Compare Spectacular Greece with Island Cruise by SmarTours vs Greece Exclusive: A unique trip to mainland, Santorini & Mykonos by Greeking.me

Day 1: Depart USA.

Your magical journey to Greece and the Greek Isles begins as you depart New York today on your overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive Athens (Greece).

Accommodation: Athenian Callirhoe Hotel

Arrive today in Athens, the capital of Greece and the birthplace of western civilization. You’ll be met at the airport and escorted to your conveniently located hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.

Day 3: Greek Island Cruise: Embark Cruise/Mykonos.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Celestyal Cruises

After a sumptuous breakfast journey to the port of Piraeus, embark your cruise ship and settle into your cabin. Over the next four days you’ll sail the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea and explore the fascinating Greek Isles. Spend the afternoon settling into the cruising routine of enjoying the sun, sea breezes, the pool and other shipboard facilities. Later arrive at the spectacular island of Mykonos renowned for its characteristic windmills and dazzling whitewashed houses. Mykonos is also famous for the stylish crowds that flock to the island’s beautiful beaches by day and to the trendy restaurants and clubs by night. Enjoy leisure time to stroll through the picturesque town with its labyrinth of narrow alleys, striking buildings and inviting shops. You can relax at a seaside cafe or a local taverna and enjoy a drink as you view the passing scenery before heading back to the ship. Set sail later tonight.

Day 4: Greek Island Cruise: Kusadasi – Ephesus / Patmos (Greece).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Dock this morning at the Turkish port of Kusadasi located a short driving distance from the ancient city of Ephesus. Considered the world’s best-preserved classical city and famous throughout history for its Temple of Artemis, Ephesus is one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, and new in 2017, smarTours is including this tour as part of your package!

Return to the ship in time for lunch and set sail towards the lively Island of Patmos, Greece, known as the site of the apocalyptic revelations of St. John the Divine, written here during his exile from the Roman Empire. Here you may join an optional excursion to visit St. John’s Monastery. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Greek Island Cruise: Rhodes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today’s port of call is Rhodes, the beautiful “Island of Roses”. In the heart of the port city of Rhodes is the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe, a fascinating web of Byzantine, Turkish and Latin ruins. Its mighty fortifications provide the finest surviving examples of defensive architecture of all time. Rhodes most picturesque town is Lindos where whitewashed houses are clustered beneath a soaring castle-capped acropolis dedicated to the goddess Athena. New in 2017, enjoy an included shore excursion to beautiful Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights. Set sail later today.

Day 6: Greek Island Cruise: Crete (Heraklion)/Santorini.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Early morning arrival to the island of Crete, rich with history and culture. Awake to the island’s bustling capital, Heraklion, where you can visit one of the island’s most picturesque places: the Lion’s Square. Stop in a local cafe where you can savor a “bougatsa”, a local Cretan pastry. You may also join an optional excursion to see the ruins of the Palace of Knossos.

Return to the ship in time for lunch and continue sailing to Santorini, a volcanic crater immersed in the sea and perhaps the most breathtaking of all the Greek Islands. In the town of Thira whitewashed houses, narrow streets, outdoor cafes and glittering boutiques line the steep cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car or mule. Join an included tour (new in 2017!) to explore the spectacular Oia Village. Return to the ship for a final night at sea on board your cruise ship.

Day 7: Disembark/Athens/Delphi.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Amalia Hotel

After breakfast bid farewell to your cruise ship and its wonderful staff and embark on a three-day road excursion to the classical cities of mainland Greece. You’ll pass through several ancient towns, including Thebes (home of King Oedipus). en route to Delphi, majestically set on the slopes of breathtaking Mt. Parnassus. On an included guided excursion, explore the ancient site of Delphi, the most beautiful and celebrated ancient site of all. This is where the Oracle representing the revered god Apollo presided over the ancient world. Marvel at the ruins of Sanctuary of Apollo, walk the marble Sacred Way and admire the 4th-century BC theater still in use today. You’ll also visit Delphi’s museum that houses the famous bronze Charioteer, one of antiquity’s greatest statues.This evening, you’ll enjoy an included dinner.

