Greece Done Differently
Witness stunning views and sunsets while exploring untouched emerald-green coves and caves.
Done Differently
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. Roam pathways that lead from beach to hilltop to local farms to swim and snack the afternoons away, and witness views and sunsets that are the envy of the world.
About your trip
We made a bold decision to slow things down, sticking to only two main destinations, keeping travel times to a minimum.
There is nothing like a Greek summer on the water and we wanted to honor that. Take a deep dive into the many aspects of the culture and indulge in the beauty of slow travel. Your time in the country is precious, and we designed this trip so that you can spend your time wisely rather than wasting most of it in a car or bus darting between five or six different places.
What’s included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
Boutique hotel accommodations in twin rooms
Transportation from Athens airport to hotel
Transportation throughout the trip
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and more
Experienced local host with you throughout the trip
El Camino’s exclusive Eat, Play, Shop Guide
Not included
Airfare in and out of the country
Mandatory travel insurance
Incidental expenses
Alcohol except where noted
Tips
Ferry back to Athens on the last day
Transportation from Tinos at the end of the trip
Travelers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their journey. If you’d like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process. If you need assistance please contact our Customer Success team.
Itinerary
Flight
☞Please remember to book separately
Day 1
☞Arrival in Athens (ATH) | Welcome dinner at local taverna
Day 2
☞Ferry to Paros | Farm to Table Lunch
Day 3
☞Naxos Island and the Maldives of Greece visit
Day 4
☞Mountain town visit | Relaxing time at the beach club
Day 5
☞Island of Tinos visit | Locally-owned winery experience
Day 6
☞Pyrgos walking tour | Traditional greek food tasting at Ktikados
Day 7
☞Free day | Farewell picnic dinner at sunset
Day 8
☞Depart from Tinos Island
Your Itinerary
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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. Make your way from the airport to the boutique hotel and get acquainted with your accommodations for the night. You’ll meet the rest of the travel group over dinner this evening at one of our favorite hole-in-the-wall tavernas. It will be an introduction to the flavors of Greece with a classic, family-style meal.
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Ferry to Paros
This morning you’ll be heading to the picturesque island of Paros, a low-key island with golden sand beaches and an understated sense of sophistication. Following breakfast, you’ll board a ferry to the island and head straight to Naoussa Bay to a terraced farm that overlooks the sea. Here you’ll enjoy a long, leisurely lunch as the family-owned farm shows off their traditional rustic style of cooking and locally-grown ingredients. After lunch, you'll check into our boutique hotel, which utilizes a striking white palette, with a stunning pool surrounded by gardens. The evening is yours to do as you please.
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Sailing the “Maldives of Greece”
Sunscreen - check! Sun hat - check! Bathing suit - check! Eagerness to go sailing through the “Maldives of Greece” - double-check! Today you'll depart from the windswept shores of Paros to the cerulean shores of Naxos Island. From our own catamaran, you’ll sail to an under-the-radar beach town, making stops along the way to jump in and explore the nearby caves and coves. Soak up the sun rays and enjoy the local small plates served onboard, featuring fresh bread with tzatziki, roasted chickpeas, shrimp, kebabs, fruit, Greek and rossiki salad, souvlaki, ouzo, and wine. Spend the evening relaxing back at the hotel or head out for dinner using your Eat, Play, Shop guide.
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Secret Mountain Town and Shoreline Relaxing
After breakfast at the hotel, you’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. From there, you’ll head to one of our favorite beach clubs on the island and spend the rest of the day relaxing on the shore. The rest of the day is free to do whatever you choose. Our local hosts and guides stand ready to point you in the right direction to explore Paros.
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Wine Tasting on Tinos
After checking out, you'll take the ferry to the Island of Tinos, home to one of the highest concentrations in the region of devout Greek Orthodox and a strong local food culture that’s steeped in tradition. Settle into our new boutique hotel before heading out for wine tasting and 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. Spend the evening exploring as you choose—you might wish to sample some of the island’s best seafood with your travel crew for dinner.
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Pyrgos and Ktikados
Today you’ll be exploring the stone streets of Pyrgos, a town considered one of the most picturesque in the entire Cyclades Archipelago. 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. Take it all in before we move on to the village of Ktikados, where our local hosts will point you in the direction for traditional Greek food. Afterward, you’ll head to a local favorite beach to relax in style.
