Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip

Kea, Kythnos and Syros
The Secret Cyclades

Kea - Kythnos – Syros

Starting from between £2,520 to £3,390 per person for 10 days depending on the time of year, type of accomodation and activities

Itinerary Highlights

  • Discover a more authentic side to the famous Cyclades islands
  • Relax on serene sandy beaches with sparkling waters
  • Take an e-bike tour around the beautiful bay of Agios Nikolaos
  • Hike ancient trails on the wild island of Kythnos
If you’re longing for quiet beaches, roads less travelled and a touch of authenticity everywhere you go, forget Mykonos and Santorini. This ten-day trip takes you to three lesser-visited Cycladic islands, which all invite you to discover another side to this famous part of Greece, each in their own way.

Begin in Kea, just an hour from Athens and a favourite among stylish Athenians. While you’re here, you’ll soak up stunning views and sample delicious local produce during an electric bike ride around the island’s biggest bay. You’ll then take the ferry to Kythnos, which has managed to keep itself a secret from mass tourism and has a wild and wonderful atmosphere. Spend your days here lounging on charming beaches and hiking along scenic trails dotted with flowers and herbs. Your final stop is Syros, the capital of the Cyclades islands. While you’re here, you’ll stay in the impressive port townof Ermoupoli, with plenty of time to explore small villages, hilltop churches and beautiful beaches. We’ll arrange all transfers and ferry trips, and you’ll have a hire car on each island so you can explore it at your own pace. And if you need any recommendations, assistance or advice while you’re away, an in-country Concierge is always on hand to help.
Greece © orlio/Fotolia
Greece © orlio/Fotolia
Greece © leonovo/stock.adobe.com
Greece © leonovo/stock.adobe.com
Greece © Dagmar Schwelle/LAIF-REA
Greece © Dagmar Schwelle/LAIF-REA
Greece © Y. Papadimitriou/stock.adobe.com
Greece © Y. Papadimitriou/stock.adobe.com
Greece © Thierry DUDOIT/EXPRESS-REA
Greece © Thierry DUDOIT/EXPRESS-REA
Cyclades - Greece © Zoé Fidji
Cyclades - Greece © Zoé Fidji
Greece © Kevin Mallett/Gallery Stock
Greece © Kevin Mallett/Gallery Stock
Greece © Faustine Poidevin
Greece © Faustine Poidevin

Itinerary

100% customisable for you

Your ten-day Greek island escape begins with a direct flight to Athens, which takes just over three-and-a-half hours. When you land, you’ll be transferred to the port of Lavrio for your one-hour ferry crossing to Kea. We’ll meet you on the other side and whisk you away to your home for the next three nights – think sparkling sea views, dips in the pool and unspoilt beaches that are never far away. This evening, unwind with a massage or tipple in the bar before dinner at your hotel’s locally-inspired restaurant.

You’ll pick up your hire car this morning, which will give you the freedom to explore this incredibleisland at your own pace. Kea has its own charm, a favourite spot among stylish Athenians, and one that’s managed to retain its distinct character. Explore its wilder side along dirt roads that lead to secluded beaches and clifftop monasteries, or simply soak up its pleasures sipping local beer in shady tavernas. We can also arrange for you to take a private boat trip around the island today, if you’d rather see the sights from the water. Whatever you decide to do, keep your eyes peeled for the little donkeys that call the island home.

This morning, you’ll meet your private guide at Mylopotamos for an electric bike tour around the bay of Agios Nikolaos. You’ll first head to the picturesque port of Korissia before arriving in Vourkari, the lively seaside village that’s a hotspot for boaters in the summer. After passing through Kokka, you’ll continue to Kea’s historic lighthouse where you can soak up that Cyclades sunset. Today is all about immersing yourself in the simplicity of the island as you visit small churches, take in glittering sea views and breathe in the scent of the maquis. On the way back, you can sample some of the island’s best local produce to round off the day.

Today, you’ll be transferred back to the port for your ferry crossing to Kythnos, which takes just under an hour. When you arrive, you’ll pick up your next hire car and settle in for three nights on the island’s west coast, just south of Episkopi beach. Your quietly luxurious hotel overlooks the cove, surrounded by rugged golden hills. All that’s left to do now is choose between heading straight down to the sand or spending a few hours by the infinity pool. This evening, enjoy both Greek and international cuisine at the excellent hotel restaurant.