Day 8: Delphi/Nafpatkos/Olympia.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Arty Grand Hotel

This morning, depart Delphi for Olympia, the birthplace of the Olympic Games, passing through the beautiful medieval town of Nafpatkos. Arrive in Olympia and enjoy a tour with a local expert of the archaeological site and museum at Olympia, where the Olympic games were conceived as a tribute to Hercules, son of Zeus. These games were the most important international event in the Hellenic world and continue today with the lighting of the Olympic flame that is carried by runners throughout the world. View the impressive remains of the Gymnasium and the Temples of Hera and Zeus. You’ll also visit the museum and see Praxiteles’ magnificent statue of Hermes. Later, enjoy an included dinner.

Day 9: Olympia/Mycenae/Athens.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Royal Olympic Hotel

After breakfast, en route to Athens, visit the amazingly well preserved 2300 year-old theater of Epidaurus. Continue to ancient Mycenae, which, according to the poets, was founded by Perseus and built with the aid of the mythological Cyclops. Marvel at the excavations that reveal impressions of the splendors so vividly described by Homer. Admire the Beehive Tombs, the Treasury of Atreus, Lion Gate, Europe’s oldest known monument, remains of Agamemnon’s Royal Palace, and the impressive fortifications of the Citadel.  Later, arrive back in Athens and check into your deluxe, city-center hotel.

Day 10: Athens.

Meals: Breakfast

An included guided morning tour features a visit to the awe-inspiring Parthenon, the crowning beauty atop the Acropolis. This massive Doric temple was dedicated to Athena, the divine patroness of Athens. Just north of the Parthenon view the Erechtheum with its graceful Porch of Caryatids. You’ll also see the ruins of the Temple of Zeus before descending the Acropolis for a panoramic drive to view the Royal Palace, government buildings and elegant homes in the modern city that stand in a striking contrast to the remains of Athens’ glorious past. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Athens independently. Your hotel is located within easy walking distance to Athens’ lively and inviting old town, the Plaka!

Day 11: Athens/USA.

Meals: Breakfast

Following breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive back in New York later today.

Day 1: Welcome to Greece!

Meals: Dinner

Overnight: Athens

As soon as you arrive in Athens, you’ll be welcomed by our professional driver who’ll take you to your hotel in the comfort of a luxury vehicle. Check-in, freshen up and prepare to meet your traveling group and your tour leader!

Get introduced to the historic Greek capital by setting on an exploration of its highlight spots and landmarks. Discuss about the trip details and get to know each other during our welcome dinner! Savor authentic Greek dishes, taste traditional Greek liquors or wines and get ready for your Greek adventure!

Day 2: Get the basics down and enjoy a magical sunset!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Athens

Start your day with the star of the show: the Acropolis Hill. Meet with your licensed guide and begin your 4-hour Acropolis and Acropolis Museum tour by ascending the sacred rock. Come upon some of the most significant monuments in ancient Greek history and learn a lot of insight knowledge on Greek culture. Walk by the Theatre of Asclepius, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike until you reach the Erechteion and the world-renowned Parthenon, the primmest example of ancient Greek engineering and architectural excellence.

After leaving no stone unturned on the hill, walk the short distance to the modern Acropolis Museum were artifacts, sculptures, and everyday items the Acropolis excavations brought to light are waiting to be discovered. With your guide by your side, marvel at the exhibits and get educated on the ancient Greek way of life.

