Now with shortened ferry rides, our magical Greek Island Hopping tour allows for even more time for us to immerse ourselves into a world of Hellenic legacies, captivating contemporary cultures and thrilling atmospheres. From the unrivalled wealth of historical treasures in National Archaeological Museum and the majestic splendor of the Acropolis in Athens, to the labyrinthine streets lined with whitewashed buildings and beautiful golden-sand beaches in Mykonos, we enjoy a range of spectacle and experience that only the Greece can claim. In Santorini, known as 'Pre-Historic Pompeii' for its unique geographical form, we find the jewel in the Grecian crown, an island whose natural beauty truly sets it apart. We trace history back to the Cycladic civilization with visits to museums brimming with marble figurines, ancient tools and centuries-old relics, and have the chance to undertake a donkey-ride or an optional hike through the legendary Grecian countryside.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Today we arrive in Athens, off-and-on the capital of Greece in its many incarnations over several thousand years. The city received a major facelift for the 2004 Olympics and is looking better than ever, with buildings and monuments cleaned and renovated, and newly created pedestrian areas near the Ancient Agora and Acropolis. Overnight in Athens. Dinner if required.
Day 2: Athens: City Tour
Today we enjoy a guided tour of Athens, the very heart and soul of Greece. Our first visit takes us to the National Archaeological Museum, an unrivaled treasure house of Cycladic, Minoan, Mycenaean and classical Greek art. One of the most interesting sections is the Mycenaen hall with all of Schliemann's gold finds from Mycenae. The museum contains the world's finest collection of antiquities and treasures from all over the ancient Greek world, spanning some 7,000 years. We then proceed to the Acropolis, adorned with magnificent buildings dating from the 5th century BC, the Golden Age of Athens.
It was during this time, under the leadership of the great statesman, Pericles, that Athens was the most glorious intellectual and artistic center of the ancient world. The prosperity of Athens and new wealth enabled Pericles to initiate the magnificent building program on the Athenian Acropolis. On the highest point on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, called the "finest monument of Greek civilization." The temple was dedicated to Athena "Parthenos," the virgin and patron goddess of the city. The temple had a dual purpose: to serve as a treasury for Athenians, and to house the magnificent ivory and gold cult statue of the goddess made by Pheidias, the same sculptor who was commissioned for the enormous cult statue of Zeus at Olympia. Overnight in Athens. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 3: Athens – Mykonos
This morning we travel by local ferry from Athens' port, Pireaus, to the island of Mykonos. Our journey takes the better part of the day and is very scenic, stopping at several other islands en route (sadly too briefly to disembark). From the harbor waterfront, you can watch the local fishing boats, or venture into the labyrinth of dazzling, white-washed streets to the many churches, taverns, or shops selling artisan crafts, jewelery and the latest fashions. In the distance stand a string of windmills that once harnessed the breezes of days gone by. The sugar cube buildings are stacked around a cluster of seafront fishermen's dwellings.
The labyrinth design was intended to confuse the pirates who plagued Mykonos in the eighteenth and 19th centuries. The main town has immaculately whitewashed houses concealing hundreds of little churches, shrines and chapels. Greek ferry schedules tend to change without notice; some itinerary adjustments may be necessary at the discretion of your Tour Leader. Uncontrollable factors such as weather may result in delays; a flexible attitude will enhance the enjoyment of your adventure. Porters are generally not available on the Greek isles, or on ferries between them. You must (!!) be able to carry / wheel your baggage on and off ferries. Overnight on Mykonos. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 4: Mykonos: Walking Tour & Boat Trip to Delos
This morning your Tour Leader will take you on an orientation walking tour of Mykonos Chora. We wander the pirate-proof streets of town and see the Paraportiani Church near the quay, an architectural masterpiece of five chapels in one. As one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, Mykonos is legendary for its shopping and nightlife. We then meet the boat that will take us to the tiny sacred island of Delos (30 minutes away). Delos gives the whole group of islands surrounding it their name, the Cyclades - so named because they form a circle (kyklos) around Delos. For nearly 1000 years this sanctuary was the political and religious center of the Aegean. Leto, pregnant by Zeus, gave birth to the twins Apollo and Artemis on Delos.
