Greek Island Hopping Adventure for Women

Kayak, swim, hike, and explore beautiful Greek Islands with women like you!

The Greek Islands stimulate the imagination and heal the soul with their incomparable beauty, mythical stories, and warm hospitality. They are cosmopolitan or ‘off the beaten path’ with vibrant blue waters, whitewashed houses, warm-hearted people, and fascinating local traditions of a centuries-old and multifaceted civilization. Beginning in iconic Athens and ending in picturesque Santorini, eight days spent hiking blue-domed, white-walled, beautiful Greece makes for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. This trip takes us through historic sites, whitewashed villages and hiking views worthy of the mythical goddesses! This exciting tour is as much a treat for the senses as it is soul food for the adventure enthusiast. This island-hopping experience moves from Athens to Santorini, with lesser-known island gems Naxos and Tinos in between, comprising a perfectly designed journey through some of the most remarkable highlights of Greece.  Join us on this bucket list adventure!

Greek Island Hopper Activities at a Glance

“On each trip I’ve shared with you I’ve watched as the women you gather together become a community and learn to love, share and become more tolerant and accepting of the differences in the world.”
— Lou, Vancouver

Greek Island Hopper Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in glorious Athens by 3pm (or choose to arrive the day before so you are rested and ready for your amazing adventure.) We transfer to our accommodations, located near a charming historic district at the foot of the Acropolis. Early this evening we meet in the hotel lobby for introductions, followed by a short walking tour of the city’s oldest neighborhood, Plaka. Its narrow lanes and stepped alleys, little squares with small churches, lively shops, cafes and grand neoclassical-style houses are delightful and impressive. Dinner is at a traditional Greek tavern serving family-style meals with fresh Greek produce. Overnight Athens. D

Day 2

After our mighty Greek breakfast, we will visit the Parthenon, a temple on the Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Parthenon is located on the top of the Acropolis hill, created between 447 and 432 B.C., at the time of the Pericles golden age. It is considered to be one of the most significant monuments in the world. We will also visit the New Acropolis Museum built to house the vast exhibits that were found during the excavations in the Acropolis ,and who were too many to fit in the former small Acropolis Museum. We’ll enjoy our lunch here on its beautiful terrace. We transfer to the Rafina port and travel by high-speed catamaran to the island of Tinos, beginning our island hopping adventure! Overnight Tinos island. B, L, D

“This may have been my first trip with Canyon Calling but it certainly won’t be my last. Why did I wait so long? I will cherish these memories and all the friends we met along the way.”
— Jan N.

Day 3

After breakfast, our hike starts in Volax, a village noted for its unique round boulders. We follow a winding path downhill to the village of Koumaros, known for its old fountains and medieval arches. In Xombourgo we are welcomed into a traditional Greek home with an aperitif of Tinian raki, a spirit distilled from wine. Our host Nicoletta (a lovely Greek lady) will provide a lesson in preparing a lunch of local specialties. We dine together, sharing stories of family and island living. Our hike ends in Chora (Tinos Town), and there is free time to rest and/or explore before dinner. Dinner is at a local tavern. Opa! Overnight Tinos island,  B, L, D

Hiking: 5.5 miles, 3.5 hours; elevation gain 660’/loss 1,667′

Day 4

After breakfast today, our Greek Island Hopping adventure takes us from Tinos to Naxos island, the largest and most fertile one of the Cyclades. This afternoon’s hike begins in the backyard of a local family’s cottage house at the site of the “Kouros of Melanes” statue. We then follow the footpath to the village of Ano Potamia before we pass Apano Kastro , towards the villages of Tsikalario and Halki. We complete our hike with a visit to a small distillery that produces Kitron, the specialty liquor of Naxos. The remainder of the afternoon is free for swimming or an optional visit to the old part of Naxos town for shopping. Overnight Naxos island. B, L, D

Hiking: 4.3 miles, 4 hours; elevation gain 912’/loss 658′

Day 5

After breakfast, our hikes today include views worthy of the Goddesses! The little chapel at Santa Marina is the start of today’s hike to the summit of Mount Zas (Mount Zeus). This is the highest point in the Cyclades at 3,290’, and the views are truly worthy. According to Greek mythology, Zeus was raised in a cave on this particular mountain. The trail starts as a dirt path and becomes a stone walkway with large limestone rocks to step around and over. After raising our water bottles to toast our successful summit and taking in the views, we head back down the trail to the chapel for a picnic lunch with fresh Greek produce. Our hike continues along a road to the charming, whitewashed village of Filoti. We then transfer back to our hotel, free time to swim in the pool and dinner in a very special location in Naxos town! Overnight Naxos island. B, L, D

Hiking: 4.9 miles, 4.5 hours, elevation gain 1100’/loss 2000′

Day 6

Following a breakfast that includes some of the best yogurt in the world, our Greek Island Hopper takes us to Santorini, the fairest of the Cycladic islands. Santorini differs from the other islands due to its geology, the result of a now-dormant volcano. Upon arrival in Santorini, we start our hike to the picturesque village of Oia. Set high above the sea, our hike begins on a stone path that turns into a dirt footpath while following the edge of the caldera. The views are spectacular. Arriving in Oia, we explore its narrow passageways and quaint shops. Overnight Santorini. B, L, D

Hiking: 6.5 miles, 4.5 hours, elevation gain 1100’/loss 1795′ /

Day 7

After our wonderful breakfast, we enjoy a Santorini sea kayak experience.  We’ll enjoy views of spectacular rock formations, paddle, swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters and admire beautiful beaches in the southern part of the island. En route we will also enjoy a delicious picnic meal. Travel back to Athens with a short flight. (This flight is included in the price of the tour).  We’ll check into our splendid hotel and enjoy our Farewell dinner along with some exquisite wine! Overnight Athens. B, L, D

Day 8

We’ll have breakfast in the hotel followed by a trip to the Athens airport to check in for your departing flights, or choose to stay and play in Athens or points beyond! B

“Having everything written into the price is so perfect. It completely takes away from the burden of having to worry about what you can or can’t afford while on the trip.”
— Sandy R.

What’s Included

• 8 days / 7 nights fully guided tour with an English speaking local guide and a Canyon Calling Trip Leader
• All transportation as outlined in the itinerary
• All accommodations, double occupancy
• All meals as outlined in the itinerary from Day 1 through Day 8
• All Activities and gear as outlined in the itinerary
• All activity guides, and activity guide gratuities
• All excursions, entrance fees and permits, and taxes

What’s Not Included

• Round-trip transport to/from our meet up point in Athens, Greece
• Alcoholic beverages (unless noted in the itinerary) and other items of a personal nature
• Optional gratuity to your Guide at the end of the week

And if you have more questions about this trip, you might find the answer on our Frequently Asked Questions page, or call us – we’re here to help!