Greek Island Tours: join us on an exquisite, two-week adventure to experience the islands of Greece and discover lands of stellar landscapes, intriguing histories and abundant ancient wonders.
No tour that touches down in Greece would be complete without a trip to Athens, which numbers as one of the world's greatest cities for its striking blend of modernity with antiquity; if nothing else, the Acropolis and the Parthenon - often considered the finest monument of Greek civilization - are certainly not to be missed.
We have the chance to stretch our legs a bit on a walking tour through the winding streets of Mykonos Chora, where we can marvel at the striking architecture of the Parapotiani Church, and then it's off to explore the archaeologically significant island of Delos, which was once the political and religious seat of the Aegean.
Our trip to Santorini brings with it the chance to experience donkey-treks or cable-car rides along the cast caldera rim and in Chania, we explore the narrow mediaeval streets and alleyways, discovering Turkish fountains and bathhouses, Venetian and Turkish houses, and delicious local delicacies in its legendary marketplaces.
Our Greek Island tours are the best way to get a comprehensive overview of the entire area.
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. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.
Your Travel and Accommodation Arranged For You
Tips Included for Driver, Restaurant Staff, Local Guides
Authentic Local Experiences With Lots Of Inclusions.
Select a date below to reserve your spot:
Optional Single Supplement: $780 USD (number of singles limited).
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Day 1 Arrival in Athens
Today we arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece and the historical 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 Touring
Today 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
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Day 3 Athens - Ferry to Mykonos
Early 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 Delos
This 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 Santorini
Today 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 Tour
Visually, 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 Afternoon
This 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 - Ferry to Iraklion, Crete
Today we travel by ferry or hydrofoil (depending on scheduling) to Crete.
Crete is the largest and most southerly of the Greek Islands, blessed with a magnificent setting of rugged coastal scenery and warm waters. On arrival we will have an easy walking tour of central Iraklion,* including the impressive St Titus Church, Morosini Fountain and other Venetian legacies. The massive walls that surround the town of Iraklion were built by the Venetians in the mid-15th century.
*NOTE: Ferry schedules may require that we have our walking tour tomorrow.
Overnight in Iraklion.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 9 Iraklion: Knossos, Archaeological Museum & Lassithi Plateau
Early this morning we travel the short distance to Knossos where our local guide will show us the ancient palace of King Minos, first built around 1900 BC. In 1700 BC it was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt to a grander and more sophisticated design. The city of Knossos consisted of an immense palace, residences of officials and priests, the homes of ordinary people, and burial grounds. The Palace, which covered an area of 22000 sq m (236,682 sq feet), consisted of royal domestic quarters, public reception rooms, shrines, workshops, treasures and storerooms around a central court. Knossos was excavated by Arthur Evans between 1900 and 1930.
We also visit the Archaeological Museum in Iraklion, one of the best museums in Greece. The exhibits, collected from excavations carried out in all parts of Crete, come mainly from the prehistoric era and form a valuable record of the artistic, social and economic life of the island during the ancient period.
This afternoon we will proceed to the Lassithi Plateau, one of the highpoints of Crete, both in altitude and atmosphere, for it is unique: a green carpet hemmed in on all sides by the Díktean Mountains, snowcapped into April and irrigated in summer by windmills. As the excavations carried out on various sites have shown, this inaccessible area has been inhabited since Neolithic times. The plateau was also farmed by the Minoans and later by the Dorians. In 1293, however, it was such a nest of resistance that the Venetians forced everyone out and demolished the villages.
Overnight in Iraklion.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 Iraklion - Rethymnon - Chania
We leave Iraklion today and travel to Chania via Rethymnon. The old town here still retains its original aristocratic appearance, with buildings dating back to the 16th century as well as Byzantine and Hellenistic-Roman remains and a small Venetian Harbour. We will have some time here to wander and explore and soak up the charming atmosphere.
