Small Group Experiential Travel
Tour Code
GI4
Start
Athens (ATH)
End
Athens (ATH)
Tour type
Cultural
Max Group Size
18
When To Go
May, Sep
Activity Level
2 - Moderate
Overnight in
Athens, Santorini, Mykonos
- Overview
- Info & Inclusions
- Itinerary
- Map & Hotels
- Photos
- Dates & Prices
Highlights
- Guided Athens city tour
- Scenic local ferries, more time on isles than on a cruise
- Guided sacred isle, Delos, tour
- Spectacular Santorini
- Beautiful beaches of Mykonos
Description
In the sun-drenched islands of Greece, it is easy to get lost in the deep azure blue of the Aegean Sea and the postcard perfect viewpoints that arrive around every corner. But if you join one of our Greek Island hopping tours, you will see a side of Greece that is multifaceted and utterly interesting.
From the ancient port town of Athens, our Greek Island hopping tours start with an introduction to a history so grand that its impact is still felt to this day. Everything from democracy to philosophy, architecture to the arts has been influenced by this great city. No place is more apparent to this historical importance than the Acropolis, and our Greek Island hopping tours start with a guided journey through buildings erected as early as the 5th century BC. Discover where the great works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes were first performed while touring the Dionysus Theatre. From the classical age of Greece, to the Roman and Byzantine times, Athens has been the centre of it all for thousands of years.
Wandering away from the cobblestone centre, our Greek Island hopping tours will head to the port and venture aboard a Greek ferry to whisk us away to the beautiful and idyllic Greek Isles. While on the islands, our guided tours of Greece are at a relaxed pace to allow our group time to enjoy the splendours of history, gain valuable insights into Greek culture, taste the delicious cuisine from local restaurants, but also enough time to reflect on the magnificent journey and have some independent explorations.
Many of the towns we visit are as scenic as they are serene. Whitewashed buildings concealing dozens of little shrines, chapels, and churches look out onto breezy harbour fronts and sandy shorelines. Even though our Greek Island hopping tours take us far from the mainland, history and folklore has a way of weaving into these sacred islands. On the tiny island of Delos, we join our local guide for a tour of the sanctuary which was once the religious and political capital of the Cyclades for nearly 1000 years. Merchants and mariners from as far as Syria and Egypt once ventured to this tiny island, and a visit to the theatre which once held 5,500 people in one sitting allows us to imagine how populated and important this place once was.
From morning to sunset, each day on our Greek Island hopping tours offers photographers something to see. Perhaps no sunset is more picturesque than the one we will experience in Santorini. Overlooking the tiny villages that surround Santorini's caldera, the sky here turns a magnificent array of colours that leave all travellers in awe. One look and it is easy to understand how these small villages such as Oia have inspired many generations of artists.
It may be the attractive scenes of Greece that lured you in, or perhaps the sweeping legacies and culture, but it the combination of both which makes Greece so special.
From the ancient port town of Athens, our Greek Island hopping tours start with an introduction to a history so grand that its impact is still felt to this day. Everything from democracy to philosophy, architecture to the arts has been influenced by this great city. No place is more apparent to this historical importance than the Acropolis, and our Greek Island hopping tours start with a guided journey through buildings erected as early as the 5th century BC. Discover where the great works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes were first performed while touring the Dionysus Theatre. From the classical age of Greece, to the Roman and Byzantine times, Athens has been the centre of it all for thousands of years.
Wandering away from the cobblestone centre, our Greek Island hopping tours will head to the port and venture aboard a Greek ferry to whisk us away to the beautiful and idyllic Greek Isles. While on the islands, our guided tours of Greece are at a relaxed pace to allow our group time to enjoy the splendours of history, gain valuable insights into Greek culture, taste the delicious cuisine from local restaurants, but also enough time to reflect on the magnificent journey and have some independent explorations.
Many of the towns we visit are as scenic as they are serene. Whitewashed buildings concealing dozens of little shrines, chapels, and churches look out onto breezy harbour fronts and sandy shorelines. Even though our Greek Island hopping tours take us far from the mainland, history and folklore has a way of weaving into these sacred islands. On the tiny island of Delos, we join our local guide for a tour of the sanctuary which was once the religious and political capital of the Cyclades for nearly 1000 years. Merchants and mariners from as far as Syria and Egypt once ventured to this tiny island, and a visit to the theatre which once held 5,500 people in one sitting allows us to imagine how populated and important this place once was.
