This sweeping 15-day tour of Greece features stops at popular destinations like Athens and Santorini. It also takes you to several jaw-droppingly beautiful places that many tourists never see! Start with some traditional sightseeing at the Acropolis before catching a boat to the quiet island of Sifnos, where you'll hike, explore traditional villages, and take a ceramics class. Then continue on to Amorgos, another lesser-visited island that's known for its dramatic scenery and delicious food. Learn all about it on a gourmet tour of the island before the itinerary takes you to Santorini. Kayak through sea caves, snorkel with sea urchins, take in the island's glorious sunsets from a sailing cruise at sunset, and more — this action-packed trip has something for everyone.

Highlights

  • Discover wonders of ancient Greece in Athens
  • Explore the lesser-visited islands of Sifnos and Amorgos
  • Learn about the art of ceramics during a class on Sifnos
  • Take a guided food and wine tour of Amorgos
  • Hike along the volcanic caldera on the island of Santorini
  • Snorkel and kayak around sea caves on an adventure tour

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Sightsee in Athens Athens
Day 2 Learn About Mythology in Athens Athens
Day 3 Boat to Agistri, Moni & Aegina Athens
Day 4 Transfer to Sifnos Sifnos
Day 5 Hike Around the Island Sifnos
Day 6 Take a Ceramic Workshop Sifnos
Day 7 Travel to Amorgos Amorgos
Day 8 Explore the Villages of Aegiali Amorgos
Day 9 Discover the Secret Amorgos  Amorgos
Day 10 Taste Local Delicacies on a Food Tour Amorgos
Day 11 Relax on Santorini Santorini
Day 12 Hike Around the Edge of the Caldera Santorini
Day 13 Take a Sunset Cruise Santorini
Day 14 Enjoy a Kayaking Excursion Santorini
Day 15 Depart Santorini - End of Trip  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Sightsee in Athens

Monastiraki Square and Sunset over Plaka
Monastiraki Square in Athens
Welcome to Athens! In the afternoon, get out for some sightseeing. Those interested in history and mythology might choose to visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Museum of the Ancient Agora, or the Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos. View fine art at Benaki Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, or the National Gallery. You could also go off the beaten path at the Museum of Cycladic Art, where you can buy truly unique souvenirs, or the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology. You'll overnight in the city. 

Day 2: Learn About Mythology in Athens

The Parthenon at the Athenian Acropolis
Today you'll get a crash course in Greek mythology. Experience the ancient stories surrounding you with today's guided mythology tour. You'll meet your guide and storyteller at the Temple of Olympian Zeus, then head to landmarks around the city, including the Acropolis, the ancient cemetery at Kerameikos, and the Agora. The city's myths will accompany you as you go, with stories of Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, Dionysus, and more. Hear the stories themselves and the historic facts behind them, adding resonance to the archaeological ruins you'll visit during this four-hour tour.
 
Enjoy another guided tour at the Acropolis Museum in the afternoon. Named one of the ten 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 to provide insight into ancient religious practices and daily life. Linger for lunch in the museum's cafe, with views of the artifacts' former hilltop home. As night falls, you may be able to visit the Athens Observatory to learn about the constellations overhead and take a look through the telescope.

Day 3: Boat to Agistri, Moni & Aegina

Full Day Boat Tour Unique Sailing Experience to Agistri Moni Aegina
Snorkeling off the boat
Set sail for the Saronic Islands — Agistri, Moni, and Aegina — aboard a spacious Greek sailboat. Find your favorite spot on deck to soak up the Mediterranean sun while island-hopping! From ancient temples and wild peacocks to pristine beaches and an optional bike ride, there’s something for everyone at each stop along the way. Swim and snorkel right off the boat, then indulge in a delicious Greek lunch served on the boat.

