Ancient Ruins & Mykonos, Paros & Santorini
Greece in 13 Days • 11 Nights in Destination
Natalie
Travel crafter
Our classic tour of Greece, including the main historical sights, combined with a Greek island-hopping adventure to discover the natural beauty of Mykonos, Paros and Santorini!
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Itinerary
Experience the history and culture of Greece. Discover the ancient Acropolis of Athens and the atmosphere of the capital's vibrant neighborhoods. Continue to the mysterious sanctuary of Delphi and the gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora. Go island-hopping to discover the vibrant atmosphere of Mykonos, the idyllic villages and beaches of Paros and the sublime sunsets of Santorini!
13 days trip including flights*
12 days and 11 nights in destination
1
NYC - ATH
2
NYC - ATH
Athens
3
Athens
4
Kalambaka
5
Athens
6
Mykonos
7
Mykonos
8
Paros
9
Paros
10
Santorini
11
Santorini
12
Santorini
13
JTR - NYC
* It may change depending of your departure city, departure date and arrival date.
The calendar does not display internal flights, trains or other transportation included in the itinerary.
Ready to dive into the wonders of one of the greatest civilisations of all time and walk in the footsteps of the greats, from Socrates to Aristotle? Head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to Athens *, the Greek capital. Night on board.
* If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Touch down in Athens and transfer to the hotel, in the heart of the city where you can soak up the hustle and bustle of the mega-metropolis. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the vibrant Athenian neighbourhoods and sampling delicious Greek cuisine. Overnight stay in Athens.
Breakfast at the hotel. Discover Athens today with a guided sightseeing tour. Begin with a panoramic tour of the city to see the Parliament Building, the University, National Library and Academy of Arts. Be awe-struck by the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, carved from marble and famous as the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896. Next, pay a visit to the spectacular Athens Acropolis to explore one of the most famous archaeological sites on earth! Walk in the footsteps of the greats and finish the tour with an eye-opening visit to the New Acropolis Museum, home to the most impressive treasures unearthed from the Acropolis and ancient Athens.* The remainder of the day is free at your leisure to soak up the lively atmosphere of the city come nightfall and dine on delicious Greek cuisine. Alternatively, why not opt for an excursion to the amazing Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion?** Overnight stay in Athens.
* From January 1st 2023, the entrance fee to the Acropolis will be included.
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.
** Optional Excursion to Cape Sounion: Set off for Cape Sounion to see the amazing Temple of Poseidon, the ruins of which date back to the Golden Age of Athens. Overlooking the sea, the silhouette of this ancient temple is one of the most picturesque sights in Greece. Entrance fee to be paid at the destination (approx. 10 euros per person).
Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind as you travel to Delphi, thought to be the center of the ancient Greek world. In Ancient Greece, Delphi was the home of the Pythia, a priestess who had the ability to consult the Oracle in order to tell the future. Visit the archaeological site, home to the Temple of Apollo, the Athenian Stoa and the Treasury of the Athenians, and take in the captivating mountain views. Next, depart to Kalambaka (approx. 3.5 hr journey), home to amazing rock formations and ancient hilltop monasteries. Check-in and get settled at the hotel before enjoy an evening at your leisure. 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.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day discovering the fascinating heritage of Meteora on an excursion to the floating Monasteries of Meteora.* Perched atop gravity-defying rocky peaks, the monasteries of Meteora are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the 6 remaining monasteries are still active today. Established between the 12th and 16th centuries, the monks chose this isolated and hard to reach location to build their monasteries in order to escape the political and religious upheaval of the Middle Ages. Visit up to two of these ancient sites and enjoy the amazing views across the Plain of Thessaly. Afterwards, depart to Athens and transfer to the hotel (approx. 4.5 hr journey). The evening is free at your leisure to explore the atmosphere of Syntagma Square or enjoy the city's lively nightlife. Overnight stay in Athens.
* Entrance fee must be paid at the destination (approx. 3 euros per person at each monastery).
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.
Enjoy breakfast*, before setting off for Piraeus Port to catch a ferry to Mykonos. Journey across the Aegean Sea to the Cyclades Island group before finally arriving in Mykonos. One of the most popular Greek islands, Mykonos combines picture-perfect beaches, charming towns and vibrant nightlife. A hedonistic paradise, Mykonos is instantly recognisable by its windmills and renowned for its unforgettable sunsets. Transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day exploring or relaxing at your leisure. Overnight stay in Mykonos.
