14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure

14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure 14 Days

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14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure
14-Day The Greek Isles Hiking Adventure

Overview
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Overview

Highlights

Duration: 14 Days
Comfort: Moderate%
Language: English
Rating: 0%
Trip ID: 129078
Start Location: Kolonaki, Greece
End Location: Kolonaki, Greece

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Primary Activities: Hiking, Walking Tour
Other Activities: Local Culture & Cuisine, Archaeology, Historical Sites, sightseeing, ruins, boating, sailing, Local Culture, ferry cruising
Activity Level: Intermediate

Sign up for a magnificent active adventure as we gear up for a leisurely hike across beautiful landscapes of the Greek Isles, experiencing unique cultures and fascinating ways of life en route. Our mainland jump-off point is none other than Athens, one of the world's greatest capital cities and a bustling metropolis that fuses antiquity and modernity to spectacular effect.

Monuments dating from the 4th century BC, Roman buildings built in the 2nd century BC and, of course, the incredible Acropolis and the Parthenon number but a few of the ancient sites in Greece that evoke a cultural ambiance unmatched by any other destination. And having long been a bridge between Europe and the Middle East, the region has enjoyed a constant influx of diverse ranges of traditional craftsmanship, artwork and fashions; today, travellers will be kept busy perusing stalls in outdoor markets or scouring the shelves of modern boutiques.

On Tinos, we find Greece's most important centre for Orthodox pilgrims and learn about the island's roots as mythological home of Aeolus, the God of the Winds. Its history of being under Persian, Venetian and Turkish dominion at various stages in its past before being liberated by the Greeks in 1821 means it has all the right ingredients for a captivating destination.

Our hikes up the mountains of Tinos yield stellar views of the Aegean and the chance to explore fortress ruins and then it's on to Naxos, where we walk through beautiful, undulating countryside and stop off in some of the prettiest villages on the island along the way. On Amorgos, we tread ancient, cobblestone donkey routes past Byzantine monasteries and olive groves and we end our fabulous tour walking the rim of the caldera on Santorini.

Seasonality and Weather

This tour is offered in spring, summer and fall, the most popular of which are spring and fall when temperatures are relatively mild (summers are very hot, though cooled by sea breezes). Spring is popular for green landscapes and wildflowers; fall is popular for warm seas and locally harvested produce. Showers are possible in spring but unlikely in summer and fall.

Transport and Travel Conditions

Local ferries between mainland / islands can range from hydrofoils to large vehicular vessels--all bookings in economy class. Greek ferry schedules tend to change without notice; some itinerary adjustments may be necessary at the discretion of your Tour Leader. Land transport (island touring, port transfers) by private bus, public bus, and taxi. This hiking tour is rated 'moderate': Most weekend hikers should have no trouble with our moderate hikes. Routes are low altitude, undulating, with cobbled, or loose stone surfaces. Although no previous experience is required, being physically fit and steady on one's feet is important.

Accommodation

Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels (3-star) throughout. Island hotels are smaller properties (3-4 story) that will likely not have elevators. All hotels have en suite bath, though most have shower only. Porter service is rarely available on the islands (see 'inclusions'); you MUST be independent with your luggage, especially getting on / off ferries. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins. Many hotels have swimming pools and / or beach access.

Staff and Support

Tour Leader, local guides at some locales.

Group Size

10-16 (plus Tour Leader)

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Meet in Athens: Today we arrive in Athens, off-and-on the capital of Greece in its many incarnations over several thousand years. The city received a major facelift for the 2004 Olympics and is looking better than ever, with buildings and monuments cleaned and renovated, and newly created pedestrian areas near the Ancient Agora and Acropolis.

Overnight in Athens. Meal plan: Dinner, if required.
Day 2: Have a Walking Tour in Athens: The best way to explore a city is on foot, and this is especially true of Athens, which has a number of sites located in close proximity to each other. From our hotel we will enter Plaka, the old town of Athens. Standing on a small square is the Lysicrates Monument, a cyclical tower from the 4th century BC. From here, it is just a brief walk along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street to the southern slope of the Acropolis -- the site of the Dionysos Theatre. Constructed in the 6th century BC, it is one of the world's oldest theatres and the place where the great works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes were first performed. Walking down the street towards the entrance of the Acropolis, we will come across a more recent theatre, the Odeon of Herod Atticus from the second century AD, which is still used for concerts and performances.

