Greek Island Explorer
Greek Island Explorer
Greek Island Explorer
10 Days Starting and ending in Athens
Visiting: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CGIHZM19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
15 - 45
Age range:
5-99
Special diets catered:
Please Advise Request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Say opa! to a Greek adventure which kicks off in Athens and explores two glittering island gems in the Aegean. Discover the treasures of an ancient world before spending a glorious week getting lost in the labyrinthine lanes of Santorini and Mykonos. You’ll combine your love for history with laid-back island life, visiting secret coves, seaside cafés and rambling ruins built to honour gods and goddesses. These remain as a testament to the lynchpin role ancient Greece once played in shaping western civilisation as we know it today.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Athens (2 Nights)
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Zafolia
Accommodation Name: Athens Zafolia Hotel/Dorian Inn/President Hotel
Meals Included: No Meals
Let it sink in – the fact that you’re standing in what was once the centre of the western world, where the likes of Socrates, Aristotle and Plato offered their wisdom and insights which have stood the test of time. Your launch pad to a Greek island adventure begins in the capital, where you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. There’s plenty of time to relax on the islands, so lace up your walking shoes and discover the city your way. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Day 2 : Athens Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Zafolia
Accommodation Name: Athens Zafolia Hotel/Dorian Inn/President Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Acropolis looms large over Athens and today you’ll get up close and personal with this ancient citadel. Your Local Specialist reveals its extraordinary history that spans thousands of years as you view the archaeological remains of temples, theatres and the mighty Parthenon, considered the most important building to survive Classical Greece. You’ll view the Panathinaiko Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, stopping in Syntagma Square to admire the curiously clad Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The rest of the day is yours to explore Athens on your terms, but with ancient history on your mind you may wish to embark on an Optional Experience to see the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. This evening, if the sizzle of street food hasn’t already captured your attention, you may wish to join your fellow travellers for an optional traditional dinner at a favourite city taverna.
Day 3 : Athens – Santorini (3 Nights)
Location: Athens, Santorini
Accommodation: Kamari Beach
Accommodation Name: Kamari Beach Hotel Santorini/New Haroula Hotel/Nikolas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Don’t resist the urge to slow it all down as you leave the busy cityscape behind and catch a high-speed ferry to Santorini. The spectacular volcanic eruption in 1646 BC had quite the magic touch on its dramatic landscape. After checking in and an orientation tour, you'll have some time on your own, followed by dinner at your hotel.
Day 4 : Santorini Free Time
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: Kamari Beach
Accommodation Name: Kamari Beach Hotel Santorini/New Haroula Hotel/Nikolas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Don’t waste a second of your time lazing on the sun-soaked beaches of Santorini when you can ascend to its highest point for stunning views instead. This Optional Experience will reveal the iconic landscapes of the Cyclades you’ve only seen in photographs – the gleaming whitewashed buildings, cerulean blue domes and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. An alternative Optional Experience could see you board a caïque fishing boat to the volcano instead, soaking in its warm thermal waters and healing mud against the backdrop of Santorini’s enchanting cliff-top villages. This evening, there’s no better place to bid farewell to another beautiful island day than in Oia. After an optional afternoon wine tasting paired with local meze, you’ll stroll through its marble streets to our favourite sunset spot to capture the Instagram shot of the trip.
Day 5 : Santorini Free Time
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: Kamari Beach
Accommodation Name: Kamari Beach Hotel Santorini/New Haroula Hotel/Nikolas Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in another full day to explore Santorini your way. You could choose one of several Optional Experiences to fill the day or stroll through Fira’s narrow streets shopping for last-minute souvenirs, clothing and jewellery. Incredible views of the Caldera are never far as you explore the island’s ancient paths, villages and beaches on your own. Why not make the most of your final evening in Santorini, sampling the local culinary delights with uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea? There’s always time for one last ouzo.
Day 6 : Santorini – Mykonos (3 Nights)
Location: Santorini, Mykonos
Accommodation: Alkistis
Accommodation Name: Alkistis Hotel Mykonos/Dimele Rooms & Apartments
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Bound for the island playground of Mykonos. All that stands between you and the sun-kissed shores of the Cyclades is a short high-speed ferry ride. After transferring to your hotel and a short orientation tour, Mykonos is yours for the taking so don’t hold back and seek out your favourite island spots for the rest of your stay. Whitewashed houses line the narrow streets and life is rather idyllic behind the colourful wooden shutters that shield the locals from the warm Mediterranean sun. Dinner tonight is included and you'll need no excuse to stay out late, indulging in the island's renowned nightlife.
Day 7 : Mykonos Free Time
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation: Alkistis
Accommodation Name: Alkistis Hotel Mykonos/Dimele Rooms & Apartments
Meals Included: Breakfast
Snap your fingers and you’ll be on the other side of the island. Well, almost. You could choose to spend your day exploring tiny Mykonos your way or join your fellow travellers for an optional Island Tour driving through arid landscapes to some of its most celebrated beaches. Before you dip your toes into the water, you’ll visit Ano Mera village whose 16th-century monastery is dedicated to the protectress of Mykonos. Then continue to the beautiful Blue Flag beach of Kalafatis.
