Highlights of the Greek Islands

8 days
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Small Group Tour
Explore the Grecian greats on this week-long tour of the Cyclades Islands. From the cosmopolitan bustle of Athens to the ancient riches of Naxos and the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini, our Greek island highlights holiday ticks off all the bucket-list sites. Along the way, get a taste for island life with visits to a heritage distillery and plenty of pit st...
19%
$2,276
From$1,850
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • A weeklong highlights trip of the Greek islands
    • Ferry-hop the Cyclades Islands from Athens to Santorini
    • Enjoy vibrant Greek Islands and stunning sunsets

What's this trip about?

    Explore the Grecian greats on this week-long tour of the Cyclades Islands. From the cosmopolitan bustle of Athens to the ancient riches of Naxos and the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini, our Greek island highlights holiday ticks off all the bucket-list sites. Along the way, get a taste for island life with visits to a heritage distillery and plenty of pit stops at tavernas, too. Visit Athens - Discover the icons of the historic capital city, including the Acropolis. Island hop - Cross the blue waters to explore the Cyclades Islands of Naxos and Santorini. Go with the flow - Follow the pace of island life, soaking up the local atmosphere (and a couple of stunning sunsets).

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityAthens
End CitySantorini

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Greece

Attractions

  • Acropolis
  • Athens
  • Santorini

Activities

  • Hiking

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join tour in Athens

Our tour of the Greek islands starts in Athens. Combining the ancient and modern world, the centre of Athens is surprisingly compact. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to visit one of the cafes in the colourful Psyrri district which offer tradi...

Day 2 Walking tour of Athens including the Acropolis, evening ferry to Naxos

Heading out on foot, this morning we'll visit the Plaka district, just a short walk from our hotel, to soak up the atmosphere of the old town. Here, the streets are lined with atmospheric tavernas, their tables spilling out onto the narrow, cobbled streets, and trader...

Day 3 Free morning, afternoon tour of Naxos town

The morning is free to relax at our hotel. Read a book in the garden courtyard, take a dip in the jacuzzi, or take a stroll on Agios Georgios Beach. This afternoon, we'll head out to explore Naxos town on foot. At the entrance to the harbour sits the grand Portara...

Day 4 Explore foothills of Mount Zas (Mount Zeus), visit Vallindras distillery

Heading inland, this morning we'll drive to a small chapel at the foot of Mt. Zas. Situated at over 500 meters, the air here is noticeably cooler and is a welcome escape from the summer heat. We'll explore on foot, heading to the village of Apiranthos along the fo...

Day 5 Free morning, afternoon ferry to Santorini

This morning is free to relax or explore a little more of Naxos at your own pace. Once we've checked out of our hotel, we'll head back to the port of Naxos to catch the lunch-time ferry to Santorini - a crossing of two and a half hours. The posterchild of Greece'...

Day 6 Coastal walk from Thira to Oia, Santorini

This morning, we'll take in the island's natural beauty on a coastal walk from Thira to Oia. We've graded the walk as moderate and it's expected to take us around three to four hours, covering ten kilometres. We'll hop on a local bus to our starting point before ...

Day 7 Full day in Santorini, wine tasting and sunset dinner cruise

This morning we'll enjoy a local wine tasting at Artemis-Karamolegos Winery in Exogonia, the island is best known for its delicious white wines. The middle of the day is left free to explore the island a little more at your own pace. In the late afternoon, we'll ...

Day 8 Trip ends in Santorini

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Santorini. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Santorini at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,850
Price per day$231
Last Updated: 4/25/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
18 May 2024
25 May 2024
$2,150
$570
10 spots left
01 Jun 2024
08 Jun 2024
$2,020
$560
5 spots left
13 Jul 2024
20 Jul 2024
$2,290
$570
15 spots left
07 Sep 2024
14 Sep 2024
$2,290
$570
5 spots left
21 Sep 2024
28 Sep 2024
$2,420
$560
3 spots left
05 Oct 2024
12 Oct 2024
$2,070
$570
12 spots left
12 Oct 2024
19 Oct 2024
$1,850
$570
13 spots left
17 May 2025
24 May 2025
$2,290
$580
16 spots left
31 May 2025
07 Jun 2025
$2,350
$590
16 spots left
14 Jun 2025
21 Jun 2025
$2,550
$590
16 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Explore!.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Explore! Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
Excellent
6,528
Great
2,169
Average
377
Disappointing
116
Terrible
53
S

Sophie

Nov 2023

Written on

Highlights of the Greek Islands

I really enjoyed this trip; the itinerary is busy enough to occupy but also gives enough free time to enjoy things at your own pace. The hotels are nice (the one in...

J

Jennifer

Oct 2023

Written on

Highlights of the Greek Islands

George, our tour guide was fantastic. He made the trip memorable with his unwavering care for us,, and attention to every detail to ensure we had a wonderful time. H...

F

Fiona

Oct 2023

Written on

Highlights of the Greek islands

Our guide, Peter, was excellent, really good fun. My highlight was the walk in the mountains in Naxos. The group got on really well and it was helpful that there wer...

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Tour Operator

Explore!

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About Explore

We've been taking small groups on adventure vacations for over 41 years. Our authentic adventure travel experiences explore the sights and culture of a country, with hand-picked accommodation that balances comfort and location. Our average group tour size is just 11; perfect for meeting new people and getting to the heart of our destinations. Explore is one of the world's most trusted adventure travel companies with over 350 trips to more than 100 countries. We are passionate about travel and have developed a wide range of unique activities and adventures which give our customers an unforgettable experience with a team of award-winning Explore leaders. With Explore, you'll get to see your destination from a whole new perspective that takes you away from the typical well-trodden tourist track. You'll have the chance to meet, dine and stay with local people, rest in authentic accommodation with other like-minded explorers and travel to must-see destinations with a unique Explore twist. From family holidays to trips for solo travelers; cycling tours to wildlife safaris; trekking on mountains or exploring miles of scenic coastline, there is something for every kind of traveler with Explore. We will provide our expert knowledge, exciting itineraries and outstanding service as part of our sustainable travel experiences which take you under the skin of the country you're visiting for the adventure of a lifetime.


Why we love this operator
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Famous for our expert local guides that help ease the unknowns of adventure travel while bringing a unique richness and spontaneity to each and every

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Logistics

Transportation & Flights

Bus, Boat, Ferry, Public Bus,

Transportation & flights

Bus, Boat, Ferry, Public Bus
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against tetanus and polio. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast : 7
  • Dinner : 1
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
Trip ID
explore-GI

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