The highlight of this tour is the ascent to the Acropolis with its architectural masterpieces dating back to the 5th century BC. We reach the top of this hill by entering through the monumental Propylea in order to admire the magnificent Parthenon and the graceful Caryatid statues at the Erechthion Temple.

Turning right at the exit of the Acropolis, we will come to Arios Pagos -- a small hill or a large rock, depending on how you look at it -- which was used as the seat of court during the 5th century BC. This is the place were the Apostle Paul preached to the citizens of Athens 2,000 years ago. The stairs next to the Arios Pagos take us down to the Ancient Agora marketplace. Among the numerous sights in this archaeological park is the well-preserved Temple of Hephaistos and the reconstructed Stoa Attalou. A short stroll away is the more recent Roman Agora from the first century BC and the landmark Tower of the Winds.

The balance of the day is yours to explore independently.

Overnight in Athens. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: From Athens We Head Towards Tinos: This morning we transfer to the port of Pireaus and board the ferry destined for the island of Tinos (approx 3.5 hours). On arrival, time permitting, we can have a leisurely stroll about Tinos town, taking in the Panagia Church, Greece's most important pilgrimage centre for Orthodox pilgrims. Note the carpeted strip along the main road leading to the church, put in place for pilgrims who demonstrate their piety by crawling the distance from the main waterfront square, up the hill to the church.

According to mythology, Tinos was the home of Aeolus, God of the Winds. The Ionians came to Tinos around 1000 BC; in the 6th century BC Tinos was ruled by Eretria, while in 490 BC the island was seized by the Persians, regaining its freedom after the battle of Marathon. In 1207 Tinos was conquered by the Venetians. Venetian rule in Tinos island lasted longer than on any other island of the Cyclades. In 1715, Tinos was taken by the Turks, to be liberated by the Greeks in the War of Independence of 1821. The year 1822 was an important one for Tinos, for it was then that the famous icon of the Blessed Virgin was discovered, after a nun in the Kechrovouni convent saw it in a dream.

Overnight on Tinos. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: We go by taxi to the village of Falatados where our hiking starts: After breakfast we go by taxi to the village of Falatados where our hiking starts. We head uphill to the ruined fortress of Exombourgo to admire a stunning view of the Aegean. Mt Exombourgo is a steep-sided granite cone 553m (1,814 ft) high that features a ruined Venetian castle and the remains of three churches and a fountain-house. This was the medieval capital of the island of Tinos until the town was devastated by the Turks.

We continue to the village of Koumaros where we can make a short break and try a traditional Greek coffee before continuing to the village of Volax, almost hidden in the middle of rounded, granite boulders, a geological phenomenon that sets it apart from the rest of Greece. Volax is also noted for its traditional handmade woven baskets. A footpath winds down the valley to Agapi, the finishing point of today's hike. Look for examples of the island's famous "dovecotes," built long ago for pigeons but today considered works of art. In the old times pigeons were sold to seafarers who came to the island to stock up with supplies.

This evening we have a chance to sample the local cuisine in a typical taverna; Tinos is known for homemade cheeses, honey, and local sausages.

DAY SUMMARY: 3-4 hours leisurely walking on undulating, mostly unshaded terrain with uneven / cobbled surfaces.

Overnight on Tinos. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: We will have a walking tour of Naxos Chora and our walk ends at the Portara: This morning we travel by ferry to the island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades Islands. Green, fertile, largely self-sufficient Naxos has not needed to go all out to attract tourists. This wealthy agricultural island exports an abundant harvest of olives, grapes, and potatoes throughout the Aegean, and only recently has begun to cater to tourists.

On arrival we will have a walking tour of Naxos Chora, the main town and capital of the island. On our stroll you will note the architecture of Naxos, distinct from that of any other Cycladic isle. The Venetians ruled this island from 1207 until the island fell to the Turks in 1566. Some descendants of the Venetians still live here and the influence of Venetian architecture is obvious in the Kastro and the fortified Venetian towers. Also specific to Naxos is the remarkable abundance of small Byzantine chapels, many of which contain exceptional frescoes dating from the 9th to the 13th centuries.

Our walk ends at the Portara, the big marble gate that stands high on the island of "Bacchus" and is the remains of the ancient temple of Apollo. The ruins of the temple are called "Palace" implying the palaces of Ligdami the ancient tyrant of Naxos (6th century BC). The legend says that Theseus abandoned Ariadne there when he passed through Naxos after he slew the mythical minotaur on Crete.