* Please note: You may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast this morning due to the early departure time of the ferry to Mykonos.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend a laid-back day at your leisure in stylish Mykonos. The island is well-known for its beautiful beaches. We recommend visiting the beaches of Agios Ioannis, one of the most spectacular beaches on the island or Elia Beach, home to the longest stretch of sand on the island. Overnight stay in Mykonos.
After breakfast*, head to Mykonos Port to catch a ferry to Paros, a Greek island nestled in the heart of the Cyclades island group and known for its picture-perfect beaches and traditional villages. Journey across the spectacular Aegean Sea before finally arriving in Paros. Transfer to your hotel and get settled in before enjoying the remainder of the day exploring the island at your leisure. Overnight stay in Paros.
* Please note: You may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast this morning due to the early departure time of the ferry to Paros.
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure on the idyllic island of Paros. The island is well-known for its beautiful beaches, the perfect place to while away a sunny afternoon, or why not pay a visit to the capital, Parikiá or the charming coastal village of Naoussa? We recommend an optional full-day cruise around the islands of Antiparos and Despotiko!* Overnight stay in Paros.
*Optional Antiparos & Despotiko Kaiki Cruise: Set sail aboard a traditional Kaiki, a wooden motor yacht, to explore the natural beauty of Antiparos and Despotiko. Transfer to Pounta port and begin an unforgettable day at sea, surrounded by the crystalline waters of the Aegean. Visit pristine beaches, sea caves and small islands as you discover the untamed beauty of the Cyclades. Explore the turquoise waters of Panteronissi, the cave of Mastihari and stop at several excellent swimming spots. BBQ lunch included.
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.
Enjoy breakfast, before setting off to Paros Port to catch a ferry to Santorini. One of Greece's best-loved islands, Santorini is known for its blue-roofed houses and soul-stirring sunsets. Arrive in Santorini and transfer to the hotel. The evening is at your leisure to explore the town and dine in style as you watch the sun slowly set over the Aegean Sea. Overnight stay in Santorini.
Breakfast at the hotel. Another day at leisure to enjoy the splendid island of Santorini. Crescent-shaped Santorini (or Thíra), the precious gem of the Aegean, is actually a group of islands consisting of Thíra, Thirassiá, Asproníssi, Palea and Nea Kaméni in the southernmost part of Cyclades. Known for its pretty white and blue houses, paradises beaches and lively nightlife, Santorini is the perfect place for a laid-back escape! Discover the highlights of the island with our full-day Santorini bus tour.* Overnight stay in Santorini.
*Optional Full-Day Santorini Bus Tour: Discover the highlights of Santorini on a full-day bus tour. Pay a visit to the Akrotiri Archaeological Site for a guided tour, talk a stroll through the traditional village of Emporio and enjoy some free time at Perissa Beach, the most famous black sand beach on the island. Take in the views from Profitis Ilias Mountain and enjoy wine tasting at Santorini Wine Museum, a family-run business nestled within a cave before ending the day in Oia, where you can watch the legendary Santorini sunset!
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. Take the day at your leisure on Greece's most glamorous and cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. Stroll around its narrow marble streets and admire whitewashed houses with colourful doors and window frames, bougainvillaea trees in purple bloom and hidden churches. Alternatively, we recommend a fabulous half-day cruise to discover the natural wonders of the Santorini caldera! Overnight stay in Santorini.
*Optional Half-Day Santorini Volcano, Hot Springs & Thirassia Cruise: Set sail across Santorini's beautiful caldera to visit the islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasia on this 6-hour cruise. Board the sightseeing boat at the port and admire Santorini’s cliffs as you cruise to Nea Kameni. Here, enjoy some free time to walk around the volcanic crater and swim in the therapeutic hot springs. Afterwards, sail on to Thirassia to enjoy the traditional charms of this lesser-known island and explore its quiet villages. Free time for lunch before cruising back to Santorini.
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 Santorini airport for a flight back to the US**.
* 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.
** Dependant on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the US on the following day.
Accommodation: 11 Nights
Included activities
Athens Guided Sightseeing & Acropolis Tour
Discover the sights of both modern and ancient Athens including Consitution Square, the Athens Acropolis, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium and the Acropolis Museum. Entrance fees (approx. 30 euros per person) be paid at destination.
What's included: The Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum Not included: Meals and any other service not mentioned above
Visit to Delphi Archeological Site
Head to Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Upon arrival, visit the archaeological site, home to the Temple of Apollo and the Treasury of the Athenians.
What's included: Transfer, Professional Guide & Visit to Delphi Archeological Site. Not included: Visit the Museum in Delphi is not included. Meals, tips and any other service not mentioned.
