Best of Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini
This 11-day travel idea takes you to the brightest sites in Greece, passing from the capital of Athens to the famous islands of Mykonos and Santorini.
Your Greek vacation starts and ends in Athens, Greece’s capital and the centre of their ancient civilization. Athens is a landmark city, famous the world over for its wealth of history and incredible contributions to world culture. Dotted with ruins from the 5th century B.C. such as the famous Acropolis, the city is also a living and breathing museum. Take a city tour to get acquainted with the historical sites, passing from Constitution Square to the House of Parliament, past Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympics were held in 1896 and the Temple of Zeus and finally to the Acropolis, where you’ll find the Temple of Athena Nike and the iconic Parthenon. Athens has enough history to spend a lifetime exploring, but it’s not wanting for more contemporary pleasures. You’ll find the city’s entertainment centre in Gazi, but the whole city boasts incredible food, fashion, and nightlife. This is a city that’ll never stop growing and adding more layers to its stunning depth of history.
After exploring Athens’ historical sites, turn seaward and head to Mykonos, in the Cyclades Islands in the Mediterranean. If Athens is Greece’s heart, Mykonos is its thumping heartbeat. The island is second-to-none when it comes to nightlife. Its beachside DJ parties, electric clubs, and high-end restaurant will leave you buzzing and satisfy even the most voracious partier.
Once you’ve tasted Mykonos’s pleasures, head to Santorini, home to the whitewashed houses you likely imagine when you think of Greece. Perched on 300m cliffs over the ocean, Santorini’s towns are spectacular and the landscape is even better. Its unique crescent shape and rugged landscape is the result of a volcanic eruption in the 16th century B.C. Take a volcanic cruise to explore the active volcanic crater on Neo Kameni and the eastern Mediterranean’s newest islets and swim through the sulfuric hot springs near Palea Kameni. Also take advantage of a Catamaran Dinner Cruise, which takes you to the ruins of Akrotiri, Santorini’s red and white beaches, and closes out your trip to Greece with a gorgeous sunset dinner on the Mediterranean.
DEPARTURES:
Daily from May to October
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are “from” per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request – please enquire.
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Philippos Hotel
Philippos Hotel is ideally located right next to the Acropolis Museum and a 5-minute walk from the Acropolis Metro Station. The hotel is next door to the old quarters of the city with its old style charm and affordable shopping and dining options. The central square of Syntagma is just a 15 minutes’ walk away. The attentive staff are on hand 24/7 and can offer sightseeing information, or arrange for car rental, dry cleaning and luggage storage.
Meal Plan – Buffet Breakfast
Duration 2 Nights
Accommodation – Philippos Hotel
This tour gives you the opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Your expert guides will take you to see the center of the city, the Constitution Square (Syntagma), the House of Parliament, the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University and the National Library. On the way to the Acropolis you will make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896, you will see the temple of Olympian Zeus and the Hadrian’s Arch. At the Acropolis, you will visit the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts order in the mind”, the Parthenon.
Athens Hotels to Piraeus Port Private
Duration 1 Hour
Piraeus Port to Mykonos on Catamaran
Duration 2 Hours
Mykonos Port to Mykonos Town and Suburbs
Duration 20 Minutes
Petasos Town Hotel
This hotel is exceptionally situated in the center of Mykonos, on the town’s most privileged spot. It is an ideal for those who want to combine their vacations with the well-known night life of Mykonos. On a daily basis, the hotel offers a free round trip to the 5-star Petasos Beach Resort and Spa, where one can enjoy refreshing cocktail drinks, a meal at the pool restaurant or use the resort recreational facilities.
Meal Plan – Buffet Breakfast
Duration 3 Nights
Accommodation – Petasos Town Hotel
This hotel is exceptionally situated in the center of Mykonos, on the town’s most privileged spot. It is an ideal for those who want to combine their vacations with the well-known night life of Mykonos. On a daily basis, the hotel offers a free round trip to the 5-star Petasos Beach Resort and Spa, where one can enjoy refreshing cocktail drinks, a meal at the pool restaurant or use the resort recreational facilities.
