Eastern Cyclades: Santorini, Naxos and Amorgos

Transfer (not included) to the hotel, by metro, bus, or taxi. Meeting with your French guide at the hotel in Piraeus.
Night in hotel in Piraeus. Free dinner.

Ferry to the island of Santorini. Depending on the departure dates and the Meltèmi (wind), the ferry is more or less fast! The arrival on Santorini, the most famous volcanic island in the Cyclades, offers a stunning natural spectacle. At the top of the huge caldera that has collapsed on itself, the laces of the houses of Fira and Oia are hemmed, which stand out at the tops of the other, red and black cliffs against the deep blue of the Greek sky. On our arrival on the island, transfer by minibus (9km) to the hotel. Depending on the time of arrival, stroll through Fira and its lively little streets, and along the caldera. Picnic on the ferry.
Dinner and overnight in hotel in Santorini.

From the hotel, we reach the village of Pyrgos on foot or by local bus. Crossing this beautiful Cycladic village, before climbing to the top of the island's highest point, Mount Profitis Ilias (567 m). Descent to the site of ancient Thira, the capital of Santorini during ancient Greece and Roman times. 1 hour of visit (entrance at your expense). We discover the Greek remains of this ancient city (theater, church, school ...), columns, carved ashlars ... Perched on a desolate plateau, it offers a magnificent view of the villages of Kamari and Perissa. The place is superb! Via an old mule track, we then descend to the superb black sand beach of Kamari. Relax at the beach and return by bus to Fira. Picnic at noon.
Dinner and overnight in hotel in Santorini.

From Oia (pronounced ee-a) to Fira, along the caldera, we set off on Santorini's most popular hike. The day begins with a transfer to Oia, the most beautiful village at the top of the caldera. We walk the alleys between mills, churches with blue domes, and views of the caldera! Further on, the extraordinary hues of oxidized volcanic ash will serve as the background for our photos before arrival in Fira. Private transfer to the port of Santorini and embarkation for Naxos and its capital, Chora. While our luggage will be transferred to the hotel, located 1km from the port, we will take the pulse of this adorable little city with an opulent heritage, including the Portara (the door of the temple of Apollo, 6th century BC) magnificent at sunset sun. Picnic at noon.
Dinner in a tavern and overnight in hotel in Naxos.

Transfer by bus to the fertile inner valley of Tragea and its superb villages like Halki, in the middle of olive groves and at the foot of the highest mountains of the Cyclades. Following ancient paths, sometimes paved, we go up to the fortress of Apano Kastro, perched on a defensive site used from antiquity to the Venetian period. It offers an extensive view of the interior of the island to the sea. Further on, there are ancient marble quarries with their colossal statues of Kouros, unfinished before reaching the pretty valley of Potamia.
Picnic at noon. Dinner in an inn.
Night in hotel in Naxos

Today our hike takes us to the summit of Zas, the highest point in the Cyclades (1001m). Departing from Filoti, an important town, built on the side of Mount Zas, we climb through alleys and then shaded paths to the Agia Marina chapel before climbing the last bare slopes leading to the coveted summit. From Mount Zas, the panorama is sumptuous and promises a rich 360 ° overview as long as the sky is not too foggy! Go back down to Filoti via the cave of Dhias(Zeus) - according to the myth, Zeus was born in this cave…-. Return to Hora by bus. Picnic at noon.
Dinner in a tavern and overnight in hotel in Naxos.

Transfer to Filoti, by bus or taxi (depending on the timetable). Here is a very nice hike showing a face of Naxos from the inside, without forgetting, however beautiful panoramic points of view. It slips between rather wooded valleys and gentle hills on old mule tracks. Along the way, we will pass by the old Fotoditis Monastery, which looks more like a fortress than a place of worship at first sight! End of our hike in Apiranthos, a superb village with its network of picturesque alleys and these small shaded squares. Return transfer from Apitanthos to Naxos town. Picnic at noon.
Dinner in a tavern and overnight in hotel in Naxos.

The program depends on the boat times for Amorgos, which remain variable. In principle, the departure is scheduled in the evening after dinner, around 11 pm, with arrival at around 1.30 am in Amorgos. In the morning, visit the Kastro of Chora (Venetian era). In the afternoon, short transfer to Vivlos for a final hike on Naxos; descent to the sea, and last opportunity to enjoy the beach in Naxos. On arrival of the boat, in Amorgos, we will be greeted by our host, who will take us to Egiali in his family hotel, quiet and close to the sea (150m). Amorgos is the easternmost island of the Cyclades, known from the film The Big Blue. Picnic at noon.
Dinner in Naxos or Amorgos depending on the schedule of the boat.
Overnight in hotel in Amorgos.

One of the most beautiful hikes of Amorgos in a quiet and deserted area of the island. The day begins with a transfer to Chora. Crossing this typical Cycladic village then descent to the Hozoviotissa monastery. The image of this white building clinging to the cliff is a highlight of the stay. A beautiful peregrination follows at the top of the shoulder which constitutes the main relief of the island. A few abandoned houses punctuate our walk before the descent to Egiali(aegiali) which really looks like an oasis.
Picnic at noon. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Amorgos.

Departing from Egiali, we go up to Langada (another magnificent village!) by a splendid paved path. We soon see the blue dome of Panagia Epanochoriani but it is not the church punctuating the countryside ...
Higher up, a short detour to the fortified monastery of Agios Theologos, at the foot of the Krikkelos mountain, before a magnificent balcony path above the sea which leads us to the chapel of Stavros. A final climb takes us to the top of Pramateftis (720m), which offers a marvelous panorama of the relief of the island and the Aegean Sea. Picnic at noon.
Dinner and overnight in hotel in Amorgos.

Transfer (30 ’) to Katapola. From Katapola, the main port of the island, we go up towards the archaeological site of Minoa before a long crossing towards the south-west of the island. Passing through the small villages of Lefkes and Aghia Thékla, and the ancient city of Arkesini beautifully perched above the waves. We are far from the tourist sites of the Cyclades with goats as our main companions! Arrive in Arkesini to enjoy a good Greek coffee! Return by bus to Aegiali.
Your guide may decide to do this step in the opposite direction from Arkesini, which allows you to visit the imposing ruins of the Agia Triada tower, which can be accessed in the morning. Picnic at noon.
Dinner and overnight in hotel in Amorgos.

A final half-day hike above Aegliali, towards the chapel of Strombos and the hilltop village of Tholaria. The afternoon will be devoted to the beach, the sea, relaxation ... Picnic at noon.
Dinner and overnight in hotel in Amorgos.

The ferry is scheduled to depart early in the morning at 6:55 a.m. from Aegiali, arriving at 3 p.m. in Piraeus, via the island of Paros. From Piraeus, transfer by metro or taxi to central Athens. Installation at the 2 * hotel around 4 p.m. Late afternoon and evening free. Picnic on the boat and free dinner.
Night in hotel in Athens.

Last visits and free walks, dispersal after breakfast (airport transfer not included).