Talk to the Expert

Having spent over a decade in Athens, Greece still remains my favourite destination. I simply love sharing my passion for this wonderful country, which truly has something for everyone.

Nora

Greece Specialist

+1 844 381 5808
  • from $4,095 PP
  • 11 Nights
  • Private
  • May - Oct
  • Easy
  • 11hrs from NYC/ 4hrs from London

Highlights

12-day island hopping journey through the Cyclades and Crete, with unique tours, starting with the city of Athens and capped off with a visit to the stunning and authentic island of Crete. Explore some of the world’s most renowned ancient ruins with expert guides. Sample tasty Greek wine and fuel your exploits by feasting on a wide range of authentic gastronomic delights. Relax in Santorini and enjoy time taking in its famous caldera views both from your idyllic hotel and from the comfort of a luxury catamaran.

Why Book with Us

  • Low Deposits to Book

    Book your trip with us and pay a reduced deposit with the rest 90 days before your departure

  • 24/7 Support

    From the moment you book your trip, our team is on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey.

  • ATOL & ABTOT Protected

    Your trip with us is fully financially protected by our travel insurers. Peace of mind guaranteed.

  • Intuitive Travel App

    One central place to access all of your travel documents and guides without the need for WiFi.

At a Glance

Island hopping the Cyclades
  • Arrive in Athens with afternoon at leisure
  • Explore the ancient treasures of Athens today with a private expert guide
  • Fly to Mykonos with the afternoon at leisure
  • Enjoy a half day guided tour of Delos Island
  • Spend the day in Mykonos further exploring the island at your leisure
  • Set sail for beautiful Santorini with the afternoon at your leisure
  • Take in a spectacular sunset on board an afternoon catamaran cruise
  • Spend today enjoying the beautiful Caldera views at your own pace
  • Morning catamaran transfer to Crete with afternoon at leisure
  • Enjoy a shepherding & cheese-making off-road tour
  • Return flight to Athens
 

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Athens

Acropolis in rays of sunsets

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

Day 2 Athens

Athens city with walking people

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

Day 3 Mykonos

Mykonos cooking class

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

Day 4 Mykonos

Day trip to Delos

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

Day 5 Mykonos

Mykonos, Greece

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

Day 6 Santorini

Santorini, Greece

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

Day 7 Santorini

Santorini sailing

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

Day 8 Santorini

Santorini wine tasting tour

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

Day 9 Rethymno, Crete

Rethimno, Crete

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

Day 10 Rethymno, Crete

Crete vineyards

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

Day 11 Rethymno, Crete

Crete Knossos

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

Day 12 Rethymno, Crete

Crete

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. 

    Preferred Hotels

    Elia Ermou, Athens

    Elia Ermou, Athens

    Opened in late 2018, Elia Ermou is located in the historic Plaka neighbourhood, known for its enticing cobbled streets with neoclassical homes, shops, tavernas, and cafes. It’s also close to the Acropolis Museum and ancient Agora. The stylish rooms and suites provide state-of-the-art technology, some with private hammams, hydromassage tubs, and Acropolis views.

    Myconian Ambassador

    Myconian Ambassador, Mykonos

    The first five-star resort to open on Mykonos, the Myconian Ambassador Hotel overlooks popular Platis Gialos beach and comes with lots of little extras that come together to create an especially magical stay. All of the crisp white rooms come with jaw-dropping Aegean Sea views, and some have their own private pool or whirlpool.

    Cliffside Suites

    Cliffside Suites, Santorini

    Set on the caldera in Firaostefani village, adjacent to the more-crowded village of Fira, Cliffside Suites offers a tranquil location farther from the busy cruise port. It’s whitewashed buildings and cave-style rooms pay respect to the Aegean architectural style while offering stunning caldera and sunset views from furnished terraces.

    Rimondi Boutique Hotel

    Rimondi Boutique Hotels, Crete

    This boutique hotel is made up of two complexes, the Palazzo Collection and the Estate Collection. Each one has its own pool and is partially housed in a mansion dating to the Venetian period and renovated with Renaissance-style touches. There are lavish features throughout the property along with an impressive list of luxurious amenities.

    • Want to extend your trip?

      If you are looking to extend your stay in greece or equally visit another European destination on your trip, then please speak to our travel experts as we can create you a bespoke itinerary to suit your needs.

    What's Included

    • Private transfers in luxury vehicles throughout your journey with us
    • 2 Nights in Athens in a luxury hotel with breakfast
    • Expert guided tour of Acropolis
    • One-way flight from Athens to Mykonos
    • 3 Nights in Mykonos in a luxury hotel with breakfast
    • Half day guided tour of Delos
    • Pre-booked business class seats on high- speed ferry from Mykonos to Santorini
    • 3 Nights in Santorini in a luxury hotel with breakfast
    • Semi-private sunset catamaran cruise with food and drinks
    • Pre-booked business class seats on a high-speed ferry from Santorini to Crete
    • 3 Nights in Crete in a luxury hotel with breakfast
    • Private Shepherding & Cheese-Making Off-Road Tour
    • 24/7 support provided throughout your trip by our friendly, professional staff

    What's Not Included

    • Return flights to Greece
    • Gratuities for local guides
    • We strongly advise all guests purchase comprehensive travel insurance
    • Visas if required

    Speak to experienced Destinations Experts about designing this itinerary around your budget and trip preferences

    Why book with Unforgettable Greece

    • 100% Financial Protection

      We are a licensed and fully bonded tour operator financially protected by both the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). All clients that travel with us are fully financially protected.

    • Destination Experts

      Our travel experts live and breathe the destinations they specialise in. This shows in their passionate to create hand crafted trips for our clients. We don’t offer cookie cutter trips, just truly unforgettable journeys unlike any other.

    • The Best Guides

      What makes our trips extraordinary is the unique immersive experiences we include. We pride ourselves in our black book of sought after expert guides, game rangers and local contacts who believe in our philosophy, unforgettable.

    • We Care

      From the moment you book your trip, we are on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey. With regional offices around the world, we have ground logistics teams on hand to help you every step of the way.

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