Highlights
- Sample Athens' glittering nightlife at chic cocktail bars and historic distilleries
- Take a scenic sailing day trip to the islands of Delos and Rhenia
- Follow your private guide to hidden corners and secluded beaches on Mykonos
- Go horseback riding along the black-sand beaches of Santorini
- Toast your trip with a private sunset catamaran dinner cruise on the Aegean
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Athens, Free Afternoon to Explore | Athens |
| Day 2 | Greek Mythology Tour, Wine Tasting & Nightlife | Athens |
| Day 3 | Cape Sounio Sunset Riviera Cruise | Athens |
| Day 4 | Fly to Mykonos, Day at Leisure | Mykonos |
| Day 5 | Mykonos Safari Island Tour: Beaches & Villages | Mykonos |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Rhenia & Delos | Mykonos |
| Day 7 | Ferry to Santorini, Ocean Views & Fine Dining | Santorini |
| Day 8 | Santorini Highlights Tour: Ruins, Beaches & Wine Tasting | Santorini |
| Day 9 | Horseback Riding Excursion, Sunset Catamaran Cruise | Santorini |
| Day 10 | Depart Santorini |
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Athens, Free Afternoon to Explore
Welcome to Greece! Your flight lands in the capital city of Athens, a bustling metropolis that combines ancient landmarks and architecture with a dynamic, modern vibe. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel COCO-MAT Athens BC, a 5-star retreat that blends modern comfort with historic charm and luxury rooms with city or Acropolis views. Take some time to regroup, then step out for a self-guided city tour.
Navigate the winding streets, enjoying sights such as the impressive Acropolis, or step back in time with a visit to the Museum of Ancient Agora, where you'll find exhibits showcasing excavations dating back to the Neolithic era. If art interests you, head to the Museum of Modern Art, which features contemporary Greek and international art, or the Benaki Museum, focusing on Greek culture and Islamic art. For one-of-a-kind souvenirs, stop by the Museum of Cycladic Art, whose collection includes 3,000 Cycladic artifacts, with reproductions sold at their gift shop.
If you'd like to see more of the city, head to Athens' oldest neighborhood, Plaka. Walk to Anafiotika, a small district with twisting alleys and whitewashed houses, taking you deep into Plaka. You'll feel like you've stepped back into old Athens as you take in the many antiquities, 19th-century buildings, and Byzantine churches. You can also visit Psyrri, a neighborhood known for its lively nightlife and delicious cuisine, or Kolonaki for upscale shopping and international boutiques. Finish with a ride up Lycabettus Hill via cable car or a wander through the bustling flea market of the Monastiraki neighborhood.
Day 2: Greek Mythology Tour, Wine Tasting & Nightlife
Start the day with a deep dive into the history and mythology of ancient Greece. After breakfast, meet up with your guide and begin with a visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, considered the city's unofficial entrance. From here, you'll continue to the Acropolis. Visit the Theatre of Dionysus, Asclepius Sanctuary, and the Concert Hall of Herodes Atticus, summiting at the foot of the Acropolis. Your guide will provide detailed explanations of each site, its history, and its meaning, helping you better understand how Athens developed into the city it is today.
Learn about the Greek gods and their roles in Greek history, the unusual truths behind their mythical stories, and stand in awe on visits to the Erechtheion, Propylaea, Nike Temple, Beule Gate, and the Philopappos. The tour concludes at Agora, where great philosophers such as Socrates once spoke.
Afterward, step out on the town to discover Athen's nightlife scene. Together with your guide, start at a cozy wine bar, where you'll taste the four flagship wines of Greece, paired with delicious Greek bites. Head to another bar to meet professional mixologists with a true passion for Greek spirits. Try masticha liqueur, made from the resin of the mastic tree, and sample shots of a hand-picked liqueur from Kithira, fragrant with citrus and spices. End with a visit to Athens' oldest distillery, a local hotspot for more than 100 years. Taste a spirit made from grappa and spices, raising a glass to new friends!
