In the heart of the Aegean Sea lies a trio of islands, each adorned with its own unique charm and allure. Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, boasts neoclassical elegance and a rich cultural tapestry. Paros, with its golden beaches and picturesque villages, invites relaxation amidst Cycladic beauty. Mykonos, the epitome of cosmopolitan chic, dazzles with its vibrant nightlife and pristine shores.
But this journey is more than just a hop from island to island; it’s a passage through a world where time seems to stand still and the sun dances on the azure waves. From the labyrinthine streets of Ermoupoli in Syros to the breathtaking vistas of Naoussa in Paros, from the iconic windmills of Mykonos to the secluded coves of its coastline, each destination offers a glimpse into the soul of the Cyclades.
Here is an amazing itinerary suggested by White Cube Travel – Travel Agency Greece
DAY 1 – Welcome to Athens
Welcome to Greece! One of the world’s oldest cities, the birthplace of Democracy, Arts, Science and Philosophy of the Western Civilization.
Upon your arrival you will be greeted by your very own private Chauffer who will whisk you away to your preferred luxury hotel of choice in the city centre where you will spend the first night of your epic Greek Holiday with White Cube.
The centre of Athens has plenty to offer. The city center isn’t just the commercial centre but also an ideal area to wander around. You will chance upon numerous archaeological sites, artisans, quirky cafés and bars and plenty of incredible Greek souvenirs and artifacts as you explore the areas of Plaka, Psirri and Monastiraki.
If you feel that you would like a bit of guidance in order to take on this incredible city, you may opt for the option of an Athens orientation tour which will be available to you.
Alternatively, if you wish to relax you may rest in your luxury hotel or take a short relaxing walk along the cobblestoned streets of your neighborhood, exploring and discovering at your own pace or enjoy a delicious meal of Greek delicacies in one of the many tavernas located in your area.
DAY 2 – Welcome to Syros
Today is the day you head off to Syros, the capital of the Cyclades. A short flight or a high-speed ferry ride away, Syros is sure to enchant you will all that it has to offer. Syros lies in the heart of the Aegean Sea and is world renowned for its rich cultural traditions as well its unique combination of Cycladic and Venetian architecture. Think, whitewashed houses, colourful venetian mansions, bright bougainvillea all with the backdrop of the sublime blue Aegean Sea!
Once you settle into your boutique hotel, we recommend a walk in the neighbourhood of Hermoupolis, an area dedicated to the Greek God Hermes, where neoclassical buildings, cobblestoned streets drenched in colourful bougainvillea, lively tavernas and cafes with live music all surround the central square and guarantee an experience that will stimulate all your senses.
End your day with a delicious meal of local delicacies at any of Syros’ traditional tavernas, accompanied by Ouzo, while the sound of the sea or local music lulls you into the easy laidback Syros way of life.
DAY 3 – Discover Syros
After a delicious breakfast at your luxury hotel, you will be met by your local guide to be chauffer-driven tour of this incredible island!
First stop is the Magnificent Orthodox Cathedral of St.Nicholas which took 22 years to build and is strategically located in the centre of Hermoupolis. This church was designed by the famous Greek architect G.Metaxas, and was personally approved by King Otto, the Bavarian prince who ruled Greece in 1832. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of seafarers and was of prime importance as Syros used to be the biggest commercial port of Greece in the early 19th century. The Church itself is an architectural wonder with a marble bell tower, an imposing marble staircase, iconic columns, sculptured decorations and icons created by some of the best hagiographers of that time.
A stone’s throw from here you will see the famous Apollo Theatre, an emblem of the islands cultural heritage. It was created in 1864 by the Italian architect Pietro Sampo, inspired by la scala di Milano and is definitely worth a visit.
Next up, the historic Miaoulis Square, where you find the town hall built by Ernst Ziller with an impressive staircase leading to an awe-inspiring space with hand painted ceilings, where cultural events are hosted to this very day. The area around the square is an ideal choice for a little exploratory walk with quaint cafes surrounded by the raw natural beauty of Syros.
Now we head to the Church of Dormition of Mary, the second oldest church on the island, a three-aisled basilica with impressive architecture and decoration. Here you will find the majestic and authentic icon of The Dormition of The Virgin, painted by Dominikos Theotokopoulos – better known as El Greco.
