Oia Santorini
Greek Island Tour Itinerary
(Inclusions in italics)
Day 1 Athens: You will be taken by private, chauffeur-driven car from the airport directly to your hotel in the historic heart of Athens in the vicinity of Syntagma Square. Spend the afternoon exploring the old and atmospheric neighbourhoods with their labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture. Celebrate your arrival in this ancient city and the start of your tour with a typical Greek meal in an atmospheric taverna.
Day 2 Athens: In the morning participate in a small group guided tour of the famous Acropolis. Admire the breath-taking architecture of the Parthenon Temple and listen to the stories and historical background from your local, expert guide. Enjoy the views across the city all the way to the Aegean See.
In the afternoon view the archaeological artefacts in the new Acropolis museum. Then gain access to an ancient excavation site that lets you see what life was like in Athens between 4000BC to 1200DC.
Day 3 Athens: Explore more of Athens on your own and visit some of the famous sites: the temple of Olympian Zeus, the huge amphitheatre ‘Odeon of Herodes Atticus’, the city’s old market area under the Roman rule ‘Roman Agora’, Hadrian’s Arch to name just a few. The options are endless.
In the late afternoon depart for your sunset trip to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. An archaeologist guide will tell you all about Sounion’s past and present and you will visit one of Greece’ most important temples, the ‘Temple of Poseidon’. Watch the mesmerizing sunset over the clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Day 4 Mykonos: You will be taken from your hotel in Athens to the port of Piraeus to catch an early morning ferry to Mykonos, where you arrive at around mid-day. You will be able to avoid the pandemonium at the arrival port in Mykonos where hundreds of disembarking passenger will be fighting for taxis, as a private transfer will be arranged to take you to your hotel.
Day 5 Delos excursion: Sail to the island of Delos which Greek mythology refers to as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. In the 8th to the 1st century BC Delos was a prosperous place and centre of culture and religion. It is now considered one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean.
You will be guided through the entire ancient city and see the old market places, public squares, amphitheatre, the terrace of lions, the Temple of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Artemis.
Day 6 Mykonos: During your guided, self-drive jeep safari you will see parts of the island that are off the beaten track. Spend all day exploring the rugged landscapes, beaches and villages of Mykonos.
Enjoy panoramic views, see the ruins of a Venetian castle, an abandoned mine and old castle and cool down with a swim at Agrari Beach.
Day 7 Paros: Arrive in Paros after a one hour ferry ride in business class.
Day 8 Paros: This full day cruise will take you to otherwise inaccessible spots of Paros and vicinity. Enjoy the gourmet lunch with fresh local products and wine, the unspoilt beauty of this island, secluded beaches, swim in the Mediterranean Sea and feel like a local.
Day 9 Naxos: The ferry ride from Paros to nearby Naxos is just a short 30 minute journey.
Day 10 Naxos: During your full day guided sightseeing tour of the island you will see many of the islands highlights: the restored Demeter temple in Sangri dating back to the year 530BC, and the Kouros statue, a personification of God Dionysus. Visit the famous marble village, a Citron distillery (and taste test the local Citron drink) and the olive press museum.
Day 11 Santorini: After a 2 hour ferry ride arrive in magical Santorini and get taken to your hotel by private transfer.
Day 12 Santorini: During your full day guided tour of the island you will stop at a volcanic, red sand beach, visit a hilltop village with windmills, a fortified castle, an excavation site from the Bronze Age, stop at a winery to taste the distinctive wines of this island, take a swim at a black sand beach and admire the views from the highest peak.
The highlight of this tour is of course the breathtaking sunset at Oia.
Day 13 Santorini: This is a full day of sailing to small islands with still active volcanos.
Explore the little traditional villages on these islands, hike up to the volcano crater and swim in the hot springs.
Day 14 Crete: Your ferry ride to Rethymno in Crete will take just over 2 hours and you will then have another hour of transfer time to get to your hotel in beautiful Chania. Walking around the warren of winding alleys in beautiful Chania will make you feel that you have travelled back in time.
Day 15 Crete: In the morning you will see the highlights of Chania during a relaxed 4 hour walking tour. Your guide will talk about the influences of the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans and Germans that make this island such a fascinating and magical place. Sample local delicacies at the old market and discover the secret gardens, Venetian and Ottoman monuments and see local artisans at work.
In the afternoon kick back and enjoy the served refreshments and raki on a traditional boat cruise to nearby Lazaretta Island. This cruise will be a magic experience for history lovers as the two islands you are visiting are steeped in ancient mythology and history.
Day 16 Crete: On your last day in Crete participate in a hike in Europe’s longest gorge, located at 4,000 above sea level in the White Mountains. Walk along a river and freshwater springs through a forest of thousand year old trees. You will have spectacular views of Crete’s magnificent mountain range and end your hike in the village of Agia Roumeii. From there you will be taken back by boat and bus.
Day 17 Departure: Your private transport will take you to Chania airport for your return flight home.