Myth, Legends, and Islands of Greece: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini
10 Days
![Myth, Legends, and Islands of Greece: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_90,f_auto,c_lfill,w_400,h_400/ee-web/2024/03/shutterstock_1010846203.jpg)
![Myth, Legends, and Islands of Greece: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_90,f_auto,c_lfill,w_400,h_400/ee-web/2024/03/shutterstock_2433372333.jpg)
![Santorini](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_90,f_auto,c_lfill,w_400,h_400/ee-web/2024/03/Athens-Santorini.jpg)
It’s impossible to resist the allure of the Greek Islands—these oases of whitewashed churches, ancient monuments, and sidewalk cafes on the shores of the Aegean Sea are a siren call to travelers. This adventure begins in Athens, where centuries-old archaeological sites form a classical backdrop to a blossoming, trendy downtown. Then it’s off to the lively island of Mykonos, where eclectic shops, bars, and restaurants line the waterfront, and gorgeous white sand beaches are mere minutes away. A ferry takes visitors to Santorini nearby, to explore the hilltop community of Oia with its charming whitewashed houses with bright blue roofs, and witness the stunning spectacle of the island’s multicolored cliffs. Heavenly cuisine, rich history, and swoon-worthy views: what’s not to love?
Highlights
-
Discover the Treasures of Athens on a Private Tour
-
Dive into the Traditions and History of Mykonos with a Private Tour
-
Santorini Island and Oia Village and Caldera Exploration
-
Visit Poseidon's Temple at Attica's Southernmost Point
Itinerary Details
International Arrival
Transfer to the Hotel
2 Nights
Athens
Included activities
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Arriving in Athens, guests will be met by a representative who will escort them to the hotel. The afternoon is the perfect time to explore the cobbled old town with its winding alleyways and historic and modern buildings. Take a peek at the ancient Aghora and walk through the bustling square at Monastiraki, or watch the ceremonial changing of the guards at Syntagma Square. Stop by a sidewalk cafe for gyros or Greek coffee, and then it's time for the evening sightseeing tour with an expert guide.
Athens by Night
Athens is a mesmerizing blend of illuminated ancient ruins and bustling streets, bars, and restaurants filled with lively music and laughter. The evening begins with a short panoramic drive through the historic city center, past Syntagma Square. At the slope of the sacred hill, one can see the majestic Acropolis alight in the dark, towering over the city. Walk through the narrow, cobbled streets of Plaka, the Old City, and then feast on typical local dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, and gyros at a Greek taverna. Next up is a fun floor show, complete with live music and traditional Greek folk dances.
Day 2: Athens
After a leisurely breakfast, meet the guide in the hotel lobby and set off for a private half-day city sightseeing tour. Upon return, spend the afternoon and evening exploring the charming squares and back streets of Upper and Lower Plaka. This part of the old city is home to several quaint churches and historical buildings perfect for exploration, as well as a flea market in Monastiraki nearby. Local Greek tavernas are plentiful, be sure to stop at one to sample saganaki—a hard Greek cheese that's fried and sprinkled with lemon juice—or a slice of flaky spanakopita.
Private Half-Day Athens Sightseeing Tour
This tour highlights the striking contrast between the ancient and the modern that makes Athens such a fascinating city. Accompanied by an expert, guests begin at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. The tour passes by the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, a gateway built to honor the namesake Roman emperor. Guests will see the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that commemorates Greek soldiers killed in war. Athens houses some of the country's best modern centers of learning—the Academy, the National University, and National Library, which guests will view before arriving at the tree-lined Syntagma Square. Next on the itinerary is the Acropolis, undoubtedly the pièce de résistance in Athens, with masterpieces from the golden age such as the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and the Parthenon, an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece. The tour ends at the Acropolis Museum, which houses every artifact found on the Acropolis.
