Active Athens, Tinos, Naxos & Crete - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Athens

Welcome to Greece! You'll begin your trip in Athens, home to the iconic Acropolis and much more. The mythology of this spectacular city precedes it, with towering temples to Classical deities and the ruins of ancient marketplaces rubbing shoulders with lively nightlife, crowded flea markets, and contemporary cuisine. Make the most of your time in the city at some of these spots:

• Check out the views of the can't-miss Parthenon. (Pro tip: The Parthenon is the temple, and the Acropolis is the hill.) This temple to Athena has enchanted visitors since its construction was completed in 438 BCE. It's probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of ancient Greece and is visible from many of the city's high points.
• Stop at the sprawling National Museum for a crash course in ancient iconography. Be sure to seek out the room housing the Antikythera mechanism, essentially an ancient astronomical computer.
• Visit a smaller archaeological site at the Tower of the Winds, then stroll down neighboring pedestrian Aiolou Street to stop at shops and cafés. 
• Find your perfect souvenir or sun hat in the busy stalls of the Monastiraki flea market. 

In the evening, you'll sit down to enjoy a welcome dinner with views of the Acropolis or wine tasting in a bar in downtown Athens.

Day 2: Athenian Riviera Bike Ride

Take a pedaling loop from the Athens city center on this bike tour. You'll start by seeing the city highlights, including the Plaka neighborhood, Petralona, and the Roman Agora. Pass through the Thission neighborhoods past the ancient cemetery of Kerameikos. Views of the Acropolis and Parthenon are, of course, provided.

Feel the sea breeze on your face as you leave the city and head toward the coast, out to the Athenian Riviera. Scope out the luxurious speedboats and yachts docked in the marinas as you spin past palm trees and views of the Saronic Gulf over the course of 4.5 hours. You'll bike back to the city center on a somewhat uphill route, making this best for people with some cycling experience or athletic ability.

Day 3: Ferry to Tinos, Explore

Take an early ferry to Tinos, one of the most overlooked islands of the Cyclades. Tinos has remained under the radar for many years, overshadowed by its celebrity neighbor of Mykonos and seen mainly as a religious destination. However, those who continue to believe that they are missing out on an island with fascinating history and culture, winding streets, great outdoor activities, and glittering beaches.

The imposing Panagia Evangelistria should not be overlooked, as Tinos is also known as the island of the Virgin Mary. Its icon is believed to have healing powers, and the annual August pilgrimage is a key part of the island's identity as churchgoers crawl on their knees toward the temple as a sign of piety.

If pilgrimage isn't quite your scene, there are also nearly 80 windmills to be explored, Venetian ruins, hiking at Exomvourgo Mountain, and beaches for any mood. Try the island's craft beer from Nissos Brewery or sample the cheeses at the shop belonging to the Cheese Cooperative of Tinos. Keep an eye out for the many painted dovecotes around the island, small white pigeon homes dotting the countryside, of which there are nearly 1,000.

Day 4: Guided Hike from Volax to Agape

Take one of the island's top hikes today with your expert guide, experiencing scenery ranging from lunar landscapes to medieval churches. You'll hike for approximately 3.5 to 4 hours but can extend the experience with an afternoon swim for up to six to seven hours.

You'll start in Volax, where the landscape is covered with large, smooth granite rocks that geologists believe emerged from the sea millions of years ago. Amid the rocks, at the foot of Exomvourgo Hill, you'll find a little village. This town has been home to famous basket weavers for centuries, some of whom you may still spot practicing their craft with bamboo, willow, and osier shoots along the town's streets.

Ascend a path of medium difficulty level past dovecotes and watermills. The trail will lead you to the town of Agape, also the Greek word for love. This Catholic village maintains its medieval influence in its arches, traditional houses, and narrow alleys across the multilevel town. End in Kolymbithra for a swim to cool off after your exertions. You'll also enjoy lunch at a taverna Kalloni Village, with froutalia (an egg dish with sausage and potatoes), roast beef with tomato sauce, local cheese, louza cured ham, and other seasonal touches.

Day 5: Surfing at Kolymbithra Beach

Head out to Kolymbithra Beach for some surf lessons and chic seaside surroundings. This protected cove on Tinos's northern coast is one of the island's best spots for water activities. You'll receive a 90-minute lesson from an experienced surfer who will have you hanging ten in no time. If you aren't interested in surfing, standup paddleboarding is also available. Stick around to practice your new skills for as long as you like, or relax under the mushroom-shaped umbrellas. The beach is lined with tavernas using ingredients grown or caught on the island.

