Day 1 : Naxos, Greece Arrival
Welcome to Greece! Arrive at your charming boutique hotel in Naxos, just a 10-minute walk from the beach and the chora (downtown). Your trip host will be waiting for you and will show you to your room. There will be welcome drinks and hors d’oeuvres waiting for you upon your arrival. You have the rest of the day to explore your new home.
Later that evening, there will be a welcome dinner. It will be Greek-style and served at the hotel as you get to know your fellow travelers.
Included :
- Activities: Airport/pier pick-up; Free time
- Meals: Welcome drink and hors d’oeuvres, Welcome dinner
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 2 : Naxos Island Tour
Get ready to explore Naxos, an island steeped in culture and history. This is the only island in the Cyclades that has suitable land to grow crops. Thus, it has been fought over for centuries and you’ll learn about the island’s rich yet tumultuous past.
There will be a privately guided tour around the island starting with Demeter’s Temple which dates all the way back to the 6th century BC, built 50 years prior to the Parthenon! Next up is the small village of Chalki where you’ll have the chance to see how kitron, a traditional citron liqueur, is produced and visit a distillery that is over a century old. You will also have some free time to shop and explore this quaint mountain village.
Next, there will be a stop in Apeiranthos for a delicious lunch and then, onward to an old olive mill where you’ll see the traditional process of how olive oil is made. There is a fabulous shop attached selling products made from local olive oil and goat’s milk.
Included :
- Activities: Naxos full-day private guided tour
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 3 : Yachting Catamaran
Set sail in a private catamaran for an incredible experience. Visit hidden coves, secluded beaches, and much more! You can swim, snorkel, or just lounge around on the sundeck as you enjoy the breathtaking coastlines.
Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch prepared with local products accompanied by cold refreshments, beer, raki, and wine free of charge on board the boat. Homemade cookies, appetizers, and fruit salads will also be available during the trip.
After your day at sea, you have the evening free. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and take in the wonderful Greek air or pop in at one of the numerous cafes or restaurants in town.
Included :
- Activities: Full-day private catamaran tour
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 4 : Naousa Boat Trip
You have the morning free to explore Naxos at your own pace and after lunchtime, hop in a speed boat toward the whitewashed village of Naousa on the island of Paros. Naousa is full of narrow cobbled streets with boutiques, cafes, and bistros, great for some retail therapy. If you’re not a shopper, just walking through the maze of cute little streets is a great way to spend the day and there’s a photo op around every corner!
Head back to Naxos in time for a breathtaking sunset as you glide across the crystal blue waters of the South Aegean Sea.
Included :
- Activities: Free time; Naousa boat trip
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 5 : Private Culinary Experience
Try not to fill up at breakfast this morning because today, you’ll prepare a filling Greek feast. Head to a traditional village on the north side of the island to spend the morning with a lovely family, visit and learn about their farm, and pick fresh produce for a cooking class. Then, enjoy a hands-on private culinary experience as you cook and eat your way through some of Naxos’ specialties.
Included :
- Activities: Cooking class; Free time
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 6 : Free Days
All remaining days are completely free to do as you wish. You can choose to relax by the hotel with a glass of wine or explore some more.
We suggest taking a day trip to Santorini, Mykonos, or Ios. Or maybe you prefer to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover more of Naxos. Wander around the pristine narrow streets and check out the local boutiques to pick up some souvenirs.
Your trip leader will be there to assist you with any arrangements and will have optional excursions to sign up for.
Included :
- Activities: Free time (trip leader can recommend activities for you)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Boutique hotel
NEXT DAY Day 7 : Departure Day
Say farewell to Naxos and your new friends. Today is the last day of your slowcation. We hope to see you on one of our next adventures!
Included :
- Activities: Departure (at your own expense); Free time
- Meals: Breakfast
*Itinerary is subject to change.
NEXT DAY Naxos, Greece 10-Day Trip
Trip cost per person. (See below for inclusions and exclusions.)
$2,800 – Low Season (October – May)
$3,000 – High Season (June – September)
*$300 of the down payment serves as an administration fee and is non-refundable. You can see our cancellation policy HERE.