Day 3: Cape Sounio Sunset Riviera Cruise
Spend today relaxing on your hotel's roof garden or exploring more of the city on your own. Later in the afternoon, your driver will take you to the pier to start your journey along the Athenian Riveria to Cape Sounio (Sounion). Meet your captain and crew, then hop onboard a private 78-foot (24 m) wooden vessel and set sail. This five-hour voyage takes you through hidden coves and past twinkling city lights, with options to stop for a swim or beach time if you'd like.
Cruise along the coast, taking in the incredible scenery and passing ancient sites such as the Temple of Poseidon, a fifth-century archaeological site that overlooks the Saronic Gulf. Your crew will share legends and stories of the seafarers that once occupied these waters, and as the sun drops, indulge in a romantic dining experience, with dishes curated to reflect Greece's heritage and traditions. Return to your hotel afterward, resting up for tomorrow's change of scene.
Day 4: Fly to Mykonos, Day at Leisure
You're off to the island of Mykonos today, otherwise known as the "Island of the Winds." While the island is renowned for its cosmopolitan vibe, it's also home to stone-paved alleys, quintessential blue and white cottages, and a host of archaeological history. Your driver will collect you from your hotel after check out and take you to the airport for the quick, one-hour flight. Arrive and check into your suite at Boheme Mykonos, a luxury hotel near the Mykonian Windmills. Rooms here offer options for outdoor hot tubs or plunge pools, sea views, and wellness activities such as massage and yoga.
The rest of the day is all your own. If you need some beach time, head to one of the island's many local beaches for some sun and fun. You can also take a romantic stroll through Little Venice, an 18th-century neighborhood where colorful captains' mansions and charming restaurants line the seafront. Be sure to get some photos of the island's famous hillside windmills!
Other options include a guided shopping and sunset tour. Meet your guide and spend a few hours discovering the island's upscale boutiques and local markets, then relax with drinks on a terrace overlooking the sea, enjoying a spectacular Cycladic sunset. Your guide will customize your experience based on your preferences, taking you along winding backstreets and to shops and restaurants that suit your taste.
Day 5: Mykonos Safari Island Tour: Beaches & Villages
See Mykonos' top attractions and hidden local hideaways today on an intimate private tour. Your guide will collect you after breakfast in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, taking you to see the island's most beautiful beaches and landmarks. Visit Agios Ioannis Beach, an exclusive area located across from the island of Delos, and see views of the island in the distance. Then, drive to Armenistis Lighthouse, built in 1891 atop a steep hill that is one of the highest points of Mykonos.
Continue to Agios Sostis Beach, making a stop to see Marmaronisi, a small uninhabited rock island on the northern side of Mykonos. The island is named for the rock compositions found here, which are used in the construction of lime. From here, make your way to the windsurfer's paradise of Ftelia, where you may just see some high-flying riders out on the water. There's also a small church in this area, which you can visit if it's open.
Stretch your legs and have lunch in the village of Ano Mera, home to the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani. The monastery was established in 1542 and is dedicated to the assumption of the Virgin Mary. After lunch, visit beaches such as Merchia, Kalo Livadi, and the popular Kalafatis, whose underwater shipwrecks bring divers from around the world. Make a final stop at Agragi Beach, which has crystal-clear waters and is a great spot to take a swim. Head back to Mykonos Town and get dropped back at your hotel, or at the location of your choosing.
Day 6: Day Trip to Rhenia & Delos
See Mykonos from a different perspective today as you head out for a day cruise to the neighboring islands of Rhenia and Delos. After breakfast, make your way to the city's old port and get introduced to your captain and crew. After a safety briefing, it's time to hoist the sails and head out into the Aegean.
Cruise to the south end of Delos and make your first stop at Rhenia, a small, undeveloped island. Drop anchor at a deserted beach, where you'll be able to swim and snorkel in its quiet coves or take a long walk along the white sands. Lunch will await you when you reboard the boat, with a menu that includes chicken or pork souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, rice, bread, and seasonal fruit.
