*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
THE GREEK ISLES
A non-cruise Greek cruise
What? A Greek Isles tour that's not a cruise??? On this very special trip, we travel by scheduled ferry through the beautiful Cycladic Island group and spend our nights on each unique island, with a perfect balance of organized activities and free time to soak it all up.
Feel the strength of history and the warmth of being in the southernmost part of Europe, and discover an evolutionary process of thought, influence and experience. Find a landscape that has given us thousands of postcard images but whose essence remains intriguingly impossible to capture.
Greece is a country of beautiful contradictions, a constant journey in time from the present to the past and back again.
Feel the strength of history and the warmth of being in the southernmost part of Europe, and discover an evolutionary process of thought, influence and experience. Find a landscape that has given us thousands of postcard images but whose essence remains intriguingly impossible to capture.
Greece is a country of beautiful contradictions, a constant journey in time from the present to the past and back again.
GALLERY
ITINERARYDay 1 • Arrival in Athens
Welcome to Greece!
Today we arrive in Athens, off-and-on the capital of Greece in its many incarnations over several thousand years. The city received a major facelift for the 2004 Olympics and is looking better than ever, with buildings and monuments cleaned and renovated, and newly created pedestrian areas near the Ancient Agora and Acropolis.
Overnight in Athens.
Meal plan: Dinner
Today we arrive in Athens, off-and-on the capital of Greece in its many incarnations over several thousand years. The city received a major facelift for the 2004 Olympics and is looking better than ever, with buildings and monuments cleaned and renovated, and newly created pedestrian areas near the Ancient Agora and Acropolis.
Overnight in Athens.
Meal plan: Dinner
Day 2 • Athens: City Tour
Today we enjoy a guided tour of Athens, the heart and soul of Greece.* A large part of the town's historic centre has been converted into a 3-kilometre pedestrian zone (the largest in Europe), leading to the major archaeological sites, reconstructing -- to a large degree -- the ancient landscape, ths allowing us to avoid the city's horrendous traffic.
We start at the Acropolis (with hopes to beat the heat/crowds), near the site of the Dionysos Theatre. Constructed in the 6th century BC, it is one of the world's oldest theatres and the place where the great works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes were first performed. We will also see a more recent theatre, the Odeon of Herod Atticus from the second century AD, which is still used for concerts and performances.
Ascending to the top of the Acropolis, we will see magnificent buildings dating from the 5th century BC, the Golden Age of Athens. On the highest point on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, often considered the finest monument to Greek civilization. The temple was dedicated to Athena "Parthenos," the virgin and patron goddess of the city.
After our Acropolis tour, we'll descend and enter the Ancient Agora located adjacent to the Plaka, the old town of Athens. Among the numerous sights in this archaeological park are the well-preserved Temple of Hephaistos and the landmark Roman era Tower of the Winds.
Our guided tour ends at the Acropolis Museum, located at the foot of the Acropolis. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece; nearly 4,000 objects are exhibited over an area of 14,000 square metres. From here you are free to wander and explore on your own or make your way back to the hotel with your Tour Leader's assistance.
* The exact order of our sightseeing in Athens may be altered by your Tour Leader depending on several variables and their judgement on how best to run today's tour.
Overnight in Athens.
Meal plan: Breakfast
We start at the Acropolis (with hopes to beat the heat/crowds), near the site of the Dionysos Theatre. Constructed in the 6th century BC, it is one of the world's oldest theatres and the place where the great works of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides and Aristophanes were first performed. We will also see a more recent theatre, the Odeon of Herod Atticus from the second century AD, which is still used for concerts and performances.
Ascending to the top of the Acropolis, we will see magnificent buildings dating from the 5th century BC, the Golden Age of Athens. On the highest point on the Acropolis is the Parthenon, often considered the finest monument to Greek civilization. The temple was dedicated to Athena "Parthenos," the virgin and patron goddess of the city.
After our Acropolis tour, we'll descend and enter the Ancient Agora located adjacent to the Plaka, the old town of Athens. Among the numerous sights in this archaeological park are the well-preserved Temple of Hephaistos and the landmark Roman era Tower of the Winds.
Our guided tour ends at the Acropolis Museum, located at the foot of the Acropolis. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece; nearly 4,000 objects are exhibited over an area of 14,000 square metres. From here you are free to wander and explore on your own or make your way back to the hotel with your Tour Leader's assistance.
* The exact order of our sightseeing in Athens may be altered by your Tour Leader depending on several variables and their judgement on how best to run today's tour.
Overnight in Athens.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 3 • Athens - Fly to Santorini
Today we fly to the island of Santorini, also known as Thira.
