Greece·27 September - 4 October 2024

Glamorous Greek Islands

Naxos and Paros: the Gateway to the Greek Islands

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Overview

When you think of Greece, you imagine whitewashed houses and a turquoise, blue sea. That's exactly what you will find when you travel with us to the glamorous islands of Naxos and Paros. The well-traveled know these islands, yet the islands, unlike Santorini and Mykonos, are not over-touristed. Our trip will start in Athens, the birthplace of democracy. Here, you will visit the ancient site of the Acropolis and the modern Acropolis Museum. You’ll wander the narrow Plaka (old town) streets, looking for unique souvenirs. You’ll eat your way through the city on a culinary adventure, all before you board the plane to the Greek Islands. Our first stop is Naxos, a laid-back island wrapped in long beaches and boasting a charming main village. The second stop is Paros, with its pulsing nightlife and world-class shopping. Both islands have some of the best beaches in all of Greece. Late September or early October is a lovely time to swim in the warm Aegean Sea.

Highlights

Visit the Acropolis and museum with a private guide

Visit the Acropolis and museum with a private guide

Hunt truffles through the forests of Naxos

Hunt truffles through the forests of Naxos

Take a walking food tour of central Athens

Take a walking food tour of central Athens

Spend a day on a luxury boat off the coast of Antiparos

Spend a day on a luxury boat off the coast of Antiparos

Enjoy a wine-paired fresh truffle dinner

Enjoy a wine-paired fresh truffle dinner

Relax for an afternoon at the spa

Relax for an afternoon at the spa

Itinerary

Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip.

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Athens

Day 1: September 27, 2024

Fly into Athens Airport (ATH). After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, grab a taxi and make your way to the Electra Metropolis in Athens. Taxis are plentiful at the airport. If you'd prefer a private car and driver, we can arrange that for you. 

Take some time to rest, relax, and get settled in. We’ll meet in the lobby around 5 pm for a welcome drink before heading out on our walking food tour. We’ll have fun trying all the Greek food you've never heard of, most of which you won’t find at home.

Rest will come easily tonight. 

Included

Walking food tour

Welcome drink

Not Included

Airport Transfer

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Athens

Day 2: September 28, 2024

After breakfast, we'll head to the Acropolis, perhaps the most important ancient site in the Western world. Crowned by the Parthenon, it stands sentinel over Athens. It's visible from almost every point in the city. We'll enjoy a private, guided tour of this 5th-century BC architectural marvel and the dazzling museum at the foot of the Acropolis' southern slope, showcasing its surviving treasures.

From the Acropolis, we’ll walk to lunch at Ergon House. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore on your own! Spend time wandering the narrow streets, looking for quaint shops with unique gifts. (We'll point you in the right direction)!

We’ll meet in the lobby to walk to dinner at Kuzina at the foot of the Acropolis and the ancient Agora. We’ll dine on the rooftop. You'll find the view spellbinding. 

Included

All meals

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Naxos

Day 3: September 29, 2024

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to the airport for a short flight to our first island. Located in the Aegean Sea, Naxos is part of the Cycladic Islands. Once in Naxos, we’ll transfer to the Nissiki Beach Hotel to check in.

We’ll start with a guided walking tour of Naxos Town, so you'll have the opportunity to learn about the town's 5th century BC castle and the unfinished Temple of Apollo. Dinner is at the family-owned Doukato, where we'll sample local Naxos cuisine made from fresh local ingredients in a charming setting. 

Included

Flight

Airport Transfers

Guided Walking Tour

Breakfast - Dinner

Not Included

Lunch

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Naxos

Day 4: September 30, 2024

Today will be a special day!

After breakfast, we’ll drive into the hills of Naxos for a truffle hunt. We'll have a guided walk through this truffle-rich region with our truffle guide and his specially trained truffle hunting dog. We’ll also learn about one of the world’s most expensive food products, including where and how to find them. You'll get to smell and try freshly picked truffles under the trees where they grow. 

We'll have worked up an appetite, so we’ll savor lunch near our hotel. Then, take time to relax in a nearby spa. Everyone will receive the Luxury Cycladic Islands Treatment consisting of time in the jacuzzi, the thermal hammam and a short but relaxing massage.

Dinner continues from our truffle hunt. Enjoy your treasures in a decadent meal paired with delicious local greek wines. 

Included

All meals

Truffle hunt

Spa treatment

ParosBeach

Paros

Day 5: October 1, 2024

After breakfast at the hotel, we pack up and head to the port to board a ferry to the island of Paros. Enjoy a relaxing time on the water.

Once we arrive in Paros, we’ll drive to the Cove Paros Hotel, drop off our bags and check-in. After a little time to settle in, we’ll meet our guide, a professional photographer who has lived in Paros for over 40 years, for a walking tour of Naoussa town. We'll learn to take pictures with our trusty phones, along with the history of Naoussa Town. 

Afterward, we’ll have time to wonder and shop before we sit down for dinner at Archipelagos next to the harbor. Fresh fish will be plentiful.   

Included

Ferry

All Meals

Airport Transfers

Guided Walking Tour

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Paros

Day 6: October 2, 2024

Today, after breakfast, we’ll drive to the middle of the island to visit a traditional Paros town. Lefkes is a picturesque village with winding alleys adorned with vibrant pink bougainvillaea. We’ll meet our guide, who knows not just the town but the whole island. We’ll walk around until we reach our destination, a small traditional church with stunning views. 

