Compare Jewels of the Cyclades by Adventure Smith vs Greek Island Hopper - Small Group by Insight Vacations
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 | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 2,061 | $ 4,850 |
| Price Per Day | $ 258 | $ 441 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small ship cruise | 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 | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
7 Breakfast , 6 Lunches or Dinners and 1 Dinner |
N/A |
| 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. |
Set sail to Greece's most beautiful islands during this 10-day guided tour. Let a Local Expert show you Athens’ ancient Acropolis and Parthenon before setting sail for the crescent-shaped island of Santorini. Here, enjoy views of the caldera from your hotel’s pool, then toast with your fellow travelers to an unparalleled sunset over the Aegean Sea. Later, join a local geology expert to learn about how the volcanic island was formed. On Mykonos, a Local Expert will guide you in a walk of the island’s narrow alleys and iconic Cycladic houses followed by a private tasting of local delicacies. Plus, you’ll meet a Greek captain and board a vessel for a cruise along Mykonos’ stunning coast. |
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: Welcome to Athens
An Insight host will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel, where there is time to settle in and relax. At 19:00, join your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and get to know your fellow travellers over a delightful evening of dinner and wine.
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: Athens Sightseeing
Today your mythical Grecian discovery encapsulates the intriguing history of ancient Greece. Begin with an exploration revealing the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian. Next, your Local Expert takes you to the Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world. Crowning the top is the Parthenon, visible from almost everywhere in the city. See the Temple of Athena Nike, also known as the Temple of the Wingless Victory, and the six stone-carved caryatids that make up the Porch of the Maidens on the Erechtheion. The rest of your day is at leisure.
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Breakfast
Day 3: Depart for Santorini
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the port for the early ferry to Santorini. Famed for the scattered white Cycladic houses that rest upon its cliffs, Santorini is a dreamy getaway. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and take time to relax. Why not take a dip in the pool? In the evening join your fellow travellers for a refreshing cocktail as you watch the sunset over the caldera and the Aegean Sea.
Costa Grand Resort & Spa, Santorini. , Orama Hotel & Spa, Santorini.
Breakfast
Day 4: Santorini Relaxed Start
Today you’ll delve into the geological history of Santorini. In the morning a local geology expert will divulge secrets about this volcanic island and the caldera, revealing the details of its formation. The rest of the day is yours at leisure. Why not head out for a swim at Ammoudi Bay, to visit the Santorini Wine Museum or ask your Travel Director for some restaurant recommendations?
De Sol Hotel & Spa, Santorini., Orama Hotel & Spa, Santorini.
Breakfast
Day 5: Santorini at leisure
With a day at leisure, why not take the opportunity to visit the site of Akrotiri, an ancient city covered by volcanic ash and unearthed in 1967. If shopping is to your liking, spend your time walking the white walled alleyways, browsing the many shops and taking in the breathtaking views of the caldera.
Costa Grand Resort & Spa, Santorini. , Orama Hotel & Spa, Santorini.
Breakfast
Day 6: Mykonos Sightseeing Relaxed Start
After your breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the port for the ferry sailing to Mykonos. Upon arrival you'll be transferred to your hotel. Explore the town of Mykonos with a Local Expert and discover the maze of pretty alleyways of stunning Cycladic houses, lining the island mountainside. See the famous windmills, the Matoyinnia Alleys and of course Little Venice.Later, make a welcoming stop to taste a selection of local delicacies and learn the secrets of Mykonian Cuisine.
Porto Mykonos., Dorion Hotel, Mykonos.
Breakfast
Day 7: Mykonos at Leisure Relaxed Start
Today you’ll have free time to explore as you wish with many exciting adventures to choose from. Why not take a transfer to the picturesque Mykonos Town and explore the beautiful port area? Or perhaps visit Delos, a small island off the coast. The island is an archaeological site that houses iconic ruins, including Doric temples, markets, an amphitheatre and mosaics. The mythological birthplace of Apollo, it is one of the most unique sights worldwide, with ongoing excavations and a beautiful small museum.
Porto Mykonos., Dorion Hotel, Mykonos.
Breakfast
Day 8: Mykonos Relaxed Start
Board your kaiki, a traditional boat and meet a Greek captain to cruise around the stunning, world-famous Little Venice of Mykonos. Sit back and relax as you enjoy views of the iconic windmills. (weather permitting).
Porto Mykonos., Dorion Hotel, Mykonos.
Breakfast
Day 9: Depart Mykonos
After breakfast at your hotel you will be transferred to the port of Mykonos to board the ship to Piraeus in Athens. Once here you will be met at the port and transferred to your Athens hotel. There is time in the afternoon for you to do some last-minute sightseeing, souvenir shopping or just relax at your hotel. Enjoy your last night with your fellow travellers at a Celebration Dinner to toast your experiences.
Divani Caravel Hotel, Athens., Crowne Plaza Athens City Centre.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 10: Depart Athens
Your journey comes to an end with a transfer to Athens airport.
Breakfast