Take a historical stop at the sanctuary of Poseidon, once one of the god's most significant ancient sanctuaries and also home to the worship of Amphitrite. The archaeological site is located near Kionia Beach and includes the main temple, baths, an altar, and a fountain.

Day 6: Ferry to Naxos, Explore

Time to ferry over to bustling Naxos after breakfast. With a busy main town where you can shop and admire Venetian architecture, a historic Kastro (castle) area, and expansive beaches, the island offers opportunities for laid-back relaxation and water or land activities. The rest of the day is yours to unwind as you choose. Try out some of these options:

• Hike up to the summit of Mount Zas, the mythological childhood home of Zeus, the ruler of the gods, and the highest point in the Cyclades.
• Head inland to the town of Chalki, home to the island's oldest market and a petite, shady square perfect for whiling away the afternoon. Stop at the kitron distillery to sample the local liqueur and learn about its distillation process over the years.
• Visit the Temple of Demeter at Sangri on your way. Multiple deities of fertility were worshipped here, particularly the goddess Demeter. The temple was constructed in 530 BCE, during the tyranny of Lygdamis, and represents a precursor of classical Athenian architecture. 
• Stroll to the Portara, the entrance to the Temple of Apollo. Construction on the temple began in the sixth century BCE but was never finished, but the still-standing entranceway has become one of the hallmarks of the island. You can find it on the islet of Palatia, just over a causeway from the heart of Naxos Town (Chora).

For dinner, wander up the hill through the streets of the Kastro neighborhood to pick out your favorite of the area's tavernas, where you can sample the island's fresh produce in its best forms.

Day 7: Naxos Beaches & Villages Bike Tour

Discover Naxos's hidden spots on today's two-wheeled tour. You'll bike with an expert guide through the villages and attractions on the island's west side. The western coast is also home to some of the island's best-known beaches, including Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, Plaka, Orkos, and Mikri Vigla. On your way back, you'll see the villages of Vivlos, Agios Arsenios, and Glinado. The beginner-friendly route covers roughly 12 miles (20 km) and will take you about 2.5 hours.

Spend the rest of your day exploring the main Naxos Chora, especially the Kastro district. Wind up the narrow streets to the Venetian Castle in the center of town, stopping at the neighboring Catholic church, Ursuline school, and Archaeological Museum along the way. Even the houses are part of the experience, once home to the descendants of Duke Venetians.

Day 8: Horseback Riding in Naxos

Get a different perspective on the island from atop one of its resident horses. The stable will work with you to create a ride that suits your age and skill level to maximize your experience and trail route.

A trip to the village of Apiranthos is a potential ride highlight. Also known as the "marble village" due to its white architecture and marble stone streets, this mountainside spot offers inland views and a slew of museums and crafts. Listen for the local dialect among the residents, which has remained distinct from the rest of the islands.

Day 9: Transfer to Chania, Explore

Today, you'll continue to Chania, a city (and region) on the northwest coast of Crete. Chania is the second largest city in Crete and one of the most scenic spots on an island, with stiff competition for that title. Life in this former Venetian city revolves around its charming 14th-century harbor, narrow streets with winding alleys, and colorful architecture influenced by past Ottoman and Egyptian eras.

While you're exploring the area, don't miss some of these spots:

• The elevated neighborhoods of Topanas, Splantzia, Kolombo, and Kasteli for panoramic harbor views, Cretan taverns, and architectural history. You can see the ruins of the Minoan city of Kydonia and the high walls of former Venetian moats integrated into the city.
• The Municipal Market of Chania and the neighboring Municipal Garden to enjoy a coffee amid the shade of the trees or garden clocktower. 
• The Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete to enjoy Cretan nature at its finest. The unique microclimate formed in this area allows plants from three different climate zones to grow in the park.
• The olive-oil-producing region of Vouves. Make sure to visit the Olive Tree Museum and the 3500 years old olive tree.
• Falassarna and Elafonissi beaches, also to the west, where you can find solitude on the sands.

Top it off with a sunset drink on the rooftop at trendy Pallas, or visit Cafe Koukouvaya for a pastry and a view of Chania town and harbor.

