Compare Jewels of the Cyclades by Adventure Smith vs Amazing Greece : Athens, Mykonos, Paros and Santorini by Eskapas
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 2,061 | $ 2,800 |
| Price Per Day | $ 258 | $ 233 |
| Highlights |
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- Best Cycladacic Island Hopper Trip |
| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
7 Breakfast , 6 Lunches or Dinners and 1 Dinner |
11 Breakfasts |
| Description |
The Jewels of the Cyclades showcases the Aegean Islands known for their whitewashed villages and ports, the bright skies and crystal sea. Visit the well known places of Santorini and Mykonos and off the beaten track islands such as Paros and Folegandros. The highlights of this program are the excursions in Santorini and Delos, nighlife in Mykonos, the old Greece atmosphere in Folegandros and swimstops in some secluded bays to swim from the boat. |
Immerse yourself in Cycladic charm as you discover the delights of Athens, Mykonos, Paros and Santorini. On this 12-day Greek island hopping holiday you’ll enjoy Mykonos with its labyrinthine streets and chic, lively nightlife. Enjoy the all day parties in the beach bars and when the sun sets, head to Chora to explore the lively clubs that are hidden in the narrow, paved streets. A short distance from Mykonos is Paros, another charming island of Cyclades that distinguishes for the beautiful beaches and the traditional architecture. Next stop is Santorini, the most famous Greek island. In fact, the wild nature, gorgeous view and golden sunset have included Santorini among the top destinations in the world. Stroll around Fira, Oia and Imerovigli, enjoy the sea view from the top of the caldera and swim in the lovely beaches on the southern side of the island. You will leave Santorini with the most impressive memories of your life. |
Day 1: Marina Zeas, Athens – Poros
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: M/S Galileo
Athens is the capital and largest city in Greece, a bustling and cosmopolitan metropolis, which is rapidly becoming a leading business center in the European Union. As one of the world's oldest cities, its recorded history spans at least 3,000 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state. The heritage of the classical era is still evident in the city, represented by a number of ancient monuments and works of art, the most famous of all the Parthenon on the Acropolis. Embarkation between 2-3 pm. Enjoy a welcome drink and meet your crew and fellow passengers. Sail for Poros for a short 3 hours visit, before set sail to Poliegos. Overnight at sea.
Day 2: Poliegos – Folegandros
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: M/S Galileo
Morning arrival in Poliegos, a very small island known for its amazing beaches. The island lies in close proximity to the Peloponnesian coast, separated by a narrow channel. Is an extremely picturesque and aristocratic island blessed with sheer natural beauty and bearing unique nobility. Enjoy a morning swim stop followed by a BBQ on deck. This afternoon, sail to Folegandros - one of the most amazing and less known islands in the Aegean Sea. It has three small villages, Chora, Karavostassis and Ano Meria, which are connected by a paved road. Folegandros is a relatively quiet island paradise, that is maintained to keep its local atmosphere untouched by mainstream tourism. Walk the amazing Upper city and dine at one of the traditional Greek tavernas.
Day 3: Santorini
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
Accommodation: M/S Galileo
One of the highlights cruising the Cyclades is of course the volcanic island Santorini or Thera, with the biggest caldera of the world surrounded by Thera and Therassia as well as a small islet called Aspronisi (White Island), which are the remains of the origin volcanic island risen in about 80000 BC. Today’s shape of the island is a result of a huge eruption followed by a catastrophic explosion in the 16th cen. BC, which had destroyed this island and the city of the Cycladic Civilization. Enjoy a morning arrival at Santorini to explore its unique capital Fira. Optional Excursion to Akrotiti excavations and a tour of the villages including the small beautiful village of Oia know for it’s breathtaking view over the caldera. Overnight in Santorini.
Day 4: Antiparos – Paros
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
Accommodation: M/S Galileo
In the morning, enjoy a swim stop in an enchanting bay of Antiparos. Early noon arrival in Paros. Visit Parikia and the quaint village of Naoussa. Time to have a fun night and show us your dancing skills during our famous Greek Night. Overnight in Paros.
Day 5: Delos – Mykonos
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner
Accommodation: M/S Galileo
The Island of Delos lies in the middle of the Cyclades, 3.5sqm from Mykonos. Except for the guards and the guides the island is not inhabited. According to the Greek Mythology, Leto haunted by jealous Hera had found asylum on this island to give birth to Zeus’ children, Apollo and Artemis. Apollo became one of the most important gods and so Delos became a great sacred place for worshiping him up to the Roman times. In 1872 the French Archaeological School started with systematic excavations, which still continue today together with the Greek Archaeological School. Optional morning tour to the unique archaeological site of Delos, antiquity’s most sacred island. Later on, stop at one of Mykonos beautiful bays for swimming off the ship before sailing into Tourlos port in Mykonos. The island of the jet setters is yours to explore and the night is young. Overnight in Mykonos.
Day 6: Syros
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch or Dinner
Accommodation: M/S Galileo
After a morning swim, arrive in Syros - the capital of the Cycladic islands, where you can enjoy one of its beautiful sandy beaches or walk through town and enjoy the unique architecture of the buildings. Syros lies in the middle of the Cyclades between Kythnos and Tinos. Syros like the other Cycladic islands was inhabited from the early prehistoric times. Syros, was the largest cultural and trade center of the Aegean in the 19th century and capital Ermoupolis was Greece's principal port. From the time of the Fourth Crusade (13th Century) until 1568 Syros belonged to the Duchy of Naxos. After that period the island had a significant Roman Catholic minority which was under the protection of France from piracy and during the Turkish occupation. Overnight in Syros.
