Greece

Tour Description

Clear waters and sandy beaches await you on the islands of the Aegean Sea. Begin your trip with a two-night stay in ancient Athens, where archaeological sites and historical museums abound. Here antiquity meets the future, and ancient monuments form a classical backdrop to a new and trendier Athens. Then walk the harbor of Mykonos, lined with outstanding shops, bars, and restaurants. Locals will welcome you into their social circle and you’ll understand why this is such a popular destination. After a three-night stay in Mykonos, transfer by ferry to Santorini, a picturesque island graced with multi-colored sand. This perfect island adventure will undoubtedly prove why Greece is one of those places that you just have to see for yourself.

Highlights and Inclusions

  • Accommodations: Athens 3 nights,Mykonos 3 nights, Santorini 3 nights
  • Breakfast daily except where noted otherwise
  • Private Arrival Transfers
  • Athens By Night
  • Delphi Excursion with Lunch
  • Private City Sightseeing in Athens
  • Flight From Athens to Mykonos and Flight from Santorini to Athens

 

  • Private City Walk and Island Tour
  • Delos Tour
  • Ferry Between Islands
  • Private Santorini Sightseeing
  • Sunset Onboard
  • Cape Sounion
  • Private Departure Transfers

Athens - 2 nights

Day 1: Arrive Athens

Arrive in Athens and collect your bags. As you exit customs you will be met by a representative that will help you with your luggage and escort you to your hotel, where you will stay for two nights. Take the afternoon to become accustomed with the city. Just be sure to be back to the hotel lobby in time for your evening sightseeing tour.

ATHENS BY NIGHT – Your evening will start with a ride to the port of Piraeus with a short stop at the famous Mikrolimano. Here you will enjoy Greek appetizers and a drink of the anise-flavored aperitif, ouzo. You will then be driven back to Athens to tour its famous historic neighborhood, Plaka, where you will dine in a traditional Greek tavern. Here you will be charmed by bouzouki music and Greek folkloric dances.

Day 2:

After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel for your remarkable tour to the historic city of Delphi. On this tour you will take in the highlights of the city and get an exclusive view into much of Delphi’s famous history. After this full-day tour you will be free to spend the evening dining and relaxing. The illuminated Acropolis is particularly lovely to photograph at night.

DELPHI EXCURSION WITH LUNCH – On this enchanting trip to the past, you will be driven across the fertile plain of Boeotia. En route you will pass the towns of Thebes, best known for the tragedy of King Oedipus, and Arachova, famous for its colorful rugs and carpets. You will then arrive to Delphi, which was the center of the Ancient World. Its prestige extended far beyond the boundaries of the Hellenic world. On the slopes of Mount Parnassus in a landscape of unparalleled beauty lie the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. Here you will have the chance to visit the Treasury of the Athenians, the Temple of Apollo and the Museum, which contains masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, such as the bronze Charioteer and the famous athlete Aghias. You will then return to the modern village of Delphi and return to Athens by the same route.

Mykonos - 3 nights

Day 3: Arrive Mykonos

This morning you will want to eat breakfast early and pack your bags. You will then be met in the lobby by a private guide who will take you on a three-hour sightseeing tour of Athens’ best sights. The tour will be followed by a transfer to Athens Airport for your late afternoon flight to Mykonos. Upon your arrival you will be met by your private transfer representative who will escort you to your hotel. Mykonos is well known for its nightlife so be sure to save your energy for a late dinner this evening.

ATHENS PRIVATE SIGHTSEEING – This tour will give you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides take you to see the center of the city, Constitution Square, the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. Driving down Herod Atticus Street, you will see the Evzones in their traditional dress as well as the Presidential Palace. On your way to the Acropolis you will see Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus before making a short stop at the Panathenaix Stadium, home to the first Olympic games of the modern era which were held in 1896. On your Acropolis visit, enjoy the architectural masterpieces of Athens’ Golden Age.

Day 4:

Visitors come to the Greek Isles to experience the gorgeous natural beauty and the fascinating history. After breakfast, meet your private guide for a half-day city tour of the island. You then have the afternoon and evening to yourself to continue sightseeing, to work on your tan, or to just relax and enjoy the ambiance. Tonight choose if you would like to dine at the hotel or in town at one of the many restaurant choices. If you desire you can even stay for a drink at many of the restaurants, which later turn into lounges and bars.

PRIVATE CITY WALK AND ISLAND TOUR – You will start this tour by walking the quaint streets of Mykonos Town. Here you will have many opportunities to photograph whitewashed buildings, local windmills, and Petros the Pelican- the island’s mascot. Afterwards tour the island by private car. While exploring the inner island and the famous beaches, you will see fishermen, intimate private chapels and charming houses built in the traditional Cycladic style. Lastly you will stop in the idyllic town of Ano Mera and enjoy some of the signature Greek drink, ouzo.

