Greek Island Hopper

 

Itinerary

DAY 1 Athens.

Welcome to Athens, one of the most historic cities in the world. Our hotel is located close to all the sights and sounds of Athens. In the evening we meet up with our fellow passengers and Trip Leader. Following our trip briefing it’s time to head out and sample some of the nightlife.

DAY 2 Athens.

After breakfast, we explore Athens with a walking tour. Our Trip Leader shows us the major sights in town, including the vibrant Plaka area and its markets, the world famous Acropolis, Parthenon and Syntagma Square. We also see the changing of the guards. Free time this afternoon before we join the locals for traditional Greek dancing and local cuisine. (B,D)

DAY 3 Athens to Mykonos.

It’s an early start today as we take a private transfer to the port of Piraeus to catch the ferry to the first of the beautiful islands. We arrive at Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan of the Greek Cycladic Islands and the afternoon is free to explore at our leisure. There is plenty to do on Mykonos – shop, eat or relax. In the evening we watch the famous sunset over the windmills in the area of Mykonos town known as ‘little Venice.’ The legendary nightlife, for which Mykonos is justly famous, is ours to enjoy! (B)

DAY 4 Mykonos.

A free day on the island. Why not kick back and relax on one of the many superb beaches or check out the sights such as Kastro, the complex of churches. There is an optional half day excursion to the nearby island of Delos, the traditional birthplace of the sun god Apollo. (B)

DAY 5 Mykonos to Paros.

A ferry ride to Paros where our hotel in Paros is a short walk from the beach. A walking tour around the harbour and through the narrow streets of the town gets us orientated. The afternoon is free to explore the island on our own. (B)

DAY 6 Paros.

One of the lesser known islands of the Cyclades, Paros exudes a laid-back charm that is hard to beat. Relax on the beach and top up the tan, visit the church of Ekatontapiliani, or visit Naousa, Kolimbithres and the important sights on the island – choices, choices! Or perhaps take a short bus ride to the pretty village of Lefkes to enjoy the great views. (B)

DAY 7 Paros to Santorini.

Today we catch the ferry past many small islands and arrive at Santorini, with its remarkable volcanic caldera. Our hotel has amazing views over the plain to the sea. In the afternoon we have a tour visiting some of the interesting and important sights of the island. The sunset at Oia makes for some memorable photos with the sun reflecting off the white houses like snow against the dark volcanic stone cliffs. (B)

DAY 8 Santorini.

A free day on the island. We can discover the capital Thira, Kamenes, Ancient Thira, or take a boat trip to the volcanic crater and swim in the warm sea. Alternatively relax by the pool and await the sunset – life doesn’t get much better than this! (B)

DAY 9 Santorini to Athens.

In the afternoon we depart Santorini for Athens, arriving late evening, and transfer to our hotel in downtown Athens. (B)

DAY 10 Athens.

Our Greek odyssey ends after breakfast as we bid farewell to new found friends. (B)