Luxury Greek Island Hopping

Your exciting Greek island-hopping adventure begins on the mainland with your arrival at Athens International Airport. You’ll be welcomed by your driver who will provide a private transfer to your hotel. Once you’ve checked in, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. You might take advantage of the hotel facilities or head out to explore. A walk is a great way to beat jet lag, and a stroll through the Diomedes Botanic Garden is ideal. You’ll find plenty of shops with last-minute necessities for your trip, remarkable age-old ruins, and many enticing cafes for unwinding with a glass of Greek wine while immersed in the enchanting atmosphere. If you want to dine with a sunset view, head to one of the many rooftop eateries.

• Peferred Hotel Athens Capital

There may be no better way to experience Athens than with a sightseeing/food tour. This morning, your private driver/guide will take you on a five-hour walking tour that reveals the contrast between old and new, along with some of the city’s tastiest flavors. You’ll ascend Acropolis hill to marvel at the many monuments, including the iconic Parthenon that’s overlooked the capital since the 5th century BC. Your guide will fill you in on its history and more about the remarkable achievements made during the country’s Golden Age. Afterward, head to the heart of Athens for a three-hour food tour. Savor delicious flavors while visiting talented artisans, the central food market, and specialty food shops that source the highest quality items from across Greece.

• Peferred Hotel Athens Capital

The island-hopping portion of your trip kicks off today. Your private driver will meet you at your hotel for transfer back to Athens International Airport where you’ll catch a flight to cosmopolitan Mykonos. Upon arrival on the island, you’ll be met by another driver for a private transfer to your hotel. Take time to settle in and refresh before joining our local guide for a private walking tour. You’ll see highlights like the Church of Panagia Paraportiani near the sea in Chora, the Folklore Museum which sits within an 11th-century home, and the popular Little Venice area with its famous windmills. You’ll see quite a bit of Venetian influence here as well, with wealthy merchants constructing their Venetian-style buildings with colorful facades along the waterfront.

• Peferred Hotel Mykonos Theoxenia

Take the day to do what you’re most interested in, whether you want to join an optional excursion, head to one of the many beautiful beaches on the island to soak up the sun, or simply relax while enjoying a picturesque view. A tour of the island in a 4-wheel drive vehicle is always popular, revealing spots that few tourists find on their own, including intriguing villages, postcard-perfect beaches, and some of the most breathtaking views. Mykonos has a renowned farm-to-table food scene and if you’d like to try cooking some of the island’s tastiest dishes back home, cooking lessons are also available. Some are hosted in a family home, providing the chance to get to know the locals and enjoy a delicious meal too.

• Peferred Hotel Mykonos Theoxenia

Look forward to five hours out on the water, enjoying a salty sea breeze and the Mediterranean sun along with a visit to Rhenia, part of the ancient island of Delos. You’ll even have the opportunity to learn how to trim the sails if you’re interested. Departure is from the new port in Tourlos and you’ll arrive at your destination in only an hour. The excursion includes a swim stop in a secluded bay with crystal-clear cobalt waters and time to relax on an unspoiled white sandy beach before heading back on board to enjoy a light lunch. This evening you might sample some of the highly acclaimed cuisines at a world-class restaurant in Chora (Mykonos Town) followed by the lively nightlife.

• Peferred Hotel Mykonos Theoxenia

It’s time to head to your next island, Naxos. Your private driver will meet you at your hotel after check-out for a private transfer to the port where you’ll catch a high-speed ferry. One of the first things you’ll notice just before the vessel enters the harbor is the 6th-century BC Gate of the Apollo Temple which has become a symbol of the island. The gigantic ancient ruin that was never completed looks like a doorway and towers over the sea.  Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you and provide a transfer to your accommodation. Once you’ve checked in, gotten settled, and refreshed, we recommend a stroll along the waterfront where you’ll find many little shops and eateries for dining with a sea view.