While in town you should purchase picnic items for tomorrow's hike, though we should be able to acquire refreshments in the villages we visit.

Overnight in Naxos. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: We start in the picturesque village of Apiranthos: This is the ideal hike on Naxos that ties together some of the prettiest villages on the island along an obvious, undulating route marked by red dots.

We start in the picturesque village of Apiranthos where we can first wander around for a short spell. We can visit the folk museum, consisting of three rooms of a not too old house: in the living room, the kitchen and the bedroom you can see all kinds of traditional objects and tools.

For the start of the actual hike, we leave from this beautiful little square and pass the church Kimissis tis Theotokou and church of Agia Paraskevi, with its white dome. We enjoy a wonderful descent on a meandering rocky trail amidst an impressive landscape. On the right you see the steep cliff of the Fanari, in front of you there is the marvellous valley with the villages of Moni, our next village. We also pause in Chalki to see the church Panagia Evangelistria i Prototronos. This church contains some beautiful wall paintings and specially a marvellous ikonostasis; unfortunately though, the church is usually closed.

At this point the path bends to the left sharply whereupon the really beautiful trail zigzags further upwards. The retaining walls of the monopati are still clearly visible. The path goes up fairly steeply and behind you, you can see that Apiranthos is quite extensive -- it also appears to consist of two parts. Beyond the village, towards the south east, you have a great view on the island of Donoussa, the island of Amorgos and behind the hill the other small islands.

We now walk again on a marvellous stone path and we can imagine ourselves on a green slope in the Alps. This is a truly beautiful climb; during the final minutes you take a meandering staircase, which has been crumbled away by unknown forces. On the right, on the lowest summit of Fanari, we find the small church, with a picnic table. We have a great panoramic view: in the Tragea-valley you can see the villages of Damarionas, Chalki and Moni. Beyond you can discern the bay of Naxos, with also the islands of Paros, Syros, Tinos and Mykonos.

We return to Apiranthos for lunch, and then take the local bus to Chalki where we can visit a distillery and walk to a Byzantine church. We return to our hotel in the late afternoon.

DAY SUMMARY: Altogether we have about three hours of actual hiking time, which means that in reality we should devote about six hours to this hike. We regret that the trail is somewhat overgrown and unmaintained in spots, but the route is still very rewarding.

Overnight on Naxos. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: We begin with a taxi ride to Melanes: Today's hike not only combines a few highlights of the island, such as the kouroi (ancient statues) and the green valley of Potamia.

We begin with a taxi ride to Melanes from where a narrow and nicely paved trail leads to the Kouros of Melanes, or Flerio. This statue dates from the 1st half of the 6th century BC and it was never finished because of a crack in the material. Through a little gate on the left we can get to the gardens of the Kondili-family; the land where the statue is situated actually belongs to this family.

Next we encounter the Kouros of Potamia, amidst the remnants of an old stone quarry. Local farmers offer some explanations on the statue and tell us that we are actually dealing with a "kore", the statue of a girl.

You get a beautiful view on the site of Agios Mamas and after a couple of minutes we'll take a left into the valley. This road describes a couple of bends and thus meanders to the church of Kato Potamia. In front of the church you find a truly beautiful front yard with a large eucalyptus tree.

From here we can take the local bus back to Chora (if our timing is right) or reconnect with our taxis.

DAY SUMMARY: Altogether this makes 2h 50 minutes of actual walking time; taking into account all of the breaks and a picnic, we expect to hike for about 5 hours.

Overnight on Naxos. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: Today we travel by ferry to the isle of Amorgos: The ferry likely stops at several lesser islands along the way and drops us at either Katapola, the main port of Amorgos, or Aegiali, the island's secondary port. If we must disembark at Katapola, we will travel by road to Aegiali where our hotel is located. We will likely arrive in time for dinner.

Amorgos's timeless monastery, scattered churches, and pleasant beaches offer both respite from tourists on the other islands and a taste of traditional Greece. For many, Amorgos has become the highlight of the tour, accurately described as "the soul of Greece." The locals are extremely friendly, the mountains surrounding the port majestic, and the sunsets stunning. It has been the location of several movies and is a super place for walks through idyllic olive groves.

Overnight on Amorgos. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Enjoy a Greek cooking class, with emphasis on traditional, family-style island dishes: This hike is one of the most beautiful on Amorgos. The whole route involves magnificent ancient trails through the paleis above Aegiali. The panoramic views and the villages make this day an unforgettable experience. Aegiali is an area consisting of three traditional villages: Langada, Tholaria, and Potamos, which climbs the slope of the highest mountain on Amorgos, Krikellos (821m 2709 ft). They are built above a deep valley and the harbour of Aegiali where a beautiful sandy beach spans the gentle curve of the bay.

