Greek Islands & History: Athens, the Cyclades, & More - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Athens

Welcome to Greece! You'll begin your trip in Athens, home to the iconic Acropolis and so much more. The mythology of this spectacular city precedes it, with towering temples to Classical deities, the ruins of ancient marketplaces rubbing shoulders with lively nightlife, crowded flea markets, and contemporary cuisine. After checking in to your hotel, take a rest or make the most of your time in the city at some of these spots:

• Check out the views of the unmissable Parthenon. (Pro tip: The Parthenon is the temple, the Acropolis is the hill.) This temple to Athena has enchanted visitors since its construction was completed in 438 B.C.E. 
• Stop at the sprawling National Museum for a crash course in ancient iconography. Don't miss the room housing the Antikythera mechanism, essentially an ancient astronomical computer.
• Visit a smaller archaeological site at the Tower of the Winds, then stroll down neighboring pedestrian Aiolou Street to stop at shops and cafes. 
• Find your perfect souvenir or sun hat in the busy stalls of the Monastiraki Flea Market.
• Hit the ground running with a night out in the up-and-coming Pangrati neighborhood, or amid the nightlife and mezze of the Psyrri district.

Day 2: Ancient Greek Mythology Tour & Acropolis Museum

Today, delve into Athens' centuries of history. Experience the ancient stories surrounding you on a guided mythology tour. Meet your archaeologist guide at Syntagma Square, then head to landmarks around the city, including the Acropolis and the Herodion Theatre. Hear stories about Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Dionysus, and more, all adding resonance to the archaeological ruins you'll visit on this four-hour tour.

Later, take another guided tour at the Acropolis Museum. Named one of the 10-best museums in the world by National Geographic, this modern museum houses a multitude of artifacts removed from the hill of the Acropolis for safekeeping. You'll learn all about ancient religious practices and daily life. From the museum cafe there are great views of the former hilltop home of the museum's collection.

Day 3: Delphi Archaeological Site & Museum

Today, travel overland from Athens to Delphi, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. High above the Gulf of Corinth lies one of the most famous historic sites in Greece. It was known throughout the ancient Greek world and beyond as the sanctuary of Apollo and the shrine of his oracle. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Delphi ranks with the Acropolis in Athens, Olympia, and the island of Delos as one of the most important classical sites in Greece. The incredible remains, magnificent mountain setting, and the site's importance in Greek mythology make Delphi a must-visit place in Greece.

The Sacred Way is the main route through the Sanctuary of Apollo, leading from the gateway uphill to the Temple of Apollo. Originally, the way was lined with votive monuments and treasuries erected by various Greek cities, reflecting the diversity of the political pattern of ancient Greece. The monuments themselves have disappeared, but many of their bases have survived.

Lying between the ancient site and the modern town of Delphi, the Archaeological Museum displays a fascinating collection of finds from the site, including friezes, statues, votive offerings, and stele. Exhibits are displayed in chronological order and arranged in 14 rooms.

Later in the day, drive to Meteora (approx. 3 hours) where you'll spend the night.

Day 4: Meteora - Return to Athens

Discover some of the six cliffside monasteries in Meteora that remain open to the public: Varlaam, Great Meteoron, Aghios Stefanos, Rousanou (renowned for a marvellous depiction of the Second Coming), Holy Trinity (featuring an old church dating back to 1475), and Aghios Nikolaos Anapausas (adorned with very significant post-Byzantine murals). Some are still inhabited and used by monks and nuns today. The area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest pilgrimage sites in Greece.

Later, return overland to Athens.

Day 5: Meet Your Charter Yacht in Mykonos

Transfer to Mykonos by ferry or airplane, and from the port or airport travel by taxi to the marina. Your charter yacht will be docked there, and your crew waiting to welcome you on board.

Welcome to Mykonos, an idyllic getaway for cosmopolitan fun lovers. A magnet to the world’s most glamorous personalities since the 1970s, Mykonos today also attracts nature lovers, foodies, and athletes. In Mykonos you will discover remarkable beaches, adrenaline-inducing water sports, a refined local cuisine, and an unprecedented bar scene, all among picturesque architecture, breathtaking views, iconic windmills, and maze-like streets.

Day 6: Naxos

Today, sail to Naxos, where you can enjoy a free day to explore as you wish. In the active main town you can shop and admire the Venetian architecture and castle area. There are also opportunities for both laid-back relaxation, and water or land activities.

Day 7: Heraklia (Irakleia)

Head to Heraklia today, a diamond-shaped island south of Naxos, and close to Ios island. With just over 150 inhabitants, the permanent tranquility and beauty of Heraklia is evident all around. When you arrive at the charming port of Agios Georgios, you may feel like you've traveled back in time.

Day 8: Schinoussa Island (Small Cyclades)

Today, sail to Schinoussa, one of the most beautiful small islands of the Aegean. It belongs to the Small Cyclades group, and is close to Naxos, Heraklia, Koufonisia, and Keros. The island is home to many endemic plants and is an important migratory station for birds.

The island has two villages, Chora and Messaria, totaling just 256 inhabitants, who are involved in agriculture, farming, fishing, and tourism. Schinoussa owes its name to the mastic tree shrub that grows all over the island. The port (Mersini) is less than a mile from the village, and is considered one of the best shelters for small boats in the Aegean.

Day 9: Antiparos

Today, arrive in Antiparos, a small island that has stood its ground as an alternative offshoot to neighboring, tourism-oriented Paros, with its fancy nightlife.

Significant archeological findings have been made on Despotiko, an uninhabited island west of Antiparos, as well as at two other neighboring virgin islands, Tsimintiri and Stroggylo. The oldest Cycladic settlement was discovered on Saliagos, an islet off Antiparos. There's a lot to explore while traveling around these islands on your yacht.

Day 10: Paros

Explore the small island of Paros, which is frequently overlooked in favor of its more famous Cycladic neighbors. You'll quickly learn that Paros has a special charm of its own, and it's quite traditional in nature. Highlights include the 4th-century Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church, and beautiful beaches with sheltered swimming areas made from rock formations.

Day 11: Mykonos

Feel the famous Aegean winds while relaxing on one of Mykonos' stunning beaches for the day.

Later, take a sunset sailing tour to the nearby island of Delos, where you'll enrich your knowledge of ancient Greek history. The Cyclades islands (kyklos means circle) got their name from the fact that they encircle the sacred island of Delos. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece, plus it's said to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

Day 12: Depart

All too soon, the trip has come to an end. Transfer from Mykonos to Athens by ferry or air to connect with an evening flight from Athens back home. If you take the ferry, it may be necessary to stay in Athens an extra night, depending on the time of your flight home.