Step 1
Chios
Located in the Aegean Sea, the island of Chios, said to be Homer's birthplace, is full of secrets. Here you'll find Byzantine, Genoese and Ottoman influences. It is separated from Turkey by the Chios Strait.
Would you like to visit the Greek islands off the beaten tracks? Chios and Lesvos offer you all the Aegean Sea in two magnificent islands: traditions, architecture, landscapes, history, everything blends together for a perfect stay. Rediscover ouzo and mastiha, cooked where they’re made! Enjoy 11 days of dream travel, as a couple or with your family (or both)!
Regions visited on this trip to Greece: Santorini & the Cyclades | Athens & Peloponnese
N.B.: This trip to Greece is an individual, tailor-made tour, to be personalized with our specialist Greece advisors.
Step 1
Located in the Aegean Sea, the island of Chios, said to be Homer's birthplace, is full of secrets. Here you'll find Byzantine, Genoese and Ottoman influences. It is separated from Turkey by the Chios Strait.
Step 2
Lesbos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea. Discover the riches of Lesbos by exploring the nooks and crannies of this verdant island, populated by millions of olive trees.
Step 3
The heart of ancient Greece and the country's current capital, Athens will charm you with its history-filled culture, ancient architecture, exceptional museums and lively neighborhoods.
You arrive at Chios airport at the end of the day. Pick up your car at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
Chios opens its arms to you for your first romantic evening. Populated by Greek settlers since the 11th century BC, the island was the birthplace of Homer. Chios was also the scene of a major naval battle between Rhodes and Philip V of Macedonia in 201 BC.
The island is separated from Turkey only by the Strait of Chios, some 11 km wide. The island’s Byzantine, Genoese and Ottoman influences give it a special charm.
Breakfast included Lunch and dinner on your own.
Night in Chios.
Just 5 km from Chios, the island’s namesake capital, the village of Kampos has managed to retain its medieval character, despite an earthquake in 1881. Set in a fertile valley, Kampos has long attracted the island’s ruling classes, as evidenced by the imposing mansions you can discover here.
Finish the day in Chios. Its Byzantine castle was renovated in the 15th century by the Genoese. Finally, take advantage of one of the town’s many restaurants to sample the excellent dishes typical of the local culinary art.
Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own.
Night in Chios.
Meet the famous Mastiha, listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. It is produced exclusively on the island of Chios. Mastiha is a sweet, fragrant resin from the pistachio tree. The ancestor of chewing gum, it is also used in pharmacy, perfumery, cosmetics and food production. Mastiha has made the fortune of the island of Chios since time immemorial.
The Mastiha region, the Mastichochoria, is populated by several picturesque villages, fortified in Genoese times. The two villages of Pyrgi (20 km away) and Mesta (40 km away) are particularly beautiful and enchanting. Pass through the monumental gateway of Pyrghi and wander through the narrow streets, magnificently covered with xysta, black-and-white facings of astonishing refinement. They are the source of Pyrghi’s nickname: the “painted village“. Animal, plant and geometric motifs embellish every house. Don’t miss the Agii Apostoli church and its 12th-century frescoes. Further west, Mesta is a fortified village with a labyrinth of medieval streets. Getting lost here is a real pleasure!
Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own.
Night in Chios.
Take to the road for a 60 km journey through the hilly, authentic north of the island of Chios. Pass by Chios’ famous windmills and discover coastal and mountain villages: Vrontados, Kardamyla, Nagos, Amades, Viki and others.
Vrontados has developed a maritime tradition, making it one of the trading hubs of the Mediterranean. Christopher Columbus is said to have visited the town to consult nautical charts and gather information from local sailors in preparation for his great westward voyage. Even today, Vrontados remains the headquarters of many Greek shipowners.
Make the most of your time in the north to explore secret beaches, relax and swim!
Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own.
Night in Chios.