Having enjoyed some free time and a light lunch, embark on a sunset tour to Cape Sounio. Sit back and relax as your driver leads the way across Athens’ Riviera to reach the seaside haven of Cape Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon. En route to Sounio, enjoy the beauty of Athenian Riviera. Once you reach your destination, admire the marvelous temple and take in the stunning view out to the Aegean as the sun meets the sea in an eruption of colors. Your adventurous day will come to an end with a luxurious meal in one of the best seaside restaurants in the city. Your drive to your hotel will find you sated and full, ready for a refueling night’s sleep.

Day 3: Off to the Greek countryside you pop!

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Athens

It is time to explore the beautiful Greek countryside with a day-trip to Epidaurus and Nafplio. Wake up early and hop on your luxurious vehicle to inquire into the Greek mainland. Your first stop will take place at the impressive Corinth Canal, a narrow strip of land that connects the Peloponnese with the rest of the mainland and offers the perfect opportunity for some serious picture snapping. Take a short walk around and hear your expert guide explain the history of the region as you take in the breathtaking view of the landmark before hitting the road once again.

Soon you’ll reach your first destination: the UNESCO heritage site of Epidaurus, where you will embark on a guided tour of its archaeological site. Along with your licensed guide, you’ll learn the history behind the Temples of Artemis and Asclepius, the Tholos, among others, and, of course, the famous Ancient Theater of Epidaurus, known across the world for its impeccable architecture and unmatched acoustics.

Saving the best for last, Nafplion, Greece’s most romantic seaside town, will be your final destination. Discover its nostalgic beauty with a guided walking tour that will take you around its highlights; take a cone of freshly made gelato and marvel at the Venetian fortress of Palamidi, the picturesque cobbled alleys and admire Nafplio's exquisite architecture before getting in your modern vehicle to head back to Athens in luxury and comfort!

Day 4: Explore the Greek mainland at its best!

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Athens

Another day of exploration of the Greek mainland lies ahead, and this time it will take you to one of the most historically-rich towns of Greece, Delphi! Dig into ancient Greek spiritualism the archaeological site of Delphi is known for on a guided tour across Delphi’s numerous monuments. Look into the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre of Delphi, the Athens Treasury, and the acclaimed Oracle, where the ancient world would come for advice before its most significant life decisions.

Gaze at the striking view of Mount Parnassos as your guide’s vibrant story-telling takes you on a journey through time. Following your stroll around the archaeological site, admire the fascinating exhibits housed in the Delphi Archaeological Museum that reveal a lot about the culture and religion of ancient Greece.

Day 5: Catch the sunshine at the 'queen of Cyclades'!

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Mykonos

The time you’ve been waiting for has finally come: it is time to delve into the Greek islands, the quintessential element of Greece, and your first stop will be none other than the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos!

Your driver will take you to Athens’ International Airport with plenty of time to catch your flight, while another driver will be waiting for you at the airport of Mykonos to transport you in comfort, luxury, and style to your upscale hotel in the ‘island of the winds’!

The rest of the day will be free, in order for you to explore the island at your pace and visit one of the many nearby beaches of Mykonos.

Day 6: Sail away to Mykonos' neighboring islands!

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Overnight: Mykonos

When you think of Mykonos, you think of luxury, and after a day of resting, you’re ready to take on one of the most fascinating and luxurious experiences of your holiday: a full-day sailing trip to Delos and Rhenia island.

Rise and shine early in the morning, get in the provided shuttle and arrive at the port of Mykonos, where the crew will welcome you and give you an essential safety brief before explaining the itinerary for the day ahead. Your first stop will be at the uninhabited island of Rhenia for a dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Swim to your heart’s content, and take advantage of the snorkeling equipment on board, provided to you free of charge, to inspect the bottom of the ocean. Because an empty belly bears nobody, following your swimming endeavors, you’ll be served a light lunch on board, accompanied by a complimentary house wine and soft drinks.

Next comes the island of Delos, allegedly the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. A 1,5-hour guided tour around the archaeological site, one of the most outstanding in Greece, will give you insight into the depths of the rich history of the island. You’ll also get half an hour of free time to explore the UNESCO-listed island for yourself, before sailing back to Mykonos, where you’ll end your extraordinary day with a sendoff drink toast. Your driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation to rest and recharge your batteries.

