Greece Island Hopping & Ancient History 12 Day Trip

Athens

Start your island-hopping and history adventure in the capital city of Athens, taking private transfer from the airport to your hotel. Take time to settle in and get refreshed before heading out to sample some of the many offerings in the capital city. You’ll get to tour the iconic Acropolis toward the end of your Greek vacation so you might want to simply enjoy the view from the historic Plaka neighborhood while unwinding with a drink at a sidewalk cafe or visit the Archaeological Museum, one of the world’s great antiquities museums with a remarkable collection that even includes a 2,000-year-old computer.

Athens

A day trip will bring you to the extraordinary archaeological site of Delphi today. Dedicated to the Greek god Apollo, this ancient religious sanctuary was developed over the 8th-century B.C. and considered the most important of its kind in ancient Greece. It famously houses the Oracle of Delphi and the priestess Pythia, known in the ancient world for predicting the future. It was also the site of the Pythian games, widely regarded as the most important only after the Olympics. A guided tour will bring you to marvel at its landmarks, including a theater, the Athenian Treasury and the Temple of Apollo. You’ll also get to visit Delphi museum to view the famous Charioteer of Delphi statue and more.

Rhodes

Prepare to leave Athens for a morning or mid-day flight to the island of Rhodes where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. One of the most popular destinations among history buffs thanks to its remarkable abundance of historic treasure, visitors can discover evidence of its long, rich history scattered throughout. You might want to take a walk on the ramparts of the Old Rhodes City walls. Starting from the Palace of the Grand Masters, it’s one of the finest medieval fortifications in the world, built during the Byzantine period. Measuring around 2.5 miles in length, you’ll get to marvel at the imposing towers, magnificent gates, bastions, a dry moat and artillery firing posts.

Rhodes

Embark on a fascinating tour through medieval Rhodes Town today. One of the most well-preserved Venetian towns in all of Greece, it offers unique architecture with impressive churches, a synagogue, mosques, marble coat of arms and the gothic Palace of the Grand Masters. You’ll step back in time to the days of the Byzantine Empire, discovering hidden alleyways and courtyards while strolling the cobbled streets, including the Street of Knights, lined with some of the world’s most remarkable medieval relics while your inspirational guide reveals the history behind them. There will be plenty of great photo-ops so don’t forget your camera.

Rhodes

A half-day excursion that will take you to many of Rhodes highlights, including the whitewashed village of Lindos and its magnificent acropolis. The climb to the top is worth the effort for the reward with especially impressive views. You’ll explore the Old Town, following the footsteps of ancient Greeks along the narrow streets. On the approach to the top you’ll reach the 13^th-century castle/fortress at the entrance to the site that include 13 remaining columns of the stoa, first fortified in the 6th century BC. Other highlights include the Temple of the Lindian Athena, which dates back to the 1^st century BC.

Mykonos

Catch a flight to Mykonos, enjoying its many cosmopolitan delights at your leisure. Wander through Mykonos Town to discover its high-end shops that include plenty of big-name designer labels, along with lots of fine dining restaurants. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy, with this island home to some of the most exquisite, including Psarou and Super Paradise, ideal for enjoying exotic cocktails in one of the beach bars, swimming or just soaking up the sun. If you want to soak up some of the legendary nightlife Mykonos is so famous for, stick around after dark to take advantage of one of the many clubs and bars in town.

Mykonos

Enjoy a day of leisure in this charming and unique island, with so much to do and see.  Explore Mykonos’ second-largest village, Ano Mera, which hosts three historical sites, including the 16th-century Monastery of Panagia Tourliani with its picturesque courtyard and opulent marble fountain. The remains of Gyzi castle, built by the ruling Venetian family in the 13th-century, lies near the 19th-century Paleokastro Monastery, an all-female monastery set atop a hill on the island’s greenest spot.

Later today,  you’ll get to join a cooking class, sampling the meze and then digging in to help prepare a Mykonian meal. Enjoy the feast with unlimited wine and then relax in the picturesque garden area.

Santorini

Hop on the ferry to Santorini, a highlight for the many who have been dreaming of a visit for years. It’s one of the country’s most photographed and popular destinations, renowned for its blue-domed churches and whitewashed homes that spill down the ancient caldera cliffs. Upon your arrival, you’ll get an impressive first glance before enjoying the rest of the day at your leisure. Perhaps visit that famous hilltop village of Oia, staking out your perfect stop in one of the restaurants or cafes for witnessing one of the island’s legendary sunsets that draw a crowd at the end of every day.

Santorini

Dive into Santorini’s unique volcanic wines and fascinating history on an expert-led guided tour. You’ll get to visit the ancient settlement of Akrotiri which had a similar fate as Pompeii. This famous archaeological site is a prehistoric town that was frozen in time, buried by ash during the massive volcanic eruption that took place some 3,600 years ago. You’ll be able to discover many incredible artifacts and learn the story about its connection to Atlantis. This lost city is said by some to be the source of that very legend. Afterward, venture into wine country to visit three traditional wineries, enjoying tastings while learning about how Santorini’s wines are made.

Santorini

Join an especially unforgettable sunset catamaran cruise around Santorini’s rocky coast and caldera cliffs. You’ll visit the famous Red beach at Akrotiri with its fiery sands the result of volcanic minerals in the soil, before sailing to White beach which offers some great photo-ops. Enjoy jumping into the enticing blue waters of the Aegean during a swim and snorkel session before passing the lighthouse and entering the caldera for a unique and especially beautiful view. A soak in the warm volcanic springs is on order as well, before sailing to the village of Oia, taking in a view from the water, perfectly timed to catch a colorful sunset.

Santorini - Athens

Catch your flight back to Athens in the morning or mid-day. After checking into your hotel you’ll join a tour of the Acropolis for an up-close view of multiple masterpieces built in the 5^th-century BC. Your expert guide will reveal the stories of its past, including interesting insight into the Parthenon that sits atop the hill, overlooking the city for nearly 2,500 years now. You’ll get to visit the new Acropolis Museum as well, with the building itself a wonder in its own right. It holds a wide range of artifacts, including carvings and statues that were uncovered in the area.

Athens Departure

This 12-day journey comes to an end today, but you’ll get to take home a much greater knowledge of the rich culture and heritage Greece has to offer. After breakfast, check out of your hotel and your private transfer will bring you to Athens International Airport for your flight home or further travels.