A short drive away, is the beautiful Venetian settlement of Ano Syros, the catholic centre of the island perched on a little hill. This settlement was built amphitheatrically to protect it from enemies, with stone walls, narrow streets and two storied houses with delightful little wooden balconies. The unique combination of Cycladic architecture with medieval influence is most charming and it is delightful to wander around this area. At the highest point of Ano Syros stands the Catholic Cathedral of St.George. Ano Syros is the birthplace of Rebetiko, a popular genre of music brought by the refugees of Asia Minor, popularly described as the ‘Greek Blues”. There is a museum dedicated to the master of Rebetiko, Markos Vamvakaris, displaying his personal effects and records, which is well worth a visit.
Finally we end the day by heading to the spectacular coastline of Syros where you may enjoy a delicious traditional Greek meal at one of Syros’ many seaside tavernas, surrounded by the Aegean blue, as sea breeze caresses your face and the peaceful sound of the waves lapping fills your ears.
DAY 4 – Explore Syros’ local flavours.
Today is your last day in Syros, a perfect day to explore some of Syros’ numerous spectacular beaches.
Alternatively, you may continue exploring the island of Syros. May we suggest a few of Syros’ local gastronomic delicacies for you to try? It would be our pleasure to direct you to visit an artisan shop of the famed ‘Loukoumi’, the traditional desert of Syros. A few simple ingredients of water, starch and sugar combined with delicate local flavours or rose, almond, mastiha and many more are used to create this local delicacy. With over 20 flavours to choose from you are sure to find some that tickle your plate into an explosion of delight.
Next we recommend that you try the local spirit ‘Tsipouro’. We will take you to a traditional distillery where you can sample it and learn about the traditional method of processing this delicate but potent liquor which is a specialty of this island.
A visit at a local winery is next, here you will have a chance to witness the process of production of Syros’ local wine varieties. These vineyards are surrounded by local herbs, rosemary, lavender, thyme and sage which lends its fragrant notes to the local wine, a truly sublime experience.
Finally, a visit to Syros would not be complete without trying the local cheeses of which ‘San Michalis’ is the most popular for its unique and intense flavour.
DAY 5 – Welcome to Paros
Today it is time to move on to the next amazing destination of your holiday. You will board a short ferry ride to the island of Paros, an island in the central Aegean Sea, historically famous for its abundance of fine white marble. Paros is an island rich in history and of great natural beauty. With 120km’s of coastline Paros has numerous white-sand beaches. Being one of the larger islands in the Cyclades it also has verdant mountainous landscape with clifftop villages galore to explore. It offers you a unique mix of traditional Cycladic architecture, vivid nightlife, magical beaches, enchanting rural villages and historical monuments. It is a popular island that has something for everyone and is just waiting to be discovered by you!
DAY 6 – Gastronomic Experience of Paros
There is no better way to fully immerse yourself in the culture of any wonderful location that to discover it through food! Today we invite you to a gastronomic adventure that is sure to tantalize your senses and leave with a wealth of knowledge about the local delicacies of Paros and their traditional methods of preparation.
You will be chauffer-driven to a local taverna where you will be greeted by the local chef in station and a delicious aperitif and a choice of Greek ‘meze’ or small dishes made with local ingredients sourced and grown in the rich fertile soil of Paros. The local Chef will speak to you about the specialty ingredients of Paros and the staples of Greek cuisine. You will be introduced to the local herbs, local meats, cheeses, fresh ripe produce and specialty Greek olive oil. You will learn the basics of how to prepare a traditional Greek meal with simple easy to follow recipes that allow your ingredients to shine. You will help cook your own meal and as it is being prepared you can sit back and relax with an aperitif, before you dig in and enjoy the fruits of your labour! You will leave with a recipe booklet to take a little bit of Greece back to your homeland. We are sure you will enjoy this incredible experience and that you will leave with a full heart and belly!
DAY 7 – Paros Cruise adventure
Today you have the chance to explore the beautiful beaches of Paros on a curated cruise. The famed catamaran boat trip will take you on a wild ride to explore the Aegean blue! You will depart from the port of Parokia with a well experienced crew aboard a fully kitted out yatch. The full itinerary will be presented to you as you sip on a welcome drink. You will be taken to four incredible beaches where you can swim and snorkel to your hearts content in some stunning beaches around Paros such as The Blue Lagoon, Despotiko Island and Faneromenis beach. Get ready to be blown away by the natural wild beauty that you will soon encounter. Finally you will enjoy a sublime sunset as you head back to the port of Parokia, we guarantee you a blissful experience!
DAY 8 – Welcome to Mykonos
Today you will travel to the incredibly cosmopolitan island of Mykonos by a high speed ferry. You will be greeted by a representative of your luxury hotel of choice and chauffeured to your hotel. Once you settle into your luxury hotel, the day is yours to seize!