Vast geological upheavals have given this island its unique form resulting in the nickname, "Pre-Historic Pompeii." The effect of terracing makes this unlike any other island, Greece's most visually stunning. Santorini is also the island of churches, wine, and donkeys! From as early as 3000 BC the island developed as an outpost of Minoan civilization until around 1500 BC when the volcano erupted. At this point the island's history became linked with the legend of Atlantis.
We generally aim for a morning flight, which will allow us time to drop our bags (check-in later this afternoon - so be prepared!) and take a little orientation stroll around the main town of Fira, enjoying the incredible views.
Fira is the capital of the island and the most important village. Early in the 19th century the capital of the island was moved from Pyrgos to Fira. After the earthquake of 1956 a part of the town was destroyed (only a small part of the 18th century buildings were saved). Fira is perched on the edge of an impressive cliff 260m high and offers a great panorama over the submerged volcano. Here the small streets are filled with all kinds of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Time-permitting we can break for lunch (on your own account), after which your Tour Leader can recommend some additional sightseeing and/or a hike.
Overnight on Santorini (Fira).
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Vast geological upheavals have given this island its unique form resulting in the nickname, "Pre-Historic Pompeii." The effect of terracing makes this unlike any other island, Greece's most visually stunning. Santorini is also the island of churches, wine, and donkeys! From as early as 3000 BC the island developed as an outpost of Minoan civilization until around 1500 BC when the volcano erupted. At this point the island's history became linked with the legend of Atlantis.
We generally aim for a morning flight, which will allow us time to drop our bags (check-in later this afternoon - so be prepared!) and take a little orientation stroll around the main town of Fira, enjoying the incredible views.
Fira is the capital of the island and the most important village. Early in the 19th century the capital of the island was moved from Pyrgos to Fira. After the earthquake of 1956 a part of the town was destroyed (only a small part of the 18th century buildings were saved). Fira is perched on the edge of an impressive cliff 260m high and offers a great panorama over the submerged volcano. Here the small streets are filled with all kinds of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Time-permitting we can break for lunch (on your own account), after which your Tour Leader can recommend some additional sightseeing and/or a hike.
Overnight on Santorini (Fira).
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 • Santorini: Island Tour
Visually, Santorini is the most spectacular of the Cycladic islands. With its brilliant flooded caldera, high cliffs and charming villages, it is the Greek Isle of everyone's dreams. Our coach tour today will take us to Santorini's highlights.
We begin with a visit to Fira, where we'll visit the small yet impressive Archaeological Museum. This museum features many pieces and exhibits specific to the Santorini site of Akrotiri, as well as artifacts dating back to the time of the Cycladic Civilization, which can be divided into three periods: Early (3000-2000 BC), Middle (2000-1500 BC), and Late (1500-1100 BC). The most impressive legacies of this civilization are the statuettes carved from Parian marble -- the famous Cycladic figurines.
The town of Oia, our next destination, is built along the rim of the caldera wall. We will walk through the village, admire the magnificent panoramic views, and perhaps enjoy a beverage at one of the many local cafes (we avoid sunset here as it is far too crowded and refreshment/food is not good value).
We then head south and up to the Prophet Elias Monastery built on the highest point of the island in 1711 AD. Though we will not visit inside the monastery, the view from here is breathtaking.
We then round out our days with a tour of Akrotiri, where excavations have revealed a complete prehistoric Minoan city with squares, streets and two-storey houses which contained marvelous frescoes. The buildings date to the late 16th century BC. No skeletons or treasures have been found in Akrotiri, so historians think that the inhabitants were forewarned of the eruption and were able to escape. The excavations have yielded evidence what has revolutionized our knowledge of the Late Bronze Age; indeed the town has been called a "bronze-age Pompeii."
Time and weather-permitting, we may be able to catch the sunset at a spectacular lighthouse before heading back to our hotel.
Overnight on Santorini.
Meal plan: Breakfast
We begin with a visit to Fira, where we'll visit the small yet impressive Archaeological Museum. This museum features many pieces and exhibits specific to the Santorini site of Akrotiri, as well as artifacts dating back to the time of the Cycladic Civilization, which can be divided into three periods: Early (3000-2000 BC), Middle (2000-1500 BC), and Late (1500-1100 BC). The most impressive legacies of this civilization are the statuettes carved from Parian marble -- the famous Cycladic figurines.
The town of Oia, our next destination, is built along the rim of the caldera wall. We will walk through the village, admire the magnificent panoramic views, and perhaps enjoy a beverage at one of the many local cafes (we avoid sunset here as it is far too crowded and refreshment/food is not good value).
