EL CAMINO SMALL GROUP TRIP
Greece Done Differently Itinerary
From historic Athens, we take to the seas to Paros, a favorite holiday spot of Athenians, boasting golden beaches at every turn, and cosmopolitan towns. Set sail with the wind in your hair to the “Maldives of Greece” to Koufonisia and Naxos to explore untouched emerald green coves and caves far from the eyes of other tourists.
Day 1
Arrive: Kalos irthate stin Athina! Welcome to Athens! Touch down in Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities known as the cradle of Western civilization, the birthplace of Democracy, the home of arts, literature, and philosophy in the ancient world. We’ve posted ourselves in one of the best neighborhoods, Kolonaki, famous for historic, non-classical buildings that hosted embassies from around the world that now create a chic, boutique-filled neighborhood of artists and creative collaborators. Make your way from the airport to your boutique hotel accommodations. Relax in our modern and contemporary hotel that boasts sleek, minimalist design and mid-century details. Perch on one of its many balconies that overlook the tree-lined historic center, toast with a glass of wine, wander the nearby boutiques, or even check out the hotel’s store which houses collaborations with some of Athens’ best up-and-coming artists and artisans.
Evening: For dinner, let’s settle in and get to know each other as we taste the flavors of Greece at one of our favorite hole-in-the-wall tavernas with a classic, unfussy style, run by a local family and located a few steps away from the foothills of the ruins of the Parthenon.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
Morning: After breakfast, we'll check out of the hotel and head to the docks where we'll board a ferry to the picturesque island of Paros. Originally known for some of the whitest marble the world over, Paros has become a lesser-known, tranquil paradise with golden sand beaches and a windswept east coast that is home to windsurfers at all times of the day. What we love the most about this low-key island is its understated sense of style and sophistication. It will feel like you’ve been let in on one of Greece’s best-kept secrets the moment you step foot on the island.
Afternoon: Once we dock on land, we will head 10 minutes down the road and around Naoussa Bay to a lovely rocky and terraced farm that overlooks the sea. This perfect climate for the sustainable cultivation of traditional Greek ingredients produces some of the most aromatic and flavorful capers, oregano, lavender, figs, grapes, and olives you can find anywhere. Get prepared for a long and leisurely lunch as you explore the bold, earthy flavors of oregano, or the sweet honey berry flavors of figs like never before as the family-owned farm shows off their traditional rustic style of cooking.
After lunch, we'll check into our boutique hotel, which utilizes a striking white palette, reminiscent of the endemic marble, with a stunning pool surrounded by manicured gardens. A quick stroll from the hotel reveals dreamy beaches and unparalleled island cosmopolitanism in the colorful nearby town of Naoussa.
Evening: You’re free for the evening. There are a number of wonderful boutiques in Naoussa that sport light, airy Mediterranean design and feel. For dinner, an elegant and lively option in the port of Naoussa offers the true Paros experience. You can find the details alongside a list of our other favorite recs inside our Eat, Play, Shop guide that we’ll provide prior to the trip. Tap this resource throughout your trip for inspiration.
Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3
Morning: Sunscreen - check! Sun hat - check! Bathing suit - check! Eagerness to go sailing through the “Maldives of Greece” - double-check! Away from the prying eyes of tourists, the Aegean beckons.
Afternoon: For the rest of the day we'll set sail on our own catamaran. We'll depart from the windswept shores of Paros to the cerulean shores of Naxos Island, a place Homer simply called, “Dia” (divine). It was also the legendary home of childhood Zeus before he started throwing thunderbolts around. From Naxos we sail to our favorite super under-the-radar beach town that is nicknamed the Maldives of Greece, home to the purest, turquoise waters in the region and sandy beaches that actually sparkle. Along the way, swimmable caves and abandoned coves are free to explore with a simple jump and splash. While aboard the vessel, our local hosts and captain will be serving local small plates, “mezedes”, such as fresh bread with tzatziki, roasted chickpeas, shrimp, kebabs, fruit, Greek and rossiki salad, souvlaki, ouzo, and wine.
Evening: The evening is yours to continue exploring as you please. Continue your shopping at boutiques for Aegean jewelry that has made its way to the mainland, perfect hand-crafted sandals, or flowy dresses for the trip. Or grab a seat right on the water to enjoy some local favorites for dinner as the waves crash just feet away. Tap into your Eat, Play, Shop guide for inspiration and recs.
Meals included: Breakfast and light lunch/small plates on board
Day 4
Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to a beautiful mountain town with white-washed walls, charming shops, and a quintessential town square and church. This town, though not far away, feels like a little secret without many other visitors.
Afternoon: From there, we’ll head to one of our favorite beach clubs on the island and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the shore. PRO TIP: This beach club served the best taramasalata that we had the whole trip and is a must-order.