In the 18th century BC, the annual Delia Festival was established on the island to celebrate the birth of Apollo. Delos was populated during its height in Hellenistic times with wealthy merchants, mariners and bankers from as far away as Egypt and Syria. We will see the Agora of the Competialists, Roman merchants or freed slaves who worshiped the guardian spirits of crossroads; the Sanctuary of Apollo, the three temples of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Dionysus. In the House of the Masks we are able to see a mosaic portraying Dionysus riding on a panthers back. The theater here could seat 5,500 people. We return to Mykonos with the balance of the day at leisure. Overnight on Mykonos. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 5: Mykonos: Free Day
There are many beaches on Mykonos and today we can enjoy them to their fullest. You can also head back into town for more independent exploration and / or shopping. Overnight on Mykonos. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 6: Mykonos – Santorini
We take a ferry or hydrofoil (depending on scheduling) to Santorini. Vast geological upheavals have given this island its unique form resulting in the nickname, "Pre-Historic Pompeii." The effect of terracing makes this unlike any other island, Greece's most visually stunning. Santorini is also the island of churches, wine, and donkeys! From as early as 3000 BC the island developed as an outpost of Minoan civilization until around 1500 BC when the volcano erupted. At this point the island's history became linked with the legend of Atlantis. Overnight on Santorini. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 7: Santorini: Archaeological Museum
This morning we take the local bus up to Fira town to visit the impressive Archaeological Museum. This museum features many pieces and exhibits specific to the Santorini site of Akrotiri (closed for refurbishment), as well as artifacts dating back to the time of the Cycladic Civilization, which can be divided into three periods: Early (3000-2000 BC), Middle (2000-1500 BC), and Late (1500-1100 BC). The most impressive legacies of this civilization are the statuettes carved from Parian marble - the famous Cycladic figurines.
Like statuettes of Neolithic times they depicted images of the Great Mother. Other remains include bronze and obsidian tools and weapons, gold jewelery, and stone and clay vases and pots. After our visit your Tour Leader will take you on an informal orientation walking tour of Fira. A popular thing to do after the tour is to walk down to the old port and then return to the rim via donkey or cable car (optional expense). Your Tour Leader will help you plan your day. Overnight on Santorini. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 8: Santorini: Free Time / Optional Hike to Oia
Today is free to enjoy Fira or the beach. Alternatively, you can join your Tour Leader on a 3.5 hour hike to Oia (pronounced "EE-ah") along the vast caldera rim. Built on a steep slope of the caldera, many of Oia's dwellings nestle in the niches hewn in the volcanic rock. It was once a major fishing port but is principally known these days as probably the most dramatically situated towns in the whole of Greece. Other possibilities include boat trips to the volcano's center, shopping, or relaxing on one of Santorini's black sand beaches.
Non-hikers can also access Oia using the convenient public bus system. This is an excellent option for today, but should be undertaken by good walkers only. The path is steep in some spots, with uneven footing and loose pebbles. Heat can also be a consideration, as the route is unshaded in its entirety. You must be fit and sure-footed to safely and comfortably participate in this activity. Your Tour Leader can help determine your suitability. Overnight on Santorini. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 9: Santorini – Athens
Today we take the ferry to Pireaus (Athens). This journey will take most of the day but is scenic and enjoyable. Overnight in Athens. Breakfast and dinner.
Day 10: Departure from Athens. Breakfast. Kalo Taxidi!!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Breakfast and dinner (mostly local restaurants) daily
- All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters
- Airport transfers for land / air customers arriving / departing on tour dates.
Price Excludes:
- Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), and excursions referenced as 'optional'
- Airport transfers for early / late arrivals / departures or Land Only customers
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Greece
Cultural Journey
Archeology/History
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