We then head south and up to the Prophet Elias Monastery built on the highest point of the island in 1711 AD. Though we will not visit inside the monastery, the view from here is breathtaking.
We then round out our days with a tour of Akrotiri, where excavations have revealed a complete prehistoric Minoan city with squares, streets and two-storey houses which contained marvelous frescoes. The buildings date to the late 16th century BC. No skeletons or treasures have been found in Akrotiri, so historians think that the inhabitants were forewarned of the eruption and were able to escape. The excavations have yielded evidence what has revolutionized our knowledge of the Late Bronze Age; indeed the town has been called a "bronze-age Pompeii."
Time and weather-permitting, we may be able to catch the sunset at a spectacular lighthouse before heading back to our hotel.
Overnight on Santorini.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 5 • Santorini: Free Day
Today is a day at leisure in a truly spectacular place. You might explore some of the excellent shopping in Fira, or while away some time with a colourful beverage, enjoying the fantastic view. A popular thing to do is to walk down to the old port and then return to the rim via donkey or cable car (optional expense). Full or half-day volcano boat tours are also a popular option.
If you'd like to spend some time on the coast and stretch your legs on a self-guided, steep-but-short hike, you can hike from Kamari Beach to the site of Ancient Thira, located 400m / 1,320 ft above the beach on the southeast coast of the island. Here you'll find the ruins of an 11th century BC Dorian settlement excavated by a German expedition in the 1860s. We can see remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The ruins are limited, but you can see evidence of temples, houses with mosaic floors, an agora, gymnasium, and a theatre with stunning and sheer views to the sea. You can also enjoy one of Santorini's finest black sand beaches.
Your Tour Leader can help you plan your day with all, some, or none of the above -- have a great day!
Overnight on Santorini.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
If you'd like to spend some time on the coast and stretch your legs on a self-guided, steep-but-short hike, you can hike from Kamari Beach to the site of Ancient Thira, located 400m / 1,320 ft above the beach on the southeast coast of the island. Here you'll find the ruins of an 11th century BC Dorian settlement excavated by a German expedition in the 1860s. We can see remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The ruins are limited, but you can see evidence of temples, houses with mosaic floors, an agora, gymnasium, and a theatre with stunning and sheer views to the sea. You can also enjoy one of Santorini's finest black sand beaches.
Your Tour Leader can help you plan your day with all, some, or none of the above -- have a great day!
Overnight on Santorini.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 • Santorini - Ferry to Amorgos
Today we travel by ferry to the isle of Amorgos. The ferry likely stops at several lesser islands along the way and drops us at either Katapola, the main port of Amorgos, or Aegiali, the island's secondary port. If we must disembark at Katapola, we will travel by road to Aegiali where our hotel is located. We will likely arrive in time for dinner.
Amorgos's timeless monastery, scattered churches, and pleasant beaches offer both respite from tourists on the other islands and a taste of traditional Greece. For many, Amorgos has become the highlight of the tour, accurately described as "the soul of Greece." The locals are extremely friendly, the mountains surrounding the port majestic, and the sunsets stunning. It has been the location of several movies and is a super place for walks through idyllic olive groves. After bustling Santorini, this will be an abrupt shift of gears from touristic Greece to a much mellower and more authentic version.
Overnight on Amorgos.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Amorgos's timeless monastery, scattered churches, and pleasant beaches offer both respite from tourists on the other islands and a taste of traditional Greece. For many, Amorgos has become the highlight of the tour, accurately described as "the soul of Greece." The locals are extremely friendly, the mountains surrounding the port majestic, and the sunsets stunning. It has been the location of several movies and is a super place for walks through idyllic olive groves. After bustling Santorini, this will be an abrupt shift of gears from touristic Greece to a much mellower and more authentic version.
Overnight on Amorgos.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 • Amorgos: Chora & Chozoviotissa Monastery
This morning we travel by road to Chora, the capital of the island. We will pause here to stroll about the village, set high above the sea protected from pirates of bygone days. We leave the village and follow a magnificent staircase to the Monastery of Chozoviotissa. The dazzling white building, founded in the year AD 1099, clings precariously to a cliff face. We will enter the monastery and climb into its snug interior. Hopefully the docent will be available to show us around and provide access to the tiny but fascinating museum.
We proceed down to the other port on the island, Katapola. Here you can stroll the small promenade, have lunch (and/or an ice cream/beer) before heading back to our hotel.
This evening we'll enjoy a fun and informative Greek cooking class, with emphasis on traditional, family-style island dishes. Opa!
