Discovering the Greek Islands with Exodus Travel
Dreaming of island hopping through Greece, but not sure where to start? Katie, a member of our dedicated customer services team here at Travel Club Elite, recently had the opportunity to attend a familiarisation trip to experience the Walking on the Greek Islands tour, with Exodus Travel.
From dramatic cliff walks in Santorini to snorkelling off the shores of Naxos – and a surprise favourite in the peaceful charm of Paros – the trip offered a balance of adventure, culture, and downtime. Here’s what it was like to explore the Greek Islands with Exodus Travel, one unforgettable stop at a time.
Walking on the Greek Islands with Exodus Travel: My Experience
When I signed up for Exodus Travel’s Walking on the Greek Islands Tour, I expected beautiful views and good food – I got all of that and more! Over several days, we explored Santorini, Naxos, Rafina, and Paros. Each place had its own rhythm, and the itinerary balanced sightseeing, cultural immersion, and downtime perfectly.
Tour Highlights
The cliffside hike from Fira to Oia in Santorini was a clear standout. The 5-hour trail hugs the caldera, with nonstop views of the sea, volcanic cliffs, and postcard-perfect villages. It’s rocky in places, so supportive shoes are essential, but the scenery is unforgettable. Another surprise highlight was Paros. Quieter and more authentic than Santorini, this island had a calm beauty that really stuck with me. It felt less touched by tourism – peaceful, charming, and well worth the visit.
Hotel Experience with Exodus Travel
We stayed in Rafina (Avra Hotel), Thera/Santorini (Hotel Golden Star), and Naxos (Hotel Aeolis) – all well-located and clean. Rafina was a great place to catch our breath after arriving, Santorini was all cliffside magic, and Naxos offered a more local, relaxed vibe.
The rooms were shared twins. Rafina and Thera had balconies, while in Naxos my room opened right onto the pool, which was ideal for a quick dip. Avra and Golden Star were more modern; Aeolis felt a bit older, but was practical and conveniently located. Santorini’s terrain was the only challenge, with there being some steep streets and uneven paths, so good mobility helps.
Food & Dining with Exodus Travel
Breakfasts were a highlight. In Thera, they delivered a full spread to our rooms daily from a local café. In Naxos, the buffet included a rotating homemade cake that I came to look forward to each morning. Most other meals weren’t included, but we ate as a group in handpicked local tavernas – always fresh, flavourful, and generous. Seafood, pastries, and traditional Greek dishes were the stars. Dietary needs were well catered to, and eating together made the evenings even more enjoyable.
Amenities & Tour Vibe
The pool in Naxos was a welcome luxury, and beaches in both Rafina and Naxos offered easy, scenic escapes. We even spotted a turtle during a snorkelling trip from Naxos, an unexpected and magical moment. The Fira to Oia hike was as impressive as I hoped – peaceful, dramatic, and really memorable. Paros, with its charm and authenticity, ended up being one of my favourite stops.
Our guide, Thanos, brought so much to the experience. Energetic, knowledgeable, and fun, he made every destination come alive. The group of around 19 people was just right – enough for socialising but never overwhelming. Transport was clean and air-conditioned, and the ferries were smooth and punctual. Every hotel had kind, helpful staff, but Thanos was the real star. His passion and storytelling brought a sense of connection to the places we visited, and he handled everything with ease and humour. Overall, the service and organisation were excellent.
Value for Money with Exodus Travel
The tour included hotels, breakfasts, guides, ferries, and transfers – which made everything feel seamless. It was great value, especially considering the quality of the food, the locations, and the experiences. To save, I’d recommend joining the group meals (better food at lower prices) and packing essentials like walking shoes, blister plasters, and medication to avoid pricey last-minute buys.
This tour is perfect for travellers who enjoy culture, gentle adventure, and a balance of activity and downtime. Couples, solo travellers, and even small groups of friends would love it. A moderate level of fitness is helpful, especially for the hike and navigating island terrain.
Practical Tips
Booking Tips: Ask for a balcony or pool-access room. Book early if travelling in summer.
What to Pack: Good walking shoes, painkillers, blister plasters, and light layers for warm days and breezy evenings.
Local Etiquette: Say “Kalimera” (good morning), and remember – no flushing toilet paper, use the bin.
For UK Travellers: No visa needed for short stays. Bring your passport and a GHIC card for health coverage.
Health Notes: Stay hydrated, especially on hike days. Rain gear isn’t needed in summer, but spring and fall weather can vary slightly.
Interested in booking a Walking on the Greek Islands Tour with Exodus Travel? If so, call one of our travel experts free on 0800 707 6229 to book the journey of a lifetime with exclusive extra savings from us on top! Alternatively, send an enquiry to info@travelclubelite.com. You can also browse our wide selection of Worldwide tours with Exodus here >>