SAMPLE ITINERARY

The Cyclades (meaning 'scattered islands') are a group of 24 islands clustered around Delos, in the central Aegean Sea, ideal for island-hopping Greece holidays. They epitomise what most people’s idea is of a typical Greek island, with dazzling flat-roofed villages, timeless harbours, excellent beaches and tiny chapels everywhere. Each island has its own distinct history, customs and landscapes.

The best known and busiest are Mykonos and Santorini, both of which have direct international flights, but Naxos, Paros and Ios all have picture-postcard whitewashed buildings & fabulous sandy beaches, making a wonderful circuit. There are also many lesser-visited islands to the west, such as stunning Syros.

The sophisticated island of Mykonos has long been a haunt of the rich and famous. Although only 75 square kms in size, it packs enough golden sand, upmarket hotels, restaurants, cafés, beach bars and clubs to satisfy the most hedonistic visitor – with prices to match. It certainly has plenty of charm, with pristine labyrinthine lanes in the pretty town, ubiquitous windmills and countless tiny chapels. This idyllic island was chosen as the location for the romantic movie ‘Shirley Valentine’. Mykonos is also the best place from which to visit the sacred island of Delos, just offshore. Mykonos is not an island to escape the crowds, nor one for a traditional Greek atmosphere, but it offers an upmarket luxury experience.

Santorini is renowned for its stunning scenery & spectacular sunsets. It is always busy, as every cruise ship in the Aegean seems to call in here, but this does not detract from the sheer spectacle of the place, with its volcanic cliffs laced with white villages, overlooking the caldera and islands below. A tremendous eruption occurred here over 3,000 years ago that destroyed the Minoan civilisation in Crete, as well as Santorini’s own advanced culture (as evidenced by the excavations at Akrotiri). Today all that remains is a vast sea-filled caldera, the visible lips being the three main islands of Thira, Therasia and Aspronisi.

Mykonos and Santorini are good jumping off points for the nearby islands of Naxos, Paros and Ios, which lie at the heart of the Cyclades. These islands have a perfect blend of picture-postcard whitewashed buildings, fabulous sandy beaches & Greek charm.

For less visited islands look west to Andros, Milos, Folegandros, Syros and the foodie island of Sifnos. They have a more laid back feel and are reached from Athens. The most remote islands in the group, known as 'the small Cyclades', include tiny Koufonissi which has truly fabulous beaches, Schinoussa and mountainous Amorgos, which is a natural paradise with over 600 species of flora and a haven for bird life.

It offers stunning views, crystal clear seas, excellent walking and a traditional way of life that has been lost on many of the more developed islands. However please be aware that some of these islands are difficult to reach, and require an overnight stop for the first and/or the last nights.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a self-catering or bed & breakfast basis. Flights from London are included, with regional departures on request. Airport transfers and ferries in Greece are also included. Car hire is available on request.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance and an appropriate driving licence, if you intend to hire a car. The AA and FCO should also be consulted.