Nestled between the waters of the Aegean and Ionian seas, Greece’s captivating history and scenic beauty make it a perfect destination for the discerning Nanda traveler. Beginning in the capital of Athens, we’ll journey out to the magnificent islands — exploring the locals Greece, visiting Sifnos and Naxos. Venturing beyond the tourist trail to explore the “real” Greece. 

Enjoy a private locally guided exploration of Athens including The Acropolis & Parthenon. Meet the locals as you enjoy exquisite Greek food, sip Kitron and wine at local Taverna’s in local neighborhoods; Go off the beaten path to explore less touristy, but the largest of the Cyclades, Naxos, and neighboring Sifnos.  Enjoy a local cooking class, sample homemade cheeses, and learn how to make the local specialty liqueur Kitron; Wander narrow alleyways, take in the picture-perfect beaches, whitewashed blue domed buildings, and enjoy some of the most spectacular sunsets you will ever see. Enjoy a farewell dinner, sip on a cocktail, and enjoy a private Greek dance lesson on the beach.

I had an amazing experience. The country was beyond what I thought. It was a beautiful city, islands and the people were kind and friendly. The country was so clean. The food was very good and so much with every meal. Every vendors shop was unique. The honey shop, the distillery, the invisible streets, the pottery, the museum, my fav-The Acropolis. I loved it all. The traveling members were all kind, helpful, and pleasant to be around. I enjoyed each of them and would always desire these travelers to travel on any Nanda journey with me. Great guides and awesome Nanda Journey Nicola and Dominic. I had a blast!! Petrina M - Greece 2023

It was a fabulous trip: well organized; wonderful hotels with great amenities; balance of seeing Greece and having time to relax; all arranged meals were outstanding; travel by bus or ferry went smoothly; saw some wonderful sights, met some wonderful citizens of Greece; and had time to explore, shop, and eat. The travel group was a delight; we had so much in common even though we hadn't met most of them before. We couldn't ask for more! Carol W - Greece 2023

The trip to Greece was wonderful. Everything was planned perfectly and the accommodations were excellent. Denise T - Greece 2023

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Depart from New York and make your way to Greece.

Welcome to Greece. After clearing Immigration and Customs procedures, the group will be met by your Local Guide. Enjoy a city orientation with your guide and enjoy a local lunch in a Greek Taverna.

Transfer to the COCO-MAT Athens a 5-star hotel in the heart of Athens. The birds’ installation that reaches for the skies, the ancient Roman mosaic floor in the lobby, the suites that reflect outstanding hospitality, the soothing lounge, the spa and the breath-taking roof garden with views to the Acropolis and all over Athens. Take some time to relax, unpack and enjoy an early evening dinner (on own).

Overnight: 5 Star COCO-MAT Athens (or similar) Included meals: Lunch

Your local guide leads the way this morning as we spend the day learning about ancient Greek civilization and culture. See Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus, Constitution square called “Syntagma” where the presidential guard, called “Evzonos”, is in front of the Greek parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Panathinaikos stadium that was originally built in 329aC, and where the first Olympics of the modern era in 1896 were held.

After lunch, visit one of the most recognizable sights in Athens: The Acropolis (Greek: “city at the top”).

Return to the hotel to freshen up, before venturing out for a welcome dinner in the local’s neighborhood, Kylespi. Enjoy traditional Greek music, dancing and of course fabulous local food and wine.

Overnight: 5 Star COCO-MAT Athens (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a leisurely start to your day this morning, savor your breakfast, enjoy the views, and enjoy the hotels ample facilities before venturing out for a uniquely immersive cooking class in a local home. As you learn how to cook a traditional dish (which you will also enjoy for lunch) enjoy local Greek music, hear stories of daily life from your friendly hosts and soak up the atmosphere of being in a traditional Greek home with a lovely outdoor courtyard.

As part of the Nanda philosophy is to give back to the local community, we are exploring a social project for us to participate in to support a local NGO, working hard to improve the lives of people who have experienced tough times.

Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring iconic Athens, its unique boutiques, historic neighborhoods, or a host of museums, galleries, cafes, and bars – your local guide will be on hand to provide recommendations and point you in the right direction.

