The Charm of Amorgos and Naxos: from Ocean to Land

Today you’ll have the chance to get to know Athens a little better on a private electric bike tour of the city. Strap on your helmet and cycle through the streets of this ancient metropolis, enjoying spectacular views, marvelling at the most impressive contemporary monuments and learning about its history. The eight-mile guided tour takes you across Syntagma Square, Panepistimiou Street, Athens Street (Town Hall Square and Varvakio market), Aiolou Street, Ermou Street and the Cathedral.

It’s time to depart Athens and set off in the direction of your next Greek island. You’ll be privately transferred to the port of Piraeus, where you’ll catch the ferry to Amorgos. The boat ride can take up to seven hours, but we promise that the island’s treasures are well-worth making the journey for. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and drive to your Cycladic hotel, where you'll stay for the next four nights. Once again, our local Concierge can suggest the best supper spots for unwinding after your long travel day. Refuel with souvlaki, halloumi and moussaka, before getting a good night’s sleep in your luxurious hotel room.

Thanks to its remoteness, Amorgos is free from tourist crowds and remains relatively unspoiled. Remarkable archaeological ruins and peaceful villages punctuate the interior, while hiking routes snake along the stunning coastline and through ancient olive fields. Tasting rakomelo (a hot honey raki) is a must during your stay, and so is climbing the 300 steps that lead to Panagia Hozoviotissa, a monastery carved out of rock. Rest assured, it’s well worth the effort. We’ll also arrange a private guided hike to the Chora gardens in Katapola. Meander through the town of Chora – the island’s capital – before walking along the Fonias stream and seeing the breath-taking landscapes of Katapola Valley. Once you reach the gardens, you’ll be able to taste some local organic farm produce.

The next stop on your Cycladic adventure is Naxos. The crossing from Amorgos to Naxos takes around an hour and a half, and upon arrival you’ll collect your new hire care and drive to your hotel. As the largest of the Cycladic Islands, Naxos is blessed with sunlit villages and dazzling beaches, lapped by the azure Aegean Sea. Legend has it that Dionysus taught the art of winemaking here and Theseus confronted the Minotaur. Today, olive trees are cultivated in abundance and marble quarries provide a unique raw material for sculptors and craftsmen.

Spend the rest of your time on Naxos relaxing on the sun-soaked beaches and exploring the heavenly island. Discovering the culinary treats of the island is another must, and we can organise a private gourmet tour with a local guide. Get lost in the maze of cobbled streets that make up Naxos and learn about the secrets of Greece's fertile land and beautiful produce. Sample Kitron, a liqueur made from the fruit and leaves of the citron tree, try five Naxian cheeses (including the famous Graviera) and taste some local wines. The tour continues with lemon, bergamot and sage flavoured sweets and ends with a visit to the island's Venetian citadel.