Paros, today’s optional outing’s for you. Add it to your itinerary to spend some quality time on the waves—sailing between Paros, Antiparos, and Despotiko aboard a catamaran and diving in for some snorkeling.
Alternatively, stay on dry land and see where your feet take you. Historic marble quarries, isolated monasteries, and other delights reward the curious.
Naxos2 nights
Day 6: Ferry to Naxos, Eggares Olive Press Museum & cooking class
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Lunch
Return to the docks of Parikia this morning and climb aboard another ferry. Your destination: Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades and Paros’ next-door neighbor. After coming ashore, you’ll drive to Eggares and indulge in a taste of life in this humble farming village.
- Visit the Eggares Olive Press Museum—centered on one of the oldest mills on the island—and learn all about olive oil production. (You’ll even get to taste some locally produced oils!)
- Head to a nearby village and meet a local family for an interactive cooking class. After putting your dishes in the oven, follow your hosts on an optional tour across their farm; once everything’s baked to perfection, sit down and enjoy your creations for a late lunch, served with wine.
Finally, embark on one final journey to the Temple of Apollo. Connected to the island by a causeway, this unfinished ruin is also known as Portara thanks to the door-like gate that has stood since 530 B.C. It makes an excellent frame for pictures of Naxos Town and the Aegean, so snap to your heart’s content.
Please note: Your cohort will be split into two groups for the cooking class.
Day 7: Free day in Naxos
Included meal: Breakfast
Charming villages dot Naxos’ mountainous interior—and if you’d like to experience the flavors and places central to rural Cycladic life, sign up for today’s optional excursion to Apeiranthos. Otherwise, relax and roam on your own. Maybe catch some rays on a sandy beach, or hike to one of the island’s many ruins.
Athens1 night
Day 8: Ferry to Athens
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner
Board a high-speed ferry back to Athens. Then, celebrate your trip with your fellow group members during a farewell dinner, served with beer or wine, at a local restaurant.
Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)
Transfer to the airport and board a flight—either for home or for Chania, Crete. Ottoman, Venetian, Byzantine, and other influences abound in this lovely port city. How many can you spot?
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.
Chania2 nights
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.
- Meet a local guide at a winery and set off on a walk through its vineyards, learning about Crete’s vinicultural traditions 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.
Athens1 night
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
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.
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.
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
FAQ
- In order to enter Greece, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
- We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
- Beginning in 2026, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
- Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2026, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
- If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GPN.
- Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Athens.
- Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included for travelers who purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who booked their own flights are responsible for securing their own airport transfers.
- When you arrive in Athens, a Go Ahead representative will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a Go Ahead sign or a sign with your name(s). If you don’t see a representative immediately, please be patient and stay in the arrivals area. They may be assisting another traveler who has also just arrived and will be back shortly.
Physical Activity Level
This is a high physical activity-level tour. You can expect to be on the move on a regular basis throughout the course of the tour.
Tour Pacing
This is a brisk-paced tour. The pace of a tour itinerary considers how often you’ll switch hotels, the amount of planned daily activities, and how you’ll get from place to place. You can expect:
- One 1-night stays
- Most days full of included activities (more if you add excursions)
- Most transportation by motor coach, some by ferry
- About 3 hours of bus time daily
Walking, Terrain & Physical Requirements
- Travelers should be prepared to walk 2-3 miles per day—this includes city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills.
- Stone and marble walkways may be slippery even when dry.
- Access to the Acropolis requires travelers to navigate a steep hill including uneven stairs with no railing.
- Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
- Please Note: Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on tour.
Climate Considerations
- In the summer months (June-September), travelers can expect heatwaves with temperatures consistently above 90F.
- In July and August, Greece experiences Meltemi, or strong winds, which can make for rough ferry rides.
Physical Activity & Tour Pace Questions
- Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special mobility or luggage handling assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group enjoys a smooth and informative journey, and they can’t be relied on to provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- This tour moves at a reasonable pace to avoid missing scheduled stops. The rest of the group cannot miss any scheduled activities because of the needs of an individual.
- Due to the pace and physical activity level of this tour, mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers will be difficult to use and are not recommended. Please notify Go Ahead Tours before your departure if you plan to bring these on tour with you.
- If you have mobility concerns or tour pacing questions, please visit our Help Center or send a message to our Customer Experience Team.
- This tour includes various modes of transportation, including planes, ferries and private motor coach. Some modes of transportation will have raised platforms or steps and often not provide access to ramps or lifts.
- Ferries from Athens to Paros, Paros to Naxos, and Naxos to Athens are included in the price of your tour. A round-trip flight from Athens to Crete is included in the price of the tour extension.
- All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
- The ferries you will be traveling in during your tour are large boats with airline-style seating. Boarding the ferry involves quickly walking up and down steep ramps, navigating crowds with other travelers and vehicles, while managing all of your luggage.
- Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one personal item each due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers.
- Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
- Contact your airline(s) for the luggage restrictions for your itinerary. Please note that on-tour flights on the tour extension may have tighter size and weight limits than your round-trip airfare to and from tour.
- Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
- Travelers must be able to manage their luggage throughout tour; porters aren’t guaranteed at hotels or airports.
- Travelers need to be prepared to manage their own luggage during ferry transfers; this includes carrying your luggage up/down the boarding ramp, and managing crowded spaces with other people and motor vehicles.
- We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
- A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
- You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
- It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
- You may also wish to pack a swimsuit, as there are opportunities to swim on tour.
- We recommend packing a reusable water bottle to cut down on single use plastic waste.
- Travelers who experience motion sickness should take the proper precautions for the ferry crossings.
- We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
- In case of emergencies, we also recommend packing your medical insurance card in your carry-on.
