Ancient Ruins, Athens, Mykonos & Santorini

Arrive at your US departure airport ready to board a flight to London, the capital of the United Kingdom.

*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 included regular-speed ferry to Mykonos. This beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea is best known for its beaches and lively atmosphere. 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 the island. We recommend a stroll around the capital town of Hora, a Cycladic maze brimming with trendy bars and restaurants. 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. High-speed ferries available for small upgrade.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy today at your leisure and discover this magical island at your own pace. We recommend doing some sightseeing: check out the whitewashed cubic houses, windmills and chapels, the wonderful sandy beaches, shops, galleries and the incredible nightlife. Explore the towns’ winding narrow streets, visit Paraportiani, one of the many churches on the Island, or enjoy a drink at Little Venice. We have an exciting array of recommended optional activities* and excursions listed below.  Overnight stay in Mykonos.

*Optional Tour of Delos: A well-rounded tour of this beautiful and historically important island. Having been inhabited between 2500 and 69 b.C. Delos has kept many treasures from these times. Agora, an ancient marketplace, the famous terrace of the Naxos lions, the holy lake, the ancient living quarter and theater that will transport you to daily life back then. Visit and learn about The houses of Dionysos, Kleopatra, the Trident, the Masks and the Dolphins with their mosaics, all fantastic art experiences not to be missed. 

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning transfer to the port for your included regular-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, 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.

*High-speed ferry available for small upgrade.

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.

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the port for your included regular-speed 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.

*High-speed ferry available for small upgrade.

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 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 the next day.