When you think of Greece, you imagine whitewashed houses and a turquoise blue sea, right? That's exactly what awaits you on our trip to the glamorous islands of Naxos and Paros. These islands are gems that the well-traveled adore, but unlike Santorini and Mykonos, they’re not overrun with tourists. Picture yourself basking in the serene beauty of these islands, enjoying the authentic Greek experience without the crowds. It’s a dream come true! We’ll kick off our adventure in Athens, the birthplace of democracy. Imagine standing before the ancient site of the Acropolis, then exploring the modern Acropolis Museum. You’ll wander through the narrow streets of Plaka, hunting for unique souvenirs and savoring delicious Greek cuisine. The culinary adventure in Athens is just the beginning before we head to the Greek Islands, where even more magic awaits. Our first stop is Naxos, a laid-back island with long, inviting beaches and a charming main village. Next, we’ll head to Paros, known for its vibrant nightlife and world-class shopping. Both islands boast some of the best beaches in all of Greece. Late September or early October is the perfect time to swim in the warm Aegean Sea. Trust me, this trip blends history, relaxation, and adventure in the most enchanting way possible. Ready to pack your bags?
Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip.
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The centrally located Electra Metropolis is applauded by many for its easy access to shopping, restaurants, and attractions.
Situated on the beach in Naxos, Nissaki Beach Hotel will be our home away from home while we are in Naxos.
Achieving the ideal fusion of style and comfort, the Cove 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.
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.
Jewels of the Cyclades
Naxos and Paros stand out as quintessential Greek island destinations. Naxos boasts sandy beaches, ancient ruins like the Portara gate, and a charming old town adorned with Cycladic architecture and quaint churches. Meanwhile, Paros offers a tranquil escape with its picturesque white-washed villages, vibrant bougainvillea, and secluded chapels. These islands invite you to indulge in local cuisine, explore historical treasures, and immerse yourself in their rich cultural heritage amidst stunning Aegean landscapes.
Lodging at unique hotels
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
Spa treatment in Naxos
Luxury Boat Cruise
Cooking Class
Roundtrip airfare to Athens.
All personal souvenir purchases
Travel and Medical Insurance (required)
Additional wine, beer, or spirits beyond what is offered at meals.
Fly into the Athens International Airport
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.