-
Wander through the Plaka in Athens and discover traditional tavernas and artisan shops
-
Discover the picturesque harbour and golden beaches of Paros
-
Explore traditional villages and catch stunning sunsets in Naxos
Tour Description
Independent Island-Hopping Holiday
combining Athens, Paros and Naxos
10 Days ex Athens
Departs Daily
This holiday is also available in First Class and Deluxe hotel categories – prices available on request.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece combining Athens and the Cycladic islands of Paros and Naxos. Begin in Athens, where ancient wonders meet modern charm, enhanced by an Athens city tour that showcases its iconic sites. Then, escape to the idyllic Cycladic islands of Paros and Naxos, known for their pristine beaches, whitewashed villages, and vibrant culture. Conclude your holiday with one last overnight in Athens.
Highlights:
-
Itinerary
-
Accommodation
-
Important Information
Day 1: Athens
Welcome to Greece. On arrival at Athens Airport you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight Athens.
Day 2: Athens (B)
This morning you will be collected from your hotel for your half-day coach tour of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum.
This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Your expert guide will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896 (short stop). Continue and pass by the Prime Minister’s residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Evzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma).
On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts order in the mind”, the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis Museum. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight Athens.
Note: Due to certain restrictions in the visiting hours of the new Acropolis Museum the order of the program can be changed. Entrance fees included. This tour does not operate during Greek National Holidays.
Day 3: Athens – Paros (B)
Today you will be transferred by private vehicle from your hotel to Piraeus Port for your high-speed ferry travelling to Paros. After disembarking in Paros you will be met by a local representative and transferred by shared coach to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for three nights. Overnight Paros.
Paros, a stunning island in the heart of the Cyclades, is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and crystal-clear waters. With its beautiful beaches Paros offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Visitors can explore traditional villages like Lefkes and enjoy vibrant nightlife in Naoussa. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, outdoor activities, or simply soaking up the sun, Paros is a captivating destination that embodies the essence of the Aegean.
Day 4 and Day 5: Paros (B)
Two days at leisure to relax and explore this picturesque island.
The quaint and charming way of life on Paros belies the dramatic history of this destination. Often on the wrong side of wars throughout history, Parians sided with Persian forces in both the Greco-Persian Wars. This caused the island to come under heavy demand for tribute from Athens over the ensuing decades. Having been ruled at various times by Ptolemies and Hellenistic dynasties who also ruled Egypt, followed by the Romans, Byzantines, a Venetian Dukes (granted Paros as part of a fiefdom by the Crusaders), and the Ottoman Turks, it was not until 1832 following the Greek War of Independence that Paros became part of the Kingdom of Greece. This was the first time in over 600 years that the islands had been ruled by fellow Greeks.
These days, Paros is a wonderfully relaxed destination to soak up the Mediterranean sun on one of the many idyllic beaches, or sample some of the local wares at a winery. For the slightly more adventurous travellers, horseback riding tours are a great way to explore the countryside.
Day 6: Paros – Naxos (B)
This morning you will be transferred by shared coach to Paros Port for your high-speed ferry travelling to Naxos. After disembarking in Naxos you will be met by a local operator and transferred by shared coach to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for three nights. Remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Naxos.
Naxos is the largest and most fertile of the Cycladic Islands with attractive villages and good swimming beaches. The town is built in amphitheatrical fashion on the side of a hill. There are many interesting monuments including some fine Byzantine Churches, the Kastro with its tower and loopholes and the remains of a Mycenean settlement at Grota. Not far from Apolona, one of the most beautiful seaside villages, is an ancient marble quarry at the entrance to which lies a huge half-finished kouros dating from the 6th century.
Day 7 and Day 8: Naxos (B)
Two days at leisure to relax and explore Naxos.
With its comparatively reliable rainfall and fertile soil, is the most self-sufficient of all the Cycladic islands. With many varieties of fruit grown locally, the ubiquitous olives, and famed throughout Greece for its cheese, Naxos is a great place to pack a hamper and find a quiet place for a picnic. The main centre is a delightful port town filled with white-washed houses and Venetian mansions and is a great place to wander about exploring galleries and cafes.
Some believe that Naxos is home to the cave in which the young Zeus was raised. The purported cave can be found on Mt Zeus and makes a great day hike. At 1004m high, this mountain is the highest in the Cyclades and the effort of the hike up the well-marked and safe path is rewarded with stunning views. For those wanting less exertion, the elegant Fish and Olive Gallery has fast become a favourite shopping destination amongst our clients. With beautiful handmade ceramics, jewellery, and other arts on display and for sale, this shop is a great place to pick up a memento or present.
Day 9: Naxos – Athens (B)
This morning you will be transferred by shared coach to Naxos Port for your high-speed ferry travelling to Athens. On arrival at Piraeus Port you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. Overnight Athens.
Day 10: Athens (B)
This morning you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to Athens Airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Superior Tourist Class Hotels with private facilities
- Breakfast Daily
- Half Day Regular Coach Tour in Athens (bilingual)
- Roundtrip transfers in Athens (airport/hotel/port and port/hotel/airport) / Private transfers
- Roundtrip Port Transfers in Paros and Naxos (port/hotel/port) / Shared Coach transfers
- High-speed Economy Class ferry tickets Pirauus/Paros/Naxos/Piraeus
- Greece Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Government Climate Crisis Resilience Tax – to be paid directly to the hotel on check-out (ranges from EUR3-EUR10 – rates subject to change without notice)
- Meals/Drinks (other than those specified above)
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Departure taxes
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Accommodation based on the below (or similar) – Superior Tourist Class:
Hotels are indicative and subject to availability at the time of booking. If hotels indicated are not available at the time of request, alternatives will be offered and supplements may apply.
