Beyond The Ancient: Athens and Paros

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Overview

Beyond The Ancient: Athens and Paros
Athens, Greece
Sep 22 - 30, 2025
Sudden Journeys image
Sudden Journeys
$4,395
Deposit: $495

About your trip

Greece is neither Eastern, Western nor Balkan. It is a point where East and West meet in a unique way, a small spot on the map that has left an indelible mark on almost the entire world. This 9-day Athenian and Cycladic adventure isn't just a trip; it's an invitation to connect with the soul of a land steeped in ancient history. We'll wander through the iconic ruins of Athens, of course, but we'll also delve deeper, uncovering hidden corners and experiencing a side of the city rarely seen by the typical traveler—a more authentic Athens. You'll taste the warmth of Greek hospitality and sense the weight of history beneath your feet. After days immersed in the vibrant energy of the capital, we'll journey to the serene island of Paros, a true palate cleanser for the senses. Here, amidst the whitewashed villages and azure waters, we'll find respite and a chance to simply be, allowing the tranquility of the Aegean to wash over us. Join me as we  trace a path through time, savoring the flavors, the stories, and the timeless magic that is Greece.


Arrival Airport: Athens


Departure Airport:  Athens

Tour Highlights

  • Three nights on the island of Paros with sea views
  • Five nights in Athens, centrally located
  • Catamaran on the sea with snorkeling and lunch
  • Visit ancient Corinth for a guided tour
  • Farm lunch at a winery in the Nemea wine region, wine tasting included 
  • Curated walking tours that show a side of Athens not often explored
  • Visit several villages on Paros including Lefkes and Naoussa
  • Guided tour of The Acropolis and Mar’s Hill
  • Travel to the Peloponnese Peninsula to visit the coastal town of Nafplio
  • Visit The Metropolis Cathedral of Athens 
  • Food tour of Athens (but not a typical food tour) trying local pastries, baked goods, yogurt and more.
  • Visit Byzantine and Christian Museum 
  • Rooftop bar for cocktail hour at sunset
  • Special experiences planned for you

Tour Leader: Kyle Campbell

Kyle, a seasoned travel guide with over two decades of industry experience, has dedicated her life to creating enriching and inspiring travel experiences for diverse groups. With a repertoire of leading thousands of travelers (yes thousands!), she possesses an intimate understanding of the transformative power of travel. Her journeys span across the picturesque locales of Europe and the US, underlining her vast travel experience and knowledge. Yet, with every tour, Kyle's heart for her guests remains the same: to ensure every individual returns home with a revitalized spirit, a broadened worldview, and cherished memories of newfound friendships.

A note on Greece. I’ve spent a good part of my career as a tour director leading tours throughout Greece. It’s a country that endlessly fascinated me. I am beyond thrilled to offer this trip, born from my long history with this country.

Terms & Conditions

To view our full terms and conditions, please click here. (You will be asked if you agree, so take a moment and read them). 

What's included

Accommodation

Beautiful, centrally located accommodations double occupancy;

Transportation

All transportation in vans, shuttles, buses, or local public transportation (i.e. metro/subway).

Meals

Most meals (8 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 6 Dinners)

Group Activities

All included group activities, side excursions, entrance fees, and admissions, as per itinerary.

Gratuity

Gratuities for the chauffeur, restaurant, and hotel portage.

Tour Director

A full-time Sudden Journeys tour director will be with the group on all planned activities and available 24/7.

Custom Designed Gifts

Custom-designed gifts for your travels

What's not included

Airfares & Airport Taxes

Airfares and airport taxes (unless otherwise noted) and other transportation to and from tour location.

Personal Charges

Personal charges such as laundry charges, telephone calls, wifi, room service charges, mini-bar charges, all items of personal nature.

Beverages

You are responsible for the cost of your drinks.

Insurance

Travel, accident, baggage, health, or life insurance.

Private Excursions

Private excursions, and recreational activities not mentioned in the itinerary.

Visa Charges

Passport and/or visa charges when applicable.

Gratuity

Gratuities for the Sudden Journeys tour director. Industry standard is set at 5% of the tour price.

Day 1

Day 1 image

Arrival Day

DAY ONE (Arrival Day)  Arrive to Athens! Meet the group at your hotel by mid afternoon. Once everyone has arrived, we will enjoy a leisure walking tour through some of Kyle’s favorite streets taking in your first glimpses of the city. You’ll explore an a small neighborhood of Anafotika once home to fishermen who no longer lived on islands yet longed for their home on the islands. Enjoy welcome drinks at a rooftop bar before making your way to special dinner gathering, 

  • Check into hotel 
  • Leisure walking tour
  • Rooftop drinks and welcome dinner 

LIGHT WALKING: 1-2 MILES THROUGHOUT THE AFTERNOON.  SLEEP IN ATHENS.

Day 2

Day 2 image

ATHENS: FOOD, FAITH, ART AND CULTURE

DAY TWO | ATHENS: FOOD, FAITH, ART AND CULTURE
T0day, you’ll discover through a multidimensional lens. We will explore the city through its food, faith, art and current cultural climate. You’ll see a side of the city most walk past or don’t take the time to understand yet I believe it’s an important part of understanding the Greek mosaic. We will visit cafe that serves only Lukumadas, freshly fried dough in an open kitchen, served warm with honey and cinnamon. Next, visit a the last traditional dairy bar in Athens known for its yogurt served with honey and walnuts. We will also visit a kiosk to sample  kouloúria (sesame bread rings) and many more spots. 