We’ll have lunch in Lefkes before we drive back to Naoussa. We'll be wine tasting at Moraitis Winery in the afternoon. Moraitis is the oldest working winery in Paros and is located just down the street from our hotel. We’ll indulge in wine and cheese coupled with lovely views.  

Enjoy dinner on your own tonight, alone or with friends. Of course, we’ll have recommendations to share with you. 

Included

Wine tasting

Guided Walking Tour

Breakfast - Lunch

Not Included

Dinner

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Antiparos

Day 7: October 3, 2024

Today, excitement awaits! After breakfast, we’ll board a luxury cruise boat for an incredible day at sea!  We’ll cruise around Paros, viewing different parts of the island that we couldn't see from a car. We’ll stop to swim at the Blue Lagoon with its amazing crystal-clear water. We’ll cruise the sea cave of Antiparos. It consists of magnificent rock formations combined with crystal waters accessible only by boat! For lunch, we’ll have a traditional Greek BBQ on the beach before we return to the hotel.

Our last dinner will be at Daverona. Here, we’ll toast our week in Greece and new friends made as we gaze upon the whitewashed houses of Paros.

Included

All meals

Boat excursion

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Paros and Athens

Day 8: October 4, 2024

We’ll have an early breakfast before we head to the airport for our flight back to Athens. Plan an afternoon flight or perhaps extend your stay in Athens. Our time in Greece may be over but you’ll have memories and stories for a lifetime.  

Included

Breakfast

Flight to Athens

Group Airport Transfer

You'll Be Staying Here

Electra Metropolis

Electra Metropolis

The centrally located Electra Metropolis is applauded by many for its easy access to shopping, restaurants, and attractions. 

Nissaki Beach Hotel

Nissaki Beach Hotel

Situated on the beach in Naxos, Nissaki Beach Hotel will be our home away from home while we are in Naxos.  

Cove Paros Hotel

Cove Paros Hotel

Achieving the ideal fusion of style and comfort, the Cave Paros is a boutique hotel characterized by clean architectural lines, earthy materials, and meticulous attention to detail, all basking under the warmth of the Aegean sun. 

Hosts

Stacia Nassos Whitney

Stacia Nassos Whitney

Because of her Greek background, Stacia is in her happy place the minute she steps off the plane in Greece. She loves exploring ancient and modern sites and wandering in local markets looking for unique items to decorate her home. Olive oil and spices are some of Stacia’s favorite gifts to take home to friends and family. When not in Greece, Stacia enjoys hiking in her hometown of Denver and the mountains beyond.

Price

Private Room

Private Room

Everyone gets their own fabulous room!

FROM$8,455

Shared Room

Shared Room

Share a room with a friend or family member

FROM$7,255

Add Ons

Sea View Room Upgrade

Sea View Room Upgrade

Upgrade your room in Naxos to a sea view room

PRICE$250.00

ADD THIS
Arrive One Day Early

Arrive One Day Early

Includes one night with Breakfast at the Electra Hotel

PRICE$460.00

ADD THIS

Jewels of the Cyclades

Naxos and Paros

Gorgeous beaches, white washed houses, ancient ruins, typical Cycladic architecture, and charming churches - yet less discovered than Mykonos or Santorini. 

Naxos and Paros

What's Included

What's Included

Lodging at unique hotels

Spa treatment in Naxos

Truffle Hunt

All entry fee and tickets listed in the itinerary

All transportation during the trip (except where indicated)

All meals (except where indicated) including beer or wine with dinner

In country flights

Expert guides, guided tours, and trip leaders

Wine tastings listed in the itinerary

Luxury Boat Cruise

Roundtrip airfare to Athens.

All personal souvenir purchases

Travel and Medical Insurance (required)

Additional wine, beer, or spirits beyond what is offered at meals.

Reviews

"Just returned from a fabulous trip to Greece! What a wonderful experience that I couldn't have created on my own. Very authentic and the right mix of culture, food and wine tastings, adventures and fun! The other travelers were delightful and Doni and Beth were very accommodating and knowledgeable. Highly recommend! The friendships you'll develop will be priceless!!!!"

Marsha K, Jun 2021 on Trip Advisor

"It's been almost two weeks since returning from my trip to Greece with Girls Guide to Paris & Beyond and I am still processing the experiences and reflecting on the wonderful women I met. This was, without a doubt, the best led group trip I have been on! Our days were thoughtfully planned and filled with culture, food/wine, and fun! [...] I highly recommend travelling with Girls Guide to Paris & Beyond! I am already planning my next trip!"

Jenn R, Jun 2021 on Trip Advisor

FAQs

The trip officially starts on the afternoon of September 27th, but if you are traveling across an ocean to get to Athens, consider arriving a day early so you have time to relax and adjust to the local time zone. If you do decide to arrive early, please let us know and we will take care of booking your room for you and make sure that you are kept in the same room until the trip starts.

About 6-8 weeks before the trip starts, we'll organize a Zoom video call to discuss all the details of the trip and give you a packing list. Here is a great website that we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.

Highs of 72 degrees and lows of 69, late September and early October on these two islands is idyllic and still warm enough to swim. Athens temperatures are virtually the same however at times it can get a bit chilly at night so bring a light jacket or sweater.

Inquire about this trip

Glamorous Greek Islands

Greece· 27 September - 4 October 2024· 7 nights

FROM$8,455/pp