Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini: Greek Island Odyssey
10 Days
This itinerary will take guests to Greece’s most-loved destinations. Perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience the best of Greece in a short time, the tour starts with three days in Athens to visit the remarkable attractions of this ancient city. Next, they will spend several days on the favorite island destinations of lively Mykonos and serene Santorini. Archeological sightseeing includes visits to Athens’ Acropolis, the Arch of Hadrian, the Temple of Zeus, the Temple of Poseidon, the sacred island of Delos, the Minoan site of Akrotiri – and the ruins of Mycenae. There is also plenty of downtime to relax on the beautiful beaches, shop and explore at each destination.
Highlights
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Guided Tour to the Temples of Zeus, Poseidon and Athena
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Savor a Magical Sunset and Dinner at Oia Village
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Enjoy a Half-Day Cruise to Santorini’s Hot Springs
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Guided Tour to the Ancient City of Epidaurus in Mycenae
Itinerary Details
International Arrival
Transfer to the Hotel by Private Coach
2 Nights
Athens
Included activities
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Welcome to Athens, Greece's classical yet very cosmopolitan capital city. A local assistant will meet your group in the terminal's arrival hall and escort them to the hotel by private coach. If your group arrives before the official check-in time, they can store the baggage with the reception staff. The rest of the day it at leisure for them to relax and begin exploring the ancient city of Athens. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner in the hotel's restaurant to mark the start of the vacation.
Day 2: Athens
After breakfast in the hotel, your group is in for an exciting, full-day sightseeing tour of ancient Athens. Beginning at the historic city center, they will see stunning landmarks such as Hadrian's Arch and Syntagma Square, and make a visit to the towering Parthenon. There will be free time to lunch, and guests can choose any one of the many tavernas strewn across atmospheric neighborhoods like Monstriki or Plaka. Later, guests will also visit the Temple of Poseidon before returning to the hotel in Athens. In the evening, your group will go to Athens' historic Plaka neighborhood, to enjoy dinner in a traditional taverna with Greek folkloric music.
Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour of Athens
Athens has thrived for over 25 centuries. On this guided tour, guests will witness the city's historic landmarks like the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Zeus, which took over 700 years to be constructed. Your group will visit the iconic Acropolis and its crown jewel, the Parthenon, which was dedicated to Athena – the patron goddess of the city. After free time for lunch, participants will continue its sightseeing this afternoon with a drive down a coastal road to the rocky promontory of Cape Suonion. They will visit the 2400-year-old Temple of Poseidon, and enjoy stunning views of the Saronic Gulf and the offshore Islands. After the visit, guests will be escorted back to the hotel in the private coach.
Transfer by Private Coach to Piraeus Port
Travel by High-Speed Hydrofoil to Mykonos Island
Transfer by Private Coach to the Hotel
3 Nights
Mykonos
Included activities
Day 3: Arrival in Mykonos
In the morning, your group will be transferred by private coach to Piraeus Port, from where they will travel by high-speed hydrofoil to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos in the Cyclades islands group. White-washed homes set very near the water, tiny chapels and windmills are characteristic of this very beautiful island. Upon arrival, your group will be transferred to their hotel for the next three nights. The rest of the day is at leisure for guests to explore the island. Since the 1960s, Mykonos has attracted many international artists, celebrities and travelers with an appetite for sandy beaches and nightclubs, adding to its cosmopolitan culture. Buses are easy to use and run until midnight.
Day 4: Mykonos
After breakfast in the hotel, guests are free to enjoy the day on this gorgeous island. This is the ultimate jet-setters' playground and for good reason. Your group can relax and swim at one of the many beaches, some of which are reachable only by boat. They could also embark on a shopping expedition amid the labyrinthine lanes of Mykonos Town. Photo-ops abound – especially at the island's trademark windmills. There's also an interesting agricultural museum inside one of the windmills that guests can explore. Mykonos boasts one of the best restaurant scenes in the world and we recommend a waterfront eatery where guests can watch the azure waters and boats out at sea.
Day 5: Mykonos
This morning, your group will take a day trip to the nearby archeological island of Delos. This UNESCO-listed sacred island is one of the most important sites in Greece, and a guided tour of its preserved, sacred landmarks and museum is well worth the time. After the visit, guests will return to Mykonos and enjoy one last evening on the island.
Day Trip to Delos Island
Sacred and desolate, Delos is said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It is one of the most important mythological and historic sites in all of Greece, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a short ferry ride away from Mykonos, guests will visit the impressive archaeological ruins of this island with a local guide and view highlights such as the Sanctuary of Apollo and the preserved House of Dionysius. Your group will have a guided tour of the archeological site's museum and visit the ancient Doric Temple of Isis, before taking the ferry back to Mykonos.