This last day in Chios is an opportunity to discover the famous village of Volissos, 40 km west of the capital. Medieval castle, monastery, windmills, Byzantine churches: Homer’s birthplace is an open-air museum!
On the way, stop off at the Nea Moni monastery. The most important Byzantine monument founded in Greece, the monastery of Nea Moni has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1990.
In the 11th century, 3 monks miraculously discovered an icon of the Virgin Mary on the island of Chios. They then went to Constantine IX, the deposed emperor, to predict that he would soon regain his throne. Once he was emperor again, Constantine thanked the monks and the Virgin Mary by founding the monastery of Nea Moni on the exact spot of the miraculous discovery. Magnificent natural surroundings, an admirably preserved site, sumptuous mosaics: all combine to make your visit unforgettable.
Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own.
Night in Chios.
Return your car to the port to board a ferry. After a 3-hour cruise, you dock at Lesvos.
This land, where the poetess Sapho was born in the 7th century BC, is covered with 11 million olive, fruit, pine and plane trees. In ancient times, the island was best known for its wine, light-blue marble and shipbuilding timber. Today, its olive oil and ouzo are among the best in Greece.
Pick up your car at the port and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is yours. Take the opportunity to visit Mytilene, the island’s capital since time immemorial. Take a leisurely stroll through its lively, colorful streets. Or opt for a visit to its extraordinary archaeological museum. Finally, climb up to the castle. Clinging to its hillside, it rewards you with a magnificent view of the city and the Aegean Sea.
Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own.
Night in Mytilene.
Take to the road for a journey of around 80 km to the south. This second day on Lesvos takes you to the Kalloni refuge. Its admirable ecosystem is home to 252 species of birds.
Continue on to the beautiful mountain village of Aghiasos, dedicated to olive oil production, amidst olive forests. Then on to Plomari, in the south of the island, to taste one of the world’s best ouzos on the seafront.
Lesvos accounts for 40% of all Greek ouzo production. In Plomari, stop off at the distillery to discover the history and production of ouzo through an educational museography and a friendly guided tour. At the end of the tour, take part in a tasting session, and don’t hesitate to buy a local product!
Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own.
Overnight in Mytilene.
This 120 km loop takes you to the magnificent cities of Molyvos and Petra and to Elfalou.
Molyvos and Petra are two villages of sparkling charm. The former is crowned by a well-preserved 12th-century fortress. The second is a charming traditional village where Achilles spent a night on his way to Troyes.
Elfalou beach is the ideal place to relax. Here, you’ll find thermal springs with waters of exceptional quality and a natural temperature of over 40°. Alternate between bathing in the sea and in the spring water for a few minutes each time. You’ll find rest and serenity.
Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own.
Overnight in Mytilene.
90 km of road await you today. Head for Eressos, but first stop off at the magnificent village of Sigri, which, like Mytilene, claims the honor of being the birthplace of Sapho.
Sigri lies at the heart of the famous Petrified Forest, whose fossils are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can visit the Petrified Forest Natural History Museum, which gives you the keys to understanding this exceptional phenomenon. The remains of the trees are all around you, frozen by a volcanic eruption dating back 18 million years.
Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own.
Night in Mytilene.
You leave the Greek islands for Athens. Before leaving Lesvos, leave your car at the airport. Your hotel is located in the heart of the Greek capital, so you can make the most of this extraordinary city.
You can choose between two options. You can visit the splendor of the ancient site. Walk the cobblestones of the Acropolis. Visit the Parthenon, contemplate thousand-year-old monuments such as the Erechtheion or the Temple of Athena Nike.
Or opt for an insight into Athenian daily life in the city’s most famous districts: Psirí, Plaka or Monastiraki.
Breakfast included – Lunch and dinner on your own.
Night in Athens.
Before returning to France, don’t forget the god of commerce, Mercury, and do some shopping in the Ermou shopping street or at the Monastiraki flea market, at the foot of the Acropolis.
And don’t forget your airport transfer.
From 1630€
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