I’m a single traveler. Will I be charged a single supplement?
There is no single supplement fee for this trip. You can upgrade your room for an additional fee.
*Please see the ‘Rooms’ tab for more information on each room. All rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are 2 people sharing a room, you can pick any room and you will not have to pay any upgrade fee. We suggest the Penthouse for 2 people sharing a room! We do not offer roommate pairing on this trip.
What is included :
- 9 nights accommodation in a boutique hotel
- Local Greek guides and concierge
- Globe Drifters leader
- Airport/Ferry pick-up from Naxos
- Breakfast served daily
- Welcome dinner and drinks
- 3 lunches
- Activities as noted on the itinerary
What is not included :
- Most dinners & lunches
- Gratuities
- Optional activities and excursions
- Souvenirs
- International flight
- Domestic flight and/or ferry
- Supplementary insurance
During the first few days of your slowcation, there are activities and excursions that are included in the trip cost. These are a great chance to help you get to know your fellow travelers and get familiarized with your new surroundings.
There will also be sign-up sheets for optional activities and excursions that you can join, but it is completely your choice of what to do in your free time. Again, it is your choice which activities you want to participate in and you are free to plan events, host dinners, or organize trips/excursions for the group or just for yourself.
Find out more by clicking the following link: HOW IT WORKS.
Each group usually consists of 12 – 18 travelers. We prefer small group travel because based on our experience, small groups are more easily able to integrate into local society and generally have more authentic contact with the locals.
A small group number also means that you will receive more personal treatment from the trip host who can thoroughly attend to the needs of each person. Small groups are also more mobile and flexible as travel plans can be easily altered. If the group discovers a special event or festival that they would like to attend, it is easier to organize with a smaller group.
The boutique hotel is located on Naxos Island, one of the best-kept secrets in the Aegean. It is a hidden gem; like a secret island where you can peacefully escape the hordes of tourists. Being on Naxos is prefect for experiencing the slow, laid-back Greek island life!
Naxos is Historical
Naxos is an interesting place for those interested in history, culture, and archaeology. The island’s rich soil lends to its agricultural wealth and has put Naxos at the center of trade in the Aegean. Grand castles and centuries-old mansions have bore witness to various reigns and rulers throughout the ages.
Easy Access to Other Islands
The Greek islands are synonymous with sailing and island hopping. Naxos’ central location makes it a great place to serve as a base for visiting other islands in the Aegean.
The Cyclades are home to world-famous islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, but there are others that are equally stunning even though fewer tourists know about them. Delos, Donoussa, Schinoussa, and Iraklia are just a few examples. The easiest and cheapest way to get to them is by ferry or private speedboat.
Hotel Location
The Naxos hotel is just 10 minutes by foot from a golden beach with chairs and umbrellas for rent as well as plenty of beachside restaurants to choose from. It is a 15-minute walk into town and just steps away from a local grocery store and small cafes. There is a bus stop next to the hotel so if you would like to head to other parts of the island that are not reachable on foot, you can easily do so by bus.
Beaches and More Beaches!
Naxos offers more activities than many of the other islands so you’ll never get bored while on the island. The whole western coast of Naxos consists almost entirely of one long golden sand beach.
Food, Glorious Food!
Naxos is rich in agricultural resources which you will discover when you sit down at one of the island’s restaurants to enjoy some of the finest local products you can find anywhere in the Aegean.
The most self-sufficient island in the Cyclades and many local restaurants offer delicious dishes made with fresh vegetables picked that day. What’s more, the island boasts top-quality meats, local cheeses, and of course, fresh fish plucked straight from the sea.
While shopping in town, you’ll notice that many of the products are locally made so make sure to save room in your suitcase to bring home some souvenirs and gifts!
Local Greek Life
We think the island’s greatest beauty lies within its inland villages and landscapes. The main road loops up through mountain villages filled with a lush landscape dotted with tiny white churches. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to Mykonos. Most of these villages have a population of 100 or so and many day-trippers to Naxos never visit them so they remain truly authentic.
We strongly recommend arriving and staying in Athens 1 night before the trip starts. This will help alleviate the stress of tight connections and/or any delays.
