Off-the-beaten-path Greek island paradise... Naxos is an authentic Greek island in the Cyclades away from the masses of tourists. It is the perfect mix of sandy beaches, crystal clear stunning turquoise waters, olive groves, mountains, and local traditions. Naxos is also Zeus’s childhood home and boasts wonderful Greek food as well as amazing hospitality!
Just a ferry ride away: Naxos is just a short ferry ride away from some of the more popular islands of the Cyclades such as Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini.
See what few tourists get to see: Take a tour of the interior of Naxos which most visitors skip over. Take in the charming Greek villages and majestic mountain ranges on the Cyclades' largest island.
Boat life!: Channel your inner James Bond as you speed around in a boat to the idyllic village of Naousa on Paros and the picture-perfect beaches in and around Naxos.
9 nights accommodation in a boutique hotel
Local Greek guides and concierge
Globe Drifters leader
Airport/Ferry pick-up from Naxos
Breakfast served daily, Welcome dinner and drinks, 3 lunches
As noted on the itinerary
Most dinners & lunches
And excursions
And/or ferries
Welcome to Greece! Arrive at your charming boutique hotel in Naxos, just a 10-minute walk from the beach and the chora (downtown). Your trip leader will be waiting for you and will show you to your room. There will be welcome drinks and hors d'oeuvres waiting for you upon your arrival. You have the rest of the day to explore your new home.
Later that evening, there will be a welcome dinner. It will be Greek-style and served at the hotel as you get to know your fellow travelers.
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Get ready to explore Naxos, an island that is steeped in culture and history. This is the only island in the Cyclades that has suitable land to grow crops. Thus, it has been fought over for centuries and you'll learn about the island's rich yet somewhat troubling past.
There will be a private guided tour around the island starting with Demeter's Temple which dates all the way back to the 6th century BC, built 50 years prior to the Parthenon! Next up is the small village of Chalki where you'll have the chance to see how kitron, a traditional citron liqueur, is produced and visit a distillery that is over a century old. You will also have some free time to shop and explore this quaint mountain village.
Next, there will be a stop in Apeiranthos for a delicious lunch and then, onward to an old olive mill where you’ll be able to see the traditional process of how olive oil is made. For the shoppers, there is a fabulous shop attached selling products made from local olive oil and goat's milk.
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Set sail in a private catamaran for an incredible experience. Visit hidden coves, secluded beaches, and much more! You can swim, snorkel, or just lounge around on the deck as you enjoy the breathtaking coastlines of Naxos and Paros.
Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch prepared with local products accompanied by cold refreshments, beer, raki, and wine free of charge on board the boat. Homemade cookies, appetizers, and fruit salads will also be available during the trip.
After your day at sea, you have the evening to spend free. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and take in the wonderful Greek air or pop in at one of the numerous cafes or restaurants in town.
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You have the morning free to explore Naxos at your own pace and after lunchtime, hop in a speed boat toward the whitewashed village of Naousa on Paros Island. Naousa is full of narrow cobbled streets with boutiques, cafes, and bistros; great for some retail therapy. If you're not a shopper, just walking through the maze of cute little streets is a great way to spend the day and there's a photo op around every corner!
Head back to Naxos in time for a breathtaking sunset as you glide across the crystal blue waters of the South Aegean Sea.
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Try not to fill up at breakfast this morning because afterward, you'll be preparing a filling Greek feast. Head to a traditional village on the north side of the island to spend the morning with a lovely family, visit and learn about their farm, and pick fresh produce for a cooking class. Then, enjoy a hands-on private culinary experience as you cook and eat your way through some of Naxos' specialties.
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All remaining days are completely free to do as you wish. You can choose to relax by the hotel with a glass of wine or explore some more.
We highly suggest taking a day trip to Santorini, Mykonos, or Ios. Or maybe you prefer to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover more of Naxos. Wander around the pristine narrow streets and check out the local boutiques to pick up some souvenirs.
Your trip leader will be there to assist you with any arrangements and she will have optional excursions to sign up for.
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Say farewell to Naxos and your new friends. Today is the last day of your slowcation. We hope to see you on one of our next adventures!
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*Itinerary is subject to change.
