Walking on the Greek Islands

Our adventure begins in Rafina, a port town around 25 minutes’ drive from Athens, the history-soaked capital of Greece. Around 6pm, say yassou (hello) to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big welcome by arranging a group dinner. Rest well tonight, tomorrow we wake early to catch a ferry. If you’d like to explore the many ancient wonders of Athens, we highly recommend adding extra days to the beginning or end of the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Cross the water to Santorini this morning. There’s a selection of restaurants and cafes on board, serving throughout the journey. Santorini (known locally as Thira) is a remnant of a volcanic cone whose top was blown off and many speculate it was the location of the legendary lost Atlantis. This beautiful island has a lot to offer to hikers, including excellent beaches and magnificent views of the Aegean Sea. Walk around the town of Fira in the late afternoon, taking a paved path to enjoy stunning views of the caldera. From April to October, we take the five-hour catamaran to Santorini. From November to March, we use the eight-hour ferry.

The 6mi (10km) Cliff Trail is a spectacular walk, 1,310ft (400m) high above the volcanic caldera, a photographer’s delight and not too challenging. Half the path is pathed, while the other is a mix of volcanic soil, pumice and lava. Halfway along the trail, we stop for a picnic lunch in a small canteen with amazing views, where we enjoy fresh orange juice and freshly prepared Santorinian walnut and honey cake. Views of the Aegean are virtually ever present as we wind gently up and down to the pretty village of Oia, home to artists, galleries, boutiques and cafes. There’s time to explore, relax and soak up the culture before a transfer back to Fira.

Enjoy free time in Santorini this morning. Optional excursions include a visit by bus to the buried city of Acrotiri, time at the black beaches of Kamari and/or a visit to the prehistoric museum of Thero in town. Leaving Santorini in the afternoon, we board the approximately two-hour ferry to Naxos.

Transfer (one hour) to hike in the lush Tragea Valley, best known for ancient olive and citrus groves. It is a great opportunity to discover the most authentic part of Naxos, where picturesque villages and churches punctuate our walk. Wander along the ancient stoney path in the middle of the Naxian marble quarries until we reach Kouros, a gigantic statue from the fifth century BCE, which was damaged during transportation and then abandoned ever since, lying under trees in the Melanes Valley. Our transfer back is approximately one hour. There is time in the afternoon to swim from St George’s sandy beach, just five minutes from our hotel.

Take a 45-minute ferry to Paros in the morning, then a 20-minute bus to the heart of the island and Lefkes village, where we join an Old Byzantine path that runs all the way to the east coast of Paros, passing through beautiful Cycladic and medieval villages. The route, which is on paved path and over small hills, is believed to be about 1,000 years old and used to traverse the entire island. We explore the town of Parikia, the castle and fourth-century Byzantine Cathedral before our ferry back to Naxos in the evening.

Take a walk to explore the main town, Hora, a Venetian Castello town. The market area is a delight to wander through, with craft shops, chapels and quaint restaurants. A visit to the famous cheese shop of Naxos and a century-old olive wood-burning bakery is a must – our tour leader treats us to warm bread and Naxian cheeses. After lunch in one of the seaside cafes in town, we visit a family-run pottery workshop to watch them make their creations and, if you'd like, purchase one of their pieces. On the islet of Palatia stands the impressive Portara, an ancient marble gateway and the entrance to the remains of the Temple of Apollo.

Catch the ferry back to Piraeus or Rafina (approximately six hours, please be aware that the ferry port can change depending on the season) and transfer to Athens International Airport where our adventure ends. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative about booking extra nights in the capital, giving you a chance to explore this history-soaked city at your own pace.