- Go Ahead handpicks every hotel you’ll stay at, striking a balance between comfort, location, and local charm.
- Specific properties will vary based on your departure date, but are typically three-to-four-star hotels; always include private bathrooms; and usually have in-room safes for valuables. Additionally, your hotels will have Wi-Fi, but access may be limited to common areas. There may also not be elevators.
- Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your accommodations will have laundry services or facilities. We recommend checking directly with your hotels once they’ve been confirmed, about 30 days prior to departure.
- Some hotels on this tour are situated on narrow streets; as such, our buses can’t drop you off right out front. In these instances, you’ll have to walk your luggage to the property, no more than a few blocks.
- Please be advised that the strength of the air conditioning in European hotels/buildings is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada.
- Greece operates on the European standard of 220–240 volts and uses Type C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
- Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date.
- Excursions are available for purchase prior to departure, and most excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app for an additional $10 USD.
- We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
- Optional excursions may be canceled on tour due to reasons like low enrollment, weather or unexpected closures. If an excursion you signed up for is canceled by Go Ahead Tours, you will be refunded the full cost of the excursion. Please note it may take up to 60 days for your refund to be processed.
- Your Tour Director may offer their own optional excursions which can only be purchased on tour via cash (in local currency).
- At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at cdc.gov.
- If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies, please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
- If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
- Most of our itineraries include headsets used during certain sightseeing tours so travelers can hear their guides or Tour Director. If you use an assisted listening device, such as a hearing aid or cochlear implant, please visit our Help Center for more information or contact our customer experience team. Please note that at this time not all our destinations offer headsets due to supplier limitations.
- Please note that codeine (commonly found in headache medications) is banned in Greece, and you may face prosecution if you bring it into the country.
- Take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the regions on this tour.
- The water is safe to drink throughout your tour unless posted otherwise.
- Travelers prone to seasickness should note that this tour includes boat rides.
- There are inherent risks associated with snorkeling and other water sports, particularly for those with pre-existing medical conditions. Discuss your planned activities with your doctor or healthcare provider for the best advice on participation.
- You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GPN.
- This tour includes 1 lunch and 3 dinners: They may be set menus, buffets, or family-style meals, depending on the location. Dinners also include one glass of beer, wine, or a soft drink, as well as water.
- Breakfast each morning is also included at the hotel and is typically buffet style with hot and cold options.
- Greece’s warm climate ensures a constant supply of fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables. Salads served with aromatic olive oil, feta cheese, and oregano are plentiful. Simple grilled fish and meat are integral to Greek cuisine, as are squid and octopus. Don’t miss the spinach and cheese pies, called spanakopita.
- At the conclusion of your tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
- We recommend tipping the equivalent of $10USD to $12USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $4USD per person per day for your driver.
- If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
- Tips can only be paid in cash.
- If you are traveling to multiple countries with different currencies and the same Tour Director, ask them what currency they prefer for their tip.
- The cost of porterage is included in your tour price, and it is not necessary to tip baggage handlers.
- You will use the euro on tour.
- Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
- We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
- You can use most cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
- International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you don’t already have at least one card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
- Plan ahead and bring cash to tip your Tour Director, local guides, and bus drivers. We also recommend keeping coins in the local currency on hand, as some public bathrooms may charge a fee for use.
- To help you feel prepared before traveling on tour, we strongly recommend downloading the EF Go Ahead Tours mobile app. It’s free and provides information about important deadlines and entry requirements, as well as your detailed itinerary, packing tips, and more. You can also connect with fellow travelers through the app’s chat feature.
- Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
- There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
- Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
- Your Tour Director will be leading your group throughout your journey. You will have the same Tour Director throughout your tour.
- The role of the Tour Director is not only to provide information and context on the destinations you visit, but also to confirm services, coordinate inclusions, prepare each days’ activities and support travelers while on tour. As such, they must focus on the success of the group, and cannot provide individualized assistance to any one traveler.
- One of the benefits of traveling with EF Go Ahead Tours is our on tour emergency support team.
- Our extensive network of offices around the world, and our integration of ISO 31000: Risk Management Guidelines, help our dedicated 24/7 Emergency Service teams anticipate and address on-tour challenges in a flexible and iterative way.
- This team supports travelers and Tour Directors using a combination of extensive training, simulations, incident response planning, and decades of experience to help manage emergencies if they arise, ranging from personal health concerns or injuries to major world events.
- As needed, On Tour Support can facilitate additional support for travelers on tour, arrange assistance from outside specialists, and liaise with local and international authorities to help solve on-the-ground issues. In addition, the team is dedicated to supporting and facilitating communication between travelers and families in the event of an emergency while on the road or at home.
- Greece is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
- When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm in Greece.
- When you travel with Go Ahead Tours, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
- Travel, when done responsibly, can have an enormous socioeconomic impact on communities. To maximize your impact, eat at locally owned restaurants and shop at small businesses. Ask your Tour Director to point out restaurants they recommend.
- Prepare for your trip: Be aware of monetary norms such as tipping and negotiating in a market; learn about the destination’s forms of etiquette; and take some time to learn a few words in the local language.
- When interacting with locals, make sure to ask people for permission before you take their picture, and approach cultural differences with empathy and an open mind.
- Go Ahead Tours encourages travelers to limit their waste while on the road, especially single-use plastics. You can cut back on generating plastic waste by packing your own toiletries, using electronic documents, and bringing a reusable water bottle and shopping bag. If you need to use plastics or paper, please recycle.















































