Athens
President Hotel
Paros
High Mill Hotel
Naxos
Astir of Naxos
Climate Resilience Tax
The Greek government have established a climate resilience tax for all tourists staying in any kind of Hotel, Apartment, Villa, etc. in any destination in Greece. This tax is applied locally and is payable directly by guests at check-in. The tax is a fixed Euro amount and ranges from EUR3 to EUR10 per room per night, depending on the hotel category.
Athens Sightseeing and Mainland Greece Coach Tours
Scheduled tours and sightseeing are bilingual unless specified. Wifi may be available on full day tours to Delphi, Argolis and all multi day tours. Many sightseeing tours require a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites therefore a good level of fitness will ensure you get a maximum enjoyment from your visit.
Double Beds
Please note a double bedded room can be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In Greece double rooms are very limited.
Ferries
All ferry schedules may be subject to change, due to local conditions (including weather) and/or possible port congestion and the final requirements of the ferry companies. The cancellation or non operation of the ferries is a decision of the shipping company and the Ministry of Shipping. This is outside the control of our operators and Innovative Travel who confirm ferries in good faith.
If certain classes of ferries are not operating for any reason, the next best option will be used whether an alternate ferries or flights. Example: If Hydrofoils are non-operational for any reason, clients booked on them may have to use alternative regular ferries in a first class seat. If there are any additional charges these will be advised by the local operator and will be at the clients expense.
Greek Island ferries are usually quite large, offering restaurant/cafeteria/bar facilities, though normally no swimming facilities. Porters are rarely available at ferry ports, so your luggage should be only as much as you can carry.
Ferry Rhodes / Marmaris: Unlike standard ferries connections between Greek Islands, the ferry between Rhodes and Marmaris is an international one. Our local operator in Rhodes will provide you with a voucher that you will exchange at the port where you will have to queue to receive your boarding pass and pay the Greece departure tax.
Connecting to International Flights from the Islands. We suggest client do not depart from Athens on the same day as they embark on ferries from the Cyclades or beyond. If departures are scheduled for this day we suggest flying directly into Athens airport.
Ferry Tickets
The majority of ferry tickets are paper tickets. A handling fee is included in the price of the tickets when purchased with other arrangements in Athens. If clients are not using the service of our local representative in Athens a delivery and additional handling fee may be charged. ( This applies particularly when an island hopping programme begins on the islands). Ferry tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable once issued. All tickets are issued locally in Greece.
Ferry schedules in Greece are constantly changing. Final ferry tickets are generally issued 2 weeks prior departure. To avoid client disappointment tickets are purchased on the best available scheduled departure at that time. If a client wants to make changes after tickets are purchased a change fees will apply payable locally and clients will be responsible for collecting the tickets from the ferry terminal on the day of departure. Final embarkation timings will be confirmed to clients by our representative in Greece.
The local Greece representatives are available to assist clients in case of emergencies or cancellations of ferries. They will also assist to make changes to a booking – any additions or changes to service may incur charges. These charges will be advised and are the responsibility of the clients and must be paid locally.
Greek Islands
Traditionally the Greek Islands main travel season is from May to October. For clients arriving in April and towards the end of the season, many facilities and hotels may not be operational. The infrastructure on Santorini and Mykonos is well developed the other islands accommodation including Naxos and Paros have less developed infrastructure with accommodation generally a slightly lower standard. This is compensated for by atmosphere and charm.
Transfers
Transfers are supplied by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
Priced From:
$ 3899pp *
Variants
Superior Tourist Class / 01 May 2025 - 31 May 2025 / Per Person Twin Share
$3899
- Superior Tourist Class
- 01 May 2025 - 31 May 2025
- Per Person Twin Share
Superior Tourist Class / 01 May 2025 - 31 May 2025 / Single Room
$6699
- Superior Tourist Class
- 01 May 2025 - 31 May 2025
- Single Room
Superior Tourist Class / 01 June 2025 - 30 June 2025 / Per Person Twin Share
$4675
- Superior Tourist Class
- 01 June 2025 - 30 June 2025
- Per Person Twin Share
Superior Tourist Class / 01 June 2025 - 30 June 2025 / Single Room
$8215
- Superior Tourist Class
- 01 June 2025 - 30 June 2025
- Single Room
Superior Tourist Class / 01 July 2025 - 31 August 2025 / Per Person Twin Share
$5265
- Superior Tourist Class
- 01 July 2025 - 31 August 2025
- Per Person Twin Share
Superior Tourist Class / 01 July 2025 - 31 August 2025 / Single Room
$9399
- Superior Tourist Class
- 01 July 2025 - 31 August 2025
- Single Room
Superior Tourist Class / 01 September 2025 - 30 September 2025 / Per Person Twin Share
$4675
- Superior Tourist Class
- 01 September 2025 - 30 September 2025
- Per Person Twin Share
Superior Tourist Class / 01 September 2025 - 30 September 2025 / Single Room
$8215
- Superior Tourist Class
- 01 September 2025 - 30 September 2025
- Single Room
Superior Tourist Class / 01 October 2025 - 31 October 2025 / Per Person Twin Share
$3899
- Superior Tourist Class
- 01 October 2025 - 31 October 2025
- Per Person Twin Share
Superior Tourist Class / 01 October 2025 - 31 October 2025 / Single Room
$6699
- Superior Tourist Class
- 01 October 2025 - 31 October 2025
- Single Room