Welcome to Greece's most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades! According to mythology, Mykonos was formed from the petrified bodies of giants killed by Hercules. Did you know that the island took its name from the grandson of Apollo, “Mykonos”? Sifnos, the island of flavours, has the typical Cycladic ambience, including whitewashed houses and chapels, an incredible breath-taking natural landscape, and, of course, amazing beaches! The moment you’ll get off the ferry, you’ll feel like entering a whole new world. The island’s atmosphere is deeply calming, while the air is scented with almond and orange aromas that will seduce you. Paros is a Cycladic island that boasts great beaches, unpretentious villages, and a vibrant cosmopolitan scene. Its marvellous coastline is filled with a succession of wide, sandy beaches. Unwind along the island’s playful and adventurous side. The bigger the waves and stronger the winds, the happier the people here are. Also a major international kiteboarding destination. Crescent-shaped Santorini Island is the most precious gem of Cyclades islands. The island itself though hides several gems where with this tour, you are given the chance to explore, see and admire.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Mykonos: Using the Chora as your base, set out on a trip to discover the beauties of the island, particularly its sun-kissed beaches. The most cosmopolitan ones are Paradise and Super Paradise. Ornos and Psarou are favourite spots for families. Try a visit too to Platis Yalos, with a well-organized beach where you can soak up the sun lazing on a sun lounge. However, if you are looking for a serene beach to unwind with a book, pick a less organized one on the northern coast of the island, like Agia Anna, Houlakia, Kapari, Agrári and Agios Stefanos.
Sifnos: Nature meets gastronomy at Sifnos with the traditional revithada (chickpea stew), mastello (slow-cooked goat) and a choice of desserts including loukoumia (Turkish delight) to be the highlights that shouldn’t be missed. On the other hand, the tiny whitewashed villages, the cobblestone alleys embellished with colourful flowers will charm you.
Paros: The Byzantine Lefkes-Prodromos trail is paved with marble paving stones most of the way, takes an hour to walk. It starts from the verdant village of Lefkes and crosses slopes with cultivated terraces and a small Byzantine bridge. The final destination is the beautiful village of Prodromos with its impressive maze-like alleys.
Santorini volcanic wines: With a vineyard of more than 3200 years old and a very special grape variety that can grow on its volcanic soil, Santorini is one of the top wine-producing regions of Greece. Be sure to visit some of the elegant wineries with their canaves (caves) - often exhibiting works of art - to taste the island's white wine and its famous Assyrtiko, Aïdani, Athiri, Mavrotragano and Mandilaria varieties and the famous sweet wine of Vinsanto.
Day 1: ARRIVAL MYKONOS (3km – 15min)
Arrive at Mykonos Airport or Port where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure to start exploring this cosmopolitan island, stroll down the whitewashed streets of the Chora (the capital town), and get involved in the Mediterranean spirit by dining in one of the local taverns or drinking your first cocktail at one of the waterfront beach bars (own expense).
Overnight in Mykonos.
Day 2: MYKONOS
Recharge your energies with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a slow day of rest and relaxation.
Overnight in Mykonos.
Day 3: MYKONOS – SIFNOS (2hrs by ferry, included)
After breakfast, transfer to the port of Mykonos to catch the boat to Sifnos. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and settlement. This evening is at your own leisure to start exploring Sifnos Island. What Sifnos is most famous for, is its gastronomy! Home to the famous Greek chef Nikolaos Tselementes, Sifnos has undoubtedly amazing food! We suggest you to start tasting the yummy local recipes, such as capper salad, chickpea soup, and mastelo at the excellent Sifnos restaurants and taverns (own expense).
Overnight in Sifnos.
Day 4: SIFNOS
Breakfast at the hotel. One of the best things to do in Sifnos, especially if you want to experience the essence of the island, is to visit the quaint Sifnos villages. Kastro, Artemonas and Apollonia, the capital of the island are total musts! Get lost in the narrow alleys of Kastro, eat the best local pastries in Artemonas and have a taste of the cosmopolitan side of the island in Apollonia(own expense). Every village is unique.
Overnight in Sifnos.
Day 5: SIFNOS
Breakfast at hotel. The rest of the day at leisure on the island of Sifnos.
Overnight in Sifnos.
Day 6: SIFNOS - PAROS (50min by ferry, included)
After breakfast, transfer to the port of Sifnos to catch the boat to Paros. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in and settlement. The afternoon is free at leisure to start exploring this fascinating island, stroll down the picturesque streets of the town and get involved in the Mediterranean spirit by dinning in one of the local taverns or drinking your first ouzo at one of the beach bars.
Overnight in Paros.
Day 7: PAROS
After breakfast, today we suggest you to explore the nearby villages of Marpissa, Prodromos and Lefkes. Curiosity of Marpissa and Prodromos is, that they were built as fortified settlements and all houses were interconnected by an internal doors, so there would be an escape route in a case of a pirate attack. Close to Marpissa there is modern dairy Parion, where the local Greek family makes yogurt, fresh myzithra and xyinomyzithra cheese, cheese matured in olive oil (ladotyri) and piquant kefalotyri cheese, all produced from local cow’s milk using traditional methods. At Prodromos village you will enter the through a gateway. As you pass beneath arch after arch, you will be struck by the blazes of colour from the well-tended courtyards full of geraniums, bougainvillea and basil plants. You will be amazed at the number of churches, and will no doubt spend a little time at the 16th-century Church of Aghios Ioannis Prodromos, dedicated to the patron saint of the village. Enjoy a local coffee at a café in a privileged location, right next to the most exquisite archway. Next is Lefkes village also worthy to be seen, settled up in the mountains offers fascinating views over the island and its charming alleys, typical old Greek houses and traditional tavernas, cafés and shops make this village very scenic and pleasant place.
Overnight in Paros.
Day 8: PAROS – MYKONOS (50min by ferry, included)
After breakfast, transfer to the port of Paros to catch the boat to Mykonos. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in and settlement. At leisure on this cosmopolitan island of Mykonos.
Overnight in Mykonos.
Day 9: DEPARTURE MYKONOS
After breakfast, transfer to the airport of Mykonos or port of Mykonos for continuation of your trip.
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Greece. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.