Greece City to Cyclades for Families: Athens & Naxos - 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Athens, Explore the Greek Capital

Welcome to Greece! Your family adventure begins in Athens, where a driver will be waiting at the airport to take you to your city hotel. The rest of the day is yours; depending on everyone's energy levels, you could rest and recover or get your bearings with a self-guided stroll. You'll visit the iconic Acropolis tomorrow, so you might want to start at the central Syntagma Square, where, if you time it right, you'll witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Hellenic Parliament. 

If the kids need some room to run, explore a smaller archaeological site, such as the Tower of the Winds, located within the ancient Roman Agora. Then, stroll down the adjoining Aiolou Street, a pedestrian avenue lined with shops, cafés, and historic sites. You'll find plenty of family-friendly restaurants and tavernas here to grab a bite before heading back to your hotel for the evening.

Day 2: Athens Mythology Tour, Ancient Strategy Games for Families

Today you'll live out the stories and myths of ancient Greece with an interactive adventure that's fun for all ages. It starts at the hilltop Acropolis, where you'll join expert storyteller guides as they bring the site's remarkable ruins to life. Learn how the Parthenon was built in the fifth century BCE to honor Athena, and imagine the colossal 38-foot (12 m) gold statue of the goddess that once stood in the temple. Hear about the struggle between the Olympian gods and the monstrous giants, then reenact the battle yourselves on the spot where it's said to have taken place.

Keep the fun going in the afternoon at the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, where you'll learn about ancient puzzles and strategic games used by Greeks for thousands of years. Try your hand at the pawns and dice, then tackle the ostomachion of Archimedes, a puzzle of 14 geometric pieces (you'll get to take a wooden version home with you as a souvenir). Afterward, stroll into nearby Plaka, the city's oldest neighborhood, and wind through cobbled streets lined with outdoor cafés. Grab a table and feast on traditional Greek favorites like horiatiki salad and souvlaki.

Day 4: Fly to Naxos, Explore the Cyclades' Largest Island

Day 5: Island E-Bike Adventure, Afternoon Beach Time 

Make sure the whole family fuels up with a hearty breakfast today—you're off to explore the island's southwest by e-bike. With the help of an expert guide, you'll pedal along a gentle route that passes some of the island's most spectacular beaches, loops through sleepy traditional villages, and ventures off the beaten path to a quiet taverna, where you can enjoy a break and a snack in a shady spot by the river. This three-hour excursion covers about 9 miles (15 km), and the gentle terrain and comfortable e-bikes make it an ideal outing for the whole family.

Slow things down this afternoon with some beach time. For sheltered, shallow waters and fine, golden sand, focus on the island's southwestern coast, where you'll find Agia Anna and Agios Prokopios, both lined with beach chairs, umbrellas, and beachside cafés. Farther south, Plaka offers some quieter stretches for those seeking more seclusion, while Glyfada's white sands and turquoise waters feel a world away from the crowds. Adventurous family members might want to book a windsurfing, snorkeling, or kayaking activity, available at many of the larger beaches.

Day 6: Explore Naxian Countryside & Villages, Family Cooking Class

It's time for a mini road trip, when you pick up a rental car to explore the Naxian countryside and villages at your own pace. Wind past ancient olive groves, traditionally cultivated vineyards, and family farms, and task the kids with counting donkeys and goats along the way. A great first stop is the village of Apiranthos, situated at the foot of Mount Fanari, the island's third-highest peak. Known as the "Marble Village," many of its buildings and alleyways have been preserved since the days of the Venetians, as has its local dialect, a unique blend of Ancient Greek and Byzantine.

You also shouldn't miss a visit to Chalki, once the island's capital and main administrative and trade center. The town sits in a scenic spot in the Valley of Tragea, and its historic mansions, picturesque churches, and colorful alleys feature a combination of Venetian towers and Byzantine chapels. End your drive in the village of Kaloxylos, home to just 30 inhabitants, where you'll find centuries-old olive trees, classical architecture, and the Cyclades' largest folklore museum. Here you'll meet a local family and be welcomed into their traditional home for a cooking class.

Listen to stories of local life and village traditions as you and the kids help prepare a three-course menu based on fresh, seasonal island ingredients and family recipes passed down through generations. Learn about (and sample) local products like wildflower honey, graviera cheese, and famous Naxian potatoes, and sip the island's best wine while the kids play in the garden. When it's time to eat, sit down with your hosts for a memorable, family-style meal—the perfect way to end your penultimate day in Greece.

Day 7: Fly to Athens, Depart

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