10-Day Greek Island Explorer Tour from Athens: Santorini and Mykonos

What you'll experience

Highlights

10 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Athens

   Let it sink in - the fact that you're standing in what was once the center of the western world, where the likes of Socrates, Aristotle and Plato offered their wisdom and insights which have stood the test of time. Your launch pad to a Greek island adventure begins in the capital. There's plenty of time to relax on the islands, so lace up your walking shoes and discover the city your way. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a glimpse into what lies ahead.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Athens Zafolia Hotel, Dorian Inn Hotel
2. 2

   Day 2 — Athens

   The Acropolis looms large over Athens and today you'll get up close and personal with this ancient citadel. Your Local Guide reveals its extraordinary history that spans thousands of years as you view the archaeological remains of temples, theaters and the mighty Parthenon, considered the most important building to survive Classical Greece. You'll view the Panathinaiko Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, stopping in Syntagma Square to admire the curiously clad Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The rest of the day is yours to explore Athens on your terms, but with ancient history on your mind you may wish to embark on a Choice Experience to see the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Or why not visit a turtle sanctuary on our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Choice Experience. This evening, if the sizzle of street food hasn't already captured your attention, you may wish to join your fellow travelers for an optional traditional dinner at a favorite city taverna.

   

   Parthenon

   

   Panathinaiko Stadium

   

   Temple of Zeus, Olympia

   

   Syntagma Square

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Athens Zafolia Hotel, Dorian Inn Hotel
3. 3

   Day 3 — Athens - Santorini

   Don't resist the urge to slow it all down as you leave the busy cityscape behind and catch a high-speed ferry to Santorini. The spectacular volcanic eruption in 1646 BC had quite the magic touch on its dramatic landscape. After checking in and an orientation tour, you'll have some time on your own to explore.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Kamari Beach Hotel Santorini, New Haroula Hotel
4. 4

   Day 4 — Santorini

   Don't waste a second of your time lazing on the sun-soaked beaches of Santorini when you can ascend to its highest point for stunning views instead. This Choice Experience will reveal the iconic landscapes of the Cyclades you've only seen in photographs - the gleaming whitewashed buildings, cerulean blue domes and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. An alternative Choice Experience could see you board a caïque fishing boat to the volcano instead, soaking in its warm thermal waters and healing mud against the backdrop of Santorini's enchanting cliff-top villages. This evening, there's no better place to bid farewell to another beautiful island day than in Oia. Stroll through its marble streets to our favorite sunset spot to capture the Instagram shot of the trip.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Kamari Beach Hotel Santorini, New Haroula Hotel
5. 5

   Day 5 — Santorini

   Indulge in another full day to explore Santorini your way. You could choose one of several Choice Experiences to fill the day or stroll through Fira's narrow streets shopping for last-minute souvenirs, clothing and jewelery. Incredible views of the Caldera are never far as you explore the island's ancient paths, villages and beaches on your own. Why not make the most of your final evening in Santorini, sampling the local culinary delights with uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea? There's always time for one last ouzo.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Kamari Beach Hotel Santorini, New Haroula Hotel
6. 6

   Day 6 — Santorini - Mykonos

   Bound for the island playground of Mykonos. All that stands between you and the sun-kissed shores of the Cyclades is a short high-speed ferry ride. After transferring to your hotel and a short orientation tour, Mykonos is yours for the taking so don't hold back and seek out your favorite island spots for the rest of your stay. Whitewashed houses line the narrow streets and life is rather idyllic behind the colorful wooden shutters that shield the locals from the warm Mediterranean sun. 

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Alkistis Hotel Mykonos, Dimele Rooms & Apartments
7. 7

   Day 7 — Mykonos

   Snap your fingers and you'll be on the other side of the island. Well, almost. You could choose to spend your day exploring tiny Mykonos your way or join your fellow travelers for an optional Island tour driving through arid landscapes to some of its most celebrated beaches. Before you dip your toes into the water,  you'll visit Ano Mera village whose 16th-century monastery is dedicated to the protectress of Mykonos. Then continue to the beautiful Blue Flag beach of Kalafatis.

   

   Mykonos Island

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Alkistis Hotel Mykonos, Dimele Rooms & Apartments
8. 8

   Day 8 — Mykonos

   Grab your front-row seat to the goings-on in Mykonos's old port as you sit perched on one of the brightly painted wooden balconies characteristic of Little Venice. There's time today to wander through the shopping streets of Chora village and see the 16th-century windmills of Kato Mili that look out over the bay. For history lovers, there's no better way to spend your day than joining an optional visit to nearby Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. On this captivating exploration of what was once the most important site in ancient Greece, you'll see many artefacts that have been collected in the ruins of this sacred site. After a day of sightseeing, you'll want to make the most of your final evening in this island playground. Seek out a taverna with beautiful views of the sunset and toast to another day in paradise with new friends.

   

   Archaeological Site of Delos

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Alkistis Hotel Mykonos, Dimele Rooms & Apartments
9. 9

   Day 9 — Mykonos - Athens

   Leaving island life behind, it's time to return to Athens for a final exhilarating encounter with the vibrant Greek capital. Transfer to your Athens hotel, then spend the evening in the narrow lanes of Plaka following your nose past its 19th-century facades to find the best souvlaki in town. A lively evening lies ahead if you've yet to have your fill of good times with good friends. Keep your toes tapping to the street music that fills the air and find a taverna with your name on it.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Athens Zafolia Hotel, Dorian Inn Hotel
10. 10

    Day 10 — Athens

    Your journey through Athens and the Greek islands reveals why Ancient Greece was the chosen land for gods and goddesses, philosophers, poets and famous personalities. As you prepare for your return journey and long after you arrive home, you'll remember the generous spirit, postcard-perfect scenery and legacy of the ancients that are among the many gifts that Greece has given you. Say farewell to your new friends at the end of your holiday.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

What's included

Cancellation policy

Important info

Special notes

• Travel insurance:
  - We highly recommend guests purchase travel insurance prior to your trip.
  - Your insurance should cover trip interruption, personal injury, medical expenses, and evacuation and repatriation cover including during pandemic events.
• Luggage:
  - Travelling with the local operator entitles each guest to travel with one suitcase not exceeding 23kg (50lbs) in weight, with the dimensions of 76cm x 46cm x 25cm (30” x 18” x 10”). Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14 cm) to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment.
  - We strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances.
  - Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.
• Border crossings and visa requirements:
  - Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.
  - Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.
  - Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country.
  - Please ensure that you carry proper identification with you at all times, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Director. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.
• Transfers: Both complimentary and chargeable transfers are not offered through the local operator. Guests should make their own way from/to the airport at their own expense.
• To give ample time for check-in and security, we recommend arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to your flight departure.

Pricing notes (children, single supplement)

* Price for Single Occupancy applies when one person stays in one standard hotel room.
* Price for Double/Triple Occupancy applies when two/three people stay in one standard hotel room respectively.
* Maximum room capacity: 3 people including adult and child.
* Triple room bookings are available, suitable for 2 adults and 1 child. When booking your trip, we define a child as somebody aged 17 or under. A triple room is not recommended for 3 adults, as the third bed is often a rollaway, which may not be comfortable for an adult. 
* If you're on a trip as a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children), then you would require 1 triple room (for 1 adult and 2 children), and 1 double room (1 adult and 1 child).
* Child: 5-17, child under the age of 5 is not allowed.

Travel tips

Tour operator