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Freedom to Roam
After breakfast, you have the full day to indulge in whatever you choose. Hit the seas again for the nearby island of Mykonos, or continue exploring the laid-back island of Tinos. Our local hosts and your Eat, Play, Shop guide will provide the best info to delve into the lesser-known sides of the islands. In the evening, you’ll end your trip with a delicious farewell picnic dinner at sunset. Toast to your trip and reminisce on your highlights with your new friends over some traditional Greek cuisine.
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Until Next Time
Our trip ends on Tinos Island. Say your goodbyes over breakfast before heading to your next stop. Whichever way you’re headed, our team is here to help provide information on how to get there. 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.
Read the full itinerary here.
Accomodations
Please note that every traveler will get their own room at Mr. and Mrs. Smith hotel in Paros. The price of the single upgrade only includes a single upgrade for Apollo Palm Hotel and Lithos Hotel.
be aware that while we have reserved these hotels, there may be rare instances where changes are required due to unforeseen circumstances. In such cases, we will do our best to secure comparable accommodations, but due to timing, availability, and local infrastructure, options may be limited. Rest assured, we’ll do everything possible to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
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In Athens, we’ve chosen Apollo Palm Hotel for its chic design and excellent location in the lively Psirri neighborhood. This boutique hotel features stylish, well-appointed rooms and a modern ambiance, providing a relaxing escape in the heart of the city. Just a short walk from iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, Apollo Palm offers the perfect balance of comfort and accessibility, making it an ideal base for exploring Athens' vibrant culture and history.
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In Paros, we’ve selected Mr. and Mrs. White Hotel for its sleek, Cycladic-inspired design and serene location near the charming village of Naoussa. This boutique hotel blends minimalist luxury with island charm, offering stylish rooms and beautiful outdoor spaces, including a lush garden and pool area.
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Lithos Luxury Suites is nestled in a serene hillside location in Tinos, offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the surrounding landscape. The hotel is conveniently situated just a short walk from the main part of Tinos town, where you can explore local shops, tavernas, and cultural landmarks, while also being close to the island’s beautiful beaches. Its peaceful setting provides a tranquil retreat, yet keeps you within easy reach of the island’s vibrant attractions.
Important Notes
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Kalos irthes stin Ellada! Welcome to Greece! Looking for the nautical, seaside escape of a lifetime? This is for you. Greece has been known for many things. The birthplace of Western Civilization, the home of Democracy, a center of legacy for arts, literature, philosophy, and in recent years—epic beach towns, famous the world over. Despite Greece’s notoriety, there’s still so much untapped potential, and so much exploration remaining. Come with us to the lesser-explored sparkling beaches, rocky shores, and whitewashed villages.
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. Roam pathways that lead from beach to hilltop to local farms to swim and snack the afternoons away, and witness views and sunsets that are the envy of the world. Along the way, savor every moment of the slowed pace of life of the Aegean Islands where tradition perpetually simmers to ensure the flavors and scents of oregano, rosemary, and thyme are perfect at every meal.
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Fly into Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH).
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Please note that El Camino does not handle or monitor flights and is unable to make changes with any airlines. If you need help with your flight search once you reserve your spot, we have a travel advisor that we can recommend who specializes in flights. She can be used at a small fee for those having trouble finding the best option during your flight search or who would like further assistance. She knows all the details regarding our trips and may be able to find better fares and routes than what you can find on your own.
More information will be given post booking on how travelers should work with their travel coordinator if they experience any delays or issues to ensure that we can update our local teams at your destination to arrange an adjusted pickup. If your return/outbound flight is altered at the end of your trip, we will do our best to support your needs.
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This trip is for the traveler who has an adventurous spirit and is looking to get the most out of their time experiencing the culture in Greece. They care about making the world a better place through responsible tourism, are open minded, inherently curious, and enjoy indulging in the moment. This traveler is easy-going and amenable to change in the sometimes unpredictable nature of travel.
This trip is also for a solo traveler who does not want to travel solo, but instead with an interesting group of people and for those who do not want to spend countless hours planning a trip of a lifetime.
Our adventurous style of group travel is not for everyone. Please read carefully through the itinerary and the above description to ensure that you are booking a trip that fits your comfort level.
