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Greek Islands Adventure:...
 

Greece’s Cyclades Islands: Naxos & Paros

9 days |  12 days with Crete & Athens extension
9 days |  12 days with Crete & Athens extension
Group size1222 travelers
Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars

40
Physical activity
Bow of Greek fishing boat sailing on turquoise sea water on Paros island Greece
greek food on blue checkered table
tables outside of cafe with purple flowers hanging over tables
White and blue details of a church on Greek island
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Go where the feta is fresh and the locals embrace a laid-back lifestyle.

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 tourist traffic—they’ll rapidly become some of your favorite destinations. Begin this small group tour in Athens, 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
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 wine tasting
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Included highlights

  • Athens food markets
  • Acropolis
  • Parthenon
  • Paros wine tasting
  • Eggares Olive Press Museum
Read more
Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print 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! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Athens
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

A local guide introduces you to the ancient highlights and traditional flavors of this bustling capital, home to the world’s first democracy.

  • Set off on a guided walking tour of the Plaka District and the markets in the Monastiraki neighborhood.
  • Stop to sample a variety of cheeses and loukoumades, a type of sweet fried dough.
  • See the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion on a walking tour of the Acropolis.

Enjoy free time in Athens or add an excursion.

Food of Athens Walking Tour

From $95 per person

Paros2 nights
Day 4: Ferry to Paros & wine tasting
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Dinner

Take a ferry to the beautiful island of Paros, which is known for its beaches and traditional villages. Enjoy free time to explore before heading to the charming seaside village of Naoussa this evening.

  • Visit a family-run winery, where you’ll learn about the production of red and white wines during a tour of its vineyard.
  • Learn about the vineyard’s unique type of grape vines, which are trained to grow close to the ground to protect themselves from the strong ocean winds.
  • Sit down for a tasting of fruity, white Monemvasia wine and native, red Mandilaria wine, the two most popular varietals on the island.
  • Enjoy a dinner of Greek specialties.
  • Choose to spend free time in Naoussa or return to your hotel after dinner.
Day 5: Free day in Paros
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day on the island of Paros or add an excursion.

Paros Boat Cruise & Snorkeling

From $179 per person

Naxos2 nights
Day 6: Ferry to Naxos, Eggares Olive Press Museum & cooking class
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Lunch

Take a short ferry ride to the neighboring island of Naxos. Then, discover the flavors and ruins that make the largest island in the Cyclades such a hidden gem.

  • Visit the Eggares Olive Press Museum, one of the oldest remaining olive mills on the island, and learn about the different stages of olive oil production.
  • Sample some of the locally produced olive oil.
  • Head to a nearby village and join a local Naxos family for a hands-on cooking class.
  • Learn how to make traditional Greek cuisine and enjoy eating the meal you crafted for lunch while sipping local wine.
  • Make your way to the Old Town and walk along a causeway to reach the Palatia Islet and view the Portara, a marble doorway that’s part of the unfinished Temple of Apollo.
Day 7: Free day in Naxos
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day on the island of Naxos or add an excursion.

Apeiranthos Village Hike, Lunch & Liquor Tasting

From $109 per person

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 at a local restaurant.

Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to visit Crete and further explore Athens.

Extension to Crete & Athens
Haven’t had your fill of ancient history or contemporary island life? Luckily, Crete has both in spades. Stay a little bit longer to put on your archaeologist hat with local experts and uncover the past (and plenty of sea views) in Chania, one of the island’s major cities. Then, catch a flight back to Athens for one more night in the Greek capital.
Chania2 nights
Day 9: Flight to Crete, olive oil farm & winery
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Liquor tasting, Tasting, Dinner

Fly to Chania, a city located on the western end of the island of Crete and embark on a journey to discover the local flavors.

  • Join a local guide for a tour of an olive grove, olive mill, and modern bottling factory.
  • Continue on to a winery to learn about the island’s wine-growing traditions, as you explore the vineyard.
  • Sit down for a tasting of extra-virgin olive oil, as well as several types of Cretan wine and Raki liquor.
  • Pair your samples with small bites, such as fresh bread with olive oil and oregano-lemon salt, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, or smoked ham.

This evening, head to a local restaurant in the countryside and admire scenic views of the olive groves, as you enjoy an included dinner.

Day 10: Free day in Chania
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Chania or add an excursion.

Cretan Coast Boat Ride, Samaria Gorge Hike & Lunch

From $155 per person

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.

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Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars

Overall rating 4.5 out of 5

Based on 40 authentic traveler reviews
Sort by

    5 out of 5 stars

    4/22/23 by 1st-time traveler Shira

    3 out of 5 stars

    Greece on the fast track
    10/7/23 by 8th-time traveler Laurie

    Alexandra as amazing as our guide. Very knowledgeable and energetic. The resort on Paros was wonderful, Naxos just average. I would have had a better time if I didn’t get so sick after the cooking class. After I was home, the doctor thought it was probably the water. 4others reported the same illn...

    Read more +
    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 11/21/23

    Thank you for taking a moment to share your experi...

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    4 out of 5 stars

    10/7/23 by 1st-time traveler Kathleen
    Show more reviews

    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    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.
    Atheneaum Eridanus
    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 M...

    Read more +
    Paros Agnanti Hotel
    Paros Agnanti Hotel

    This beachside hotel is located in Parikia, the capital of Paros. Guests enjoy stunning views of the sea, complimentary shuttle service and pools. Nea...

    Read more +
    Porto Naxos Hotel
    Porto Naxos Hotel

    This elegant hotel is located in the heart of Naxos Old Town. Guests enjoy leisure and fitness facilities, the pool and sun terrace. Nearby you’ll fin...

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    Kydon Hotel
    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 mark...

    Read more +
    Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
    Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

    This luxe hotel is located in Heraklion on the island of Crete. Guests enjoy restaurants, the outdoor pool, and a spa. Nearby, you’ll find Lions Squar...

    Read more +

    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 package 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
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

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