Day 5:

After an early breakfast you will meet your tour guide for a half-day sightseeing tour to the sacred island of Delos. This island is the largest open-air museum in the world and is currently only inhabited by archeologists. After the tour you are free to relax on your own for the rest of the day.

DELOS TOUR – It is strongly believed by many that the island of Delos releases a heightened sense of light and energy, which is one of the reasons ancient Greeks believed that Apollo was born here. You will witness how the ancient civilians lived their everyday lives as you wander through their living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms. You will get to see Europe’s first synagogue, the temple of Egyptian gods, the lion terrace, Cleopatra’s house and the Temples of Apollo. Your expert guide will explain the spiritual, historical and cultural importance of Delos. Leave your watch at home because on this adventure you will truly travel back in time.

Santorini - 3 nights

Day 6: Arrive Santorini

Make sure to eat breakfast before meeting your transfer representative in the lobby. They will take you to the ferry for your trip to Santorini. The high-speed ferry takes approximately three hours but can be a little longer depending on weather. Once you arrive you will meet your transfer representative on the pier, who will escort you to your hotel. Take the evening to settle in and relax. Tonight would be a wonderful night to dine at one of Fira’s restaurants; you may have to pay a little extra if it has a view of the island’s famous caldera, but it’s worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime dining experience.

Day 7:

After breakfast you will be met by your private guide in the lobby for your full-day tour of the island. This exclusive tour will feature museums, sandy beaches and a winery visit. After the tour you will have the evening to appreciate the spectacular views from your hotel. Those seeking an adventure can head to town for a good, old-fashioned ride on one of the local donkeys.

PRIVATE SANTORINI SIGHTSEEING – Begin with a visit to the Prehistoric Museum, where you can admire its collection of artifacts and artistic masterpieces from the prehistoric Cycladic islands. Afterwards you will have the chance to visit the Monastery of Profitis Ilias, which is located on the highest point on the island. From this spectacular vantage point you can see the surrounding islands and- on a clear day, the mountains of Crete. You will then proceed to the charming village of Megalochori and Perissa Beach, with its beautiful, black sand. Here you can have lunch and lounge in the sun. Lastly your guide will take you to the Wine Promotion Center, where you will enjoy a guided tour of Santo Wines winery and a tasting of some of its locally-produced wines.

Day 8:

After a week of traveling and sightseeing, use this morning to either sleep in or to wander the historic streets of Fira’s old town. Use your afternoon to catch some more rays at Santorini’s beautiful beaches before meeting your guide at the port of Athinios. From here you will depart for your sunset cruise. After this unforgettable experience you will disembark in Oia, where you can admire the most spectacular sunset on the island. You can then choose to linger in this unique city or catch a cab back to the hotel in Fira.

SUNSET ONBOARD – Climb aboard a traditional, wooden boat for a visit to the active craters of the volcano on the top of the island of Nea Kameni. You will then sail on to Palea Kameni, where thermal springs provide natural, warm bathing water. Here you will have about 40 minute of free time. Next you will visit Thirassia, a traditional Cycladic village, which has been mostly undisturbed by tourism. Here you will stop for two hours for dinner and swimming. You will then be dropped off in Oia, one of the most photographed places in Greece.

Athens - 1 night

Day 9: Arrive Athens

Eat a good breakfast and meet your transfer representative in the lobby. You will then fly back to Athens where you will again meet your transfer representative and proceed to your hotel. Once you have checked in and stored your luggage in your room, meet your guide in the lobby. This tour is a perfect ending to your dreamy Greek adventure. If you have not yet snapped the perfect photograph to immortalize your trip, this tour is sure to provide the ideal opportunity to capture the image that will make all your friends green with envy. After the tour you have the remainder of the evening to enjoy on your own.

CAPE SOUNION – You will be driven along the coastal road, past the wonderful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, to the most southern point of Attica: Cape Sounion. Here you will view the white marble pillars of the Temple of Poseidon. The ruins of this ancient temple are perched on the headland, surrounded on three sides by the sea. On the way, you have a splendid view of the Saronic Gulf and the nearby offshore islands. After visiting the temple of Poseidon, you will have time to take a leisurely walk on the rocky promontory of Sounion. The sunset over this sight is a highly sought-after and magical spectacle.

Day 10:

Enjoy breakfast and meet your transfer representative in the lobby of your hotel. He or she will help you with your luggage and escort you to the airport for your flight. Wave goodbye to the spectacular Grecian landscape as you take off from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.