
Hellenic Essence
10 Days / 8 Nights
Athens / Mykonos / Santorini
Pack your bags, you are off to Greece!
Welcome to Athens! Upon arrival at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, you will be greeted by your Hellenic Holidays transfer representative, who will drive you to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of your day exploring Athens. You might stroll the old neighborhoods of Plaka, which mingle old & new Athens or explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Monastiraki & Kolonaki. Be sure to try our amazing restaurant recommendations sampling wonderful Greek cuisine.
After breakfast, your day will begin with your private half day walking tour. Along with your English speaking licensed guide, you will visit the Acropolis and the awesome temples of the Parthenon, the Erectheion and the Athena Nike. Your walk will continue to the Areopagus, or Hill of Mars. Finally, you pass the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, where you can still enjoy concerts and theatrical performances in the summer months. The tour will conclude with a visit to the Acropolis Museum exhibiting the glory of Ancient Athens.
After breakfast, your Hellenic Holidays transfer representative, will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport / port for your short flight or ferry ride to Paros. After your arrival at the port of Parikia, you will be welcomed and driven to your hotel. Paros is most famous in antiquity for its fine marble. Spend the afternoon enjoying the crystal blue waters of some of the island’s finest beaches.
Enjoy a day of swimming, sunbathing and enjoying a range of water sports at some of Paros’ most spectacular beaches. Consider visiting the beach of Kolimbithres, or if windsurfing is your thing, visit the southeastern side of Paros and enjoy Golden Beach and New Golden Beach. In the evening consider visiting the colorful village of Naoussa and enjoy a wonderful seaside taverna dinner from one of our recommended restaurants as you enjoy the sea views and Paros’ vibe.
Paros isn’t just beaches and water sports. Consider exploring the main attractions of the island such as the picturesque village of Lefkes and the magnificent Ekatontapyliani Church, the church of one hundred doors is one of the earliest contributions to Christian architecture. If you are considering a day trip, grab a local ferry and visiting the neighboring island of Antiparos, a quiet islands known for its crystal beaches and wonderful seaside tavernas. Many of Hollywood’s A List own homes in Antiparos so you never know who you might bump into it.
Goodbye Paros, Hello Naxos! After breakfast, your Hellenic Holidays transfer representative will drive you to the port of Paros where you embark on a 45-minute sail aboard a high-speed ferry to Naxos. Naxos is and always has been a crossroad, where archaeologists, historians and scholars of all kinds can meet, drawn by the importance of the culture which has flourished on the island down the centuries.
After breakfast, discover our Naxian Cultural Tour. Far from the sandy beaches and the modern Greek life, Naxos mainland stands untouched by time. Serene green valleys, picturesque villages, hospitable people and much more justify why Naxos is Greece’s best kept secret. Travel back in time at the 16th century olive press in the village of Damalas. Explore the charming village of Halki which used to be the trade and cultural center of the island 60 years ago. See what life was like in the late 19th and early 20th century at the old market of Fasolas, an old neighborhood with meticulously restored shops from the past two centuries in the village of Filoti. The tour continues with a visit to the mountain village of Apeiranthos whose residents take pride in referring to it as the most traditional village of Naxos. Finally, you will get to visit the archaic temple of Demeter*, goddess of agriculture, harvest and fertility, which was built a hundred years prior to the Parthenon (6th century B.C.)
Entice your senses by swimming, sunbathing and enjoying a range of water sports at some of Naxos’ most beautiful beaches. Visit Agios Georgios for windsurfing, Mikri Viglia for kite surfing or Agiassos for a quiet and relaxed beach atmosphere. In the afternoon, consider strolling into Portara, on the islet in front of the harbor which you spot as soon as you arrive in Naxos, as the huge marble gate captures your eye. Enjoy a meal in Chora or at a little seaside taverna where you can enjoy a magnificent sunset and an authentic meal.
Your last day in Naxos. You might consider doing a day trip to Mykonos. Or if that doesn’t interest you, then a relaxing day before your journey begins to return to the US.
Your Hellenic Holidays transfer representative will drive you to the airport for your short flight to Athens connecting to your flight home.
Key: (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner
Note: The itinerary we have created above is flexible and can be tailored along with the destinations and activities offered. It represents a sample of the many alternatives that we offer.
Single Rooms: On all itineraries, single rooms are available to book a supplement. Speak to your travel specialist for pricing.
Customize this Journey: The itinerary we have created above is flexible and can be tailored along with the destinations and activities offered. It represents a sample of the many alternatives that we offer.