Overnight on Amorgos.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
We proceed down to the other port on the island, Katapola. Here you can stroll the small promenade, have lunch (and/or an ice cream/beer) before heading back to our hotel.
This evening we'll enjoy a fun and informative Greek cooking class, with emphasis on traditional, family-style island dishes. Opa!
Overnight on Amorgos.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 8 • Amorgos: At Leisure
Today is free on Amorgos.
You may join your Tour Leader on a moderate hike through the olive groves to the village of Langada, a great place for lunch -- for the truly energetic, there's an excellent, though very steep hike to the ridge directly above Langada. Here you can discover a row of ruined windmills dating back to the time of the Venetians -- of course the views are incredible! From here (or Langada) you can walk down to the small port village and or proceed to the adjacent beach; from here it's easy to catch the local bus back up to our hotel.
Overnight on Amorgos.
Meal plan: Breakfast
You may join your Tour Leader on a moderate hike through the olive groves to the village of Langada, a great place for lunch -- for the truly energetic, there's an excellent, though very steep hike to the ridge directly above Langada. Here you can discover a row of ruined windmills dating back to the time of the Venetians -- of course the views are incredible! From here (or Langada) you can walk down to the small port village and or proceed to the adjacent beach; from here it's easy to catch the local bus back up to our hotel.
Overnight on Amorgos.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 9 • Amorgos - Ferry to Mykonos
This morning we travel by ferry the short distance to the island of Mykonos and transfer to our hotel.
Later this afternoon have a walking orientation tour of Chora (Mykonos Town) before dinner. We wander the pirate-proof streets of town and see the Paraportiani Church near the quay, an architectural masterpiece of five chapels in one. From the harbour waterfront, you can watch the local fishing boats, or venture into the labyrinth of dazzling, white-washed streets to the many churches, tavernas, or shops selling artisan crafts, jewelry and the latest fashions. In the distance stand a string of windmills that once harnessed the breezes of days gone by. As one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, Mykonos is legendary for its shopping and nightlife.
After our walk we will have dinner at one of the many restaurants in town before sampling some of the gay nightlife for which the island is famous (or infamous). Walk/taxi back to our hotel on your own.
Overnight on Mykonos.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Later this afternoon have a walking orientation tour of Chora (Mykonos Town) before dinner. We wander the pirate-proof streets of town and see the Paraportiani Church near the quay, an architectural masterpiece of five chapels in one. From the harbour waterfront, you can watch the local fishing boats, or venture into the labyrinth of dazzling, white-washed streets to the many churches, tavernas, or shops selling artisan crafts, jewelry and the latest fashions. In the distance stand a string of windmills that once harnessed the breezes of days gone by. As one of the most cosmopolitan Greek islands, Mykonos is legendary for its shopping and nightlife.
After our walk we will have dinner at one of the many restaurants in town before sampling some of the gay nightlife for which the island is famous (or infamous). Walk/taxi back to our hotel on your own.
Overnight on Mykonos.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10 • Mykonos: Free Day
There are many beaches on Mykonos and today we can enjoy them to their fullest. You can also head back into town for more independent exploration and/or shopping. Your Tour Leader can help you plan your day. Enjoy!
Overnight on Mykonos.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Overnight on Mykonos.
Meal plan: Breakfast
Day 11 • Mykonos: Boat trip to Delos
This morning (not toooo early) we meet the boat and guide who will take us to the tiny sacred island of Delos (30 minutes away).
Delos gives the whole group of islands surrounding it their name, the Cyclades -- so named because they form a circle (kyklos) around Delos. We will see the Agora of the Competialists, Roman merchants or freed slaves who worshipped the guardian spirits of crossroads; the Sanctuary of Apollo, the three temples of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Dionysus. In the House of the Masks we are able to see a mosaic portraying Dionysus riding on a panthers back. The theatre here could seat 5,500 people. From the top of Delos Mountain we have a spectacular view of the entire island.
We return to Mykonos with the balance of the day at leisure (you may also return to Mykonos at your leisure spending as much time as you like on Delos). This evening we reconvene for our last island dinner. Hopefully during one of our evenings on the island, we'll be able to enjoy some of the island's nightlife, such as a cabaret or drag show. As such things come and go without warning, however, it's hard to promise well in advance. Your Tour Leader will have his/her ear to the ground as our visit approaches.
Overnight on Mykonos.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Delos gives the whole group of islands surrounding it their name, the Cyclades -- so named because they form a circle (kyklos) around Delos. We will see the Agora of the Competialists, Roman merchants or freed slaves who worshipped the guardian spirits of crossroads; the Sanctuary of Apollo, the three temples of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Dionysus. In the House of the Masks we are able to see a mosaic portraying Dionysus riding on a panthers back. The theatre here could seat 5,500 people. From the top of Delos Mountain we have a spectacular view of the entire island.