• Peferred Hotel 18 Grapes Hotel Naxos

Naxos is a foodie’s dream and today you’ll get to know many of its culinary delights on a tour that combines the island’s rich history, culture, agriculture, and gastronomy. Start by visiting a local farm where the owner will welcome you and take you around the grounds for a short tour. You’ll help gather seasonal vegetables and learn about Naxian agriculture too. Afterward, join the owner in her farmhouse kitchen for instructions on how to prepare one of the traditional Naxian meals using the ingredients you helped to gather. Once it’s complete, you’ll get to enjoy the results. A visit to an olive oil producer follows where you’ll learn how it’s produced and enjoy a tasty sample too.

• Peferred Hotel 18 Grapes Hotel Naxos

You’ll have a full day to yourself to take advantage of the many things to see and do on Naxos. If you’re in the mood to relax, it’s home of some of the most stunning beaches in the Cyclades, with many powdery white stretches that edge calm, translucent turquoise water. Plaka is close to Naxos Town (Chora) and offers a 2.5-mile stretch with lots of tavernas and beach bars. For more tranquility, head to its secluded southern end that tends to attract nude sunbathers. Before the day is said and done, don’t miss the chance to wander through Chora with its maze of hilly marble-paved streets overlooked by a castle. There are some fabulous photo-ops, including whitewashed buildings with pops of vibrant pink bougainvillea.

• Peferred Hotel 18 Grapes Hotel Naxos

The final island on your itinerary waits: Santorini, an island on many travelers’ bucket lists. Your private driver will bring you back to Naxos port to hop on the high-speed ferry. While cruising in, you’ll be gazing up at the dramatic walls of the towering caldera, a scene you’ll like never forget. After disembarking, you’ll have an assistant to aid you in the navigation of the port, directing you to your private driver for transfer to your Santorini hotel. You’ll enjoy the rest of the day on your own – after a couple of hours out at sea, this is a perfect time to unwind and simply savor the magnificent view, perhaps with a glass of the local island wine.

• Peferred Hotel Santorini Secret Suites & Spa

Explore Santorini’s countryside along with its tranquil villages and some interesting, abandoned neighborhoods on this tour. In between, you’ll sample local volcanic wines at a traditional winery and enjoy a beer-tasting experience at a unique microbrewery. Your expert guide is a local who will bring you to meet other Santorinians to learn about crafts and professions that once thrived here but no longer exist. You’ll discover magnificent mansions, and cave homes and take a trip back through time for a glimpse of the island before it was hit by a devastating earthquake. There will be opportunities to take advantage of extraordinary photo-ops, from breathtaking views to picturesque ruins. As you wander through the settlements of Mesa Gonia, Exo Gonia, and Pyrgos, your guide will provide fascinating tidbits about the history of each and the people who live there, as well as answer any questions you might have along the way.

• Peferred Hotel Santorini Secret Suites & Spa

With much of the day to yourself, we recommend a visit to the famous Akrotiri settlement before enjoying a sailing excursion this evening. Similar to Pompeii, Akrotiri was blanketed by volcanic ash during a massive eruption in 1600 BC. It kept the settlement so well-preserved that it now serves as a time capsule. When it’s time to join your exclusive catamaran cruise your private driver will pick you up at your hotel for transfer to the port. Sail along the island shores enjoying a stop to soak in natural hot springs and visit both the White and Red beaches for a swim. While you have fun, the crew will be preparing a BBQ feast, enjoyed with Santorini wine before returning to port.

• Peferred Hotel Santorini Secret Suites & Spa

While your memorable adventure through Athens, Mykonos, Naxos, and Santorini comes to an end this morning, you’ll have time for one breakfast before it’s time to check out of your hotel. Your private driver will meet you here, providing a transfer to Santorini’s airport where you’ll catch your flight to Athens. If you’d like to spend more time in Santorini, explore other Greek islands, nearby countries, or beyond, reach out to our travel experts who will be happy to create a bespoke addition to your itinerary.