From morning to sunset, each day on our Greek Island hopping tours offers photographers something to see. Perhaps no sunset is more picturesque than the one we will experience in Santorini. Overlooking the tiny villages that surround Santorini's caldera, the sky here turns a magnificent array of colours that leave all travellers in awe. One look and it is easy to understand how these small villages such as Oia have inspired many generations of artists.
It may be the attractive scenes of Greece that lured you in, or perhaps the sweeping legacies and culture, but it the combination of both which makes Greece so special.
Price Includes
- Full-time Tour Leader services and local guide support in several locations.
- Breakfast and dinner (mostly local restaurants) daily.
- All transport, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters (if available).
- Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving/departing on tour dates.
Exclusions
- International airfare to/from the tour.
- Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), and excursions referenced as 'optional'.
- Airport transfers for Land Only customers.
Trip Info
- Seasonality and Weather:
This tour is offered in spring, summer, and fall, the most popular being spring and fall when temperatures are milder, crowds thinner, and airfares lower. Spring is popular for green landscapes and wildflowers; beachgoers prefer fall sea temperatures. The region has a Mediterranean climate with early springs, long hot and dry summers, and autumns that are bright and warm into mid-October. Showers are possible in spring, rare in summer, and possible in late fall. - Transport and Travel Conditions:
This is not a cruise! We travel between islands via local ferries, which can range from hydrofoils to large vehicle carrying vessels. Greek ferry schedules tend to change without notice; some itinerary adjustments may be necessary at the discretion of your Tour Leader.
Land transport (city & island tours, port transfers) by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on group size (see 'group size'); some local buses and taxis.
Porter service is rarely available on the islands (see 'inclusions'); you MUST be independent with your luggage, especially getting on / off ferries.
This trip is typical of most of our European tours, which are ambitious and involve full days of travel and sightseeing. While we don't have any actual strenuous activity (ie hiking) built into the program, you will do a lot of walking on this trip. These walks will mostly be in the form of walking tours of towns and cities and short walks to dinner. Being Europe, and a hilly/mountainous area, cobbles, uneven surfaces, and slopes/stairs are common. If you are accustomed to typical "bus tours," which rely heavily on vehicular transport for all sightseeing activities, you should be aware that this tour is considerably more active.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form - Accommodation:
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels (3-4 star) throughout. Island hotels are smaller properties (3-4 story) that will likely not have elevators. All hotels have en suite bath, though most have shower only.
A special note about Santorini, which is primarily a luxury tourism destination and, while we can confidently promise our visit will be fulfilling and rewarding, one's hotel expectations must be in line with our overall purpose, which is sightseeing and cultural experience and not focused on the "hotel experience" per se. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins. - Activity Level: 2
These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
To learn more about the Activity levels, please visit our tour styles page. - Staff and Support:
Tour Leader throughout, driver (s), local step-on local guides in various locales. - Group Size:
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader
Download Itinerary
- Day 1:Arrival in AthensToday we arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece and the historic capital of Europe.
Athens has a long history dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age; in the 5th Century BC, the city’s values and civilization acquired a universal significance. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state and an attractive modern metropolis with unrivalled charm.
Overnight in Athens.
Included Meal(s): Dinner - Day 2:Athens: City TouringToday we enjoy a guided tour of Athens, the heart and soul of Greece.* A large part of the town's historic centre has been converted into a 3-kilometre pedestrian zone (one of the largest in Europe), leading to the major archaeological sites, reconstructing -- to a large degree -- the ancient landscape, thus allowing us to avoid the city's horrendous traffic. As such, much/most of our tour today will be conducted ON FOOT at a leisurely pace.
We start at the Acropolis (with hopes to beat the heat/crowds), near the site of the Dionysos Theatre. Constructed in the 6th century BC, it is one of the world's oldest theatres and the place where the great works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes were first performed. We will also see a more recent theatre, the Odeon of Herod Atticus from the second century AD, which is still used for concerts and performances.
Ascending to the top of the Acropolis, we will see magnificent buildings dating from the 5th century BC, the Golden Age of Athens. On the highest point on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, often considered the finest monument to Greek civilization. The temple was dedicated to Athena "Parthenos," the virgin and patron goddess of the city.
After our Acropolis tour, we'll descend by foot and enter the Ancient Agora located adjacent to the Plaka, the old town of Athens. Among the numerous sights in this archaeological park are the well-preserved Temple of Hephaistos and the landmark Roman era Tower of the Winds.
