Greek Island Explorer
11 Days from $2,325 per person
Start your Aegean adventure in ancient Athens before settling into laid-back island life on vibrant Mykonos and Santorini's dramatic volcanic landscape, where you will have days to explore their secret coves, tiny cobbled streets and seaside cafés.
Overview
Start your Aegean adventure in ancient Athens before settling into laid-back island life on vibrant Mykonos and Santorini's dramatic volcanic landscape, where you will have days to explore their secret coves, tiny cobbled streets and seaside cafés.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Athens (2 Nights)
Welcome to Athens. Complimentary transfers will be available for guests who have provided Grand European with their flight details. After check-in spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the city. Later join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Welcome Meeting.
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Day 3: Athens Sightseeing and Free Time
Your Local Specialist takes you on a morning sightseeing tour of Athens starting with a visit to the ancient Acropolis and the Parthenon, which is considered to be the most important building to survive from Classical Greece. View the Panathinaiko Olympic stadium, the Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a host of other famous sites including the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Spend the rest of the day as you choose. This evening savor local Greek specialties at one of the city's excellent restaurants. -
Day 4: Athens – Mykonos (3 Nights)
Transfer to Piraeus and board the Aegean ferry. Your first stop is Mykonos, popular with the rich and famous. Transfer to your hotel where you will be given an orientation tour and useful information. Spend the rest of the day exploring this magical island. Houses, shops, churches, restaurants and windmills are immaculately whitewashed, with splashes of sky blue and jade green bringing color to door frames and window shutters, many of which are overhung with dazzling pink and purple blossoms. Dinner is included tonight. Afterwards you might like to experience the island's vibrant nightlife. -
Day 5: Mykonos Free Time
Experience the delights of Mykonos, around 9,000 people inhabit this rugged mass of granite. One of the most cosmopolitan islands in Greece, Mykonos is known for its beaches and diverse nightlife but manages to retain a strong indigenous identity despite its popularity. If you want to see the quieter side of the island, explore narrow winding alleys full of tempting boutiques in the labyrinth of the old town. -
Day 6: Mykonos Free Time (1)
Today is free for you to wander round Little Venice on the east side of the harbor or consider a sightseeing experience to the nearby sacred island of Delos, a charming island and the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. Visit the Archaeological Museum or Aegean Maritime Museum displaying ancient and nautical artifacts relating to the island's seafaring heritage. Enjoy cocktails at a waterfront restaurant and don't miss the opportunity to take a refreshing swim in the sparkling sea. -
Day 7: Mykonos – Santorini (3 Nights)
Your vacation continues with a ferry ride south across the Aegean to the beautiful island of Santorini, your home for the next three nights. You are met at the port and transferred to your hotel where you will be given an orientation tour and useful information. After check-in, explore Santorini, also known as Thira, which is comprised of a small circular archipelago of volcanic islands and is all that remains after one of the world's largest volcanic eruptions. This created a caldera whose multi-colored walls are spectacular and it's the islands physical beauty that, along with a dynamic nightlife, makes it one of Europe's most desirable destinations. This evening join your fellow travelers for an included dinner. -
Day 8: Santorini Free Time
There are plenty of things to do in Santorini and you have two full days to enjoy this picturesque island. Relax in cliff-top restaurants and laze on sun-soaked beaches. Consider a cruise to explore the volcano and swim in the hot springs. Visit the island's museums or take a tour of a traditional winery and sample the grape variety unique to Santorini. -
Day 9: Santorini Free Time (1)
Enjoy another full free day on this picturesque island. Santorini has an abundance of dining establishments to suit all tastes where you can dine on a full range of international cuisine, including Greek specialties. And don't miss the sunsets for which the island is justifiably famous. They are spectacular from anywhere on the caldera but particularly from Oia on the northern tip of the island, which offers an uninterrupted view of the sun as it sinks below the horizon. -
Day 10: Santorini – Athens
Today take the high-speed ferry back to Athens for the final night of your trip. On arrival at the port of Piraeus, you are transferred to your Athens hotel. This evening you might like to join your traveling companions for a celebration dinner – there are plenty of restaurants, tavernas and open air cafés in the colorful Plaka area with street musicians playing traditional Greek music. -
Day 11: Depart Athens
This morning, after breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to Greece and your new found friends at the end of your wonderful Greek Island vacation. Transfers are available to the airport for your return flight home. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Porterage
Please note that guests are responsible for loading their luggage on and off of the ferries.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 Sep 18 | 3 Oct 18 |
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$2,325pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 26 Sep 18 | 6 Oct 18 |
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$2,620pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Triple Room Discount: $180 p.p.
Shared Rooming: Room Share is not available.
Itinerary: Occasionally the itinerary may be altered due to sailing conditions on the Aegean Sea, ferry schedules, religious vacations or any other unforeseen circumstances.