![Rome](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/Athens-Rome.jpg)
![Aerial view of Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Hekatompedon Temple, Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Erechtheion at sunset](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/EE_Greece_1687026412.jpg)
![Athens Greece, Parthenon and Acropolis panoramic view](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/Athens-Greece-Parthenon-and-Acropolis-panoramic-view.jpg)
Transfer to the Airport
Flight from Athens to Mykonos
Transfer to the Hotel
3 Nights
Mykonos
Included activities
Day 3: Arrival in Mykonos
Enjoy the better part of the morning and early afternoon in Athens to do some final independent sightseeing before the flight to Mykonos. Upon arrival, a transfer representative will be waiting as an escort to the hotel. Mykonos is known for its food and nightlife, so it's time to don some party outfits and head out for the evening!
Day 4: Mykonos
On the docket for this morning is a private half-day tour of Mykonos Town and island. With charming whitewashed buildings, narrow, cobbled alleys, and blue-domed churches, Mykonos is impossibly picturesque. Sandy beaches with the clearest waters line the shores, along with lively restaurants and beach clubs where guests can grab refreshments before continuing the tour of the island. In the afternoon, a waterfront restaurant is the perfect place for lunch, after which guests can lay back on one of the island's numerous white sand beaches and soak up the sun.
Half-day City and Island Private Tour of Mykonos
The tour begins early on the quiet, narrow streets of Mykonos Town. An expert guide shares the history of the Old Town and takes guests to the famous windmills that feature on Mykonos postcards, in search of Petros the Pelican, the mascot of Mykonos. Then, the group boards a bus and sets out to explore the coast and inner landscapes of the island. Along the way, the tour passes several quaint fishing villages, local houses, and chapels built in typical Cycladic style, providing insights about the local architecture and way of life. In Ano Mera, the second main village of Mykonos, visitors can disembark and stroll through the square or visit the 16th-century Tourliani Monastery with its beautiful dome and museum. The final stop is Kalafatis Beach, where there will be time to relax on the golden sands or swim in the clear waters before heading back to town.
Day 5: Mykonos
This morning is ideal for exploring Mykonos Town at a leisurely pace. It's maze-like streets, brimming with quaint boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, lead to the whitewashed Panagia Paraportiani church in the heart of town. Stroll along the waterfront promenade of Little Venice or visit the Archaeological Museum with artifacts from 425 B.C.E.! Afterward, a boat takes guests from New Port to Tinos for a guided tour.
Tinos Full-Day Tour
Experience the beauty and charm of old Greece on this visit to the big-brother island of Mykonos. Few are familiar with this lesser-known island, but its charms are diverse. In Tinos Town, visit the Evangelistria Church, the most important church in Greece and home to an icon of the Virgin Mary that's believed to have miraculous powers. Scenic vistas abound on the bus ride across the island, with highlights of the drive including stops at the marble village of Pyrgos, the women's Monastery of Kechrovoúni, and Volax, the quaint village of basket makers. There are numerous traditional Greek tavernas where guests can sample local dishes such as rabbit stews, sausages, or gruyere. The evening is free to explore the harbor or browse the colorful shops in Tinos town before the return to Mykonos. (Note: Lunch is not included in this tour and is at the guests' own expense.)
![Myth, Legends, and Islands of Greece: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/shutterstock_2433372333.jpg)
![Myth, Legends, and Islands of Greece: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/WINDMILLS-Mykonos.jpg)
![Myth, Legends, and Islands of Greece: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/Greece-iStock-962670172.jpeg)
![Mykonos, Greece](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/Mykonos_428874820.jpg)
Transfer to the Pier
Ferry from Mykonos to Santorini
Transfer from the Pier to the Hotel
3 Nights
Santorini
Included activities
Day 6: Arrival in Santorini
In the morning, meet a transfer representative for an escort from the hotel to the ferry for Santorini. The high-speed catamaran generally takes approximately three hours to reach Santorini, but this can be longer depending on weather conditions. In Santorini, a transfer representative will meet guests at the pier and take them to the hotel. The evening is ideal for wandering the lively streets and dining in one of Fira's numerous restaurants. Visitors may have to pay more if the establishment has a view of the island's caldera, but the vista is certainly worth the splurge!
Day 7: Santorini
It's a good idea to slather on the sunscreen before heading out on a tour of this sunny island. Guests will visit the clifftop town of Oia with its breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea, and Santorini's massive volcanic crater on the west coast on a half-day tour. For dinner, local tavernas offer authentic Greek meals of tomato fritters and roasted lamb, along with fine wine from one of the island's many fantastic vineyards.