Later in the day, 

  • Morning food tour of sampling greek pastries, yogurt, and more.
  • Afternoon walking tour of 
  • Surprises planned
  • Dinner together

LIGHT WALKING: 4-6 MILES THROUGHOUT THE DAY, LIGHT HILLS AND STAIRS. NO BUS.. SLEEP IN ATHENS.

Day 3

Day 3 image

CORINTH, NEMEA & NAFPLIO

DAY THREE  | CORINTH, NEMEA & NAFPLIO
Today, we will travel to the ancient city of Corinth. Spend the morning exploring this storied space before traveling deeper into the Peloponnese. Enjoy lunch along with a wine tasting at a local farm in the Nemea wine region. Continue driving south towards the coast where you’ll enjoy the rest of the day on your own enjoying the charming seaside town of Nafplio. Return to Athens in the evening.

  • Morning guided tour of Ancient Corinth 
  • Lunch at a farmhouse on a winery in the Nemea Wine Region
  • Afternoon free exploring the port village of Nafplio 
  • Dinner on your own

MODERATE WALKING: 4-6 MILES THROUGHOUT THE DAY, MODERATE HILLS AND STAIRS. BUS 4 HRS. SLEEP IN ATHENS.

Day 4

Day 4 image

ATHENS: THE ACROPOLIS

DAY FOUR | ATHENS: ACROPOLIS  Morning: Guided tour of the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the iconic Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Ascend Mars Hill (Areopagus) for panoramic city views. Afternoon: Free time for shopping in Monastiraki or Plaka, exploring museums (Acropolis Museum recommended), or relaxing in a café. Evening: Group dinner at a restaurant in Plaka. 

  • Morning guided tour of The Acropolis 
  • Lunch on your own in Monastiraki or Plaka
  • Free Time: Afternoon 
  • Dinner together in the evening 

MODERATE WALKING: 4-6 MILES THROUGHOUT THE DAY, HILLS AND UNEVEN STAIRS. BUS 30 MINS. SLEEP IN ATHENS.

Day 5

Day 5 image

PAROS

DAY FIVE | PAROS Morning depart Athens on a ferry for the gorgeous island of Paros. Checkin to the hotel in the early afternoon. Take a leisure walking tour of Parikia with a visit to Ekatontapiliani Church (Church of 100 Doors), and relax by the harbor. Dinner at a seaside taverna.

  • Morning ferry from Athens to Paros
  • Early Afternoon arrive in Parikia, the main port of Paros. Transfer to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Explore Parikia town
  • Evening: Dinner at a seaside taverna in Parikia.

MODERATE WALKING: 2-4 MILES THROUGHOUT THE DAY. 4 HOUR FERRY.. SLEEP IN PAROS.

Day 6

Day 6  image

EXPLORE THE ISLAND

DAY SIX | EXPLORE THE ISLAND   Explore Lefkes, a traditional village nestled in the hills of Paros. Walk along the Byzantine Trail, a scenic path connecting Lefkes to Prodromos village. Visit the 13th-century Venetian Castle in Parikia. Afternoon you’ll have free to explore Naoussa, a charming fishing village with a picturesque harbor and Venetian fortress. Dinner on your own this evening.

  • Morning visit Lefkes 
  • Afternoon walk and visit the 13th-century Venetian Castle in Parikia 
  • Free time in Naoussa
  • Evening: Dinner on your own

MODERATE WALKING: 4-6 MILES THROUGHOUT THE DAY. BUS 2 HOURS. SLEEP IN PAROS.

Day 7

Day 7 image

A DAY ON THE WATER

embark on a catamaran cruise around Paros and nearby islands. Enjoy swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. Lunch will be served onboard. Return to Parikia. You’ll have the day free to relax on the beach, enjoy the hotel property or explore more of the island. Come together in the evening for dinner. 

  • Morning on a catamaran cruise 
  • Lunch onboard
  • Afternoon free to explore the island or enjoy one of the many beaches
  • Dinner together

MODERATE WALKING: 2-4 MILES THROUGHOUT THE DAY. BUS 30 HOURS. 4-5 HOURS ONBOARD.SLEEP IN PAROS.

Day 8

Day 8 image

RETURN TO ATHENS

Enjoy a final breakfast on Paros. Depart late morning by ferry from Paros to Piraeus. Transfer to your hotel in Athens. Afternoon: Free time for last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation. A special farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the Acropolis.

  • Ferry to Athens
  • Checkin to your hotel
  • Free afternoon in Athens
  • Farewell drinks and dinner together

MODERATE WALKING: 2-4 MILES THROUGHOUT THE DAY. BUS 30 HOURS. 4 HOURS FERRY. SLEEP IN ATHENS.

Location

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1. Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece

About your organizer

SJ
Sudden Journeys
Bespoke Europe and UK Small Group Tours, Trip Planning, and Travel Consultations

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