Transfer by Private Coach to the Port
Travel by High-Speed Hydrofoil to Santorini
Transfer by Private Coach to the hotel
3 Nights
Santorini
Included activities
Day 6: Arrival in Santorini
This morning, your group will return to the port and travel by hydrofoil to arguably the best-known and most breathtaking of all of the Greek Islands: Santorini. Believed by some to be the lost continent of Atlantis – this historic and unimaginably picturesque island is situated on the edge of a submerged volcano. As your group arrives, they will be picked up at the port and transferred to the hotel by private coach. Later, they will visit the magical town of Oia for a sunset tour and dinner before turning in for the night.
Guided Tour of Oia With Dinner
In the late afternoon, your group will travel to the picturesque village of Oia, which is known for its quiet life and dramatic sunsets. Set high on the cliffs, guests can admire the incredible views of the white Cycladic houses with blue painted windows that have inspired artists over the ages. Led by a guide, they will wander the charming streets and visit the famed blue-domed churches that feature on every postcard. They will discover quaint little shops and boutiques, and watch a magical sunset against a cascade of whitewashed houses. Afterward, guests will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
Day 7: Santorini
After breakfast in the hotel, your group will enjoy a half-day cruise to the small islands of Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, located within the caldera of the island. After a day of sailing, swimming and sunbathing, they will have time to lunch on fresh seafood and then return to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure for guests to explore the beautiful island.
Half-Day Island Cruise to Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni
This morning, your group will set sail for the charming Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni islands from Santorini. Because of its volcanic origins, Santorini's formation is dramatic and unique. Both Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni islands are located inside the caldera. During the excursion, your group will swim in hot springs with mineral-rich green and yellow waters. They will also visit the remote and untouched island of Thirassia, which is home to several small restaurants serving up the fresh catch of the day. Afterward, guests will return to their hotel in Santorini.
Day 8: Santorini
After breakfast in the hotel, your group will have a guided sighting tour of the remarkably well-preserved archeological site of Akrotiri. These remarkably well-preserved ruins were buried under volcanic ash for centuries, and are often compared to the Italy's Pompeii. A wine tasting session will follow, after which the evening is free for guests to explore Santorini as they wish on their final night.
Guided Sightseeing Tour of Ancient Akrotiri and Wine Tasting
Akrotiri's intact ruins are often compared to those in Pompeii. With the exception of the island of Crete – nowhere else in Greece has as interesting archeological artifacts and ruins belonging to the ancient Minoan civilization. Accompanied by the guide, your group will discover a remarkably preserved settlement, which was buried under ash for centuries after a catastrophic volcanic eruption. The settlement is from the Bronze age Minoan community, who had built intricate pathways and buildings all those years ago. This is an immersive experience that will help guests glimpse into a bygone era, an important part of Grecian history. Afterward, your group will visit a local winery to have a tasting of some of the island's locally-produced wines.
Transfer by Private Coach to the Airport
Flight from Santorini to Athens
Transfer to the Hotel in Athens
1 Night
Athens
Included activities
Day 9: Athens
This morning, your group will bid farewell to Santorini and travel by private coach to the airport. A short flight will take them to Athens airport on the mainland, from where they will board their private coach and embark on a tour of Mycenae. Later, guests will be escorted to their overnight hotel in Athens and enjoy a farewell dinner with the rest of the group at a local restaurant.
Tour of Ancient Ruins in Mycenae
Upon arrival on the mainland, your group will enjoy an exciting tour of the ancient ruins at Mycenae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was the center of a major civilization in the second millennium BC. Guests will see the Lion's Gate, the Cyclopean Walls and the Royal Tombs. There will be free time for lunch, and then, your group will travel to the ancient city of Epidaurus to go inside the 4th-century B.C theater, which is famous for its astonishing acoustics. At the end of the tour, your group will be transferred by private coach to Athens.
Day 10: Athens
After breakfast and checking out of the hotel, your group will travel to Athens Airport by private coach for their return flight back home.
Transfer by Private Coach to Athens Airport
International Departure
Inclusions
Includes
- Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
- Accommodations: Athens (3 nights) - Mykonos (3 nights) - Santorini (3 Nights) - Athens (1 Night)
- Meals: Daily breakfast, and lunch and dinner as specified
- Ground transportation via air conditioned luxury coach
- 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