Day 10: Trek Samaria Gorge

After breakfast, you'll be picked up at your hotel nice and early to explore one of Crete's natural wonders. Set amid the scenery of the White Mountains is the popular hike through Samaria Gorge. The trek takes approximately five hours to cover the gorge's approximately 11 miles (18 km), most of which are downhill and during which you'll spot flora and fauna. As your trail nears its end, you'll descend a gentle slope down to the peaceful beach at Agia Roumeli on the turquoise Libyan Sea, where you can take a dip and wash off the trail dust.

There will be time to linger on the sand and relax before you wrap up the outing with a boat trip to Chora Sfakion, where your coach will be waiting to return you to your hotel in Chania.

Day 11: Botanical Gardens Visit & Cooking Class

Experience Cretan cuisine hands-on with today's excursion. You'll surround yourself with the bright tropical gardens and the shade of avocado trees at the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete. Your trail will lead you under citrus trees and other Mediterranean flora. Learn about the different climates around the island and the produce that grows there before you pick the ingredients straight from the orchards and fields. Put that fresh produce to use in a cooking class led by a local, where you'll learn all about Cretan products and nutrition and enjoy the flavorful fruits of your labors at its conclusion.

Spend the afternoon wandering Chania's main town, stopping at any spots you've had your eye on over your previous days. Its colorful streets encompass centuries of history, so there should be plenty for you to keep discovering. Head to Kikbar when it's time for a break, located in the former 16th-century Monastery of Karolos. This converted building is now home to an art gallery, theater space, and swoon-worthy open-air bar.

Day 12: Douliana Nature Walk & Almyrida Beach Visit, Transfer to Vamos

Today, you'll return to nature with a guided walking tour through the Cretan landscape. You'll walk through abandoned historic villages in Douliana and then travel toward the northern coast to the resort town of Almyrida. Here you'll have time for a well-earned swim and sunbathing session at the shallow beach, with plenty of facilities for any post-hike needs.

You'll also have earned some room for dessert. Head to the Venizelos Graves next to the Venetian church of Prophet Elias. In addition to the panoramic views of Chania, behind the graves is a favorite local café called Koukouvagia, which boasts a variety of housemade sweets and pastries with outdoor seating.

You'll transfer to the village of Vamos in the afternoon and settle into your traditional guesthouse. Soak in the slower pace of life in this peaceful corner of Crete.

Day 13: Cretan Delicacies Vamos Tour

Meet Crete's farmers and food specialists on today's guided tour, exploring the traditional village of Vamos and the surrounding area to meet these creators and sample their products. You'll start at the local olive oil factory, where you'll learn about its production process and sample some fresh oil, along with an explanation of what distinguishes Cretan virgin olive oil from other oils.

Next up is the local cheesemaker. Crete is known for its graviera cheese, a slightly sweet, hard sheep cheese. You may watch the expert on duty as he makes graviera and teaches you about the cheese-making process, with samples of different varieties, including graviera, anthotyros, and myzithra. For the older participants, it's also time for your first raki of the day, a grape-based spirit that's also Crete's national drink.

Head to the 14th-century Byzantine church of Saint Nicolas on your way to the next stop to take in its frescoes and architectural features. Afterward, you'll arrive in the village of Hiliomoudou, where one of the few hand producers of sheep and goat bells practices his craft. You can watch him work and learn how to distinguish between the sounds of sheep and goat bells while sipping your second raki.

End as you began at a second olive oil press, this time home to both the rarer organic olive oil and the elusive Cretan kri kri goats, a species only found on this island. See if you can spot them as you sit at the taverna and enjoy a traditional lunch with all the ingredients you've just observed. Walk off all those samples with an afternoon stroll around Vamos, surrounded by local history and hospitality, before spending the night in your traditional guesthouse.

Day 14: Return to Athens, Sunset at Cape Sounion

Return to Athens in the morning. After settling back into the city, you'll be transferred down to the Athenian Riviera, full of history and stunning island views. You'll visit the Temple of Poseidon and learn about its history during your adventure along the coast. The views from Cape Sounion overlook the Saronic Gulf, with one of Greece's best sunset views. Sip a complimentary beverage, take in the sunset while listening to music, and immortalize the moment with a Polaroid-style photo.

You'll be transferred back to your lodging in the evening just in time for a late (Greek-style) dinner. Or, if you're not ready to call it a night, you can request a drop-off at some of the most popular beach bars to dance until the sun comes up.

Day 15: Depart Athens

Time to say farewell to Greece. Enjoy your final Athenian breakfast and sneak in some last-minute exploring before your transfer to the airport.

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