This independent program allows the flexibility to explore on your own.
Affordable optional sightseeing excursions are available to enhance your holiday.
We offer a selection of hotels to accommodate a variety of tastes and budgets.
Ferry service between the islands and to and from Athens can vary from three to six hours in length, time schedules dependent upon local weather and sea conditions.
Flights may be available for pre-purchase. Please note that this tour is not escorted and therefore you will not have the services of a tour manager to assist with hotel check-in formalities and luggage handling.
Depart for Greece
Arrive in Athens and transfer to your flight to Santorini. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Santorini Island, with its sapphire blue water, snow-white architecture and multicolored cliffs, is considered one of the world’s most enchanting getaways. Tonight is yours to independently discover some of Santorini’s delightful restaurants and nightlife
Today is free to explore this Grecian paradise. Be sure to walk the streets of bustling Fira, the island’s iconic capital city, a vision of pristine whitewashed buildings. Take time to visit the Archaeological Museum containing Minoan artifacts that offer a glimpse into the historical and religious make up of this beautiful village. Explore the shops and cafes along the narrow footpaths, and be sure to grab a seat at an outdoor cafe as you wait for the colorful sunset. Perhaps join the optional Santorini Island & Akrotiri tour* and enjoy the archaeological excavation of ancient Akrotiri, stop at Perivolos known as ‘the black sandy beach’ and visit Santo Wine, the largest winery on Santorini. Alternatively, join the optional Santorini Wine Tour* to explore the world of Therian volcanic wines and enjoy tastings at three family estate wineries
*The Full Day Santorini Island & Akrotiri Tour, Half Day Santorini Wine Tour (PM), and Full Day Santorini Sailing & Island Tour Combo operate simultaneously. Passengers may opt to participate in only one of these tours.
Optional: Full Day Santorini Island & Akrotiri Tour
Optional: Half Day Santorini Wine Tour (PM)
Optional: Full Day Santorini Sailing & Island Tour Combo
Overnight: Santorini
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a second full day at leisure in Santorini. Thousands of years ago, one of the most devastating volcanic eruptions in history occurred here. This event is believed to have led to the demise of the ancient Minoan culture and inspired several Greek myths. To learn more, join the optional Santorini Volcano Cruise* aboard a motorized sailing boat that circles around the island. Sail to the nearby volcanic island of Nea Kameni and Therasia for leisure time before returning to the port of Athinios. Alternatively, join the optional Santorini Catamaran Cruise* to spend a relaxing day sailing in the blue waters of Santorini. Savor a freshly prepared lunch, and enjoy time to swim at the famous Red Beach
*The Full Day Santorini Volcano Cruise, Half Day Santorini Catamaran Cruise (AM) and Half Day Santorini Eat & Walk Tour (AM) operate simultaneously. Passengers may opt to participate in only one of these tours.
Optional: Full Day Santorini Volcano Cruise
Optional: Half Day Santorini Catamaran Cruise (AM)
Optional: Half Day Santorini Eat & Walk Tour (AM)
Overnight: Santorini
Meals: Breakfast
Today, transfer to the port for your ferry (tourist class) to Mykonos. After approximately 3.5 hours arrive to the chic island with its bright whitewashed houses, picturesque windmills and sophisticated world-class restaurants and trendy boutiques. Time on your own to enjoy the energetic ambiance. Find a table at a harborside taverna and just savor the bustle of Cycladic island life and the gorgeous views
Overnight: Mykonos
Meals: Breakfast
Today is free to relax at one of the many golden sandy beaches, or wander along the narrow streets of the Old Town and Little Venice where houses and cafes have been built directly at water level. From there, admire the views of the famous windmills, where the grain used to be milled for bread flour. Leave time to shop at one of the many unique boutiques, or relax at a terrace bar
Overnight: Mykonos
Meals: Breakfast
On your leisure day, perhaps set out to explore the island with its history dating back to early Ionian civilization or join the optional tour to the splendid archaeological site of the nearby island of Delos, once the religious center of the Aegean and Cyclades. According to myth, Latonna gave birth here to Apollo, the Greek sun god, and to Artemis, the huntress and goddess of marriage and fertility. In Delos, view the Sacred Harbor and the regal Sacred Way, flanked by stone lions leading to the temples dedicated to Apollo and Artemis and visit the museum housing some of the impressive archaeological artifacts found on the island
Optional: Mykonos Delos Tour (AM)
Overnight: Mykonos
Meals: Breakfast
In the early afternoon, transfer to the port to board the ferry to Athens. The ferry ride from Mykonos to Athens is approximately 6 hours (1pm to 7pm). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the classical city of Athens
Note: An upgrade to a flight is available to purchase at least 60 days in advance of your trip, and will not be available for purchase locally
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Today is at leisure to explore Athens independently, widely seen as the cradle of Western Civilization and the birthplace of democracy. At Constitution Square, perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of the colorfully-costumed Evzone guards, outfitted in the traditional Greek style. Alternatively, join the optional Athens city tour* that begins with a panoramic drive through the city center. View the Panathenian Stadium, the President’s residence, the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Continue on to visit the Acropolis, the ancient architectural masterpiece built during the Golden Age of Athens and the new Acropolis Museum. Tonight, perhaps walk through the lively Plaka area, the oldest section of Athens. This neighborhood of charming restaurants, shops and sidewalk cafes is surely the best place to spend your last night in Greece
Optional: Half Day Athens Sightseeing (AM)
Overnight: Athens
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
