Feel the Mediterranean sun, hear the waves, and see whitewashed houses along rugged coastlines—this is Greece, alive on our journey to enchanting Naxos and Paros. Unlike bustling Santorini and Mykonos, these islands offer peaceful charm for travelers seeking Greece’s magic without crowds. Here, discover serene beauty and endless blue skies. Our adventure starts in Athens, where ancient myths meet modern spirit. Stand before the Acropolis and feel the echoes of the past. In the Acropolis Museum, walk among treasures telling stories of gods and heroes. Then, wander Plaka’s narrow streets, revealing charming boutiques and hidden tavernas serving flavors that make you fall in love with Greek cuisine. Next, we head to Naxos, where golden beaches invite you to slow down and savor every moment. Stroll through cobbled streets, find family-run cafés, and embrace the island’s warmth. After Naxos, we sail to Paros, where vibrant energy meets timeless beauty. Swim in turquoise waters, explore secluded coves, and watch sunsets paint the sky in gold and pink. Late September and early October showcase Greece’s finest—gentle breezes, warm seas, and lingering golden sunsets. The dream awaits… ready to dive in?
Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip. Press the "<" and ">" buttons below to scroll through each day.
Previous
Next
The centrally located Electra Metropolis is applauded by many for its easy access to shopping, restaurants, and attractions.
Its stylish rooms offer a taste of modern Greek architecture blended with a few ancient ruins scattered around the property.
Situated on the beach in Naxos, Nissaki Beach Hotel will be our home away from home while we are in Naxos.
We'll delight in the sea breeze that wakes us up each morning while enjoying proximity to the main attractions in town.
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.
Leigh Rhoads is your guide for this journey, bringing both a wealth of experience and an adventurous spirit. She hails from the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, where Southern charm and warmth come naturally to her. A Civil Rights attorney by profession and a yoga enthusiast at heart, Leigh thrives on finding balance between her career, raising lively twin children, and exploring the world. Her travels have been fueled by a desire to connect with people, uncover new perspectives, and create unforgettable memories. Leigh can’t wait to welcome you on this adventure and make it truly special.
Jewels of the Cyclades
Naxos and Paros stand out as quintessential Greek island destinations. These islands invite you to indulge in local cuisine, explore historical treasures, and immerse yourself in their rich cultural heritage amidst stunning Aegean landscapes.
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.
All meals (except where indicated) including beer or wine with dinner
All transportation during the trip (except where indicated)
All entry fee and tickets listed in the itinerary
Expert guides, guided tours, and trip leaders
Wine tastings listed in the itinerary
Walking food tour of Central Athens
Traditional Greek BBQ on the beach
Guided walking tour of Naxos
Spa treatment in Naxos
Visit to the Acropolis Museum
Lodging at unique hotels
Luxury Boat Cruise
In country flights
Additional wine, beer, or spirits beyond what is offered at meals.
Travel and Medical Insurance (required)
Roundtrip airfare to Athens.
All personal souvenirs
Fly into the Athens International Airport (ATH).
The trip officially starts on the afternoon of September 30th, 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 choose to arrive early, please inform us by reserving a pre-trip room in the Add-On section. We will handle your room booking and ensure that you remain in the same room until the trip begins.
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°F and lows of 69°F, but keep in mind that 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.
Presently, if you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Greece for tourism stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended travel dates.
We require that everyone traveling with Girls' Guide be able to comfortably walk 3–5 miles per day unassisted, and without difficulty, can navigate stairs, uneven streets or paths, and occasional steep terrain. Most of our trips require this level of physical mobility and fitness, especially when visiting historic towns and landmarks where vehicle access is limited and walking often offers the best experience.
Additionally, some of the 4 and 5-star boutique or historic hotels we stay in do not have elevators and may require climbing stairs to get to your room or access other facilities in the hotel.