Overnight: 5 Star COCO-MAT Athens (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, transfer to the port of Piraeus to take a ferry to the island of Naxos. Ferries are a main stay of public transport in Greece, especially to navigate the glorious Cyclades Islands in the Aegean. The journey will take approx. 5 hours. And is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the panoramic views, with islands all around and glistening clear blue sea, it’s a journey you won’t forget.

Naxos — a hidden gem of the Islands where Greek tradition and western influence exist harmoniously. It is not as well visited as many other Islands and is a perfect destination to explore the “real” Greece.

Check in to your 5-star Nissaki Hotel on St. Georges beach, yet within walking distance of Naxos town. Facilities include a beachfront restaurant, an outdoor bar, an indoor lobby bar and spacious lounges, a swimming pool with hydro-massage area and pool loungers for your ultimate comfort.

Overnight: Nissaki Beach (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast

Today we will explore why Naxos is among the favorite islands for Greek mainlanders during the summer. Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades, is a whitewashed Greek paradise with a rich cultural history in the heart of the Aegean Sea.

According to mythology, Zeus, the king of gods grew up in Naxos, hidden away from the ferocity of his father.

With your local expert guide, you’ll spend the day exploring the many archeological and historical sites, charming villages, sandy beaches, and picture-perfect locations. Enjoy a cheese and Kitron tasting experience and learn why this island is infamous for these delicacies, made only on Naxos.

Stop for lunch in one of the many quaint villages and enjoy life at a pace that can only be enjoyed on the islands.

Return to the hotel and simply enjoy the evening beachside, or head out to explore Naxos town, with dinner on own.

Overnight: Nissaki Beach (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is yours to relax, enjoy the fine sandy beaches of Naxos and explore at your leisure. Read a book under the shade of the palm trees, take a dip in the pool, or set off on your own Greek island adventure.

Overnight: Nissaki Beach (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, you’ll take another panoramic boat ride to nearby Sifnos (approx. 1.5hrs.)

On arrival we’ll enjoy lunch at a local taverna before checking in to Alexandros Hotel. The complex consists of about 50 rooms built on several levels and scattered in 6 buildings, giving the feeling of being in a small Cycladic village with traditional balconies and terraces awash with the traditional blue white of the Aegean.

Overnight: Alexandros Hotel (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, head out to explore several of Sifnos’ local villages. Artemonas, a real jewel of Sifnos, with its narrow winding walkways and delectable bakeries is sure to take your breath away. Meander to Poulati, a beautifully "wild" location on the east coast of the island with "killers rock" jutting out of the sea. Continue to Kastro, the medieval capital of Sifnos which enjoys a cliff-top location from where you have fantastic panoramic views of the sea.

Enjoy lunch at a local tavern before returning to your hotel.

Overnight: Alexandros Hotel (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Sleep in today, enjoy your beachside hotel, or revisit one of the magical locations you have enjoyed these past few days.

The islands of Greece have much to offer, but to simply relax, be warmed by the sun, and lounge by the pool is also an acceptable past-time! Your guide is on hand to provide recommendations for how you might enjoy your final day on the island, including shopping for local crafts including pottery and patisseries.

EXPLORING agricultural farm visit – TBD

For your farewell party this evening, enjoy a private Greek dancing lesson on the beach, learning several local dances. Join your fellow travelers at a local beachside restaurant for a traditional dinner, paired with wine. Share stories and reminisce about your great Greek adventure.

Overnight: Alexandros Hotel (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart the islands today and travel to Athens for a final look at this magical city. We have allocated some free time so you can revisit your favorite neighborhoods or explore new ones!

Return to the splendid Cocomat BC hotel. Take a dip in the rooftop pool and admire the Acropolis in the distance; shop the many nearby stores for those final souvenirs or wander the many historical neighborhoods. Dinner this evening will be served at the hotel who specialize in cooking home-made fayre reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Greece and Athens.

Overnight: COCO-MAT Athens (or similar) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Your Grecian adventure ends today! Your guide will accompany you to the airport. We hope you have enjoyed your journey.

Included meals: Breakfast

My passion for travel started at a young age through books and became a reality when I studied in Germany, traveled all throughout Europe as a traveler and later as a teacher leader. I am excited to bring this opportunity to travel to Greece to you, please come and join me!

Lori is pictured with her Ireland group where they enjoyed making loca soda bread in a farmhouse. 

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