Mykonos has everything that one could possibly want on offer. Spend the day lazing in paradise on one of Mykonos’ stunning beaches or beachclubs. Or if it’s culture you’re after there is plenty to choose from.
The town of Mykonos itself is stunning with its signature breathtaking Cycladic architecture and narrow cobblestoned streets of “Mattogyianna’ are just waiting to be explored. There is also the area of ‘Little Venice” with its 18th century Venetian style buildings right on the seafront with colourful wooden balconies above the sea – a breathtaking sight and an ideal place to chill out on a seafront bar sipping on cocktails while the sea breeze caresses you and the peaceful sound of the waves lapping fills your ears.
Both these locations are in the ‘Chora’ or centre of town, which is very picturesque with bars, cafés, lovely boutique stores with local craft and jewellery as well as a wide choice of apparel and souvenirs.
In the evening you may enjoy a gourmet dinner or traditional Mykonian mezes accompanied by Greek ouzo by the sea in one of Mykonos’ numerous amazing restaurants.
And, of course if night life is what you’re looking for, you’re in the right place – Mykonos has unlimited choices for you! Whatever your heart, or dancing feet, desire you will be sure to find.
DAY 9 – Delos Island Tour
Rise and Shine- you’re in Mykonos, there are adventures to be had today! After a delicious breakfast, you will be met at your hotel lobby by your private guide to start your adventure to the island of Delos. The island of Delos located near the centre of the Cyclades archipelago and is one of the most important mythological, historical archaeological sites in Greece. Delos is of great significance as it is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It is also believed that on the horizon viewed from its sacred harbour, one may see 3 conical mounds that are sacred to the Goddess Athena. You will visit the small sacred lake, the ancient Agora, the ruins of the marbled theatre and the Temple of the Delians as well as several market squares, colossal statues and ancient living quarters.
DAY 10 – Mykonos day at leisure
Enjoy your last day in Mykonos at you own leisure. Visit one of the famous
beachclubs or continue exploring the Mykonian gems at your own pace. The day is yours to enjoy as you please!
Alternatively, you may take a cruise to the wonderful island of Rhenia You will be picked up by our complimentary shuttle transportation to reach the embarkation point. You will be met and greeted by our cruise representative who will fill you in on the days adventures. Soon you will be off to Rhenia Island, located a few miles southwest of Mykonos.
As you sail, you will be stunned by the various shades of blue of the Aegean Sea and view incredible landscapes and scenery from the comfort of your seat. You may sunbathe on the deck or spend your time being enchanted by the sublime beauty of your surroundings!
Soon we will reach the spectacular uninhabited island of Rhenia where we will drop anchor so you may make your way to the golden sandy beach with crystal clear waters. There will be a light lunch cooked onboard with local ingredients and complimentary drinks to make your experience complete!
DAY 11 – Welcome to Athens – Acropolis Site & Acropolis Museum Tour
Board a short flight back to Athens, where you’ll enjoy the last memorable day of your Greek experience with White Cube. The best way to end your epic trip with us is to visit the most Iconic archaeological site of Athens – The Acropolis, and the Acropolis Museum.
The rich, deep-rooted history of Greece has been preserved in the form of several iconic monuments and museums across the country. The most important of all is the Acropolis of Athens – a Citadel built atop a massive hill. It comprises of the ruins of several historic buildings including the Parthenon, A white marble temple built between 447 and 432BC (making it 2,406 years old), dedicated to the Greek Goddess, Athena.
Next we will take you to the new Acropolis Museum where nearly 4000 artifacts are on display, providing you with a valuable insight into the everyday life of Ancient Greece.
Finally we recommend that you dine at one of the many traditional tavernas in and around the area overlooking the Acropolis, as you prepare to bid goodbye to Greece.
DAY 12 – Athens Departure Day
It is now time to say goodbye to Greece. We hope you have had the holiday of your dreams! You will be met by a chauffeur who will drive you to Athens international airport where you will board your flight home fully relaxed and rejuvenated and filled with rich memories of your time in Greece.
As you embark on this odyssey, prepare to be enchanted by the whitewashed architecture, the turquoise waters, and the warm hospitality that defines these islands. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on sun-drenched beaches, adventure in crystal-clear waters, or a taste of vibrant island life, Syros, Paros, and Mykonos offer something for every traveler.
So pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and set sail for a journey that promises to awaken your senses and nourish your soul. From the timeless beauty of Syros to the laid-back charm of Paros and the effervescent energy of Mykonos, the Cyclades await, ready to fulfill your every dream of island paradise.
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