We then continue to Chania via the Akrotiri Peninsula, which rises just north of the bay of Suda, one of the biggest natural harbours in Greece. This peninsula east of Chania was once called Kiamon, and today is associated with the liberation struggles of Crete. While on the peninsula we will visit the monastery of Agia Triada, originally built in the 17th century. Today it is one of the few monasteries in Crete where monastic life is practiced.
Chania is a former capital of the island and the site of the ancient Minoan city of Kydonia. In the 13th century, Venice was becoming the maritime master of the eastern Mediterranean. At Chania they built large fortifications against pirates and the Ottoman Turks. Eventually, though, the Ottomans took Chania in the mid-17th century. Today many regard Chania as Crete's most beautiful city.
Overnight in Chania.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11 Chania: Walking Tour
This morning we visit the spectacular new (2022) Archaeological Museum before enjoying a walking tour of Chania. During our tour of the old town of Chania, we will pay a visit to the Folklore Museum and explore the wonderful labyrinth of narrow streets in the historic quarter. We will discover "lost" Turkish fountains and bathhouses; quaint medieval backstreets and alleyways; Venetian and Turkish houses; mosques, churches, fortifications, old tradesmen's shops and a host of other gems that are the secrets of this Greek city.
Your afternoon is free to enjoy Chania, one of the most picturesque cities in Greece.
Overnight in Chania.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Chania - Overnight Ferry to Athens
Today you may choose to continue your explorations of this charming town, visit the beach, or rent a car (international driving permit NOT required; bring your home driver's license) and further explore the hinterland of western Crete on your own. As you drive around the island, you can turn off the main road almost anywhere and find people in agricultural villages going about their daily routine. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your day.
Later this evening we transfer to the port for our overnight ferry to Pireaus, the port of Athens. The ferry is very comfortable with each cabin having two side-by-side beds and private facilities.
Overnight ferry to Athens.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 Arrival in Athens: National Archaeological Museum
Early this morning we arrive in Athens.
As our Athens hotel rooms will not be ready for us upon arrival, we will store our luggage at the hotel, enjoy breakfast, and then head out for some morning touring.
We will take the metro to the National Archaeological Museum, the largest museum in Greece, situated outside the main tourist neighborhood of Plaka. With some of the greatest collections of antiquities in the world, this museum was established in 1829 to house and protect antiquities from all over Greece. The museum is housed in an imposing neoclassical building dating from the end of the 19th century. The best way to appreciate this museum is at your own pace, allowing you to focus on the exhibits you find most interesting; we especially recommend the Cycladic Room, an excellent way to end your visit to the islands.
Your tour leader will then accompany you back to the hotel via metro, and your afternoon is free to enjoy this lively city.
Overnight in Athens.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 14 Departure
Departure from Athens.
KALO TAXIDI/BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (mostly local restaurants) daily. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.
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. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.
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 to/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.
Uncontrollable factors such as weather may result in delays. 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.
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.
Accommodation
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels (3-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.
Overnight ferry 2-person cabins with a/c and en suite toilet / shower (singles available).
Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, driver (s), local step-on local guides in various locales.
Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader
Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 1 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Tour Overview Countries Visited: 1 Acivity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural
Regions visited: Western Europe
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.
The hotel is located in Firostefani village just 10 minutes walk from the capital of Santorini, the village of Fira. Santorini Palace combines the Cycladic surroundings with the breathtaking views of the east side of the island.
Nearby Attractions are The Dominican Convent, The Catholic Cathedral, The Greek Orthodox Cathedral, The cable car and the old port, The Archeological Museum, the Prehistoric Museum, shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
Fitted with parquet floors and earthy colours, all rooms and suites of Atlantis Hotel enjoy views over the city of Heraklion, the harbour or the hotel's atrium. Each unit includes a desk and comes equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a coffee machine and a minibar. The modern bathrooms are stocked with free toiletries, bathrobes and slippers.
Tourcode: GI6