Day 7: Free day in Mykonos

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Mykonos

After a day of sailing, your day will be free for you to wind down and indulge in relaxing activities or swimming! You’re on vacation, after all, you deserve some downtime! Your tour leader will be there to assist according to your needs.

Day 8: Arrive at Santorini; home to fire and ash!

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Santorini

Why limit yourself to one Greek island when there are so many breathtaking ones to explore? The next destination of your magical trip is the whimsical island of Santorini, known for its vast history, breathtaking caldera, unmatched views, and sophisticated wines.

Your driver and tour leader will take you to the port of Mykonos to catch the ferry to Santorini. Upon your arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel with a private vehicle. Spend the rest of the day at your own leisure: take in the breathtaking caldera views from your balcony or sip a cocktail at the pool bar overlooking the Aegean. A truly upscale Santorini experience for you to enjoy.

Day 9: Explore Santorini's cultural treasures!

Meals: Breakfast

Overnight: Santorini

Make the remarkably unique island of Santorini your oyster by setting about a full-day tour around its beauties including a visit to the archaeological site of Akrotiri.

With Santorini's trademark caldera as your starting point, kick-off your expedition across the famous island by taking as many pictures as you can of the heart-stopping view out to the Aegean. Next on your itinerary is a visit to Akrotiri, the Minoan Age settlement that was inhabited since 3000 BC and destroyed by the volcano’s eruption. Your guide will narrate stories that reveal the legends, myths and moments in history that will help you gain a deep understanding of the ancient civilization of Santorini.

Following your immersion into antiquity, reach the highest peak of the island, the Monastery of Prophet Elias, before delving into the picture-perfect town of Oia, doused in the Cycladic colors of blue and white and full of picturesque corners offering ravishing views. Take a relaxed walk around the streets and buy bits and bobs as mementos before heading back to your hotel.

Day 10: Indulge in the world-renowned Santorinian wines and taste local delicacies!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Santorini

The word ‘Santorini’ brings three things to mind: stunning views, out-of-this-world sunsets, and delectable wines, and you can explore all three with the help of experienced professionals and with the stress of planning completely eliminated.

After a relaxing free morning, embark on a Santorini wineries tour at sunset for one of the most remarkable experiences of your life. Visit three different award-winning local wineries to taste luscious Santorinian wine, and enjoy an ambrosial Greek tapas dinner. Your wine-expert guide will introduce you to the superb vineyards of Santorini, explaining how their weaved shape protects the precious grapes from the island’s intense wind; this is your chance to see where some of the most widely-known Greek labels come from.

Taste the most delectable local varieties, including Assyrtiko, Nykteri, and Vinsanto, popular for its sweets notes, and learn how they are enriched by the minerals of the volcanic soil. At your last stop, you will indulge in a toothsome Greek tapas dinner that will complement the delicate flavors of the wines.

Having gained inside knowledge regarding Santorini’s wine production and having tasted the best wines the island has to offer, your day will wrap up at a local-beloved spot for a Santorinian sunset that will make for the most romantic setting anyone can ask for!

Day 11: Relax on your own and enjoy a farewell dinner!

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight: Santorini

Spend your day relaxing at the beach or catching some exercise—and even more views—from one of Santorini’s more than 12 scenic walking routes, ranging from between two to eight miles each.

A farewell dinner is included tonight at a wonderful restaurant with calder views.

Day 12: Say goodbye to your favorite destination!

Meals: Breakfast

As with all good things in life, this amazing Greek experience has come to an end. Say goodbye to the friends you’ve made during your time in Greece and have your driver pick you up from your hotel to take you to the airport with plenty of time to catch your flight home. This exclusive 12-day trip will make you love Greece just as much as we do. Until next time!