Day 7: Kythnos - Marina Zeas
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch or Dinner
Accommodation: M/S Galileo
In the morning arrive in Kythnos to enjoy a swim in Kolones bay. Kythnos or Thermia is part of the Western Cyclades and is considered as an unspoiled island, with very friendly locals. Life is quiet and slow, an ideal location for relaxing, swimming on its sandy beaches and enjoy traditional simple food. Its major attraction is a fairly well know healing thermal spa, attracting many Greeks and foreign visitors. The colorful quaint villages of Kythnos, with their traditional houses and the peaceful landscape will not disappoint. After, set sail for Marina Zea for an arrival in the late afternoon via Cape Sounion, the temple of Poseidon. Overnight in Marina Zea
Day 8: Marina Zeas (Athens) – Disembarkation
Meals: Breakfast
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for flights home.
Day 1 Arrive in Athens, Greece
After your arrival in the mythical city of Athens, the transfer to your hotel will be conducted in one of our private vehicles. A member of our English speaking team will meet you at your hotel, help you with the check-in, inform you of all the details of your trip, introduce you to the city and its everyday way of life and answer any questions you may have. The rest of the day will be free for you to relax and enjoy Athens at your own pace.
- Overnight: Athens Meals: Not Available
Day 2 Athens
After your breakfast, and at the agreed time, you will commence the panoramic tour of the Athenian Neoclassical Center: the Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the University, the Library, and National Academy, the Ilion Palace, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate, the Panathenaic Stadium, and many other monuments and sites of great interest. You will learn all there is to know about their history and background from the licensed English-speaking Tour Guide accompanying you on this tour.
Your next stop will be the “sacred rock”, the spectacular, unique and magnificent Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. The entrance fee to both sites is included. At the end of the visit, you can either choose to return to your hotel or set out on your own adventure through the charming and picturesque streets of Plaka.
In the evening, we have included a guided walking tour that will take you through the prettiest residential districts of the capital, such as Anafiotika, Thissio, Monastiraki, and Plaka.
- Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Athens – Mykonos
After breakfast, early in the morning, your assistant will escort you to Piraeus port in one of our private vehicles and you will take the ferry to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos. ( You can select a fast ferry instead of normal ferry during your booking). The crossing is scheduled at the ideal time of the day so that you can enjoy the sun on deck and marvel at the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. The name of the island denotes “heap of stones” or “rocky place”, but a later version connects it to the hero Mykono, son of the king of Delos, Anius.
- Overnight: Mykonos Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Mykonos
Free day to enjoy this magnificent island. Mykonos is the meeting point of the international “jet set”, famous for its wonderful beaches, the dazzling shops and vibrant nightlife.
- Overnight: Mykonos Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Mykonos - Paros
After breakfast and at the appointed time, we will transfer you to the port of Mykonos to take the ferry to Paros.
This Cycladic island is a visitors mecca for natives and foreigners alike and is the ideal destination to relax and enjoy its beaches, the numerous small churches and its picturesque villages.
When the ferry docks at the port of Paroikia, the capital of the island, one of our representatives will meet you to transfer you to your accommodation.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy this wonderful island.
- Overnight: Paros Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Paros
After breakfast free time at leisure. This day on the island is free for you to relax, explore it at your own pace and immerse yourself in the cycladic culture. Paros is undoubtedly one of those islands that can assail the senses of all those who choose to travel to it and meet the expectations of the most demanding visitors.
- Overnight: Paros Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Paros
Free day to continue enjoying the wonderful beaches of this beautiful island, roaming the stress full of trendy bars and shops in the center of the island as well as its restaurants and patisseries, where you will taste the delicious traditional cuisine.
- Overnight: Paros Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Paros - Santorini
After breakfast, utterly enthralled by the Greek way of life, one of our drivers will pick you up at the agreed time and take you to the port. You will now board the ferry to your next destination, the island that is an inexhaustible source of inspiration: Santorini.
When you approach the island you will be astonished by the beauty of the city of Fira, with its white houses overhanging the cliff and overlooking the volcano. Upon your arrival, one of our representatives will welcome you, transfer you to your hotel and introduce you to this picturesque island.
- Overnight: Santorini Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Santorini
Free day for you and your companion to explore this magical island, considered to be the lost continent of Atlantis, at your own pace. The name of the island was given by the Venetian Giacomo Barozzi due to the presence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Eirini. His descendants remained until 1576, when it became part of the Duchy of Naxos and until the Turkish conquest by Piyale Pasha.
- Overnight: Santorini Meals: Breakfast
Optionally, you can choose to go on a dazzling sailboat tour that comprises visits to the small islands inside the caldera, Nea and Palea Kameni, with the hot springs of green and yellow waters. All the time, the capital city of Fira will never be far away, but will feature superbly in the background throughout the cruise tour. Please see the optional tours during your booking.
Day 10 Santorini
You will have another free day on this magical island considered by many to be the lost continent of Atlantis. You can enjoy the beaches of volcanic stones or black sand, dine by the sea and appreciate some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
- Overnight: Santorini Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Santorini - Athens
At the agreed time, we will transfer you to the new port of Santorini, Athinios, where you will board the ferry back to Athens. If you want you can buy a fast ferry ticket instead of normal ferry ticket during your booking. See options.
In the evening, upon your arrival at Piraeus, you will be transferred to your hotel, for a good rest and a rejuvenating sleep that will prepare you for the next day, full of more wonderful experiences and impressions.
- Overnight: Athens Meals: Breakfast
Day 12 Athens Departure
After your breakfast, at the agreed time according to your flight schedule , a member of our staff will drive you to Athens International Airport.
Having spent a few fantastic days with Eskapas, we hope to see you again soon to create together new and extraordinary moments that will be lovingly etched in your memory.
Have a nice trip!
