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Greek Island Hopping in the Cyclades
This two week island hopping journey combines ancient Athens with two of the most iconic islands - cosmopolitan and sophisticated Mykonos and dramatically picturesque Santorini – and for some real switch off time there are lazy days on the fine white sands of Naxos.
Athens & Mykonos
Athens is a city with more than 6,000 years of history and delivers a colourful and vibrant start to your travels. Our privately guided tours will unravel the history of the most iconic sites of Ancient Athens – Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Temple of Poseidon – and you will have plenty of time to explore Plaka and Monastiraki neighbourhoods, where traditional Greek tavernas spill onto the labyrinthine alleys and pedestrianised streets.
The fastest ferries take 4-5 hours to reach Mykonos and you can also fly. Referred to as the St Tropez of the Aegean, the island boasts beaches with powdery white sand, chic bars, elegant restaurants and lively nightlife. Give in to some swanky hedonism for a couple of nights but for a more authentic experience, hire a car or driver on the island and spend a day discovering some almost untouched coves and unspoilt beaches or set sail for nearby Delos Island, one of the most important mythological, historical, and archaeological sites in Greece.
Naxos
Any lingering pre-holiday stress will slip away as the ferry docks at the island of Naxos. Halcyon days – a minimum of five would be our recommendation – await at one of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades, where sandy beaches and calm waters are complemented by an interior of Venetian castles and traditional villages perched on mountain cliffs.
Chora, Naxos’s capital town, is a lively and fun place to be and the remains of Portara, the ancient temple dedicated to god Apollo, provide archaeological interest. Overlooking the town is the Venetian-influenced castle called Kastropoliteia. Meander the narrow, bougainvillea-clad alleys in search of that perfect blue-tabled taverna.
When it comes to beaches Naxos is blessed, our favourites are sheltered Agios Prokopis and Agia Anna or explore lesser-known Little Cyclades by private boat trip. Inland, Naxos has dozens of villages to explore including Apiranthos, Filoti and mountainous Halki, with its well-preserved mansions, lost-in-time streets and rustic tavernas serving patoudo, a local lamb speciality.
Santorini
Final port of call is Santorini, the volcanic island with arguably the finest sunset you’ll ever witness. Such a claim to fame does certainly draw the crowds, particularly to cliff-hugging Oia village where it’s not unusual to find the audience clapping as the sun slides slowly into the Aegean. But there is more to Santorini than its postcard views.
Akrotiri is one of the most important prehistoric settlements of the Aegean and you can taste an excellent drop at one of the island’s local wineries. Santorini took its present form following an epic volcanic explosion thousands of years ago, which left behind the striking Caldera you see today, and you can experience the true magnitude of this dramatic landscape on a private catamaran cruise. Sail the waters of the Caldera, exploring hot springs and private bays, where you can swim or snorkel the inviting waters.
Where Next?
Instead of heading home, continue your Cyclades Island hopping adventure on one of the lesser-explored islands such as tiny Tinos, foodie Folegandros or stunning Sifnos. Talk to us about custom-fitting your itinerary to fit in all your favourite things whether that’s a luxe villa, characterful hotel, cookery classes, yacht charters or ancient ruin tours.
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A Rail of Three Cities…in Italy
Sit back and enjoy the ride with cultural stops in Venice, Florence and Rome, private transfers between cities and stations and some of Italy’s finest hotels to relax in.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
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