A week in Greece, the Absolute Must dos

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Arrival/Athens

Athens Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign with your name on it. You will be transferred to your hotel.

Athens

Acropolis Guided Tour & Flavors of Athens Food Tour

Explore Athens in a day!
A perfect tour to get a true feel of Athens! Ascend to the top of the sacred rock of the Acropolis to be confronted by the most Iconic ancient Greek temple, the Parthenon. Once you set foot into the monumental entrance of the Acropolis, known as the Propylaea, your insightful guide will explain to you how the architect Mnesicles built it between 437-432 BCE as part of Pericles’s great rebuilding program for Athens. Standing proudly next to the Propylaea lays the Temple of Athena Nike. This shrine was dedicated to the Goddess of Victory and although it is small in size, it is of great importance. Move along to another temple that honored the gods Athena and Poseidon, the Erechtheion, The Caryatids of the south porch, serving as pillars, will catch your eye as they are the true gems of the Erechtheion. Finally, you will reach the glorious temple of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, to be confronted by one of the world’s most important structures in history
After visiting Acropolis, and building a healthy appetite, get ready for a 3-hour food tour that will truly make you feel like an Athenian! Sense the intriguing Greek cuisine and local food culture through an experiential food tour in the heart of the bustling capital of Greece. Wander through authentic corners of the city and visit several dedicated artisans that have perfected their recipes over the decades, specialized food stores sourcing the best products from all over Greece as well as the vibrant central food market.

Rest of Day at Leisure

Athens is the historical capital of Europe, with a long history, dating from the first settlement in the Neolithic age. In the 5th Century, BC (the “Golden Age of Pericles”) – the culmination of Athens’ long, fascinating history – the city’s values and civilization acquired a universal significance. Over the years, a multitude of conquerors occupied Athens and erected unique, splendid monuments – a rare historical palimpsest. In 1834, it became the capital of the modern Greek state, and in two centuries since it has become an attractive modern metropolis with unrivaled charm.
A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3-kilometer pedestrian zone (the largest in Europe), leading to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape.

Around Acropolis
Your stroll could start at the temple of Olympian Zeus (6th c. B.C.), one of the largest in antiquity and close by Hadrian’s Arch (131 A.D.), which forms the symbolic entrance to the city. From there, walking along Dionysou Areopaghitou Street (on the south side of the Acropolis) you pass the ancient Theatre of Dionysos (5th c. B.C.) where most of the works by Sophocles, Euripides, Aeschylus, and Aristophanes were performed. Continuing, you will reach the ruins of the Asklepieion (5th c. B.C.) and the Stoa of Eumenes (2nd c. B.C.) and from there the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, which was built in 161 A.D. and is nowadays the venue of the performances of the Athens Festival.

From there you climb up to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, the site of some of the most important masterpieces of worldwide architecture and art, the most renowned of which is the Parthenon temple. Apart from this, also impressive are the Propylaea, the temple of the Athene Nike, and the Erechtheion, while you must not skip a visit to the Museum, located close to the Parthenon. Moreover, from the rock, you have an impressive view of the city.

Only 300m away from the sacred rock of Acropolis stands the impressive Acropolis Museum, one of the most important contemporary works of architecture in Athens. It is made of steel, glass, and concrete and it houses 4,000 priceless finds from the Acropolis monuments that represent its history and function as the most important religious center of ancient Athens.

Athens/Mykonos

Private Transfer Athens Hotel to Airport

The pick-up time for your transfer will be advised at your hotel. Your driver will deliver you to Athens Airport.

Domestic Flight to Mykonos

Private Transfer Mykonos Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival, your driver will be awaiting you at the arrival gate with a sign with your name on it, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Mykonos Town Sunset Tour

Starting your tour by walking in the small and narrow streets of Mykonos, you will get orientated in the labyrinth of the old town and enjoy lovely views of the small port and the lovely Churches present in every corner. You will not miss the famous windmills and Petros the Pelican, the mascot of Mykonos. Your walk will end in front of Little Venice to enjoy magnificent sunset views by the sea!

Mykonos

Free day in Mykonos

Famous for the cosmopolitan atmosphere, the exciting nightlife, the picturesque Cycladic architecture, and the magnificent beaches Mykonos is a beauty that should not be missed. For your day we would suggest starting by exploring some of the island’s famous beaches

Platis Gialos

Platis Gialos is a lively village and resort anchored by its namesake beach, a sandy stretch in a sheltered bay lined with waterfront bars, tavernas, and seafood restaurants. Summer activities include yachting, windsurfing, and parasailing on the Aegean, and taxi-boats run to more secluded beaches along the south coast. Winding trails lead inland and uphill to rocky lookouts and quiet sunset-viewing spots.

