Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Naxos ,Paros
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Your Cyclades adventure starts today, so head to the airport for your flight to Athens, which takes just under four hours. Upon arrival in the vibrant Greek capital, you’ll be met at the airport and privately transferred to your hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to spend settling into your new home and the rhythm of the city. If you need recommendations for a delicious first dinner, ask our clued-up local Concierge for the best restaurants in the neighbourhood. For magnificent views, head to one of the rooftop restaurants and bars scattered across the city – Syntagma Square has the best views of the Acropolis. If you’d rather soak up the charm of old Athens, head to one of the quaint bars among the cobbled streets of the Plaka neighbourhood.
After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, make your way to the Archaeological Museum of Athens. Marvel at a plethora of archaeological objects found across Greece’s cultures and civilisations, including stone vases, bronzes, jewellery and mummies.
Come late afternoon, head to the Acropolis for a private tour of one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world (we’ve included tickets to both the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum in your itinerary).
Led by your expert guide, uncover the monument’s incredible history, which remains a universal symbol of the artistic architecture of the ancient Greeks.
Afterwards, your guide will take you around the Acropolis Museum, which houses over 4,000 objects found on the ancient site. Time your exit with the sunset, and admire as the historic area takes on a honey hue. Come nightfall, the whole monument stands brilliantly illuminated above Greece's capital.
Following today’s history lesson, our local Concierge can book a table at another of Athens’ top-tier restaurants.
Rise and shine early today, ready for your transfer to Athens airport in time to catch your 45-minute flight to Paros, the next stop on your Cyclades Islands adventure. Once you land, collect your hire car and make your way to your hotel.
The rest of the day is at leisure, so settle into your hotel room before heading out to soak up the sun and get your first taste of the island.
A large, hilly and fertile island, Paros is peppered with the marks of ancient civilisations, from the Cretans and Minoans to the Macedonians and Romans. The island's bustling capital, Parikia, with its ancient ruins, is a wonderful place to while away an afternoon. Dine in the fresh fish restaurants along the wharf in Naoussa, or explore the charming rural villages dotted across the island. With wonderful walks on land and excellent windsurfing, kitesurfing and diving opportunities in the water, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
Fuel up on a delicious breakfast before hopping in the car to spend the day at one of the island’s pristine beaches.
If you’re feeling adventurous, we can organise a private windsurfing lesson on the beach, as well as diving, swimming and kitesurfing.
Perhaps you’d rather while away the hours on the beach with a snooze, or head to the lovely hilltop town of Lefkes. Wander through the pristine cobblestoned alleyways past brilliant blue doors and luminous white walls. Nose around tiny shops, stopping to snap the views before hunger calls. A local taverna is your best bet for a Greek feast (consult our detailed Dossier for recommendations).
This evening, prepare for a spectacular sunset cruise around the island, departing from the port of Aliki. Cruise past small coves and golden beaches, stopping to swim and snorkel along the way. Head back to Paros in time to see the golden sun sinking beneath the horizon.
Today is all yours to soak up more of this beautiful Grecian island. Jump in your hire car and drive to remote corners of the island in search of secluded strips of beach. Of course, our Concierge is always on hand with recommendations (should you need them).
You could also visit the nature reserve, Paros Park, for a day brimming with sea views, hikes and crystal-clear waters.
It’s your final night on the island, so raise a toast to picturesque Paros as you tuck into a delicious dinner at a local eatery.
Pack up the car and head to Paros port to catch the catamaran to Naxos, the next destination on your Cyclades Islands adventure. The ferry crossing takes around 50 minutes, heading east. Once you’ve docked, take a transfer from Naxos ferry port to your hotel.
As the largest in the Cyclades, Naxos packs a pretty punch – home to pretty waterfront towns, Venetian mansions, mountain villages and isolated beaches – with no shortage of things to do.
The rest of the day to spend as you wish; we recommend making the most of your hire car and exploring the surrounding area. End the day with a glass of local wine sat on sunbaked cobbles, the air heavy with the scent of olive trees and humming to the sound of cicadas.
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day, visiting the island’s idyllic beaches, charming towns and local tavernas. As the sun begins to sink and cast a golden glow over the sugar-cube houses of Naxos, head out for an evening filled with food and history...
Thanks to high mountains forming rain clouds, Naxos is a green and fertile island. On the western side, delicious Naxos potatoes are grown, while the mountainous areas yield olive oil in the winter months.
Follow your expert guide through the narrow lanes of Naxos Town (Chora), gathering fresh produce. Then, sit down to sample local cheeses, wine and traditional dishes featuring the famous potatoes. You’ll also be taken on a short tour of a Venetian-era castle to learn how three centuries of Venetian rule on the island have shaped its culture and architecture.
Once you’re full up on delicious local specialties and wine, head back to your hotel.
Today is your final day in Greek island paradise.
Take advantage of a slow morning followed by a relaxed wander through the streets, exploring hidden corners and stopping by the waterfront for a Greek feast.
Naxos was the cultural centre of Classical Greece, and the island is peppered with reminders of the island's past. Explore this mosaic of history and vist the ruins of bygone eras, featuring Byzantine, Venetian and Frankish influences. A more active option is to hike Mount Zeus, the highest peak in the Cyclades, or explore the island's interior, finding the enchanting villages of Halki and Apeiranthos. Alternatively, you could simply chill out on the beach.
We can help recommend restaurants and off-the-beaten-track beaches, to make sure you make the most of your last day on this island idyll.
This morning, enjoy your last breakfast in Naxos before packing up and taking a private transfer to the airport.
You'll catch a 45-minute flight from Naxos to Athens before boarding your four-hour flight back to London.
Another option is to take the 50-minute ferry to Mykonos and fly home from there, a journey of around four hours.
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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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