We return to Mykonos with the balance of the day at leisure (you may also return to Mykonos at your leisure spending as much time as you like on Delos). This evening we reconvene for our last island dinner. Hopefully during one of our evenings on the island, we'll be able to enjoy some of the island's nightlife, such as a cabaret or drag show. As such things come and go without warning, however, it's hard to promise well in advance. Your Tour Leader will have his/her ear to the ground as our visit approaches.
Overnight on Mykonos.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 • Mykonos - Ferry to Athens
Today we take the fast ferry back to Athens.
Time-permitting back in Athens, we recommend a visit to the Museum of Cycladic Art, devoted to the study and promotion of ancient Greek art. The main exhibit, the Cycladic Collection, contains 350 objects representative of every phase or type of artifact that Cycladic islanders have left us, be that marble sculpture, pottery, or metal ware. You should also have some time for some last-minute shopping in the Plaka distict before our farewell dinner.
* Some past travellers have elected to extend their stay on Mykonos and not return to Athens today. Please let us know well in advance if this option is of interest to you.
Overnight in Athens.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Time-permitting back in Athens, we recommend a visit to the Museum of Cycladic Art, devoted to the study and promotion of ancient Greek art. The main exhibit, the Cycladic Collection, contains 350 objects representative of every phase or type of artifact that Cycladic islanders have left us, be that marble sculpture, pottery, or metal ware. You should also have some time for some last-minute shopping in the Plaka distict before our farewell dinner.
* Some past travellers have elected to extend their stay on Mykonos and not return to Athens today. Please let us know well in advance if this option is of interest to you.
Overnight in Athens.
Meal plan: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 • Departure from Athens
Departure from Athens.
KALO TAXIDI!!
Meal plan: Breakfast
KALO TAXIDI!!
Meal plan: Breakfast
For detailed itinerary (PDF), click here
For hotel samples, click here
INCLUSIONS
- Breakfast daily and most and dinners (mostly local restaurants)
- All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters
- Airport transfers for land & air customers arriving / departing on tour dates
EXCLUSIONS
- Tour Leader gratuities, some dinners, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), international air taxes (if applicable), and excursions referenced as 'optional'
- Airport transfers for Land Only customers
- Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs and shopping
OUT FACTOR
Though still a traditional and relatively devoutly religious country, Greece is one of the more tolerant societies in the Western world. Gay culture, though not as organized and obvious (ie ghettoized) as in other European countries, is met with tolerance, or at least indifference, by the vast majority of the population.As long as you are respectful of local sensitivities, ie discrete, the locals will be almost invariably charming and welcoming. Of course, in places like Mykonos and, increasingly, Santorini, practically anything goes.
PLEASE NOTE
This itinerary is correct at time of publishing. For a more detailed itinerary, download a PDF here. We reserve the right to make changes as necessary due to reasons beyond our control. For booking terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Terms.
TRIP NOTES
Group size
10-18 plus Tour Leader
Staff & Support
Tour Leader, driver(s), and local step-on guides at various locations.
Accommodation
Well-located, air- conditioned, mid-range hotels (3/4 star) throughout. Island hotels are smaller properties (3-4 story) that will likely not have elevators. All hotels have en suite bath, though most have shower only. A special note about Santorini, which is primarily a luxury tourism destination and, while we can confidently promise our visit will be fulfilling and rewarding, one's hotel expectations must be in line with our overall purpose, which is sightseeing and cultural experience and not focused on the "hotel experience" per se.
Porter service is rarely available on the islands ; you MUST be independent with your luggage, especially getting on/off ferries. Single rooms are limited and likely smaller than twins.
Transport & travel conditions
Local ferries between mainland/islands can range from hydrofoils to large vehicular vessels—all bookings in economy class. Greek ferry schedules tend to change without notice; some itinerary adjustments may be necessary at the discretion of your Tour Leader. Land transport (city & island tours, port transfers) by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on group size (see 'group size'); some local buses and taxis. Several walking tours on uneven surfaces.
Weather/seasonality
This tour is offered in spring, summer, and autumn, the most popular being spring and fall when temperatures are milder, crowds thinner, and airfares lower. Spring is popular for green landscapes and wildflowers; beachgoers prefer summer and fall sea temperatures. The region has a Mediterranean climate with early springs, long hot and dry summers, and autumns that are bright and warm into mid-October. Showers are possible in spring, rare in summer, and possible in late autumn.