After lunch, sail to Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and an important archaeological site. Once a religious center and port, you'll have a chance to see ruins of Doric temples, markets, an amphitheater, and the iconic Terrace of the Lions statues. Those who don't want to visit the ruins will have the option of stopping at a nearby beach for swimming and sunbathing while the rest of the group tours the island. Return to Mykonos in the late afternoon, just in time for dinner and a sunset stroll.
Day 7: Ferry to Santorini, Ocean Views & Fine Dining
Your next destination is Santorini, another Cycladic island located roughly 90 miles (145 km) south of Mykonos. Known for its stark cliffside houses (built on the side of a once-active volcano), exquisite sunset views, and endless beaches, the island is a popular destination for visitors from across the globe but has retained its authentic character. Check out of your hotel in the morning and take a private transfer to the port, where you'll catch a local ferry over to the island.
Your private driver will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel, the Abyssanto Suites & Spa. Sitting at the highest spot of the island's Caldera rim, this over-the-top resort offers magnificent views and suites with ocean-facing balconies, outdoor hot tubs, and spacious, modern rooms. After hotel check-in, you'll have free time to explore, then later it's time to partake of Santorini's legendary restaurant scene!
You'll be dining at Oia Gefsis, a gorgeous seaside restaurant situated in a 19th-century captain's house. With the typical Cycladic architecture that represents that era and traditional, upscale decor, you'll find yourself in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, alongside food that combines local ingredients with contemporary techniques. Choose from fresh seafood such as shrimp saganaki or the catch of the day, as well as sour trahana (lamb with eggplant) or dry-aged beef. The restaurant has vegan options available and an extensive cocktail and wine menu.
Day 8: Santorini Highlights Tour: Ruins, Beaches & Wine Tasting
The day begins with a private tour around Santorini. After breakfast, meet your guides and start with a visit to the ruins of ancient Akrotiri, the prehistoric town that inspired the Lost Atlantis myth that was destroyed during a volcanic eruption in the 16th century BCE and buried in ash. Visit the nearby museum to see artifacts and learn more about the history of the eruption, then head to Red Beach, whose red-hued sand gives it an otherworldly glow.
Stop in at one of Santorini's local wineries for a vineyard tour and tasting as your guides share information about how the island's grape varietals are nationally safeguarded. Try four local wines perfectly paired with a four-course lunch, then take a stroll on the island's famous black-sand beach.
Continue to Pyrgos, Santorini's oldest village, which is built on a hill and offers panoramic views of the whole island. Make a stop at Prophet Elias, Santorini's highest point, and see the Caldera stretched before you, then end the tour with a stop at a local restaurant for sunset cocktails. Relax back at your hotel this evening or explore more on your own.
Day 9: Horseback Riding Excursion, Sunset Catamaran Cruise
Make the most of your last full day in Greece with a guided horseback ride around Santorini. Head to the stable and meet your expert guide, then after going over all the required equipment and an introduction to the horses, mount up and set out along Caldera Beach and to the Santorini Mountains. You'll have time to admire panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, then continue to the black beach of Eros, where you’ll ride along the shoreline dipping in and out of the water’s edge. Stop for photos of the surreal natural landscapes, set against the blue waters and shifting dunes, returning to the stables in time for lunch.
Later this evening, your private driver will drop you at the port for a private catamaran dinner cruise. Your first stop is a local hot springs, where you can swim in the healing natural waters and soak up dramatic views of the Caldera rim. Then, you'll sail past the gorgeous landscapes of the Indian Rock and Venetian Lighthouse, the perfect spot for a romantic photo shoot! Visit White Beach and Mesa Pigadia for more swimming or snorkeling, as your crew prepares a sumptuous Greek barbecue dinner on board. After dinner, make a final stop at volcanic Red Beach for a last round of swimming, then return to Santorini.
Day 10: Depart Santorini
After 10 days of luxury and romance, it's time to say farewell to Greece. Your driver will collect you from your hotel this morning and transport you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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