Half-Day Santorini Caldera and Oia Village Tour
Set against a backdrop of black cliffs, the port of Athinios caters to numerous ferry routes to various parts of Greece. This tour starts with a boat ride to the active volcanoes atop Nea Kameni, an island located within the flooded caldera of Santorini. Hike the path through the volcanic park, past smoking craters and hot springs. Then, the boat sails to Palea Kameni with its luxuriously warm hot springs, perfect for a relaxing dip. The next stop is the colorful Cycladic village of Thirassia, which has staunchly resisted the tourism boom and retained its original character. Here, sample traditional Santorini cuisine at a local taverna or restaurant. The final destination of the tour is the village of Oia, built into the sloped sides of the island's caldera with panoramic views of the Aegean. One of the most photographed places in the world, watch a magical sunset from this charming village before the end of the tour and return journey. (Note: Lunch is not included in this tour and is at the guests' own expense.)
Day 8: Santorini
The last day in Santorini is free for guests to savor the beauty of the island and do some exploration of their own. One could hike down from Oia to the colorful port of Ammoudi for lunch in a local fish taverna with views of the Aegean Sea. The Museum of Prehistoric Thera, located in Fira, houses some of the most extraordinary ancient artifacts from excavations such as Akrotiri. Guests can also make their way to the top of the caldera to view the temples and mosaicked houses of ancient Thira. The last night in Santorini calls for an indulgent meal at a lively restaurant in Fira or the clifftop town of Oia, perhaps followed by a drink at a bar overlooking the caldera.
![Myth, Legends, and Islands of Greece: Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/shutterstock_2047687358.jpg)
![Santorini](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/Athens-Santorini.jpg)
![Greece](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/Greece-888237144-1.jpg)
Transfer to the Airport
Flight from Santorini to Athens
Transfer to the Hotel
1 Night
Athens
Included activities
Day 9: Arrival in Athens
This morning, a flight takes guests from Santorini airport to Athens, where a representative will meet and escort them to the hotel. Having checked in, it's time for a tour of Cape Sounion at the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula, where the Temple of Poseidon is located. Upon return, the evening is free to explore the city on and revisit any beloved sites. The open-air Cine Paris is great for catching a movie, located on a rooftop in Plaka with views of the Acropolis from a few lucky seats.
Cape Sounion Tour
The tour begins with a drive on the Athens Riviera, past the picturesque beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza. An hour and a half later, reach Cape Sounion, the southernmost point of Attica, where the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon overlook the azure ocean. Built to honor the god of the sea, the temple once served as a sacred site where seafarers once made their offerings and prayed for safe passage before their voyages. Ancient myths and legends add to the mystery and allure of this site. After a short exploration, enjoy walking along the rocky promontory for fantastic views of the Saronic Gulf.
Day 10: Athens
After a Grecian breakfast, it is time to bid adieu to this beautiful country. A representative will be waiting at the hotel to transfer guests to the airport in time for their flight home. As they soar through the clouds high above Greece, it's time to reflect on the wonderful trip as the islands recede in the distance.
Transfer to Airport
International Departure
![Rome](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/Athens-Rome.jpg)
![Aerial view of Acropolis of Athens, the Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Hekatompedon Temple, Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Erechtheion at sunset](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/EE_Greece_1687026412.jpg)
![Athens Greece, Parthenon and Acropolis panoramic view](https://res.cloudinary.com/enchanting/q_70,f_auto,w_720,h_410,c_fill,g_face/ee-web/2024/03/Athens-Greece-Parthenon-and-Acropolis-panoramic-view.jpg)
Inclusions
Includes
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodation: Athens (3 nights) - Mykonos (3 nights) - Santorini (3 nights)
- Meals: Daily breakfast, except when otherwise specified
- Private arrival and departure transfers, as specified in the itinerary
- Flights: Athens - Mykonos, Santorini - Athens
- Ferry: Mykonos - Santorini
- English speaking assistants and guides
- Admission tickets as specified in the itinerary
Not Included
- Tips and personal expenses
- Visa and tourism charges
- Travel, health, and cancellation insurance