Island Hopping the Cyclades

Your island-hopping tour begins with your arrival into the Greek capital, one of the world’s largest cities with a recorded history that spans over 3,400 years.  Our private driver will meet you at the airport and will transfer you to your hotel in the city. Check into your hotel, rest and relax, or perhaps get re-energized by wandering through the Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood with its narrow streets, ancient ruins, Byzantine temples, and neoclassical buildings.

• Preferred Hotel Elia Ermou

Today our expert local guide will take you on a journey back through time in this city with its more than 5,000-year-old history.  Whilst on the private tour you will discover Athens’ ancient heart and its most impressive landmarks, including the Acropolis and Parthenon, retracing footsteps of the some of the world’s most iconic figures in history. The tour includes a visit to the Acropolis Museum and its remarkable artifacts like carvings, statues, and much more.

• Preferred Hotel Elia Ermou

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the popular island of Mykonos where you will enjoy the afternoon on your own exploring this “quintessential Greek island,” with its absolutely pristine town, filled with beautiful boutiques, top-class restaurants, idyllic bars overlooking the sea, and its own “Little Venice”.

Optional Culinary Experience

If you are a foodie looking for a unique experience, ask our experts about booking our home-hosted Greek cooking class, where you will learn to cook traditional Greek dishes in a local host’s beautiful Greek home. This is a fantastic and fun way to spend your first night in Mykonos.

• Preferred Hotel Myconian Ambassador

Hop on a ferry this morning and sail to Ancient Delos. Upon arrival at Delos, your guide will offer an introduction to the mythological, prehistorical and historical background of the island. Then, set out to explore the narrow streets of the Hellenistic City, built in the 4th century BC, and see highlights such as the impressive house of Dionysos, the statue of Cleopatra, and some exquisite mosaics. After a short stop at the House of the Trident, reach the Theatre of Delos and the public cistern of the city. The Stoa of Phillipe, the donations of ancient celebrities, the Propylaia, the Colossus of the Naxians, and the Temples of Apollo are the monuments to be admired before the last stop in front of the Sacred Lake and the eternal Naxian Lions.

• Preferred Hotel Myconian Ambassador

Enjoy your final day in Mykonos at your leisure further exploring the beautiful town of Mykonos with some final shopping or enjoying some rest and relaxation at your hotel. Please speak to our travel specialists if you would like us to plan something for this day.

Optional Half-Day Jeep Safari Tour

Alternatively, enjoy the day exploring the island of Mykonos on a half-day afternoon jeep safari tour taking you off the beaten track to discover the hidden charms of this magical isle. With a visit to a local winery and a swim stop at a hidden beach, this is the perfect way to discover the off-the-beaten-track side of Mykonos.

• Preferred Hotel Myconian Ambassador

Gaze out at the brilliant blue waters of the Aegean as we transfer you to Santorini. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the afternoon to spend at your leisure. You may want to wander through the idyllic village of Oia – its image has been splashed across countless postcards and travel brochures as one of the most photographed spots on the planet.

Enjoy your first dinner in Santorini enjoying its iconic sunsets and spectacular Caldera views – our top restaurant suggestion would be Lauda in Oia.

• Preferred Hotel Cliffside Suites

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and start to your day as you wake up to the beautiful views from your hotel overlooking Santorini and its nearby islands.  In the afternoon you will meet our guide for a semi-private sunset sailing cruise. Whilst on the luxury catamaran you will visit the red and white beaches of Santorini, the Venetian Lighthouse, and a lot more. Enjoy a refreshing swim stop in a secluded bay whilst the crew prepares your on BBQ on board the boat. Watch a truly unforgettable sunset as you dine on freshly cooked food and drinks provided by the crew.

• Preferred Hotel Cliffside Suites

Spend your final day in Santorini exploring the town of Oia or Fira and its wonderful array of individual boutique shops at your own pace.

Optional Half-Day Wine Tour

If you are a wine lover, speak to our travel specialists about including a half-day wine and culture tour of Santorini. This includes visiting the Akrotiri Archaeological site along with a visit to a couple of family wineries to sample a selection of locally produced varieties with cheeses and snacks.

• Preferred Hotel Cliffside Suites

Your next stop is Crete, one of the largest islands in Greece with a diverse landscape that includes everything from golden stretches of sand, rugged mountains, and lush green grass to scenic villages and fascinating Minoan ruins. Your ferry will dock in Heraklion where our driver will meet you and transfer you to the town of Rethymno. Upon arrival, check-in and spend the afternoon exploring this fascinating old town with its picturesque port at your leisure.

• Preferred Hotel Rimondi Boutique Hotels

Today’s tour provides an ideal combination that includes a look at the traditional lifestyle of a Cretan shepherd, the island’s history, opportunities to meet the locals, panoramic views, and tasty Cretan cuisine. You’ll depart from Rethymnon, traveling through a number of traditional villages and picturesque landscapes, heading to the historic Halep Monastery which offers magnificent views of mountain peaks. Continue your off-road journey to a shepherd’s hut where you’ll enjoy more jaw-dropping panoramic vistas and possibly wildlife like goats and eagles for multiple outstanding photo-ops. With your appetite worked up, you’ll visit Axons village to dine on delicious local foods and wine at a traditional Cretan taverna.

• Preferred Hotel Rimondi Boutique Hotels

Enjoy your final full day in Crete relaxing and discovering the island at your leisure.

If you are looking for something to fill this day, speak to our travel specialists about a guided tour of the Knossos Palace near Heraklio or a trip to visit the charming Old Town of Chania a little over an hour from Rethymno. Otherwise, simply enjoy the day at your hotel relaxing before your return flight home.

• Preferred Hotel Rimondi Boutique Hotels

Your island hopping journey comes to an end today having truly visited the highlights of Greece on this 12-day trip. Our driver will meet you at your hotel and transfer you to either Chania or Heraklio Airport for your return flight home.

Customize This Trip

All of the itineraries we create are fully customized and can be tailored to your exact preferences. If you would like to extend your stay in any of the destinations or add/remove any experiences, simply mention this to our travel specialists.