Meteora Monasteries
Established between the 12th and 16th centuries, visit up to two of these ancient sites and enjoy the amazing views across the Plain of Thessaly. Approx. 3 euros per person entrance fee to be paid at each monastery.
What's included: Transfer, Professional Guide & Meteora Monasteries tour Not included: Approx. 3 euros per person entrance fee to be paid at each monastery. Meals, tips and any other service not mentioned
Available Activities
Afternoon excursion to Cape Sounion
Set off for Cape Sounion to see the amazing Temple of Poseidon. Overlooking the sea, the silhouette of this ancient temple is one of the most picturesque sights in Greece. Approx. 10 euros per person entrance fee to be paid at destination.
Not included: Approx. 10 euros per person entrance fee to be paid at destination.
Island Experiences: Pack of 2 Excursions
Make the most of your time on the Greek Islands of Paros and Santorini with this great value pack of 2 optional excursions. Includes a Kaiki Cruise from Paros and full-day Santorini bus tour!
What's included: Kaiki Boat Cruise to Antiparos & Despotiko, Full-Day Bus Tour of Santorini
Antiparos & Despotiko Kaiki Cruise
Set sail aboard a traditional Kaiki, a wooden motor yacht, to explore the natural beauty of Antiparos and Despotiko. Visit pristine beaches, sea caves and small islands as you discover the untamed beauty of the Cyclades!
What's included: Round-trip transfers to/from your accommodation (or a stop next to it) to the port, Cruise on board a traditional kaiki with English-speaking crew, BBQ lunch on board, snack, fresh fruits, drinks (house wine, soft drinks, mineral water)
Full-Day Santorini Bus Tour & Sunset
Visit Akrotiri Archaeological Site for a guided tour, talk a stroll through Emporio, relax on Perissa Beach, take in the views from Profitis Ilias Mountain and enjoy wine tasting at Santorini Wine Museum before ending the day in Oia to watch the sunset.
What's included: Pick-up and drop-off from selected meeting points, guided tour of Akrotiri Archaeological Site with experienced archaeologist, Wine Museum entrance fee with wine tasting, free time in Oia or Fira to watch the sunset. Not included: Entrance fees to archaeological site, gratuities, food and drinks, hotel pick-up and drop-off.
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main US airports.
- International flights: US - Athens, Santorini - US.
- 11 nights hotel accommodation in Charm category hotels.See hotels included
- 11 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
- All transfers
- Visits as indicated in the itinerary with an English-speaking guide.See itinerary
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Ferry transfers: Piraeus - Mykonos - Paros - Santorini. *more information
- Guide/s during the excursions.
*The cancellation policy applicable is according to the Terms and Conditions available and agreed at the time of your purchase
Not included
Drinks, entrance fees,* city taxes and tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.
* Please consult the itinerary for details of the entrance fee costs (approx. 52 euros per person).
A number of Greek cities impose an accommodation tax, which must be paid directly to the hotel (Aprox. 3-4€ per room per night). City taxes must be paid in cash directly to the hotels.
* In case of adverse conditions, there may be changes to the ferry timings.
Please keep in mind that the ferry ride from Piraeus (Athens) to Paros takes approximately 4 hours, and from Paros to Santorini takes approximately 3 hours.
- We recommend taking cash in the local currency with you on this trip, as withdrawing cash at ATMs is not always possible or easy in Greece. City taxes must be paid in cash directly to the hotels.
- We cannot guarantee rooms with a sea view in the Greek Islands.
- The group may be allocated in different hotels depending on group size and hotel availability.
- This itinerary is a semi independent tour. It includes accommodation, some activities and transfers, but you will not be accompanied by a guide throughout the entire trip.
- Hotel ratings in Greece are not governed by the same standards as those in the US, so please keep this in mind when selecting your desired accommodation category.
- Beach chairs / sun loungers are not included.
- Due to the nature of the destination the terrain can be uneven at times, it may require you to walk on a rocky path, and up and down hills.
- For wheelchair users this trip is upon request, please contact us for further information.
- Please note that there is no luggage assistance included throughout the trip. We recommend packing accordingly.
- Entry requirementsValid passport or identity card.
- VisaNo visa is required to enter the country for stays less than 90 days.
- CurrencyEuro.
- LanguageGreek.
- Electricity230 V. 50 Hz. Adapter not required.
- HealthThere are no mandatory vaccinations for travellers from the US.
- Time zoneUTC + 02:00.
- Tourist Office websitewww.visitgreece.gr
Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.
Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.
In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.
If you have reduced mobility/require the use of a wheelchair and prefer to go at your own pace, please contact our customer service team at +1 888-488-0592 or via our contact form.
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