Evening: The rest of the day is free. Our local hosts and guides stand ready to point you in the right direction to explore Paros. Your ECT-provided Eat, Play, Shop guide will point you in the right direction to find the best of the local taverns for specialties like grilled octopus, shrimp-filled pastas, and cheeses.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5
Morning: After checking out, we'll take the ferry again to the Island of Tinos, home to one of the highest concentrations in the region of devout Greek Orthodox and strong local food culture steeped in tradition. We’ll be checking into our new boutique hotel, accompanied by stunning gardens, a pool, and spa.
Afternoon: Once we are settled, we will head to a favorite hidden gem on the island for a wine tasting alongside small plates from a nearby taverna. This locally-owned winery is bursting with rustic charm that you won’t find at some of the island's more well-known wineries, and is a great way to dive straight into the island’s famous wine scene.
Evening: The evening is yours. Continue to explore the unique culinary culture by checking out our curated list of restaurants in your Eat, Play, Shop guide. For example, there’s a great seafood spot at the nearby Agios Fokas Beach. PRO TIP: Head here with your crew of new travel friends and order multiple plates of the seafood pasta served on beautiful platters. This aesthetic feast for the eyes looks as good as it tastes. This hidden gem is so good you might just end up there multiple nights in a row.
Meals included: Breakfast and small plates
Day 6
Morning: After breakfast, grab some walking shoes, and a bathing suit to stroll the stone streets of Pyrgos. Pyrgos is one of the world’s most famous places for green and white marble. The town came into a period of affluence during the 18th and 19th centuries when marble working became an international craze, and even to this day, marble experts come to Pyrgos to learn from the best.
Not only is Pyrgos famous for its artisanry, but the town is considered one of the most picturesque in the entire Cyclades Archipelago, surpassing the famed Mykonos. This beauty comes from the natural surroundings, and the sheer amount of pure marble artwork inscribed in nearly every building in the town. Everywhere you look, another carved, marble statue or building edifice contrasts the surrounding rocky hills, and turquoise Aegean waters, making the entire village a work of art.
Afternoon: From Pyrgos, we head to Ktikados where breezy views of the nearby Kionia beach, and Syros Island make for a beautiful backdrop for our local hosts to point you in the right direction for traditional Greek food. Dishes like Spinialo—an old fisherman’s dish made of fouskes marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, seawater—and red wine are served over barley. Tomatokeftedes, fritters made from diced tomato, grated onion and zucchini, oregano, and feta cheese might grace the table as well. Whatever the sea and season bring will be handled with the care that only a strong sense of tradition can provide.
Tinos has roughly forty beaches, and we know the best of them. We’re headed to one of our and the locals’ favorites, complete with grassy umbrellas and personal cabanas, crystal water, coffee shops, beach bars, and chic beachside clubs for those feeling lively. From chill to fiesta, or “komma” (party) in Greek, there’s something for everyone.
Evening: You’re free to wander the island of Tinos. Remember to tap into Eat, Play, Shop guide for inspiration.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7
Morning and Afternoon: Indulge in a glorious free day! You’ve got options. Hit the seas again on a 25-minute ferry for the nearby island of Mykonos, the “Island of the Winds”, where Zeus battled Titans and Hercules battled giants. Or, if the laid-back island of Tinos is feeling more like your style, continue exploring at your own pace.
PRO TIP: Based on feedback from our last trip, we highly recommend staying on Tinos, a true hidden gem, rather than facing Mykonos’ notorious crowds. But no matter which direction you choose, our local hosts and your Eat, Play, Shop guide will provide the best info to delve into the lesser-known sides of the islands.
Evening: Back in Tinos, we’ll be hosting a farewell dinner. We’ll end your time with ECT in Greece with some of the best traditionally-Greek cuisines out there like Savoro, fish marinated and grilled in a sauce of olive oil, oregano, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar, and often served with Petimeze, a purely Tinos creation of grape molasses. Potatoes, grilled zucchini, wonderful cheeses, and spinach might round out the meal along with wine.
Meals included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8
Morning: Say your goodbyes over breakfast before heading to your next stop. Leave Greece inspired by the spirit of Greek beauty experienced over the last few days, and return home feeling renewed by the storied island life of the Aegean.
Our trip ends on Tinos Island. If you are transferring to Athens to go home, or perhaps Dubrovnik, or Istanbul (with ECT guide in hand), you’ll likely have to tack on another night in Athens before your flight the following day to give yourself enough time to take the ferry back.
If you’re island hopping, the ferry awaits.
Whichever way you’re headed, our team is here to help provide information on how to get there.
Meals included: Breakfast