ITINERARY | HIGHLIGHTS | WEATHER | ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFO

Greece 2008

Naxos, the 'Green Island' of the Cyclades

A Guided Walking Holiday Discovering Hidden Naxos
This holiday on Naxos is about discovering the very essence of a perfect Greek island, at its seasonal best in spring, early summer or autumn. Naxos has the ideal mix of spectacular scenery, fabulous beaches, and fascinating mythology and history. This holiday is a restorative balance of healthy exercise, insights into history, culture and wildlife, relaxation, and enjoying the local food and wine.
The guided walks take you to the island's most beautiful landscapes and displays of wild flowers, to its mythological and archaeological treasures, to deserted beaches and the best traditional tavernas.
Naxos is the land of plenty in the Cycladic island group, and self-sufficient in many of its foodstuffs. Broad, verdant valleys are ringed by dramatic mountains, and all-around is the island-studded Aegean Sea.

Please note that it is also possible to make this a 9 night holiday, with an additional two nights in Athens before the start of the programme on Naxos, to include a written self-guided tour around the Acropolis. It can also be combined with a week on the island of Tinos

PRICE

Ł595.00 per person (excluding transport to/from Naxos).
Single supplement: Ł45
Ł630.00 per person including two nights in Athens.

INCLUDED

8 days/7 nights in attractive studio-apartments
Guided walking tours with one or two well-informed leaders, and cultural activities as mentioned in the programme
Entrance fees to all museums and archeological sites on the organised walks on Naxos
Half board (breakfasts and picnic/taverna lunches, including wine, beer, soft drinks within 8 day programme) except on free day.
All transfers from the port or airport of Naxos to the hotel on the island.
All transfers on walks, by private bus and/or taxis
Written self-guided tour to Naxos town
Two nights accommodation in Athens on 9 night option, with written self-guided tour around Acropolis

NOT INCLUDED

Flights, anything not specifically mentioned in programme

Departure dates 2008:

April 13 - 20
May 11 - 18
September 14 - 21
September 28 - October 5

To book email: walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353

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ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel to Naxos. You will be met at the port or airport and taken to your hotel close to the beach at Mikri Vigla to relax and settle in.
Evening: Welcome Dinner

Day 2: From Agia Marina to the splendid Venetian tower/monastery of Fotodotis. Follow the contour lines where the land plunges down over fields and terraces to the sea, and mule tracks lead to the marble village of Apeiranthos. We lunch at a taverna in the village, then visit the idiosyncratic local museums, before returning to one of our exquisite local beaches for a swim.

Day 3: From a tiny mountainside village, past graves from the Geometric period (around the 9th-8th century BC) we climb to an ancient castle for a 360-degree view of Naxos' wide central valleys, and the islands of the Aegean beyond. We continue along lavender-scented paths to a shaded valley where tiger moths hover over a rushing stream. Picnic lunch near the luscious Paradise Garden, and a massive kouros statue, still in the spot where it was being carved some 2,500 years ago.

Day 4: Start at Engares village, overlooking a broad valley of bamboo and orchards; walk along a windmill-lined valley, where gladioli grow, overlooked by a chapel and mountain where DIonysos was said to have been born. Picnic by fairytale pools, home to crabs and turtles. Return along a high path overlooking the coast, passing abandoned mills and a ruined Venetian tower house.

Day 5: Free day: We take you to Naxos town, where you can follow our written guided tour at your own pace, or just wander around the harbour, shops, and local beaches. Alternatively, in the warmer months, you may choose to take relaxing cruise to the neighbouring Cycladic islands.

Day 6: To an ancient temple where, ringed by mountains, the first signs of Classical architecture can be seen; then along a valley where eagles wheel to cave chapel, and along a mule track carved into the rock to a traditional olive press. Finally, to Halki, a picturesque village at the heart of the island, for lunch in a tiny square shaded by trellised vines.

Day 7: Climb to the summit of Mount Zas (1,001m/3,285 ft) the highest point in the Cyclades, to look across the island. Descend past the cave where, they say, Zeus grew up. Then down to the Aria Spring for some cool mountain water and a picnic lunch, before returning to a perfect crescent of sandy beach for a swim. Evening: Farewell Dinner

Day 8: Travel home

DIFFICULTY OF WALK
This holiday is classed as moderate: a sound basic fitness level and a pair of worn-in hiking boots are required. Some stretches are easy, and there are difficult options for the more adventurous. You should be relaxed about walking 8-15km, or for an average of 4.5 hours per day, and able to cope with the occasional stretch of steep, rocky terrain. The routes are mainly along stony paths and tracks, and for short distances along metalled roads.
Each walk incorporates a site of mythological, archaeological or cultural interest, and an insight into the island's natural history.
Every day there are opportunities to swim on beautiful, unspoilt, and often deserted beaches with crystal clear water and excellent snorkelling, either en route or at the end of walking day.
The programme is subject to some change according to the season.

GROUP SIZE

Small groups (minimum size 6 people)

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HIGHLIGHTS

Wild anemones, cyclamen and crocus…the Naxos lizard, Agama stellio; deserted beaches and 'sights', and a gentle climate, out of the main tourist season; fresh, simple, traditional food…thick yoghurt with fresh fruit, local wines and cheeses.

WEATHER

Click here to view the weather forecast
Link courtesy of uk met office

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ACCOMMODATION & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATION

Modern, whitewashed Greek villa with studio apartments, with swimming pool and bar, and 100m from a lovely beach. Each of the spacious, simply furnished rooms has its own secluded balcony, kitchenette and en-suite bathroom. Beds and towels are changed, and rooms are cleaned daily.

GETTING THERE

Guests make their own travel arrangements to the new international airport in Athens, to which there are several daily flights. They can then transfer, from the same airport, to a domestic flight (45 minutes) for Naxos, or taxi/bus to central Athens and the Port of Piraeus to catch a high-speed (3 1/2 hours) or standard ferry (6 hours).

WHAT TO TAKE:

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), day pack, swimming costume, towel, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream; torch; small first-aid kit. Light waterproof jacket, light fleece or warm jumper; comfortable walking clothes plus long-sleeved cotton shirt; casual, light clothes for the evenings.

WHEN TO GO

see dates above

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.

To book, contact worldwalks at:
email:walking@star.co.uk
T: (44) (0)1242 254353