Please review our Traveler’s Values here prior to booking.
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We are not luxury travel, but we're not budget either. So what exactly does that mean? At El Camino Travel, we're all about the high-low. We enjoy fine dining but we also love street food. We fly coach but you can find us in the airport lounge. We'll splurge on something special like handmade pottery or a one-of-a-kind hand-sewn dress, but we also love searching online for a good deal. We love great style and design, but we also get excited about off-the-beaten-path experiences that are a little rough around the edges. We pride ourselves on designing trips that are authentic and real, understanding that any country is comprised of many lenses and lived experiences and that we can't possibly showcase them all.
This duality can be seen in our trips. Our trips represent boutique travel—not luxury, not budget. We won't be staying at hostels but we won't be at luxury hotels either. We choose boutique hotels where we can prioritize things like location, character, charm, safety, and customer service.
Sometimes we do experiences that feel more high-end. Sometimes we're going *way* off the beaten path to do something entirely unique, and sometimes that means it's a little unpolished. Our traveler is someone who enjoys both ends of the spectrum and understands that one isn't more authentic than the other.
Luxury travel usually means a lot more hand-holding. While we provide a high level of customer service, our traveler is a little more adventurous and self-sufficient. We provide blocks of free time so you have the flexibility to explore the destination your way because we understand that everyone is different. Don’t worry though, we will make sure you are equipped with a curated list of all our favorite places to eat, play, and shop for when you are out on your own with your new travel friends.
For some additional context, a luxury-travel version of our trips would start anywhere from $7,000-12,000. We mix the high-low versions of a destination to keep our trips more accessible.
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Please note that our standard pricing is based on shared double rooms. This allows us, among many things, to keep the cost of the trip accessible to as many travelers as possible. If you’re booking this trip with a friend, family member, or significant other, let us know and we’ll place you together.
Traveling solo? No problem—the majority of our travelers choose to fly solo. We’ll be in touch before the trip to learn a bit about you and find the best fit for a roommate. We will make it a priority to best situate you and we’re happy to chat more in-depth if you have any questions or concerns about this.
Single room upgrades are available! A limited number of single rooms have been reserved. Please select this option at checkout if you’d prefer your own space. If all the single rooms have already been filled, please email us at info@elcamino.travel and we'll let you know if we can secure additional rooms to accommodate a single.
We'll have more details regarding hotels prior to your trip, but we promise we chose these locations because they pass the El Camino standard of customer service and are clean, safe, and well-maintained.
It's important to note that our accommodations are not luxury or high-end. We seek more boutique accommodations that are well-situated and allow us to make the most of our itinerary.
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We have a roster of well-qualified hosts that we work with. Prior to your trip, you will receive a welcome packet that will inform you of who will be guiding your adventure. We proudly work with local hosts because no one is better equipped to provide layer upon layer of context than someone who is actually from there.
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A non-refundable $500 deposit is due at the time of booking. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions for more information about our cancellation policy.
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ECT Members get $250 off.
Current members, click here for more info about your discount. Not a member? Click here to learn more about joining The ECT Membership.
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We encourage travelers to aim to arrive no later than 3 pm on the first day of the trip. This should allow you time to settle in ahead of any welcome activities.
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Our trips are very active, and involve a lot of walking, standing, and moving around—sometimes, in very high temperatures, with high humidity, on uneven roads and terrains, in busy cities. While we work to accommodate all travelers, other modes of transportation are not always available, due to infrastructure, making walking the only option. Travelers should be willing and able to walk anywhere up to 4 miles each day, up and down stairs and hills, and be able to stand for extended periods of time. If you have any concerns or questions about the activity level of this trip, have recently had surgery, or have any history of mobility issues, please reach out to us at info@elcamino.travel before booking—we want to ensure that everyone on our trips is safe, and will able to keep up with the active itinerary. By signing up for any of our trips, you agree to and understand that a certain level of physical fitness is required to safely participate in this itinerary.
What Our Travelers Say
“I have now been on three trips with El Camino - Greece, Colombia (Women Who Travel), and Cuba - all were excellent. Traveling with El Camino makes it easy to travel solo without actually having to be alone. Plus they organize amazing activities and experiences I never would have found on myself. I would recommend!”
—Meghan C.