Athens, Paros & Naxos Adventure
The ancient capital of Athens, then 2 of the magical Greek Isles: Paros & Naxos; travel independently with flights, hotel & ferry included.
Overview
Style | Independent PackageThese un-escorted packages have no set schedule or guides, so you have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own from your centrally-located hotel. More of these packages
Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted |
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Departures | May – October 2025 | ||
Activity Level | Easy | ||
What to Expect | This leisurely-paced, independent tour requires minimal walking and is suitable for most levels of physical fitness. This tour does not include a tour guide or escort. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. |
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Discover the magic of Athens and the Greek Isles of Paros and Naxos. This tour is designed for the independent traveler that loves to spend their days exploring the ancient secrets of the Greek islands, or basking on the sun-splashed Mediterranean beaches. Spend the evenings dining, dancing and enjoying everything the islands have to offer.
Spend two nights in Athens, stepping back in time as you explore the magnificent ancient ruins. Then, set off across the sparkling sea to start your Greek island hopping adventure. The first stop is the stunning island of Paros, adorned with whitewashed buildings connected by winding footpaths, neoclassical mansions, and postcard-worthy beaches. Board a high speed ferry and journey to the next island: Naxos. Stroll through the winding stone alleys and narrow arched alleys, admiring a variety of castles, temples, churches and archaeological sites that call the island home.
Package includes
- Flights
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Round trip flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) via scheduled carriers, including taxes & fees, with other gateways available on request
- 8 nights in Deluxe and Superior First Class hotels
- 8 breakfasts
- Athens City Tour
- All transfers
- Ferries between Athens, Paros and Naxos
- Flight from Naxos to Athens
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional tour of Cape Sounion
- Hotel upgrades in Paros & Naxos
Why you'll love it
- Witness the Acropolis with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion.
- Visit the new Acropolis Museum, a marvel of architecture with a full exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens.
- Join an optional excursion to Cape Sounion and learn about the rich history of this area as you take in stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
- Discover the whitewashed Cycladic villages connected by well-preserved Byzantine footpaths, the Venetian castles, neoclassical mansions, and pristine beaches of Paros.
- Spend two days exploring Naxos, the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Athens
- 3 Athens
- Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion, $55
- 4 Athens & Paros
- 5 Paros
- 6 Paros
- 7 Paros & Naxos
- 8 Naxos
- 9 Naxos & Athens
- 10 Depart Athens
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Check in for your overnight flight to Athens, Greece
Day 2 Athens
- Arrive in Athens, Greece, where you'll be met and escorted to your hotel
- Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar
Full Day ItineraryArrive today in Athens. Our representative will meet you and then escort you to your hotel, centrally located near Constitution Square and the famous Plaka (Old Town). Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization, once hailed as the Paris of the Mediterranean, is now a bustling modern city, a colorful tapestry of Eastern and Western influences, full of outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets, parks and gardens, street bazaars, dilapidated mansions, and ancient ruins.
Day 3 Athens
- Enjoy a half day of sightseeing in Athens
- Spend the afternoon exploring the city independently, or join an optional excursion
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryWitness the striking contrast between breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and elegant modern structures during your tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis, the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens.
Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, the University, and the National Library. Conclude your tour with a visit to the new Acropolis Museum, a marvel of architecture with an entire exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens.
This afternoon, explore Athens on your own, or join an optional excursion.
Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion, $55Drive along the coastal road past countless coves and the beautiful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza to Cape Sounion. Dominated by the spectacular Temple of Poseidon, the sanctuary at Sounion is one of Attica's most important archaeological sites. Although evidence suggests that the site dates back to the prehistoric period, the sanctuary is first mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, where Menelaos stopped during his return from Troy to bury his helmsman, Phrontes Onetorides. Learn about this area's rich history as you take in stunning views of the Aegean on this fascinating optional excursion.
Day 4 Athens & Paros
- Transfer via high speed ferry to Paros
- Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to explore Paros
Sunset View Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, transfer to the port of Piraeus to board a high-speed ferry to the island of Paros. The island is famous for its glowing white marble, which Praxiteles used in sculptures such as the Venus de Milo. The island is pastoral and hilly, where almost every summit seems to have a private monastery. The Byzantine church complex Panagia Ekatontapiliani (referred to as the church with 100 doors) or Panagia Katapoliani, dates back to 324AD and was founded by Saint Helen, the mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great during her journey to the Holy Land.
Full Day ItinerarySpend two days independently enjoying the island of Paros. Discover the traditional whitewashed Cycladic villages connected by well-preserved Byzantine footpaths, the Venetian castles and neoclassical mansions, and the spectacular beaches. Go for a swim, explore by kayak, or visit the nearby island of Antiparos.
Day 7 Paros & Naxos
- Transfer via high speed ferry to Naxos
- Spend the balance of the day exploring Naxos at leisure
Kavuras Village Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryToday, transfer to the port of Paros to board a high-speed ferry to the gorgeous island of Naxos, the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades. Its high mountains and lush, fertile valleys are dotted with charming traditional villages. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Full Day ItineraryYou'll have a day and a half to enjoy the island of Naxos independently. Stroll through the town of Naxos, also known as Chora, with its winding stone and narrow arched alleys. Admire the Portara, the magnificent marble gate still standing as testimony to the grandeur of the Temple of Apollo, built in the 6th century B.C.E., and perhaps the most recognizable landmark of Naxos. Be amazed by the ancient stone castle of Kastro. Explore the numerous castles, temples, churches, and archaeological sites dotting the island. Or, if you prefer, relax on the beach at Plaka or Agios Prokopios or go scuba diving and admire the reefs and shipwrecks below the surface.
Day 9 Naxos & Athens
- Explore Naxos at your own pace
- In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens
Holiday Inn Attica Athens or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItinerarySpend the day at leisure in Naxos. In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Then, use the airport shuttle to transfer to your hotel.
Day 10 Depart Athens
- Return to the airport via hotel shuttle
- Bid farewell to Greece as you board your flight home
- Arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
- What should I know about Greece? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.