Greek Island Hopper
10 Day Greek tour of Mykonos & Santorini | Operated by Trafalgar
-
10 Days
-
1 Country
Greece -
3 Cities
Athens, Santorini, Mykonos -
11 Meals
9 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners -
Pace: Comfortable
Mainly 2–3-night stays in each location. Comfortable travel days with numerous stops. Requires 1-3 miles of walking per day that might involve some uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones and stairs.
Trip Itinerary
Ease into a simpler way of life – the intoxicatingly slow pace of the Cycladic islands is the ultimate departure from reality, but not before you enjoy a passionate encounter with Athens after being transferred to your hotel. Join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a Light Meal to kick off your At Leisure discovery of Greece's capital and the enchanting islands of Mykonos and Santorini.
Embark on a journey to antiquity with your Local Specialist who will take you to the Acropolis, a sacred site since Mycenaen times. Imagine Athenians ascending the hilltop shrine to worship Athena at the Parthenon, and see the Panathinaiko Olympic stadium, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Admire the pom-pom march of the Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then spend the rest of the day on your own soaking up the verve of this vibrant city.
We depart Athens and cruise to Santorini, where we'll spend the next three days exploring the island's dramatic beauty. Stroll through the volcanic island's quaint clifftop towns. Blue-domed whitewashed façades cling dramatically to the multi-colored cliffs providing a spectacular backdrop for exquisite sunsets. Join your companions this evening for a memorable meal of Greek cuisine.
View the magnificent caldera, see the island's ancient ruins or ramble through the winding streets of Fira and Oia - today is yours to enjoy a leisurely exploration of this beautiful island on your own. Indulge in a day of sunbathing and relaxation on one of its many beaches or shop up a storm at its boutique stores.
Consider an optional visit to a local winery to toast to the spellbinding beauty of Santorini and learn about the art of winemaking in the region. Then consider a ride in a caïque (sailing boat) to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni to swim in its glorious hot springs - another full day at leisure to relax and soak up the island's atmosphere.
We take a short ferry transfer to Mykonos - its characteristic hillside windmills overlook the beautiful bay and stand as an enduring greeting to all who arrive. Enjoy an orientation before spending the rest of your day getting lost amidst the island's labyrinthine lanes, lined with whitewashed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. Take to the playground of the rich and famous and perhaps experience the island's vibrant nightlife.
Set your watch to island time and enjoy a glorious day soaking up the laid-back vibe of Mykonos. Spend your day relaxing on its beautiful beaches, sip champagne in the picturesque Little Venice waterside, or visit some of its historical treasures, including the 17th-century Church of the Paraportiani, the Archaeological Museum and the Aegean Maritime Museum.
Kick back and enjoy another idyllic day in beautiful surrounds. Indulge in local seafood flavors, enjoy a leisurely swim in the calm waters of the Aegean or consider a trip to see the mythical sanctuary of Delos, believed by the ancients to be the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo.
We return to Athens, via a high-speed ferry. After being transferred to your hotel, you have free time for some last-minute souvenir shopping.
Say a fond farewell to Greece and your newfound friends as you are transferred to the airport for the flight home.
Price Includes
What's Included- - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- - High-speed ferry from Athens to Santorini
- - High-speed ferry from Santorini to Mykonos
- - High-speed ferry from Mykonos to Athens
- - Optional Experiences and free time
- - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- - 9 Breakfasts (B)
- - 2 Dinners (D)
- Delve into Athens with a Local Specialist. See the iconic highlights of this ancient city, from the Acropolis to the site of the first modern Olympics.
- Enjoy an orientation of stunning Santorini upon arrival.
- View the Windmills of Kato Mili and wander the beautiful blue and white streets of Chora.
Optional Experiences
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.
Cape Sounion (Available on Day 2)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.
Adult Price: €52 Dinner Meze Style & Athens Illuminations (Available on Day 2)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 center of the table. Also enjoy the local free-flowing wine! Afterwards, see Athens illuminated as you return to your hotel.
Adult Price: €58 MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Optional Experience, Visit Turtle Sanctuary (Available on Day 2)Visit the first Turtle sanctuary created in the Mediterranean, the Glyfada Turtle Rehabilitation and rescue center (Achelon). Meet the care team and learn about the work being done to help injured turtles, protect the species and create awareness on the importance of protecting these majestic animals, addressing Global Goal 14: Life Below Water. Subject to participation numbers.
Adult Price: €43 Child Price: €43 Traditional Greek Wedding Show (Available on Day 4)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!
(Please note that the transfer is not included)
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 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. Lunch not included.
Adult Price: €90 Sunset On Board (Available on Day 5)This afternoon we board our large wooden“ caique” and set off to the Volcano. Take the opportunity to climb up to the top of the volcano and experience a real active 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. We enjoy a casual dinner with wine on board accompanied by music, and marvel at the sunset and the breath taking village of Oia high above on the Cliffside. Dinner with wine included. Volcano entrance of €5.00 is not included.
Adult Price: €90 Mykonos Island Tour (Available on Day 7)Today we explore the vibrant Island of Mykonos, driving through amazing Cycladic landscapes, admiring some of its splendid beaches and scenic locations. It is the perfect opportunity to experience the every-day Mykonian life and connect with the legends and stories linked to this island. Our exploration begins with Ano Mera traditional village and its famous Monastery dedicated to the protector of the island, as we continue with the blue flag awarded Kalafatis beach and perhaps enjoy a swim in the beautiful Aegean sea.
Adult Price: €60 Ancient Delos (Available on Day 8)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 theater 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.
Adult Price: €89 Traditional Greek Taverna Meal With Entertainment (Available on Day 9)This is an evening excursion to a taverna in the center 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)
Adult Price: €60