Paradise beach

Partygoers should make a beeline for Paradise beach, a long, picturesque sweep of pebbly sand. There’s a campsite, a café and a couple of toes-in-the-sand bars. But most people come for the finest Mykonos beach club around, where the action doesn’t stop just because the sun goes down.

Psarou Bay

On the south coast of the island, Psarou Bay has rarely been out of the tabloids for its notorious beach club. The eponymous village is an exclusive enclave that attracts models and moguls, who are willing to shell out as much as necessary a day to recline on a sun lounger. Super-yachts bob in the crystal-clear waters, while 15-liter bottles of Armand de Brignac champagne are floating around at the notorious Mykonian beach club.

Paraga Beach

Mykonos isn’t short on beach parties, with barefoot revelers soaking up the sun and the cocktails. One of the most popular is Paraga Beach, home to slick hangout Scorpios – the uber-hip Mykonos beach club from the Soho House team – where you can rub shoulders with a stylish crowd.

Afternoon on Mykonos

For the afternoon, we may recommend a visit to Mykonos town for strolls, shopping, and some art exploration.

Mykonos Town

Sure, Mykonos Town is a major hub for tourists, which means that there are plenty of bars and nightclubs here. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to spend all your time in them! If you step away from the major attractions, you’ll see that Mykonos Town offers some great opportunities to observe what Greek village life is like. Also known as Chora, this place is home to thousands of native inhabitants and also has some stunning scenery. To find the places where locals go, ask your hotel for advice. Some of the best experiences, such as tavernas where locals gather, aren’t necessarily found in the guidebooks.

Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is located on the road heading down to Chora from the Old Port featuring a beautiful collection from antiquity. It was built around the turn of the 20th century, to house the many findings from the ‘Purification Pit’, a popular archaeological site at the time, dating back to the 5th century BC. There were many ceramics, vases, and amphorae found, dating back to prehistoric times, as well as the Hellenic period. The most notable is the large pithos vase, which depicts the capture of Troy from the Greeks, utilizing the Trojan Horse. There are many marble grave steles on display, as well as the remains of a classical statue of Hercules, complete with the lion’s pelt and his club. Many other precious artifacts are on display too, as well as findings of everyday tools and items.

Rarity Gallery

Rarity Gallery is the oldest art gallery in Mykonos, as it was founded in 1995. It was the first in Greece to exhibit the works of internationally acknowledged contemporary artists. The exhibits vary between the works of younger artists and more established figures on the international art scene, to ensure a broader scope, a full spectrum of the contemporary art movements and their various facets. The world of art is presented in harmony with the traditional Mykonian building, which has been renovated with high aesthetics. Here you will find anything from paintings to photography or statues. Rarity Gallery aims to present 5 different exhibitions every year so that Mykonos’ guests can meet the art of more famous or not-so-famous-yet talents.

Mykonos/Santorini

Private Transfer Mykonos Hotel to Mykonos Port

The pick up time for your transfer will be advised at your hotel. Your driver will deliver you to Mykonos Port.

Hydrofoil to Sntorini

Private Transfer Santorini Port to Hotel

Upon arrival, your driver will be awaiting you at the port with a sign with your name on it, you will be transferred to your hotel.

The Caldera Sunset Hike

This afternoon you will enjoy a guided walking tour on Santorini’s most impressive path, right on the rim of the famous volcanic caldera. Follow the footsteps of ancient merchants, farmers and sailors, and experience a once in a lifetime adventure at the edge of the super volcano that inspired the myth of Atlantis.

Your local guide will take you through traditional whitewashed settlements, at the only inhabited caldera in the world. Marvel at the azure sea and the breathtaking landscape, learning about the rich myths and history of Santorini. Starting from Fira and ending in Oia, you will enjoy extraordinary views, visit unique places of interest and capture exceptional photographic moments.

Santorini

Free Morning in Santorini

Enjoy a slow morning in Santorini to take in the breathtaking views from your hotel and explore the island at your own pace. Without mentioning dazzling panoramas, the mesmerizing sea, or vibrant villages, Santorini’s culinary tradition would be something worth experiencing on its own. Borrowing a pronounced Mediterranean diet from the mainland, Santorini shares a tendency to use vegetables, quality olive oil, meat, and fresh seafood generously, creating its cuisine by adding products that are cultivated solely on its fertile soil.

Try the island’s peculiar white-eggplants with mozzarella, or sample the unique “Tomatokeftedes”, tomato fritters made of Santorini’s produce, and accompany it beautifully with a glass of Vinsanto – Santorini is in all aspects a work of art, and its souvenirs and local produce doubtlessly reflect the island’s beautiful facets. Oia and above all Fira are the island’s major shopping destinations, places of unrivaled charm where traditional shops line up neatly down narrow streets.