Our guided tour ends with a guided visit of the Acropolis Museum, located at the foot of the Acropolis. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece; nearly 4,000 objects are exhibited over an area of 14,000 square metres. After our tour you are free to wander and explore on your own or make your way back to the hotel with your Tour Leader's assistance.
* The exact order of our sightseeing in Athens may be altered by your Tour Leader depending on several variables and their judgement on how best to run today's tour.
Overnight in Athens.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 3:Athens - Ferry to MykonosEarly this morning we travel by local ferry from Athens' port, Pireaus, to the island of Mykonos.*
From the harbour waterfront, you can watch the local fishing boats, or venture into the labyrinth of dazzling, white-washed streets to the many churches, tavernas, or shops selling artisan crafts. In the distance stand a string of windmills that once harnessed the breezes of days gone by. The sugar cube buildings are stacked around a cluster of seafront fishermen's dwellings. The labyrinth design was intended to confuse the pirates who plagued Mykonos in the eighteenth and 19th centuries. The whitewashed houses concealing dozens of little churches, shrines and chapels.
* PORTERS ARE GENERALLY NOT AVAILABLE ON THE GREEK ISLES, OR ON FERRIES BETWEEN THEM. You MUST be able to carry / wheel your baggage on and off ferries.
Overnight on Mykonos.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 4:Mykonos: Walking Tour & Boat Trip to DelosThis morning we'll take you on an orientation walking tour of Mykonos Chora. We wander the pirate-proof streets of town and see the Paraportiani Church near the quay, an architectural masterpiece of five chapels in one.
We then meet the boat that will take us to the tiny sacred island of Delos (40 minutes away). Delos gives the whole group of islands surrounding it their name, the Cyclades -- so named because they form a circle (kyklos) around Delos. For nearly 1,000 years this sanctuary was the political and religious centre of the Aegean. Leto, pregnant by Zeus, gave birth to the twins Apollo and Artemis on Delos. In the 18th century BC, the annual Delia Festival was established on the island to celebrate the birth of Apollo. Delos was populated during its height in Hellenistic times with wealthy merchants, mariners and bankers from as far away as Egypt and Syria.
During our guided walking tour of Delos, we will see the Agora of the Competialists, Roman merchants or freed slaves who worshipped the guardian spirits of crossroads; the Sanctuary of Apollo, the three temples of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Dionysus. In the House of the Masks we are able to see a mosaic portraying Dionysus riding on a panthers back. The theatre here could seat 5,500 people.
We return to Mykonos where you will have free time to explore Mykonos town on your own.
Overnight on Mykonos.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 5:Mykonos - Ferry to SantoriniToday we take a ferry or hydrofoil (depending on scheduling) to the island of Santorini.
Vast geological upheavals have given this island its unique form resulting in the nickname, "Pre-Historic Pompeii." The effect of terracing makes this unlike any other island, Greece's most visually stunning. Santorini is the island of churches, wine, and donkeys! From as early as 3000 BC the island developed as an outpost of Minoan civilization until around 1650 BC when the volcano erupted. At this point the island's history became linked with the legend of Atlantis.
At some point in our visit, we'll stop in at the The Museum of Prehistoric Thera. It was built on the site of the old Ypapanti Church, destroyed in the 1956 earthquake. The museum houses a very large number of ancient artifacts from various excavations on Santorini, such as at Akrotiri and at the nearby Potamos site.
Overnight on Santorini.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 6:Santorini: Akrotiri & Island TourVisually, Santorini is the most spectacular of the Cycladic islands. With its brilliant flooded caldera, high cliffs and charming villages, it is the Greek Isle of everyone's dreams. Our coach tour today will take us to Santorini's many highlights.
We begin with a visit to Akrotiri for a thorough guided tour. Excavations have revealed a complete prehistoric Minoan city with squares, streets, and two-storey houses, which contained marvelous frescoes. The buildings date to the late 16th century BC. No skeletons or treasures have been found in Akrotiri, so historians think that the inhabitants were forewarned of the eruption and were able to escape. The excavations have yielded evidence that has revolutionized our knowledge of the Late Bronze Age; indeed the town has been called a "Bronze-age Pompeii."
We will also visit the hilltop village of Pyrgos, once the capital of the island and home to more than 30 churches. The village is composed of traditional houses built around the Venetian Castle and the small streets follow the shape of the hill. Climbing from the square up to the castle of Pyrgos, the stone houses crowd more densely together within the labyrinth of narrow vaulted lanes.