Day 8 : Mykonos Free Time
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation: Alkistis
Accommodation Name: Alkistis Hotel Mykonos/Dimele Rooms & Apartments
Meals Included: Breakfast
Grab your front-row seat to the goings-on in Mykonos's old port as you sit perched on one of the brightly painted wooden balconies characteristic of Little Venice. There’s time today to wander through the shopping streets of Chora village and see the 16th-century windmills of Kato Mili that look out over the bay. For history lovers, there’s no better way to spend your day than joining an optional visit to nearby Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. On this captivating exploration of what was once the most important site in ancient Greece, you’ll see many artefacts that have been collected in the ruins of this sacred site. After a day of sightseeing, you’ll want to make the most of your final evening in this island playground. Seek out a taverna with beautiful views of the sunset and toast to another day in paradise with new friends.
Day 9 : Mykonos – Athens (1 Night)
Location: Mykonos, Athens
Accommodation: Zafolia
Accommodation Name: Athens Zafolia Hotel/Dorian Inn/President Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving island life behind, it’s time to return to Athens for a final exhilarating encounter with the vibrant Greek capital. Transfer to your Athens hotel, then spend the evening in the narrow lanes of Plaka following your nose past its 19th-century façades to find the best souvlaki in town. A lively evening lies ahead if you’ve yet to have your fill of good times with good friends. Keep your toes tapping to the street music that fills the air and find a taverna with your name on it.
Day 10 : Depart Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey through Athens and the Greek islands reveals why ancient Greece was the chosen land for gods and goddesses, philosophers, poets and famous personalities. As you prepare for your return journey and long after you arrive home, you’ll remember the generous spirit, postcard-perfect scenery and legacy of the ancients that are among the many gifts that Greece has given you. Say farewell to your new friends at the end of your holiday.
What's Included
-
Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver to guide you through your journey.
-
Cherry-Picked Hotels
Stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, ensuring a comfortable and restful night's sleep.
-
Meals
Enjoy many meals including daily breakfasts to start your day right.
-
City Orientation Tours
Get to know the cities you visit with orientation tours led by experts.
-
Audio Headsets
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
-
High-Speed Ferries
Travel between the islands of Piraeus, Santorini, and Mykonos with high-speed ferries, subject to availability and weather conditions.
-
Luxury Air-Conditioned Coach
Travel in comfort with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries.
-
Optional Experiences
A variety of Optional Experiences to choose from to customize your journey.
-
Choice Optional Experiences
An extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences to tailor your holiday to your preferences.
What's Not Included
-
Flights
International airfare is not included
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries. High-speed ferries from Piraeus to Santorini, Santorini to Mykonos and Mykonos to Piraeus, subject to availability and weather conditions.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted. Your hotel will be dependent on your departure date.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, many meals are included in the tour, including daily breakfasts to start your day right.
-
What are the inclusions of the tour?
The tour includes an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, cherry-picked hotels, many meals including daily breakfasts, city orientation tours, audio headsets for enhanced sightseeing experiences, high-speed ferries between islands, travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and a variety of optional experiences to choose from.
-
What are the exclusions?
The exclusions of the tour are international airfare and travel insurance, both of which are not included and are recommended.
-
What are the highlights of the Greek Island Explorer tour?
The highlights of the Greek Island Explorer tour include an Athens sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist that includes a visit to the Acropolis and views of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, an orientation of the town of Fira in Santorini with views over the caldera, and an orientation of the port and Mykonos town including a walk along the narrow cobbled streets.
-
What countries will we visit on this tour?
The tour visits Greece.
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect?
You can expect to stay in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, ensuring a comfortable and restful night's sleep. The specific hotel will depend on your departure date.
-
Are there any optional experiences available?
Yes, the tour offers a variety of Optional Experiences to choose from to customize your journey, including an extensive variety of Choice Optional Experiences to tailor your holiday to your preferences.
-
What type of transport will be used on the tour?
The tour uses luxury air-conditioned coaches with Wi-Fi in most countries for land transport. For island hopping, high-speed ferries from Piraeus to Santorini, Santorini to Mykonos, and Mykonos to Piraeus are used, subject to availability and weather conditions.
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Thursday - Saturday
Aug 08, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 04, 2024Sunday - Tuesday
Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024Wednesday - Friday
Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024Saturday - Monday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Tuesday - Thursday
Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 19, 2024Monday - Wednesday
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024Wednesday - Friday
Apr 30, 2025 - May 09, 2025Wednesday - Friday
May 07, 2025 - May 16, 2025Wednesday - Friday
May 14, 2025 - May 23, 2025Wednesday - Friday
May 21, 2025 - May 30, 2025Wednesday - Friday
May 28, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jun 04, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jun 11, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jun 18, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jun 25, 2025 - Jul 04, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jul 02, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jul 09, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jul 16, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jul 23, 2025 - Aug 01, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Jul 30, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Aug 06, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Aug 13, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Aug 20, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Aug 27, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Sep 03, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Sep 10, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025Wednesday - Friday
Sep 17, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
-
Terms and Conditions
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.