We do not offer pre-tour extra nights on our slowcations, but we recommend Athens Gate Hotel. It is right next to the Acropolis and also offers amazing views of the Parthenon from the rooftop.
We recommend this hotel to everyone on your trip so if you are traveling solo, you can easily meet up with others in the group (via the WhatsApp chat group that we’ll set up a few days before your trip) for dinner or sightseeing.
You can either take a flight or ferry from Athens to Naxos. We suggest a flight because it is significantly faster and less prone to cancellations or delays.
Read more about getting from Athens to Naxos in our blog!
The hotel is 3 kilometers from Naxos ferry port. The central location of Naxos makes it a perfect departure point for island hopping to other Greek islands. Below are some ferry connections from the port of Naxos and the approximate time it takes to get there:
The port of Naxos is also a very popular option as a gateway to the islands of the Lesser Cyclades. From Naxos, you can get a ferry to the beautiful islands of Amorgos, Koufonisia, Donousa, or Schinoussa.
Many people on our past trips did overnight stays as a group to Santorini and this is a good option to maximize your time there. This can be arranged during your trip with your host.
*Click on the links above to get a description of the islands and/or ferry schedules.
Most of our travelers are in their late 30s to late 60s/early 70s and most are solo travelers. The minimum age on our trips is 18. Generally, we get a good mix of diverse people and every trip is unique thanks to the group dynamic.
We like to think of our trips as get-togethers at amazing destinations. Past travelers have told us that the group dynamic and the friends they made were highlights of the trip.
Check out pictures from our previous trips to get an idea of the group dynamic by clicking HERE.
When most people arrive they want to hit the ground running so we have included excursions at the beginning of each trip. These excursions are included in the cost of the trip. Thereafter, on your free days, you will have your choice of activities at an additional cost. It is completely up to you how you spend your free days.
There will be sign-up sheets for certain activities that might interest you (i.e. horseback riding, snorkeling, day trips, etc.) and you can choose to join them based on your interests. Most of the popular places in the area are easily reachable by ferry or taxi, or if enough people sign up, you can rent a private boat with a captain for the day. Your host will be there to help arrange activities and excursions as well as make any necessary reservations.
Most everything in this area does not require advanced purchase so just arrive and we will do the legwork for you!
To read up on the different activities and landmarks on Naxos, click the following link: Naxos Information Page.
The official currency of Greece is the euro (EUR).
Find out the live mid-market rate for your currency by using a currency converter online.
We strongly recommend that you use ATMs while in Greece as they usually offer the best exchange rates. The easiest way is to pull money out from the ATM at the airport upon arrival and throughout your trip. It is always a good idea to carry some cash on you in case your bank puts a hold on your ATM card.
You can find ATMs at almost all bank branches as well as at most large supermarkets, some petrol stations, shopping malls, airports, and post offices.
It’s important to tell your bank and/or credit card company that you’ll be using your card in Greece. Some banks block transactions in foreign countries or currencies if they haven’t been forewarned about your travel plans.
Since euros are a popular currency, most banks in your hometown/city will exchange your local currency for euros. This a very convenient way to get euros, but be aware that some banks might not have favorable exchange rates or charge additional fees to exchange. It is best to check with your bank to see what fees are associated with exchanging money in your home town.
Based on past travelers’ feedback, an estimated amount to bring or have access to is between 500 – 800 euros. WE HIGHLY ADVISE BRINGING OR HAVING ACCESS TO MORE MONEY THAN YOU EXPECT TO SPEND IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
Passport holders of Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
If you hold a passport from another country, it’s best to contact your nearest embassy or consulate about entry requirements.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
When using your phone overseas, be sure to check with your provider to get informed about data and call roaming prices. When you land in Greece, you will usually get a message from your provider that will give you the price of data, calls, and texts in that country. See the example below:
Welcome to Greece! Your plan gives you unlimited data at up to 2G speeds and texts at no extra cost. Calls at 20 cents/min. Want our fastest data and unlimited calls? Get an International Pass for just $5/day.
You may consider contacting your service provider to learn about what kind of international plans they offer for calls, texts, and data.
