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Greek Islands Adventure:...
 

Greek Islands Adventure: Athens, Naxos & Paros

9 days |  12 days with Crete & Athens extension
9 days |  12 days with Crete & Athens extension
Group size1222 travelers
Reviews

4.4 star rating

39
Physical activity
greek food on blue checkered table
tables outside of cafe with purple flowers hanging over tables
White and blue details of a church on Greek island
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Go where the feta is fresh and the locals embrace a laid-back lifestyle.

Imagine a place that you’ve never heard of becoming your all-time favorite destination. That’s the Cyclades island chain for you, home to both Greece’s most beloved, and most under-the-radar, destinations. Indulge in delicious Greek cuisine, dive into history that traces back thousands of years, and island-hop across the Aegean Sea—all while discovering a new side of the idyllic country during this small group Adventure Tour.

Your tour package includes

  • 7 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 7 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 wine tasting
Read more

Included highlights

  • Athens food markets
  • Acropolis
  • Parthenon
  • Paros wine tasting
  • Eggares Olive Press Museum
Read more
Start planning today

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Athens today.

Athens2 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Athens
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Greece! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner this evening.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Athens
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

A local guide introduces you to the ancient highlights and traditional flavors of this bustling capital, home to the world’s first democracy.

  • Set off on a guided walking tour of the Plaka District and the markets in the Monastiraki neighborhood
  • Stop to sample a variety of cheeses and loukoumades, a type of sweet fried dough
  • See the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion on a walking tour of the Acropolis

Enjoy free time in Athens or add an excursion.

Mount Lycabettus Hike & Sunset Dinner

From $175 per person

Paros2 nights
Day 4: Ferry to Paros & wine tasting
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Dinner

Take a ferry to the beautiful island of Paros, which is known for its beaches and traditional villages. Enjoy free time to explore before heading to the charming seaside village of Naoussa this evening.

  • Visit a family-run winery, where you’ll learn about the production of red and white wines during a tour of its vineyard
  • Learn about the vineyard’s unique type of grape vines, which are trained to grow close to the ground to protect themselves from the strong ocean winds
  • Sit down for a tasting of fruity, white Monemvasia wine and native, red Mandilaria wine, the two most popular varietals on the island
  • Enjoy a dinner of Greek specialties
  • Choose to spend free time in Naoussa or return to your hotel after dinner
Day 5: Free day in Paros
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day on the island of Paros or add an excursion.

Paros Boat Cruise & Snorkeling

From $245 per person

Naxos2 nights
Day 6: Ferry to Naxos, Eggares Olive Press Museum & cooking class
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting, Lunch

Take a short ferry ride to the neighboring island of Naxos. Then, discover the flavors and ruins that make the largest island in the Cyclades such a hidden gem.

  • Visit the Eggares Olive Press Museum, one of the oldest remaining olive mills on the island, and learn about the different stages of olive oil production
  • Sample some of the locally produced olive oil
  • Head to a nearby village and join a local Naxos family for a hands-on cooking class
  • Learn how to make traditional Greek cuisine and enjoy eating the meal you crafted for lunch while sipping local wine
  • Make your way to the Old Town and walk along a causeway to reach the Palatia Islet and view the Portara, a marble doorway that’s part of the unfinished Temple of Apollo
Day 7: Free day in Naxos
Included meal: Breakfast

Spend a free day on the island of Naxos or add an excursion.

Apeiranthos Village Hike, Lunch & Liquor Tasting

From $149 per person

Athens1 night
Day 8: Ferry to Athens
Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Board a high-speed ferry back to Athens. Then, celebrate your trip with your fellow group members during a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Flight Home
Day 9: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or continue on to visit Crete and further explore Athens.

Extension to Crete & Athens
Haven’t had your fill of Greece’s ancient history and island life? Luckily, Crete has it in spades. Stay a little bit longer to put on your archaeologist hat with local experts and uncover the past (and plenty of sea views) in Chania. Then, catch a flight back to Athens for one more night in the capital.
Chania2 nights
Day 9: Flight to Crete, olive oil farm & winery
Included meals: Breakfast, Wine tasting, Liquor tasting, Tasting, Dinner

Fly to Chania, a city located on the western end of the island of Crete and embark on a journey to discover the local flavors.