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
Mykonos Town and Suburbs to Mykonos Port
Duration 20 Minutes
Mykonos to Santorini on Catamaran
Duration 2 Hours
Athinios Port to Santorini
Duration 30 Minutes
Check in – Kamari Beach Hotel
Kamari Beach Hotel is a great place to enjoy the black sandy beaches of Kamari. Take a stroll along the beach or join in with the organised water-sport activities. The stunning outdoor pool area is a great place to unwind. Have a refreshing dip in the pool or simply relax on a sun bed and admire the beautiful views of the sea. Delight in a drink or a snack at the pool bar and join in one of Kamari Beach Hotel’s lively barbecue nights. The rooms at Kamari Beach Hotel are spacious and tastefully decorated, with some featuring beautiful sea views. Enjoy a relaxing start to the day with a buffet breakfast on the sunny terrace.
Meal Plan – Buffet Breakfast
Duration 4 Nights
Accommodation – Kamari Beach Hotel
Leave the port of Athinios to embark on the traditional boat for your visit of active craters of the volcano on the top of the island of Nea Kameni, in Greek means “new burnt”… where you will stop for about 1 1/2 H.
Then sail to Palea Kameni, “old burnt”, where thermal springs provide natural warm-water bathing. While the surrounding water and beaches may be cold, and winds can be daunting. Your stop will be about 30m. Next destination will be Thirassia which is a typical cycladic village with a way of life as it used to be before the invasion of tourism. Tiny houses of various colours give a special character to these small settlements. Is an ideal place to taste some of the traditional plates of Santorini (lunch is not included in the price), to swim or to discover the simple village of Manolios by donkey. Here your stop will be about 1.5 – 2H.
When you arrive in your last destination the assistant will inform you the pick-up point and the time that the buses depart (that depends on the sunset time) . The village is approximately 150 meters above sea level. This distance covered or walking the traditional steps on feet (250 steps) or by donkeys. Oia was severely damaged in the 1956 earthquake and much work has been involved to implement its restoration. The beauty of Oia is unsurpassed. In fact, it is almost impossible to describe in words. Small white houses tier the hillside, interspersed by splashes of rich okra, deep fuchsia, cobalt blue, oyster pink and earthy red. Oia is one of the most photographed places in Greece. It has inspired artists, poets and every visitor who visits Santorini. Oia is best known for breathtaking sunsets; if truth be told, sunrise in Oia is also magical. In Oia there are two types of dwellings, the cave houses dug into the volcanic rock on the Caldera cliffs, and the Captains houses. The cave houses used to be the homes of ship crews, whereas the Captains houses belonged to the affluent class of ship owners. Many of the churches in Oia were dedicated to sailors.
Duration 6 Hours
Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.
This afternoon you will be transferred from your hotel in Santorini to Vlihada Marina (in the south of the island) to being the catamaran cruise. The first stop will be at the red beach for swimming, which is arguably one of the most famous and beautiful beaches of Santorini. It is located only some steps away from the ancient site of Akrotiri. The small size of the beach creates a much crowded atmosphere and there are many days where most of the visitors choose not to make it all the way down to the beach and instead admire this unique landscape of red and black volcanic rocks from the headland. Your next stop will be at the white beach for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling is ideal for those who would like to explore and get a feel of the underwater world of Santorini. Your evening continues while you sail along Akrotiri and Aspronissi, and reach the hot springs. Here you can swim and enjoy a mud bath. Your cruise this evening includes dinner, which will be served on board. The tour ends at Amoudi Bay, where a mini bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Duration 5 Hours
Santorini to Athinios Port
Duration 30 Minutes
Santorini to Piraeus on Catamaran
Duration 5 Hours
Piraeus Port to Athens Hotels Private
Duration 1 Hour
Philippos Hotel
Philippos Hotel is ideally located right next to the Acropolis Museum and a 5-minute walk from the Acropolis Metro Station. The hotel is next door to the old quarters of the city with its old style charm and affordable shopping and dining options. The central square of Syntagma is just a 15 minutes’ walk away. The attentive staff are on hand 24/7 and can offer sightseeing information, or arrange for car rental, dry cleaning and luggage storage.
Meal Plan – Buffet Breakfast
Duration 1 Night
Accommodation – Philippos Hotel
Depart Greece.
