Acropolis to Aegean Islands - 10 Days



Who is this trip for
Age range
6 - 99Start / End
- Athens
- Athens
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 24Meals included
9Highlights
- Crete - Drive across Greece's largest island with an included rental car giving you the freedom to explore
- Santorini - Relax on one of Greece's most beautiful islands, where whitewashed villages perch on rugged volcanic cliffs
- Mykonos - Lounge on sandy beaches and enjoy the nightlife in this Aegean hotspot for the rich and famous
- Athens - Enjoy a guided half-day tour of the Greek capital & the Acropolis, and take an independent stroll through the Plaka district
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Summary
SEMI-INDEPENDENT TOUR: Embark on an exceptional 10-day tour that invites you to explore Athens and three renowned Greek islands: Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. Your journey begins in the Greek capital, where you'll have the chance to witness the remnants of ancient Greek civilization with an included half-day city tour. Your island-hopping adventure begins in Mykonos, in the heart of the Cyclades. Discover the best of Santorini and explore Crete with your own rental car before taking an included flight back to Athens.
Itinerary
Day 1
Athens
Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel by taxi or private minibus. You will have the rest of the day free to enjoy at your leisure.
Please note: This tour is conducted in English. However, dependent on the mix of the group, touring may also be bilingual, in one additional language as well as English.
Day 2
Exploring Athens & the Acropolis
After breakfast, at the designated time, we begin a panoramic tour of the Athenian Neoclassical Centre. This tour will cover notable sites including the Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the University, the Library, the National Academy, the Ilion Palace, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Gate, the Panathenaic Stadium, and various other fascinating monuments. A licensed English-speaking tour guide will provide insights into the history and significance of these attractions. Following the panoramic tour, we will visit the iconic Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, with entrance fees included in the tour package. After your visit, you have the option to return to your hotel or explore the charming and scenic streets of Plaka on your own.
In the evening, a walking tour is included and will take you through the prettiest areas of Athens, such as Anafiotika, Thissio, Monastiraki, and Plaka.
Day 3
Athens to Mykonos
Athens - Mykonos. In the morning, after breakfast, transfer to the port of Piraeus. From there, you will board a ferry to the renowned island of Mykonos. The ferry crossing is scheduled at an optimal time of day to allow you to bask in the sun on deck and admire the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
The name "Mykonos" is believed to mean "the heap of stones" or "rocky place", though later stories link it to Mykono, a hero who was the son of Anius, king of Delos. Upon arrival on the island, one of our English-speaking representatives will greet you, escort you to your hotel, and introduce you to this celebrated destination. You will have the rest of the day free to relax and embrace the leisurely lifestyle of the islanders.
Day 4
Mykonos at Leisure
Enjoy a free day on the stunning island of Mykonos, a renowned destination for the international jet set. Known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and dazzling shops, Mykonos is a must-visit. The island's cuisine is primarily Mediterranean, featuring vegetables and olive oil as staples, along with spices like oregano and basil, and frequently includes fish and seafood. Just a short ferry ride away is the historic island of Delos, celebrated in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Inhabited since 3000 B.C., Delos was a significant cultural center in ancient times.
Day 5
Mykonos to Santorini
Mykonos - Santorini. After enjoying your breakfast and savouring life like the Greeks do, one of our vehicles will pick you up at the scheduled time to drive you to the port, where you'll embark on your journey to your next destination: Santorini, an endless source of inspiration. As you approach the island, you'll have the chance to admire Fira, the capital city, with its iconic white houses perched on the cliffside overlooking the volcano. Upon arrival, one of our English-speaking representatives will greet you at the port, guide you to your hotel, and share insights about this picturesque island. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the narrow streets.
Day 6
Santorini at Leisure
Enjoy a free day to explore this enchanting island, often associated with the legendary lost continent of Atlantis, at your own pace. The island's name was given by the Venetian Giacomo Barozzi, inspired by a chapel dedicated to Saint Eirini. His descendants stayed until 1576, after which the island became part of the Duchy of Naxos until it was conquered by Piyale Pasha. Optionally, embark on a breathtaking sailboat tour that includes visits to the small islands within the caldera, Nea and Palea Kameni, known for their green and yellow hot springs. Throughout the cruise, you'll always have a view of the capital city, Fira.
Day 7
Santorini to Crete
Santorini - Heraklion (Crete). At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to Athinios, the new port in Santorini. From there, you will board a ferry to Crete, the largest island in Greece. You will dock at Heraklion, the island's capital, known as the realm of the legendary King Minos and his Minotaur. Heraklion was the most significant city of the Minoan civilization, and its name translates to "the glory of the goddess Hera." The Palace of Knossos, recognized as the oldest palatial complex in Europe, is situated in Heraklion.
Day 8
Heraklion to Chania
Heraklion - Chania. Enjoy a free day at leisure as your adventure unfolds at your own pace, with the convenience of a rental car included in your tour package! Chania, located in the western part of this magnificent island, is accessible via well-maintained roads, and is where tonight's hotel is located.
We suggest beginning your journey with a visit to the Palace of Knossos, the legendary home of King Minos and the mythical Minotaur. Next, consider stopping at Rethymnon, a city with a rich history under Venetian rule. This 140 km trip from Heraklion to Chania offers you the opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the island's stunning interior. Upon arriving in Chania, check into your hotel and enjoy a restful night's sleep.
Day 9
Chania at Leisure
On your free day, we suggest using your rental car to explore the remarkable attractions that make this city a top European holiday destination. Be sure to visit the breathtaking beaches of Balos, Elafonisi, and Falasarna, which are major draws for visitors. If you're a trekking enthusiast, the Samaria Gorge is a must-see.
Day 10
Fly to Athens
Chania - Athens. After breakfast, you will drive your rental car to Chania Airport, where you will return it to the car rental company's airport station at the scheduled time. You will then board your included flight back to Athens. Please ensure that your international flight from Athens departs no earlier than 12:30 PM for a comfortable connection.
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 9, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 0
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
Self GuidedWifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
from £3,134Sep 25
from £3,134Oct 25
from £2,508Apr 26
from £2,508May 26
from £2,508Jun 26
from £3,134Jul 26
from £3,134Aug 26
from £3,134Sep 26
from £3,134Oct 26
from £2,508
- Save 20%Wed 1 Oct 2025 > Fri 10 Oct 20254 spaces of 24 left£3,125Best offer£2,508
- Save 20%Thu 2 Oct 2025 > Sat 11 Oct 20254 spaces of 24 left£3,125Best offer£2,508
- Save 20%Fri 3 Oct 2025 > Sun 12 Oct 20254 spaces of 24 left£3,125Best offer£2,508
- Save 20%Sat 4 Oct 2025 > Mon 13 Oct 20254 spaces of 24 left£3,125Best offer£2,508
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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