We begin our walk at Tholaria, located close to the location of the ancient city of Aegiali (Vigla). Our path is a cobbled donkey route that connected the villages prior to the building of the road (though locals still make the journey by donkey). This first stretch is a traverse that affords spectacular views of the entire valley and its three villages. We come to the gorge of Araklos, the historical church of Agia Triada, the old church of Panagia Epanohoriani, and the half-ruined settlement of Stroumbos.

Langada is located at the end of the valley in an idyllic location among steep rocky peaks and deep valleys. One hour from Langada (for those with energy remaining!) we can see the unique Byzantine monument of Theologos, a monastery of early Byzantine years. A bit further, the historical little chapel of Stavros is situated.

Langada is a great place for lunch. From here you can take the local bus back down to the harbour area, or stroll the downhill stretch through olive groves. The truly energetic can continue their hike another hour or up a steep path to a row of centuries old ruined windmills at an altitude of 540m / 1,792 ft. This makes for an exceptional spectacle; you stand on a rather narrow rocky ridge and you have an overview over the entire island, with the sea on both sides. All around you can see different islands: towards the south-east Astipalea, Anafi and Santorini, towards the north Ios, the small Cycladics, Naxos, Donoussa and even, on a clear day, Ikaria, all the way in the north-east. There is usually a lot of wind here, even when there is no wind at all down in the valley. The multitude of walls and fields at your feet make you dream about past agriculture and about all the activities that once took place up here.

This evening we enjoy a Greek cooking class, with emphasis on traditional, family-style island dishes.

DAY SUMMARY: The hike takes a little over four hours (real walking time). Terrain is undulating with loose stones and cobbled surfaces.

Overnight on Amorgos. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Approx 4-5 hours (actual walking, longer with stops) on uneven, undulating terrain: Early this morning we travel by road to Chora, the capital of the island. We will pause here to stroll about the village, set high above the sea protected from pirates of bygone days. We leave the village and follow a magnificent staircase going down to the Monastery of Chozoviotissa. The monastery is home to the revered icon of the Virgin from the Holy Land. The dazzling white building, founded in the year AD 1099, clings precariously to a cliff face. The icon was found in the sea below the monastery, having arrived here unaided from either Asia Minor, Cyprus or Jerusalem. We will enter the monastery and climb into its snug interior. Hopefully the docent will be available to show us around and provide access to the tiny but fascinating museum.

After our visit to the monastery, we commence our hike.* This is definitely one of the most fabulous hikes in the Cyclades, and the longest and most difficult of our trip. We follow the spine of the island and discover some unique landscapes and flora and, of course, some stupendous views. Leaving the monastery, we climb a staircase into an impressive landscape; the silence is overwhelming. High above us towers a huge cliff and on the right you see the deep blue sea below. Twenty minutes after the monastery we get to a platform with remnants of stable walls -- behind you, the highest top of the monastery is just disappearing.

We continue through impressive and rocky wilderness; soon we reach a kind of saddle with the two coasts of Amorgos both before and behind us. Soon we come to the Xenodochio, the remnants of a kind of medieval hotel on the road from Chora to Aegiali. Gradually we get a great view on the elongated offshore islet of Nikouria. At Exo Meria, situated on a rocky plateau, we find some deserted houses and the ruins of two windmills. It is hard to imagine how difficult and lonely life must have been on this desolate spot.

The trail now continues like a magnificent balcony: far away you can already distinguish the village of Tholaria and all of a sudden you get a great view on the bay of Aegiali where our hike ends at a lovely beach where you can cool off and relax until dinner.

DAY SUMMARY: Approx 4-5 hours (actual walking, longer with stops) on uneven, undulating terrain. The path is quite well worn at first, though in places the route becomes quite vague. Expect loose stones and gravel. There is no shade along the route and one can expect a chill wind, especially in the spring (thought the stupendous wildflowers make up for this!). * Some travellers choose to visit Chora and the monastery ONLY and forego today's hike. Please confer with your Tour Leader who, by this point, will have a good sense of your suitability for today's plans. A free afternoon on a beautiful island is often welcomed by tour participants.