Our drive around the island will also take us up to the Prophet Elias Monastery built on the highest point of the island in 1711 AD. Though we will not visit inside the monastery, the view from here is breathtaking.
Fira is the capital of the island and the most important village. Perched on the edge of an impressive cliff 260m high, the town offers great panoramic views over the submerged volcano. Here the small streets are filled with all kind of shops, cafes, and restaurants. After an orientation walk through the town, you might choose to visit the impressive Archaeological Museum in your spare time (optional). This museum features many artifacts dating back to the time of the Cycladic Civilization. The most impressive legacies of this civilization are the statuettes carved from Parian marble -- the famous Cycladic figurines. Like statuettes of Neolithic times they depicted images of the Great Mother. Other remains include bronze and obsidian tools and weapons, gold jewelry, and stone and clay vases and pots.
Return to Kamari Beach (those who wish to extend their time in Fira can return to Kamari using the public bus system).
Overnight on Santorini.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 7:Santorini: Fira - Imerovigli - Oia / Free AfternoonThis morning (to beat the crowds) we will head to the small town of Oia (pronounced "EE-ah"), situated at the northern tip of the island.*
Built on a steep slope of the caldera, many of Oia's dwellings nestle in the niches hewn in the volcanic rock. This was once a major fishing port but is principally known these days as perhaps the most dramatically-situated towns in the whole of Greece. The peak of prosperity for this small port town was reached in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; at that time the locally based merchant fleet plied its trade in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially from Alexandria to Russia. The two-story captains' houses built on the highest part of the village are a reminder of the village's former affluence. Oia is a place where many artists have found their inspiration... and here we will wander the narrow streets and old ruins, and enjoy the stunning views of the caldera with panoramic views of the rest of Santorini and the Aegean Sea.
After our visit we will double back by road toward Fira, hopping off at a caldera-side district called Imerovigli from where we will walk (downhill) along the rim enjoying the stunning caldera views and dramatic setting. Our route leads through the suburb of Firostefani, with ever-changing views as the perspective of the island changes minute by minute. En route we will look out to Skaros, the remains of a Venetian Castle built in 1207 by Marco Sanudo, the ruler of all Cyclades at that time.
Once we arrive in central Fira, the balance of the day is free to explore on your own. Your Tour Leader is available to assist with options -- perhaps extend your time in Fira, shopping, strolling, soaking it all in, or head down to one of Santorini's famous black beaches or hike up to the ruins of Ancient Thira.
* PLEASE NOTE that the sequence events described above may vary at the Tour Leader's discretion depending on a number of variables, including cruise ship arrivals, weather etc. One constant - to avoid crowding in Oia - will remain a priority. Your Tour Leader will keep you apprised ahead of time.
Overnight on Santorini.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 8:Santorini - Fly to AthensToday we'll fly back to Athens,* aiming to have some free time in the city for some last minute shopping and/or sightseeing.
* PLEASE NOTE: From fall 2025 onward, this tour will end in Santorini and NOT return to Athens for overnight. As such, this tour will become one day shorter, ending one day earlier than indicated (the price already reflects this change). Once our spring 2025 tour departs, this itinerary and tour end date will be altered accordingly.
Overnight in Athens.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner - Day 9:DepartureDeparture from Athens.
KALO TAXIDI/BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Regions Visited: Europe, Eastern Europe and Western Europe
Countries Visited: Greece
Countries Visited: Greece
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
Excellent
Overall Rating
4.6
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This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip.
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- Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
- A non-refundable $500 USD deposit is payable at the time of booking
- Optional Single Supplement: $640 USD (number of singles limited).
- Transferring to another tour or tour date is only permissible outside of 120 days prior to departure and is subject to a $100 USD change fee. (Read our cancellation policy for more info.)
- FROM FALL 2025 ONWARD this tour will become one day shorter and end end one day earlier than indicated (the price already reflects this change). Once our spring tour departs, this itinerary and the tour end date will be updated to indicate that the tour will end on Santorini and not return to Athens with an overnight therein.
Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. Get general information on flights to/from the tour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 90-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
- Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
- How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone.
A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 90 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s).
Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time.
Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure. - What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
- I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location.
This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement.
The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible.
On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available.
Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed. - Do you have a shared accommodation program?Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").
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