Ancient Ruins, Paros & Santorini

Arrive at Athens International Airport and transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy your first taste of Athens and rest after your flight. Discover Plaka, the oldest district of Athens, located under the Acropolis, the only district where you may see the Greek capital as it was 100 years ago or enjoy a spot of shopping at Ermou, Kolonaki and Voukourestiou streets. Overnight stay in Athens.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today enjoy an Athens Sightseeing Tour including a visit to the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum. Begin in the center of the city, passing by Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National library.

On-route to the Acropolis you will see the Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and a quick stop at Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. During the Acropolis visit witness the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally the famous Parthenon.

Your first taste of Athens would not be complete without a visit to the Acropolis Museum, a modern architectural building where you can admire the wonders and architectural masterpieces of the classical era. Return to your hotel with the remainder of your day at leisure*. Overnight stay in Athens.

Please note: At the Athens Acropolis, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.

*Return transfer to your hotel is included; however, once the tour ends, you will have the option to stay in the downtown area if you prefer to continue exploring the city.

Note: This activity can accommodate a maximum of 50 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head for Delphi. On-route discover the cities via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.

Arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site of the 4th-century-B.C. This extensive mountainside archaeological complex contains the beautiful remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, as well as an ancient stadium and theater. Next, depart for Kalambaka, passing through picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka.

Please note: At Delphi, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs and steep paths. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. During the excursion, travelers are advised to bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.

Note: This activity can accommodate a maximum of 50 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour.

Estimated transfer distance from Athens to Kalambaka 375km (235 miles).

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll visit the striking rock formation, Meteora, an incredibly unique scenery with ageless Monasteries protruding from the rocks. These priceless historical and religious treasures stand between sky and earth on the top of the cliffs. An incredible sight to behold.

In the afternoon return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae with a short stop to see Leonida's Monument. Arrive in Athens early in the evening and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Athens.

Please note: At Meteora, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and you will be required to climb a number of stairs in order to visit the monasteries. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. Modest dress is required to enter the monasteries of Meteora. This includes a long skirt (not trousers) and covered neckline/shoulders for women, and long trousers for men. 

Note: This activity can accommodate a maximum of 50 people, and visitors will have access to audio guides during the tour.

Estimated transfer distance from Athens to Kalambaka 375km (235 miles).

Breakfast at the hotel* and at indicated time transfer to the airport for your flight to Paros. This beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea is best known for its beaches and traditional villages. Upon arrival on transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure and discover this beautiful island. We recommend a stroll around Naoussa’s picture-perfect streets. Overnight stay in Paros.

*Please note: Depending on your flight schedule to Paros and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on this day. However, a "breakfast box" will be provided.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your day at your own pace as today is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. We recommend heading to Kolymbithres Beach, famous for its unique granite formations and crystal clear waters, and a walk around picturesque Parikia Village brimming with cafés and restaurants. We have an exciting array of recommended optional* activities and excursions listed below. Overnight stay in Paros.

*Optional Cruise Around Antiparos (Beach exploration & BBQ): Discover the island of Antiparos with its untamed wild beauty. Take an unforgettable cruise around the island, discover Panteronissi where the turquoise waters resemble a natural swimming pool. Next, sail around the cliffs and view the wild morphology of the southeast coast surrounded by cliffs plunging into the sea forming a succession of caves, including the Mastihari cave. The itinerary is indicative as the captain will choose the best spots for each cruise according to weather conditions. In the evening enjoy a BBQ prepared by your captain!

Why not make the most of your time in the Greek Islands with our great value Island Experiences Pack of 2 Optional Excursions, available in the next step of the booking process. 

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning transfer to the port for your high-speed ferry to Santorini. Upon arrival on the Island of Santorini, transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure! Feel free to join our optional visit to Oia* to view the sunset. We alternatively recommend a visit to admire the spectacular caldera with white washed houses perched on the edge, created by the eruption of the islands’ volcano. Overnight stay in Santorini.

Please note: The high-speed ferry is included in this category. All transfers by ferry mentioned in the itinerary will be by high-speed ferry.

*Optional visit to Oia: Spend three hours exploring one of Santorini's most famous and picturesque towns, known for its dramatic cliffs, blue domes, and spectacular sunsets.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the day to discover Santorini at your own pace. Why not relax in one of the cafe's while you watch the world go by or explore the volcanic surroundings of the island known worldwide as the 'island of romance'. To make sure you get the most out of your itinerary, why not enjoy one of our recommended optional activities and excursions listed below*. Overnight stay in Santorini.

*Please note: Due to timings, you will only be able to enjoy one of the optional activities listed below, so please pick the one you prefer.

Optional Full Day Santorini Traditional Bus Tour: Walk through the maze-like settlement of Emporio, enjoy free time for lunch at the best-known black sand Perissa Beach. Head up Profitis Ilias Mountain, Santorini’s highest peak, to the hilltop village of Oia. Enter a Greek orthodox chapel and end the day with the magnificent sunset.

Optional Caldera – Oia Excursion (Volcano–Hot Springs–Thirassia–Oia–Sunset): An exciting and adventurous excursion that begins sailing with a traditional wooden boat, a kaiki, to the volcano. Climb for approximately 30 minutes to explore dramatic rocky scenery. Next, the boat will anchor at around 220 feet from the hot springs, so you can swim to and from the boat. Next, enjoy some free time for lunch (not included) and a swim  in Thirassia, Fisherman’s Island. After you’ve rested up at lunch, climb 200 steps to reach the top of Oia village, where you will enjoy the legendary sunset. Transfer back to the hotel.

Optional Volcanic Islands Sunset Dinner Cruise: Sail towards the volcano and its sulfur waters on a traditional Greek boat. First, enjoy a guided walking tour to the crater of Santorini’s volcano. Take in the spectacular sights of the islands from above. Next, dive into the Aegean Sea, swim near the shores to find the volcanic sulfur waters to experience bathing in its warm therapeutic mud. As the sun sets over Oia, enjoy dinner and wine aboard the ship with the breathtaking views in the backdrop.

Optional Santorini Cooking Class and Wine-TastingTour: Treat yourself to a fun & informative Santorini cooking class and wine tasting tour including a culinary feast filled with Santorini flavors and classic Greek island dishes. During your food tour visit 2 traditional Santorini wineries to taste their vintages and then help a knowledgeable local chef prepare three of Santorini’s signature dishes at a traditional restaurant. Enjoy all your freshly-cooked creations at the end of your cooking lesson and taste wine the estate locally produces.

Note: Most of the optional activities are available from May to September. For departures in April and October, we recommend purchasing them at the destination, as they are subject to availability and weather conditions.

Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Athens. Arrival in Athens and transfer to the hotel. It’s your last day in the Greek Capital so make the most of it and enjoy this vibrant city. Why not do some souvenir shopping and head to some of the many foodie neighborhoods to enjoy your final taste of the delicious greek gastronomy. Overnight stay in Athens.

*Please note: Depending on your flight schedule to Athens and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on this day. However, a "breakfast box" will be provided.

Breakfast at the hotel*. After an unforgettable journey through Greece's ancient sites and idyllic islands, it's time to bring your trip to a close. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Canada**.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in Canada the next day.