RHODES - ATHENS

Day 1 Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the largest and most fertile of the Greek Islands, and is one of the most visited because of its combination of beaches, archaeological sites, and extensive medieval town.

The rock-rose is so prolific here that it has been named the 'Island of Roses,' though modern scholars doubt the ancient theory that the island's name comes from the Greek word for rose. While the northern coast is renowned for its lively tourist resorts the south offers tranquil beaches and a slower, more simple pace of life.

Miles of sandy and pebble beaches, picturesque harbours, a sea of impressive depth, deeply shaded valleys, green mountains, dazzling white villages, archaeological monuments and beautiful ruins from all periods of time are the main hallmarks of this beautiful island. Its capital, the magnificent medieval city of Rhodes, is the capital of the prefecture of the Dodecanese. Rhodes has been proclaimed as a monument of global heritage by UNESCO.

Day 2 Kos

Visitors to Kos naturally tend to focus their attention on its beaches. In addition to those around Kos Town, there are three main resort areas. Kardamena, on the south coast, is very much dominated by package tourism, but Mastihari, on the north coast, and Kamari, in the far southwest, are more appealing. Away from the resorts, the island retains considerable wilderness, with the rugged Dikeos mountains soaring to almost 850m just a few kilometres west of Kos Town.

Day 3 Patmos

In the Greek myths Patmos was referred to as 'Latmos', a sunken mountain which Artemis and Poseidon persuaded Zeus to resurface. You'll be glad they did, for this hourglass-shaped island has no sizeable towns, just the picturesque harbour community of Skala, and labyrinthine village of hillside Hora. Patmos still abounds in barely disturbed bays lined with sand and pebble beaches, lulled by limpid waters and overlooked by pine- and heather-coated hillsides. They say the island's strange energy either embraces or repels you; what will it do for you?

Day 4 Paros

Paros is an island for every one: famous beaches varying from popular and vibrant to secluded, traditional Cycladic architecture, vivid nightlife, enchanting rural villages, and historical monuments.

The two main villages, Parikia and Naoussa, are the heart of the island’s nightlife beats. Full of traditional taverns, luxurious restaurants and sophisticated bars, Parikia and Naoussa overflow with young crowds every night. For tranquility go to traditional villages of Lefkes and Marpissa. 

The island is famous for one thing in particular: its beaches! Huge, sandy, with crystal clear waters and many facilities. Santa Maria, Golden Beach Paros, Punta, and Kolymbithres are some of the most famous beaches in Paros. However, there are also many secluded beaches, for those who seek privacy! 

Paros has also ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to “Meltemi” wind. Every summer it hosts the Professional Windsurfing World Cup.

Historical monuments include most significant early church in the Aegean, the awe-inspiring Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Church of 100 Doors). Or you could climb to the Venetian castle at the port and visit the Byzantine Road at Lefkes.

Day 5 Mykonos

Mykonos is the great glamour island of Greece and flaunts its sizzling St-Tropez-meets-Ibiza style and party-hard reputation. It is the island of modern-day celebrities and not the island of spirits of the past. Sharon Stone and Brad Pitt, Madonna and Mike Jagger, Gina Lollobrigida and Sofia Loren visit quite often– this is a holiday!

Appreciate a fine collection of paintings at the Folklore Museum of Mykonos. It will let you travel through the ages of the island’s history. Watch classic original movies open-air style at Cine Manto. Hop on to see the traditional ways of living of the locals at the village of Ano Mera. There you can observe farming households, restaurants and monasteries. 

Snap a sneaky delightful meal at the best traditional Greek diner, Kiki’s Tavern. Despite being a tavern you will experience incredible level of service. Admire the sea view and dine at either higher class places, or you can choose a unique spot like Farma, Mykonos’ first farm-to-table restaurant. 

Mykonos is the jumping-off point for the archaeological site of the nearby island of Delos.

Day 6 Syros

Sitting in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Syros is a mixture of Cycladic and Venetian architecture. Just imagine whitewashed houses blending with colorful mansions and big churches, surrounded by the Cycladic nature. Dreamy, right? Ideal for families and couples who seek a romantic, yet laid-back holiday destination, Syros has an elegant and nostalgic vibe that enchants every visitor.

Ermoupoli, the capital of Syros island and also the orthodox town of Syros, is an architectural gem! Colorful mansions, neoclassical buildings, imposing orthodox churches and squares, create the most postcard-perfect place in Syros! For a dip into the culture of Ermoupolis, visit the Town Hall building, which was created by Ernst Ziller, Apollo Theater and Pallas cinema.

Taste the famous cheese of Syros, San Mihalis in Ai Mihalis. 

Day 7 Poros

Poros is a green island situated in the Saronic Gulf, 59 km (32 nautical miles) from the Piraeus harbour of Athens. It has an area of 33 km², a shoreline of 42 km, and a population of about 3,650.

In ancient times it was considered the island of Poseidon, God of the Sea. This is evident from various literary references and from the traces of the temple of Poseidon, which are to be found in the middle of the island. The word “Poros” in ancient Greek means a small sea passage. Nothing could describe better the island of Poros, since the closest distance between the island and Galatas on the coast of the Pelopponese is 200 m.

The island is divided in two. Kalavria is the bigger part and Sfairia, which includes the town of Poros, is the smaller part.

This quiet yet cosmopolitan island features lush pine trees, crystal clear beaches, a lively waterfront adorned with shops, cosy cafes and restaurants, a picturesque capital with grand traditional mansions and cobbled streets that has been declared a protected settlement and a wide selection of entertainment venues.

As you approach the island of Poros by boat, the historic clock dominates the view on the hill’s highest peak, encircled by prickly pear and pine trees. Constructed in 1927, it is clearly visible from all angles and is considered the town's main attraction. From the clock, the view of the port and the coastal areas across the passage is magnificent.

Day 8 Athens

While roving the sea, we will do our best to let you immerse into the genuine atmosphere of marine travel.

Do not miss: Acropolis, Roman Agora and the Ancient Agora, Theatre of Dionysus, Plaka district, Hellenic Parliament Building to watch the ceremonial change of guards, National Archaeological Museum, Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, National Gardens and Psirri area.

Myth:

The Golden City of Pericles. City of the goddess Athena. Birthplace of democracy and cradle of Western Civilization. Prime image of classical ancient Greece. Homeland of gods and goddesses, scholars and philosophers, athletes and musicians.