You can connect to Wifi at most cafes and restaurants. The hotel has Wifi throughout and you will be able to use it from your room as well as the common areas. If you are not used to connecting to Wifi networks, then it might be best to get an international plan for the duration of your stay.
In Greece, there are two associated plug types: types C and E. They operate on 230 volts and 50 Hz.
Below are examples of the two different plug types in Greece (C and E):
Below are a few things that we suggest bringing to make your trip more comfortable:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses/hat
- Sunscreen (biodegradable, if possible)
- Jacket (for evenings/night-time)
- Swimsuit & cover-up
- Flip flops/sandals
- Mosquito repellent
- Shampoo/conditioner/soap*
- Small backpack or across the shoulder bag (for the day)
- Any prescription medication and/or over the counter medicine
- Sea-sickness medication
- Adapters
- Extra bag for souvenirs (if needed)
- Flashlight/headlamp
- Reusable water bottle
*All rooms have a hair dryer and a small toiletries kit with hand soap and shampoo, but it’s best to bring or buy your own as they are sample sizes.
Laundry service is available at the hotel and takes less than 24 hours to complete. A full large bag of clothes costs 14 euros.
Ironing can be done for an extra fee. There is an ironing board and iron for guests to use free of charge at the hotel.
Breakfast will be served daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM. The breakfast buffet offers 68 different delicacies to choose from; many of them vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and homemade. Tea and coffee will also be served at breakfast. You will also have a kettle in your room with tea and coffee.
Beer, wine, liquor, and soft drinks are available for purchase at the hotel. There is a mini-refrigerator in your room to store any food/drinks. There is also a grocery store steps away from the hotel so you can easily buy any items there and bring them back to the hotel.
Maid service will come in daily to clean the rooms.
Tap water in Greece is safe to drink, but it does have a ‘taste’ so many people prefer bottled water.
Right outside the hotel, there is a natural water spring where you can refill their bottles with drinkable water coming from the mountains above.
The mini-bar in each room has soda/beer/water for purchase and bottled water costs approximately 1 euro.
Greece does not have a strong tipping culture. In restaurants, taxis, and for personal services, all tips are at your discretion. If you do decide to tip, around 10-20% of the total bill is appreciated.
Trip host: If you feel he/she did an exceptional job, then you can tip anywhere 8 – 10 euros a day based on past travelers’ feedback. You can tip local day guides 5 euros a day.
Front desk: The hotel’s 2-person team will also be there to help you with any arrangements during your stay. We recommend tipping them a total of 50 euros at the end of your stay.
Cleaning staff: Room cleaning services are offered daily and we recommend tipping the cleaning staff 1 euro a day.
Drivers/boat captains: when going on an excursion, a suggested amount to tip your driver/boat captain is around 5 euros a day.
For more information about tipping your guide, please see our blog on tipping your tour guide.
Most areas of Greece that you will visit on this trip experience few crimes compared to bigger US and European cities. As with any travel destination, it is important to be aware of your surroundings with a secure over-the-shoulder day pack that closes tightly. This way, your belongings won’t easily become the property of any purse snatchers or pickpockets. When going to larger cities such as Athens, pick-pocketing is much more common and we advise not putting anything in your back pockets, especially if you are on a crowded bus/train or at a crowded tourist spot as thieves tend to target these areas.
Please review the CDC Health Information for Travelers Website before traveling to Greece to see any recommended vaccinations.
If you suffer from pre-existing medical conditions or are concerned about what vaccinations may be right for you, we strongly advise that you visit a medical professional or your personal physician before your trip.
Yes, we offer private tours to Greece for groups of 5 or more people. The itinerary can be tailored to your needs while you will enjoy a personalized experience with our host and your friends and family.
Please contact us at info@globe-drifters.com for more information.
Flights/Ferries
Your arrival and departure city should be Naxos Airport (JNX) or Naxos Port. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from the port and airport. If you decide to fly into Naxos, you will more than likely have a layover in Athens. If you need help booking your flight or ferry to Naxos, please contact a travel agent.
