Ancient Ruins, Paros & Santorini
Greece in 11 Days • 9 Nights in Destination
Natalie
Travel crafter
Our classic tour of Greece, including the main historical sights, combined with a relaxing getaway to the idyllic Greek islands of 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 idyllic villages and beaches of Paros and the sublime sunsets of Santorini, two of the most sought-after Greek islands.
11 days trip including flights*
10 days and 9 nights in destination
1
NYC - ATH
2
NYC - ATH
Athens
3
Athens
4
Kalambaka
5
Athens
6
Paros
7
Paros
8
Santorini
9
Santorini
10
Athens
11
ATH - 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.
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 the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum. Begin in the center of the city, the 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.
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.
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.
Enjoy your early morning breakfast* and at indicated time transfer to the port for your fast ferry 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: 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 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 fast 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, we 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.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the day to explore at leisure. Why not relax or explore the volcanic island of Santorini, known worldwide as the island of romance. We have an exciting array of recommended optional activities and excursions listed below. Overnight stay in Santorini.
Traditional Santorini Bus Tour: During this exciting bus adventure, stop at the most prominent locations on the island. Explore Emporio Village and its medieval fortress, one of the oldest and most traditional villages of Santorini, built like a small labyrinth. Next, take a guided tour of Akrotiri aka “Prehistoric Pompei” or “Lost Atlantis”, buried and preserved by the volcanic ash of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history (17th century BC). You then enjoy some free time on Perissa Beach to have lunch and relax at one of the longest black sandy beaches in the Cyclades. Next, stop at Santorini winery for a tasting of Santorini's distinctive wines and learn about one of the oldest vineyards in Europe. Finish your tour with a short stop at the highest peak of Santorini to admire the island’s striking panoramic view. Finally, transfer to Oia, the most photographed village in Greece. Experience its legendary sunset at your leisure.
Optional Sunset On Board: Begin this beautiful journey at the volcano of Santorini in Nea Kameni Island, take photos of the active crater and walk on its rims. Next, stop at Palia Kameni where you can dive and swim in the hot springs created by the volcano. Sail above the underwater craters from Palia Kameni to Thirasia Island, the boat will anchor and you will have the time to savour some local wine. In the north cape of Santorini you will admire the magical view of Oia village with its famous white houses! The end of the excursion comes at sunset. The boat sets sail as the sun dives into the sea.
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 Santorini Cooking Class and Wine-Tasting Tour: 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.
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the port for your ferry to Athens. 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.
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 Athens airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board**.
*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 the US today.
Accommodation: 9 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
Cruise Around Antiparos (Beach exploration & BBQ)
Discover the beautiful, well-known island of Antiparos. Take an unforgettable cruise around the island and make several stops so you can swim in the crystal clear waters. In the evening enjoy a BBQ prepared by your captain!
Island Experiences: Pack of 2 Excursions: Cruise Around Antiparos (Beach exploration & BBQ) + Santorini Traditional Bus Tour
Take an unforgettable cruise around the island of Antiparos, swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy a BBQ prepared by your captain! + + Explore Santorini on a Bus Tour, discover traditional villages and watch Oia’s sunset!
Caldera - Oia (Volcano - Hot Springs - Thirassia - Oia -Sunset)
An exciting adventure; sail in a traditional wooden boat, a climb up the volcano, swim in hot springs, climb 200 steps in famous village Oia to reach the top and watch the legendary sunset.
Sunset On Board
Incredible sunset boat tour to encounter the most exciting places by sea. The Santorini volcano, Palia Kameni hot springs, sailing over underwater craters and viewing the sunset across from Oia.
The price includes
- Included in all our trips. more information
- Departures from main US airports.
- International flights: US - Athens - US.
- 9 nights hotel accommodation in Superior category hotels.See hotels included
- 9 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.
- Fast ferries Athens - Paros – Santorini – Athens on economy class
- 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.
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.
• 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.
• 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.
- 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.
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