  • Join a local guide for a tour of an olive grove, olive mill, and modern bottling factory
  • Continue on to a winery to learn about the island’s wine-growing traditions, as you explore the vineyard
  • Sit down for a tasting of extra-virgin olive oil, as well as several types of Cretan wine and Raki liquor
  • Pair your samples with small bites, such as fresh bread with olive oil and oregano-lemon salt, cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, or smoked ham

This evening, head to a local restaurant in the countryside and admire scenic views of the olive groves, as you enjoy an included dinner.

Day 10: Free day in Chania
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Chania or add an excursion.

Cretan Coast Boat Ride, Samaria Gorge Hike & Lunch

From $215 per person

Athens1 night
Day 11: Flight to Athens
Included meal: Breakfast

Fly back to Athens this afternoon. Then, raise a glass and toast to your trip with a farewell drink this evening.

Flight Home
Day 12: Departure
Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.4 star rating

Overall rating 4.4 out of 5

Based on 39 authentic traveler reviews
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    3.0 star rating

    Greece on the fast track
    10/7/23 by 8th-time traveler Laurie

    Alexandra as amazing as our guide. Very knowledgeable and energetic. The resort on Paros was wonderful, Naxos just average. I would have had a better time if I didn’t get so sick after the cooking class. After I was home, the doctor thought it was probably the water. 4others reported the same illn...

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    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 11/21/23

    Thank you for taking a moment to share your experi...

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    4.0 star rating

    10/7/23 by 1st-time traveler Kathleen

    5.0 star rating

    Best off the path trip!
    10/7/23 by 1st-time traveler Anonymous

    I loved everything about this tour. Some of the excursions were canceled because there wasn’t enough people to go through with it. The tour director arranged tours for those days instead and we got to explore Paros with a local guide and go into a local a home and watch the way she makes loom. We al...

    Read more +
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    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Atheneaum Eridanus
    Atheneaum Eridanus

    This luxury hotel is located right in the heart of Athens. Guests enjoy a rooftop terrace, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. Nearby you’ll find the Mona...

    Read more +
    Paros Agnanti Hotel
    Paros Agnanti Hotel

    This beachside hotel is located in Parikia, the capital of Paros. Guests enjoy stunning views of the sea, complimentary shuttle service and pools. Nea...

    Read more +
    Porto Naxos Hotel
    Porto Naxos Hotel

    This elegant hotel is located in the heart of Naxos Old Town. Guests enjoy leisure and fitness facilities, the pool and terrace. Nearby you’ll find Ag...

    Read more +
    Kydon Hotel
    Kydon Hotel

    This comfortable hotel is centrally located in Chania. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar. Nearby, you’ll find the Agora, or covered mar...

    Read more +
    Galaxy Hotel Iraklio
    Galaxy Hotel Iraklio

    This luxe hotel is located in Heraklion. Guests enjoy restaurants, the outdoor pool, and spa. Nearby, you’ll find Lions’ Square, Ammoudara Beach, and ...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter Greece, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least one blank passport page for entry stamps.
    • Beginning in 2025, U.S. and Canadian passport holders must register for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to enter many European countries.
    • Passport holders from over 60 visa-exempt countries (including the U.S. and Canada) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization in order to visit 30 European countries. That means that even if you’ve previously traveled to any of these European countries without a visa, starting in 2025, you’ll need to get ETIAS authorization to visit them again. If you’re traveling to multiple countries with this requirement, you only need to complete the form once. All Go Ahead travelers are responsible for obtaining their own ETIAS travel authorization before departure. For more details, please visit our Help Center.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GPN.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for at least 1.5 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with steep hills and stairs.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information 
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Athens. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • Ferries from Athens to Paros, Paros to Naxos, and Naxos to Athens are included in the price of your tour. A round-trip flight from Athens to Crete is included in the price of the tour extension.
    • All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance 
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
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    Clothing & packing tips 
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health 
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code GPN.
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    Cuisine 
    • Greece’s warm climate ensures a constant supply of fresh, high-quality fruits and vegetables. Salads served with aromatic olive oil, feta cheese, and oregano are plentiful. Simple grilled fish and meat are integral to Greek cuisine, as well as squid and octopus. Don’t miss the spinach and cheese pies, called spanakopita.
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    Electricity & air conditioning 
    • Greece operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and use Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity 
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
    • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones 
    • Greece is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seven hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm on tour.
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    Currency 
    • You will use the euro on tour.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping 
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour 
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
    • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information.
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