In Santorini a visit to one of the local art galleries is a must: evocative handicrafts, folk art, and jewelry can be bought at accessible prices, guaranteeing a souvenir that mirrors the authenticity of the villages. Another worthy shopping experience is all about local produce. The diversity of products makes it hard to choose from the numerous delicacies grown on the island’s volcanic soil. Fava, the Greek version of split peas, is particularly unique in Santorini and it is used to make a down-to-earth, yet scrumptious, puree. The island’s grapes make a heavenly wine that is exported worldwide and can be bought in any of the local wineries. Last but not least comes Santorini’s trademark tomato, the locals’ pride, and a must-try for food-aficionados – wonderfully appetizing and juicy.

Sunset Wine tour 

You have heard about the world-famous indigenous grape varieties of Santorini! You probably know of the Vinsanto wine! But there’s more! More flavors and delicious explosions to enjoy! Accompany us on a complete wine journey around Santorini!

This is the best way to explore the magic world of the Santorini volcanic wines. You will enjoy a stimulating tasting experience under the guidance of our experienced wine experts, visit three selected wineries, learn all about the local grape varieties and the viticulture of

Your final stop will be for a wine tasting at a traditional Canava with local delicacies, where you will have the opportunity to choose your favorite wine and enjoy it at the Prophet Elias Mountain with panoramic sunset views!

Santorini

Free Day in Santorini

As a volcanic island, Santorini has a truly unique landscape, and there is no better way to explore it than a beaches exploration.

Perissa Beach

Perissa Beach is located in the village of Perissa on the island of Santorini. The volcanic activity on the island is evidenced at this beach in the form of its unique, black sand. Over the centuries, the molten rock from various volcanic eruptions hardened and then eventually broke down due to erosion. Perissa Beach is a great beach to lounge in the sun, swim in the water, and also do activities such as snorkeling or scuba diving. Perissa connects with Perivolos, and the collective area is the longest stretch of beach on the island. Both beaches are organized. Perivolos in particular has more of a clubbing scene, an extension of Santorini’s nightlife by day.

Monolithos Beach

Monolithos Beach is known for its mysteriously shaped white rock formations, created by a combination of natural erosion and waves. This organized beach with shallow waters and black sand is a popular destination for families as there are many activities to do apart from swimming. There is a playground with wooden fixtures, beach volley, basketball and football courts as well as taverns, cafés, and mini markets.

Red Beach

You only need to glance at the precipitous red cliffs and russet shingle, both products of volcanic activity, to understand how the Red Beach got its name. The red beach is arguably one of the most famous and beautiful beaches of Santorini. It is located only some steps away from the ancient Akrotiri. As you gradually get down to the beach you will be impressed by the different colorings of the cliffs. Many sunbeds and umbrellas cover the dark sand and right on the seashore. Snorkeling is highly recommended due to the interesting rocks. You can also access the beach by boat that departs from Akrotiri port.

White Beach

On the southern coast of Santorini, the White Beach is accessible only by boat, offering a secluded spot to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. It took its name because of the dazzling white cliffs which rise around it making it one of the island’s prettiest little coves. What’s more, the unique rock formations surrounding the bay create several underwater caves which are great for exploring.

Afternoon on Santorini

For the afternoon we would suggest visiting one or more of the beautiful traditional villages of Santorini.

Pyrgos Kallistos

The Pyrgos Kallistis is the full name of the village means the most beautiful tower, is the old capital of the island. The medieval aura remains alive in the streets. A walk to the Pyrgos village will bring you closer to an important piece of the history of the island. In Pyrgos, you will admire the mansions, the churches, and the structure of a medieval castle city. Do not miss the monastery of Prophet Elias at the top of the mountain. You can go by car or by following the designated path leading there, the view and the feeling of flying above the island will reward you. Several choices for dinner focus on proposals for genuine Santorini and Greek cuisine.

Megalochori

Megalochori is a rural village that has kept ‘untouched’ the character and the atmosphere and is worth visiting for walks in the narrow streets to feel the unique aura of this authentic Santorini village. Findings in Megalochori testify that the area was inhabited from the Early Cycladic period. However, in Megalochori it is worth visiting the churches and wineries. All times are suitable for visiting Megalochori, the ambiance, peace, and tranquility that the village offers are always charming.

Oia

The traditional settlement of Oia is the first that has been included in the program for the preservation and development of traditional settlements in Greece. It is a unique point where you can see and experience all the magic of Santorini. The architecture, the aura of the village, and the caldera are gorgeous. There are many dining options in Oia from traditional taverns, to atmospheric restaurants, all with caldera views. During sunset, it’s almost as if an alarm goes off and everyone is headed toward the Castle of St. Nicholas. Nevertheless, in Oia you can go any time of the day you want, the unique atmosphere of the settlement will carry you away.

Departure

Departure Day

Today, you will have to say goodbye to beautiful Greece. Your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Santorini Airport where you will take the domestic flight back to Athens. Once arriving at Athens Airport, check-in to your international flight and depart Greece.