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MT Sobek
OFFER ID 1494344
Embark on a Greek odyssey brimming with ancient ruins, idyllic villages, soaring peaks, and sweeping coastal vistas. Tour the ancient Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO Heritage Site, then head south to the Cyclades, a group of islands known for their whitewashed villages, magnificent beaches, and stunning landscapes. Hike village to village on the island of Tinos, and to the top of Mt. Zas, the birthplane of Zeus, on Naxos. Hike beautiful Santorini's caldera and enjoy a sunset kayak. Savor homemade meals in the shade of grapevines and enjoy comfortable hotels full of local character.
Highlights:
7 nights from $5,595 per person
MT Sobek: Greece Tinos, Naxos & Santorini Multi-Adventure
Day 1 Arrive in Athens
Welcome to Greece! An MT Sobek representative will meet you and the group at Athens International Airport and transfer you together to your hotel. Meet up this evening for a welcome orientation and a stroll through the historic Plaka neighborhood, famous for its labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture, to a local restaurant for your first taste of the flavors of Greece.
Accommodation: Royal Olympic Hotel
(D)
Day 2 Discover Athens and Travel to Tinos
1-hour vehicle transfer; 2-hour catamaran ride
Explore Athens, once a powerful city-state and today the capital of Greece. Take the millennia-old journey up the hill for a private tour of the Acropolis, the ancient citadel, and admire the Parthenon temple, dedicated to the goddess Athena. Marvel at the archaeological treasures at the New Acropolis Museum, then tour the city on wheels to see the temple of Zeus, the Hellenic Parliament, and the Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first Olympic Games. After a lunch in the port of Rafina, hop on a ferry to Tinos, your first stop in the Cyclades.
Accommodation: Onar Hotel and Suites
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Hike Village to Village on Tinos Island
50-minute round-trip transfer
5.5 miles/4 hours hiking with elevation gain of 820' and elevation loss of 1,700'
Today, hike and explore the enchanting island of Tinos. Starting from the village of Volax, which sits nestled in a lunar landscape of large granite boulders, make your way to the tiny hillslope village of Koumaros. Refresh with a traditional Greek coffee that will power your climb to Xobourgo hill with its splendid vistas over the Aegean Sea. Descend to the seaside village of Kionia and relax over a leisurely lunch. Then take a dip next to the remains of the ancient temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea. This evening, enjoy dinner in Tinos.
Accommodation: Onar Hotel and Suites
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Discover Kouros Statues on Naxos
2-hour ferry transfer; 1-hour private transfer
4.5 miles/4 hours hiking with elevation gain of 912' and elevation loss of 666'
Bid farewell to Tinos and take a morning ferry to Naxos island, the largest of the Cyclades. Settle in at the hotel, then head out for a hike to two monumental statues: 20-foot Kouros of Melanes and the 16-foot Kouros of Potamia. Refresh by a spring in Ano Potamia village, then trek to Apano Kastro (Upper Castle) to admire the marvelous panoramas of Naxos. Wrap up the day with an amazing homestyle dinner under the shade of grapevines.
Accommodation: Naxos Resort Beach Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Conquer Mount Zas, the Birthplace of Zeus
40-minute bus transfer and 30-minute taxi ride
5 miles/4.5 hours hiking with elevation gain of 1100' and loss of 2000'
Journey to the small hilltop chapel of Aghia Marina, the starting point of today's hike to the top of Mt. Zas. As well as being the highest peak in the Cyclades at 3,290 feet, Zas is also the legendary birthplace of Zeus! Take in the splendid views of Naxos from the top then descend to the village of Filoti for lunch. Return to Naxos for dinner this evening.
Accommodation: Naxos Resort Beach Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Travel to Santorini & Paddle along Volcanic Cliffs
70-minute ferry ride and 30-minute hotel transfer
2-hour sunset kayaking tour
After breakfast, take a high-speed ferry to stunning Santorini, an island created by a volcanic eruption and one of the most photogenic places in all of Greece. Unwind over lunch in the hotel, then embark on a kayaking tour at sunset, a one-of-a-kind way to see Santorini's cliffs and beaches. Savor a local dinner at a beachside restaurant before returning to the hotel.
Accommodation: Santorini Palace
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Take the Ultimate Santorini Hike
6.5 miles/4.5hours hiking with elevation gain of 1100' and loss of 1800'
Start the day by exploring the Bronze Age village of Akrotiri, one of the most important archaeological sites on the Aegean coast and famed for its well-preserved frescoes. Re-energize over lunch, then begin your hike from Fira to Oia along the rim of the caldera. With vistas of blue domes and whitewashed facades, this hike is a quintessential Santorini experience. Take in the resplendent sunset at Oia, then toast to your journey over a farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Santorini Palace
(B, D)
Day 8 Depart from Santorini
50-minute flight transfer
After breakfast, fly from Santorini to Athens for connecting afternoon flights.
(B)
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.