Covered in vines, fig trees and almond trees, this beautiful island has escaped overdevelopment by keeping boatloads of tourists at bay. While access is easier than it used to be, Kythnos still lies off the beaten track, with a rugged authenticity that makes it so enticing. Today is yours to spend enjoying it, whether that means winding between bougainvillaea-lined alleyways in colourful villages or relaxing on incredible beaches like Kolona. You can also take a dip in the ancient hot springs ofLoutra, or visit the Mesolithic site of Maroulas, the only site from this period that’s accessible in the Cyclades.

Today you’ll wander ancient trails on a hike led by a private guide. It begins at the archaeological site of Vryokastro, northwest of Kythnos. Here, you can admire an aqueduct, an acropolis and some incredible temples. You’ll also see Kolona in the distance. After soaking up all that ancient history, you’ll travel through the countryside and its farms, breathing in the scents of thyme and clary sageas you head towards the sands of Apokrousi. Along the way, listen out for the buzz of bees, hard atwork producing garrigues honey (a local speciality) and look out for the impressive dry-stone walls. When you reach Apokrousi, the island’s largest beach, you’ll be ready to dive straight into the cooling water

Today you’ll head back to the ferry terminal for your crossing to Syros. We’ll pick you up on the other side so you can collect your hire car and head to your modern hotel in the port of Ermoupoli, where you’ll spend the next three nights. You’re right in the centre of things here, so once you’ve settled in, head out to discover the area and tuck into some local food in the bustling capital.

It’s your last two days in Greece, so once you’ve fuelled up with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to head out and explore this exciting island. Although full of neoclassical architecture, beautiful beaches and pastel-coloured villages, Syros is also home to a heady hinterland that reminds you you’re in the Cyclades.

The impressive town of Ermoupoli is split between two hills. To the north is Ano Syros, which was built in the 13th Century and whose summit is topped by the Catholic cathedral of Saint George. The Capuchin monastery, meanwhile, dates from the 17th century. To the south is Vrontado, where you’ll find the modern city; this part of town is Orthodox and home to the Orthodox Church of the Resurrection of Christ. We’re sure you’ll find plenty of things to do while you’re in Syros, whether swimming in the crystal-clear Aegean or shopping for local delicacies to take home to your loved ones. However, if you’d like a bit more guidance, we can arrange for you to explore Ermoupoli with a private guide.

Unfortunately, it’s time to wave goodbye to the stunning Cyclades. Today, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your short flight back to Athens. From here, you’ll take your flight back to the UK.

Suggestions

Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included

BOAT TRIP AROUND KEA

Sailing along the coast of Kea is the only way to truly appreciate it, and this private boat trip will take you to all the best spots. From the water, you’ll have a great view of the incredible forests that cover the island as you head towards the archaeological site of Carthaea. Along the way, you’ll stop at a small, quiet beach where you can cool off in the transparent water and even do a spot of snorkelling.


PRIVATE TOUR OF ERMOUPOLI - SYROS


Discover the capital of Syros in the company of a knowledgeable private guide. The tour begins in the port district, where you’ll find the Church of the Assumption, built in 1828. Its main attraction is the Byzantine icon, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, created by Domenikos Theotokopoulos (better known as El Greco). In the pleasant Miaouli Square is the imposing town hall, built by Ernst Ziller in the 1870s, along with a fascinating archaeological museum. You’ll continue your walk through old streets where churches and monasteries mingle with shops and impressive homes. Finally, you willarrive at the Apollo Theatre, inspired by Milan's La Scala, a vestige of the 19th century economicboom.


WITH A FEW MORE DAYS…


TINOS


Tucked between Andros and Mykonos, Tinos is one of those islands that doesn’t make the front page of travel magazines – but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. This island is full of history, home of Aeolus in ancient mythology, and an important religious site for Orthodox Christians. The Panagia Evangelistria, the main church of Tinos Town, houses a miraculous icon of the annunciation that’s one of the most important in Greece. In the island’s villages, life is serene, and nature is as wild and wonderful as on any Cycladic island. If you have a few days to spare, don’t miss it.

Why visit Greece with Original Travel ?

Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.

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A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Greece

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

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A rough idea of the price

Depending on the time of year, type of accommodation and activities

The cost for this trip starts from £2,520 to £3,390 per person.

The final cost of the trip depends on the way we tailor it especially for you. The final cost varies according to several factors, which include the level of service, length of trip and advance booking time. The exact price will be provided on your personalised quote.

The average starting price for this trip is £2,800 per person.

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