Greece: Athens & the Islands

Welcome to Athens, capital of Greece and birthplace of democracy. Blessed with a beautiful coastline and warm Mediterranean climate, you’ll slip effortlessly into the holiday vibe. A private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting at the airport to transport you to your central boutique hotel. Here, you’ll meet your Pack Leader to enjoy a welcome drink before heading out for special meal at the home of an esteemed local chef. Bond with your group over a delicious Greek dinner – complete with Acropolis views – and raise a glass of retsina to eight more days of adventure. 

Keep your swimwear and sunscreen handy today as you’re off on a kayaking excursion*. Driving south to Cape Sounion at the tip of the Attic Peninsula, a panoramic view of the Aegean opens out before you. In a dramatic setting atop a craggy 60-meter cliff, the eighth-century BC Temple of Poseidon is a vision of dazzling white marble columns dedicated to the God of the Sea. Together with an instructor, you’ll hug the riviera as you paddle to sheltered coves and stop off for a swim in the clear blue water. Returning for a well-deserved lunch at a local taverna, there’ll be time to explore the temple before heading back to the city for an evening at leisure. *If you prefer not to kayak, enjoy a free morning at the beach. 

Today, you’ll explore Athens on foot, led by a local expert who will take you on a romp through the ages. Starting at the Acropolis, the crowning glory of ancient Greece, you’ll climb the marble steps to the Parthenon for astounding views of the city. Next, you’ll visit the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and the Kallimarmaro Stadium – built for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Finally, you’ll delve into modern Athens, exploring the narrow streets and stopping off at a bakery, a traditional cafe and a souvlaki stall to sample local delicacies and aperitifs. Save some energy for tonight as you’ll have a chance to check out the city’s vibrant nightlife. From chic rooftop spots to acclaimed cocktail bars (hello, The Clumsies), the choice is yours and the possibilities are endless.  

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to the port of Athens for the island-hopping part of your adventure. Boarding a ferry, you’ll cruise for five hours across the Aegean Sea to Naxos. The largest and least developed of the Cyclades (the Greeks themselves come here on holiday), the island has some of the loveliest beaches and most dramatic scenery. Arriving into the photogenic seafront town of Chora, you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon. You might choose to explore the steep cobbled alleys below the hilltop kastro (castle) and fortified Venetian mansions, or find a quiet spot for a swim. Later, you’ll walk into town for dinner with your group. 

Your first stop today will be at the small farming village of Eggares on Naxos. Set on a fertile plain, this tiny cluster of whitewashed houses is the centre of the island’s olive oil production. At the characterful local museum, you’ll learn how the oil is manually extracted using traditional tools, plus have the chance to taste some olive-based products such as oils, jams and cookies. Then, you’ll continue to the nearby village of Galini where your host Ms Voula will be waiting to start a cooking class. Using products from her nearby farm, you’ll help prepare an authentic menu of delicious Greek dishes, which you’ll sit down to enjoy together while learning about local life and agriculture on the island. 

No visit to Greece would be complete without a dedicated day at the beach. This morning, you’ll be free to swim, sunbathe, read and relax to your heart’s content on one of Naxos’s many idyllic sandy stretches lapped by balmy turquoise waves. For a change of scenery, after lunch you’ll have the option to visit the kitesurfing centre of Mikri Vigla. With reliable northerly winds and a boho vibe, it’s a fun place to watch the surfers expertly maneuver their colourful kites to perform high jumps and aerial acrobatics. Enjoy a drink at the small beachfront cafe, as you watch the sun sink slowly towards the horizon, marking the end of another blissful day. 

This morning, you’ll continue your journey across the Aegean to picture-perfect Santorini. The island’s unique landscape was formed around 1200BC when a huge volcanic eruption left behind a steep-walled, sea-filled crater. Arriving by boat, it’s hard not to be awed by the multicoloured cliffs rising sheer out of the turquoise sea. After a free afternoon to relax and explore, tonight you’ll visit the beautiful village of Oia – the face of a thousand postcards. With its terraces of white Cycladic houses and blue-domed churches carved into the clifftop, the sunsets here are mesmerising. You’ll have time to wander through the old town’s maze of cobbled lanes, boutiques and flower-bedecked cafes before returning to your hotel. 

For your final day, we’ve got something special in store. Following a relaxed morning, you’ll set sail after lunch on a small-group catamaran cruise. The two-hulled luxury yacht includes ample space for sunbathing on deck, a shady cabin, plus hammock-style nets on the bow. Spend an afternoon sailing inside the Santorini caldera, dropping anchor in secluded bays to swim and snorkel off the boat. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to bathe in a healing thermal spring. The water here is full of sulphur, iron and other metals coming from the volcano. Tonight your crew will prepare a delicious farewell dinner to be enjoyed on board under the glow of a Santorini sunset. A fitting finale to your epic Greek odyssey.  

Alas, your journey has come to an end. You’ve soaked up the sites of ancient Athens and visited some incredible Aegean islands, forming firm friendships along the way. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel with your group before saying your goodbyes and transferring to Santorini Airport for your flight home.