Airport transfers: Complimentary transfers will be provided for guests who have provided with their flight details and are staying in an Athens hotel.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Breakfast Daily
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Personal Flight Options
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
9 Buffet breakfasts, 2 Three course dinners, .Sightseeing Highlights
- Sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes a visit to the magnificent Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus. View Hadrian's Arch
- Orientation of the port and Mykonos town includes a walk along the narrow cobbled streets. Your Travel Director will provide information on beaches and sightseeing opportunities
- Orientation of the town of Fira with a walk to enjoy the views over the caldera. Your Travel Director will provide information on beaches and sightseeing opportunities
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Porterage
Please note that guests are responsible for loading their luggage on and off of the ferries.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Porterage
Please note that guests are responsible for loading their luggage on and off of the ferries.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Greece is the Euro (€) . While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive on your trip, you can use your debit and credit card to pay in most places and will usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Greece. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is sampling the local cuisine. Mediterranean food is simple, delicious, and centered on a variety of fresh seafood, produce, cheeses and baked goods. Try Greek salad prepared with tomatoes, feta, olive oil and herbs as well as other popular dishes including grilled lamb, octopus, eggplant and spanakopita. Olives, cheese and flatbread make a tasty snack paired with a glass of chilled white wine.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping at restaurants is less common than in the U.S. It is appropriate, although not required, to leave an extra euro or two for good service.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Porterage
Please note that guests are responsible for loading their luggage on and off of the ferries.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Santorini
Santorini Island Tour With Visit To Akrotiri
Adult Price: €57.00
Drive to Profitis Ilias, the highest point, for stunning views of the island, before we make our way to the village of Pyrgos, to see the iconic blue domed churches and classic Cycladic architecture. We visit the prehistoric Akrotiri – a Bronze Age settlement destroyed by a huge eruption in the 17th century BC, buried under the volcanic ash, preserving the whole city. It is often referred often as “Prehistoric Pompei” Afterwards we head for the black sand beach of Perivolos, passing picturesque villages. Enjoy time at leisure on the black beach for a swim, have lunch or do both. Entrance to Aktrotiri included. Lunch not included.
Athens
Cape Sounion
Adult Price: €40.00
Take a relaxing trip down to the southernmost tip of Mainland Greece to see the fifth century B.C Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. See if you can spot where Byron carved his initials on one of the temple’s sixteen columns. Marvel at the sheer rugged beauty of the coastline and the ancient temple perched above a 197-foot drop down to the Aegean Sea below. Stand above the site of the world’s first lighthouse, overlooking an area steeped in classical Greek history, ever since the tragic King Aegeas threw himself from the rocky precipice into the sea below, thereby giving his name to the Aegean Sea.
Santorini
Sunset On Board
Adult Price: €75.00
This afternoon we board our large wooden “caique” and set off to the Volcano. Choose to climb up to the top of the volcano and experience a dormant volcano, or perhaps stay on board, relax and enjoy the amazing view. Afterwards, swim in the hot springs and enjoy the natural spa like feeling of the thermal waters and its warm mud full of healing properties. A casual dinner with wine on board, with music, marvel at the sunset and the breathtaking village of Oia high above on the Cliffside.
Mykonos
Mykonos Island Tour
Adult Price: €42.00
We explore the island, visiting some of the most beautiful beaches and viewing the landscape of inland Mykonos. Visiting “Ano Mera” and its famous Monastery, and Kalafatis beach, to perhaps enjoy a swim in the beautiful Aegean Sea.
Athens
Dinner "Meze" Style in Psiri
Adult Price: €50.00
Enjoy a lovely dining experience at a wonderful restaurant located in the lively area of Psiri. Dining is “meze style”, giving you the opportunity to taste many Greek cuisine dishes, which are served in the centre of the table. Also enjoy the local free-flowing wine! (Casual dress)
Santorini
Senses Of Santorini And Oia Sunset
Adult Price: €44.00
We drive to Baxedes to visit our acclaimed local winery. We enjoy a variety of local “meze” (Greek hors d’oeurves) which will enchant your taste buds; sample the locally produced wines, walk in the vineyards, see the “kalathies” vines and the unique way that locals have grown grapes for centuries. Take a short drive to the spectacular village of Oia. Walk through the marble streets with time at leisure in the village for magnificent photos. Stroll to our chosen spot to marvel at the sunset, perhaps enjoy local delicacies at a local restaurants of your choice. Oia will delight your senses! Wine tasting and light snack included.Dinner not included.
Santorini
Traditional Greek Wedding Show
Adult Price: €49.00
This evening you are invited to take part as a guest in a traditional Greek wedding. A life changing ceremony, a group celebration. Be part of the story. Meet the family. Eat, drink, dance, and break plates. The custom is traditional. The experience is not! This Greek Wedding Show is not only a Greek Night, but an unforgettable interactive musical experience!
Athens
Traditional Greek Taverna Meal With Entertainment
Adult Price: €55.00
This is an evening excursion to a taverna in the centre of Athens. Enjoy excellent traditional Greek food in a lively atmosphere while being entertained by dances and music from all parts of the country. Wine, beer and soft drinks are also included. Although the venue does have an official ending time, guests are more than welcome to stay on in the taverna, to join in with the local residents! (Casual dress)
Mykonos
Ancient Delos
Adult Price: €68.00
We take a boat ride to Delos, once a Sacred Island, the legendary birthplace of God Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. Today Delos is one of the most important archaeological sites of the eastern Mediterranean. We see amongst others, the remains of the Temple of Apollo, the sanctuary of Artemis, the old city and the theatre and then walk down the celebrated Lion Street. In the museum of Delos one can admire Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman Sculptures, a collection of vessels from all periods as well as small items of everyday use. Transfers to/from port and entrance included.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
-
Porterage
Please note that guests are responsible for loading their luggage on and off of the ferries.
