Naxos Highlights Bus Tour With Free Time for Lunch at Apeiranthos

The Naxos Highlights Bus Tour promises an engaging exploration of the island’s captivating attractions. Travelers can discover the historic Temple of Demeter, stroll through the charming marble village of Apeiranthos, and conclude the day at the ancient kouros statue in Apollonas. With air-conditioned transport and an experienced local escort, this tour offers a seamless way to uncover Naxos’ rich cultural heritage. The highlight? Free time for lunch in Apeiranthos, where visitors can savor local cuisine while seeing the village’s traditional architecture.

Key Points

• Full-day tour exploring top attractions in Naxos, including the Temple of Demeter, Halki, Apeiranthos, and Apollonas.
• Provides air-conditioned transportation and an experienced local escort, with some entrance fees included.
• Offers free time for lunch at the marble village of Apeiranthos.
• Includes an optional visit to the kitron distillery in Chalki for an additional fee.
• Tour may adjust due to weather conditions, and is suitable for most travelers but not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Overview

The Naxos Highlights Bus Tour offers a full-day exploration of the island’s top attractions. Priced from $37.21 per person, this highly-rated tour (96% recommended) takes up to 49 travelers to visit the Temple of Demeter, the historic village of Halki, the marble town of Apeiranthos, and the ancient kouros statue in Apollonas.

With an experienced local escort, air-conditioned transportation, and some entrance fees included, the tour provides a convenient way to discover Naxos’ highlights. While the itinerary may adjust due to weather, the tour aims to offer a mix of historical, cultural, and natural experiences across the island.

Destinations and Highlights

Key destinations on the Naxos Highlights Bus Tour include the Temple of Demeter, a well-preserved 6th-century structure that’s closed on Tuesdays and May 1st.

The tour also visits Halki, the island’s former capital, and Apeiranthos, a marble village known for its traditional architecture.

In Apollonas, travelers can see an ancient kouros statue.

There’s an optional visit to a kitron distillery in Chalki for a 3€ entrance fee.

The tour provides guided exploration of historical sites, opportunities for swimming, and immersion in local culture, though the itinerary may adjust due to weather.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins at 9:00 AM with pickups from central locations across Naxos, including Plaka Beach, Agia Anna, Agios Prokopios, Stelida, and Naxos Town.

The first stop is the Temple of Demeter, a 6th-century archaeological site.

Next, visitors explore the old capital of Halki before continuing to the marble village of Apeiranthos for free time and lunch. An optional visit to a kitron distillery in Chalki is also available.

The tour concludes with a stop to see the ancient kouros statue in Apollonas.

The itinerary may adjust due to weather, and the Temple of Demeter is closed on Tuesdays and May 1st.

Transportation and Pickup Logistics

Pickups for the Naxos Highlights Bus Tour take place from central locations across the island, accommodating travelers from various areas.

The tour departs at 9:00 AM, with pickup times ranging from 8:35 AM at Plaka Beach to 9:05 AM at the Naxos Bus Transfer Office, the final meeting point.

The air-conditioned vehicle is equipped with an experienced English-speaking escort.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers.

Passengers are advised to prepare for winding roads, as the tour includes scenic drives, especially to the marble village of Apeiranthos.

Guide and Driver Feedback

Guides for the Naxos Highlights Bus Tour consistently receive positive feedback for their knowledgeable and informative commentary.

Travelers appreciate the escorts’ ability to provide context and details about the historical sites and cultural experiences along the route.

The drivers also garner praise for their skilled navigation, especially on the narrow, winding roads that lead to destinations like the marble village of Apeiranthos.

Reviewers highlight the convenience of not having to drive themselves, allowing them to fully immerse in the scenic views and local attractions without the stress of operating a vehicle on Naxos’ challenging terrain.

Traveler Reviews and Suggestions

What do travelers have to say about the Naxos Highlights Bus Tour? The tour receives positive reviews, with 96% of 830 total reviewers recommending it.

Travelers highlight the knowledgeable guides and skilled drivers, especially on the narrow, winding roads. The convenience of not having to drive themselves is also appreciated.

However, some suggest smaller group sizes for better visibility at stops and staggered arrival times to reduce crowding. A few also wish for more time at certain locations, particularly for swimming opportunities.

Despite these minor suggestions, the tour provides an efficient way to see Naxos’ key highlights.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Health Advisory

The tour includes an experienced local escort and an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation.

However, the tour excludes:

1. Meals and drinks
2. Gratuities
3. Personal expenses

Travelers should also be aware that the tour includes winding roads, so those prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is suitable for most travelers.

Entrance fees at some sites are required and must be paid in cash.

Booking and Additional Information

To book the Naxos Highlights Bus Tour, travelers can conveniently reserve their spot online. The tour costs $37.21 per person and has a maximum capacity of 49 travelers.

Pickup times and locations are provided, allowing guests to select the most suitable option. Visitors should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is suitable for most travelers.

Plus, the tour includes an experienced local escort and air-conditioned transportation, but excludes meals, drinks, gratuities, and personal expenses.

Travelers prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly, as the tour involves winding roads. The tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Naxos’s highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

While the tour doesn’t include meals, travelers are free to bring their own food and consume it during the scheduled free time in Apeiranthos. This allows guests to enjoy a more personalized dining experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. However, travelers can explore locations independently during the free time provided, such as during the stop in Apeiranthos for lunch. The standard tour length is a full day.

Do I Need to Book Tickets for the Destinations in Advance?

No, tickets for the destinations are typically included in the tour price. The tour operator handles the entrance fees, so travelers don’t need to book tickets in advance. Just show up and enjoy the guided experience.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, travelers can request a private tour instead of the group tour. Private tours often provide more flexibility and personalized attention, though they may cost more than the standard group tour option.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour starts. This provides flexibility for travelers who need to change their plans last-minute.

The Sum Up

The Naxos Highlights Bus Tour offers an immersive day exploring the island’s captivating history and charming villages. Travelers can enjoy air-conditioned transport, an experienced local escort, and free time to savor local cuisine in the picturesque marble village of Apeiranthos. With visits to the Temple of Demeter and the ancient kouros statue, this tour provides a well-rounded cultural experience on the beautiful island of Naxos.