Overnight in Amorgos. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 11: Today we ferry to the island of Santorini, also known as Thira: Today we ferry to the island of Santorini, also known as Thira. Our route will likely involve a ferry connection on Naxos. We expect to arrive on Santorini mid-afternoon.

Vast geological upheavals have given this island its unique form resulting in the nickname, "Pre-Historic Pompeii." The effect of terracing makes this unlike any other island, Greece's most visually stunning. Santorini is also the island of churches, wine, and donkeys! From as early as 3000 BC the island developed as an outpost of Minoan civilization until around 1500 BC when the volcano erupted. At this point the island's history became linked with the legend of Atlantis.

This afternoon (ferry timing permitting), we can hike from our hotel to the site of Ancient Thira, located 400m / 1,320 ft above the beach on the southeast coast of the island. Here we find the ruins of an 11th century BC Dorian settlement excavated by a German expedition in the 1860s. Here we can see remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The ruins are limited, but you can see evidence of temples, houses with mosaic floors, an agora, gymnasium, and a theatre with stunning and sheer views to the sea. Alternatively you can stay behind and enjoy one of Santorini's finest black sand beaches.

DAY SUMMARY: 1.5 hours round trip, paved surface (switchback road).

Overnight on Santorini (Kamari Beach). Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 12: This afternoon is yours to explore Oia or Fira on your own: This morning we visit the site of Akrotiri, where excavations have revealed a complete prehistoric Minoan city with squares, streets and two-storey houses which contained marvelous frescoes. The buildings date to the late 16th century BC. No skeletons or treasures have been found in Akrotiri, so historians think that the inhabitants were forewarned of the eruption and were able to escape. The excavations have yielded evidence what has revolutionized our knowledge of the Late Bronze Age; indeed the town has been called a "bronze-age Pompeii."

We then travel by local bus to Fira, the main town on Santorini. Our 3.5 hour hike takes us through the town's narrow walkways northward through the sister villages of Fira -- Firostefani and Imerovigli -- along the caldera rim to Oia ("Ee-ah") via a truly magnificent route. This is the most obvious hike on Santorini and offers many changing views of the deep blue sea, distant snow-white villages, and multi-hued caldera cliffs. Built on a steep slope of the caldera, many of Oia's dwellings nestle in the niches hewn in the volcanic rock. It was once a major fishing port but is principally known these days as probably the most dramatically situated town in the whole of Greece.

This afternoon is yours to explore Oia or Fira on your own. During your time in Fira we recommend a visit to the impressive Archaeological Museum. This museum features many pieces and exhibits specific to the Santorini site of Akrotiri, as well as artifacts dating back to the time of the Cycladic Civilization. The most impressive legacies of this civilization are the statuettes carved from Parian marble -- the famous Cycladic figurines. Like statuettes of Neolithic times they depicted images of the Great Mother. Other remains include bronze and obsidian tools and weapons, gold jewelry, and stone and clay vases and pots.

Overnight on Santorini (Kamari Beach). Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 13: Today we travel back to Athens via ferry: Today we travel back to Athens via ferry, which may afford some last minute free time in Athens.

Time-permitting, we recommend a visit to the Museum of Cycladic Art, devoted to the study and promotion of ancient Greek art. The main exhibit, the Cycladic Collection, contains 350 objects representative of every phase or type of artifact that Cycladic islanders have left us, be that marble sculpture, pottery, or metal ware. Among the exhibits, the marble figurines, mostly female, claim prime position. One of the most important assemblages of Cycladic art world-wide, this collection provides the opportunity to study aspects of religion, cult, warfare and every-day life on the Cyclades in the 3rd millennium BC.

*NOTE: Though it is our preference to travel by fast ferry, we may fly back to Athens depending on season and ferry availability.

Overnight in Athens. Meal plan: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 14: Departure Back Home: Departure from Athens.

KALO TAXIDI!! Meal plan: Breakfast.

Nuts & Bolts

Trip Includes

All gratuities (except to Tour Leader)
Accommodation in 3- and 4-star hotels
Breakfast and dinner daily
Some lunches
All transportation, including internal flights
Sightseeing/entrance fees
Porter service, where available
Arrival/departure transfers if you book flights with us
Services of Adventures Abroad Tour Leader

Trip Excludes

Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), any excursions referenced as 'optional'.
Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Optional trip cancellation insurance and single supplements fees.
Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.

Trip ID#: 129078

CANCELLATIONS: 20% cancellation fee applied if cancelled 60 days prior to departure. Cancellations within 60 days are 100% non-cancelable

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