If you would like to book a ferry ticket, you can book one here at this link: Ferry Tickets
Airport or ferry pick-up is included in the price of your trip and a driver will take you to the hotel upon arrival.
*Please do not book any flights or ferries until you receive a confirmation email from us. You will receive a confirmation email within 24 – 48 hours of booking.
Visa
Passport holders of Australia, Canada, and the United States do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
As a general rule, passports should have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally. Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
*NOTE: We strongly recommend arriving and staying in Athens 1 night before the trip starts. This will help alleviate the stress of tight connections and/or if there are any delays.
We do not offer pre-tour extra nights on our slowcations, but we recommend Athens Gate Hotel. It is right next to the Acropolis and also offers amazing views of the Parthenon from the rooftop.
We recommend this hotel to everyone on your trip so if you are traveling solo, you can easily meet up with others in the group (via the WhatsApp chat group that we’ll set up a few days before your trip) for dinner or sightseeing.
You can either take a flight or ferry from Athens to Naxos. We suggest a flight because it is significantly faster and less prone to cancellations or delays.
Read more about getting from Athens to Naxos in our blog!
This 13-bedroom boutique hotel is set away from the noise and bustle, but just a 15-minute walk into chora (downtown) of Naxo. It is also just a 10-minute walk to a beautiful beach so you have the best of both worlds.
The hotel is well-appointed, clean, and comfortable. The personal attention of the concierge team ensures that every need will be taken care of.
There are 13 bedrooms in this hotel. All rooms have a Simmons mattress, a pillow menu, 360 count thread cotton sheets, a water kettle with tea and coffee, a mini-refrigerator with a selection of drinks for purchase, a safe box, slippers, and bathrobe as well as a selection of toiletries.
There is no elevator on the property so please be aware of this when making your room selection.
During the booking process, you can make your room selection. Room selection is on a first-come, first-served basis. If the room is not listed, it means it is already sold.
Please read the description of each room below before making your room selection. All rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The sooner you book, the better chance you have of getting the room you prefer.
*If you are 2 people who are sharing a room, you can pick any room and you will not have to pay an upgrade fee. We recommend the Suite or the Penthouse if sharing a room!
Garden Double
This is the one and only room type that is located on the ground floor. If you have difficulty climbing stairs, this is a good option. It has a small outdoor seating area. This room has one king-sized bed. There is no wardrobe in this room.
Upgrade fee: None
Standard Room
There are 4 standard rooms. Three rooms are on the 2nd floor and one room is on the 1st floor. Each standard room has a wardrobe, a desk, and a balcony with a table and chairs. The bed is a king, but can be converted into 2 twin beds.
Upgrade fee: None
Executive Double
There are 3 executive double rooms. One room is on the 1st floor and the other two rooms are on the 2nd floor. The executive double rooms have an outdoor jacuzzi on the balcony. Each room has a wardrobe, a desk and a balcony with a table and chairs. The bed is king-sized.
Upgrade fee: $200 USD
Suite
There are 2 suites, both on the 1st floor. The suite rooms have a jacuzzi tub in the bathroom as well as a rain shower. The suite has 2 rooms: a bedroom and a living room with a sofa (that can be made into a bed). The room has 2 wardrobes, a desk, and a balcony with a table and chairs. The bed is a king and can be converted into 2 twin beds
Upgrade fee: $365 USD
Note: If you are 2 people sharing, you can select this room and not pay an upgrade fee.
Penthouse
There are 2 penthouses and both are on the 3rd floor. Please be aware that there is no elevator on the property. The penthouse rooms have an outdoor terrace with a jacuzzi bathtub and a sitting area with panoramic views. Each room has a wardrobe and a desk. The bed is a king.
Upgrade fee: $800 USD
Note: If you are 2 people sharing (there is only a king bed in these rooms), you can select this room and not pay an upgrade fee.
We recommend that you purchase trip/travel insurance for your trip. We work with Travelex which offers travel protection plans to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. Otherwise, you are welcome to shop around online for a provider and policy that best suits your needs.
For more information on the recommended plans or to enroll, click on the image below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792. Globe Drifters’ reference location number is 09-0984.
The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company, NAIC #22276. 11.17 E7N