Day 4: Transfer to Sifnos

Athens to Sifnos, tranfers and ferry
Traditional white houses on Sifnos

Catch the ferry to Sifnos. Among the Cycladic islands, Sifnos stands out for its architecture and natural beauty. Once a thriving gold and silver mining location, the island combines picturesque scenery with a rich culinary tradition, and arts and crafts heritage. The island offers a wide array of beaches, including Panagia Chryssopigi, where you can dive off rocky ledges into the water. The swimming is excellent at Kamares, Platys Gialos, and Vathy. Fykiada is known for its secluded natural bays.

The town of Artemon features beautiful neoclassical homes and well-tended narrow streets, while the surrounding villages stand out for their whitewashed courtyards, pretty bougainvillea, and terracotta chimney tops. After a swim at the quaint port of Seralia, enjoy some island cuisine, like chickpea soup made in ceramic bowls, mastelo (lamb or kid baked on vine branches), and salad with capers. Then walk up to the medieval settlement of Kastro to see the sunset.

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Day 5: Hike Around the Island

Hiking Day
Hiking on the island
After breakfast, take some time to explore Apollonia, where many of the island’s church festivals happen. If you happen to be visiting the island in September, you will catch the annual Cycladic Gastronomy Festival, named after a renowned Greek chef. Pause for a coffee or a glass of wine before enjoying an afternoon of hiking around the island's many trails. 

Day 6: Take a Ceramic Workshop

Traditional ceramics on Sifnos

Ceramics are an important art form on the island of Sifnos. After walking through a village marketplace to see great examples of pots, vases, and dishes made here, you'll have the chance to take a ceramics class. Learn how to shape clay, use a kiln, and make a unique souvenir to take home with you. In the evening, you'll have one last meal on the island before moving on to Amorgos on day seven.

Day 7: Travel to Amorgos

A shipwreck off the coast of Amorgos

It's time to leave Sifnos behind and catch the ferry to beautiful Amorgos! One of the most impressive Cycladic islands, Amorgos has marvelous beaches with azure waters, gorgeous caves, ideal spots for diving, scenic bays, and ancient trails leading through steep, rocky terrain. Step off the beaten path and visit an island that has preserved its traditional color. Dine in a local tavern in the evening before continuing to explore the island the next day. 

Day 8: Explore the Villages of Aegiali

A view of Aegiali 
Go on a tour today to familiarize yourself with the area of Aegiali, located in the northeastern part of Amorgos. Today, there's an asphalt road connecting Aegiali with Chora and Katapola, but the rugged mountain range that exists between these areas makes Aegiali feel like a world apart. The tour will start at the village of Langada, where you will stroll through the picturesque alleys, making a stop at an old olive press. Continue to the village of Tholaria, then visit Potamos, a quiet town overlooking the bay and the surrounding islands. Take a coffee break while admiring the view. The last stop of our tour will be at the port of Aegiali, with its attractive seafront and numerous shops, cafés, and restaurants. It's the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch.

Day 9: Discover the Secret Amorgos 

A monastery on Amorgos

Kato Meria (literally the “Lower Side”) remains unknown to most visitors to Amorgos. Today's trip will reward you with rural Cycladic landscapes and genuine hospitality. Starting at the village of Arkesini, have a coffee next to the Hellenistic tower of Agia Triada, a well-preserved building from the 4th century BCE. Continue to Agia Paraskevi, the location of the island's largest festival. Moving on to the beach of Kalotaritissa, a well-protected bay at the southwestern tip of Amorgos, you'll pass by the bay where the island's famous shipwreck can be viewed. Have lunch in a restaurant popular with locals to end the excursion.

Day 10: Taste Local Delicacies on a Food Tour

Spanakopita & baklava
Today's gourmet tour of the island will lead you to some of Amorgos' tastiest delicacies. Start in the village of Langada, where you will visit a local bakery. Then head out to the countryside to learn about honey and olive oil production, taste the traditional raki liquor, sample locally produced wines. You'll snack on treats like local cheese and olives before sitting down for a leisurely lunch built around seasonal ingredients. 

Day 11: Relax on Santorini

Sunset in Santorini
Sunset in Santorini

This morning you'll board a boat for the next island, Santorini. On arrival, you'll take in the island's central caldera — the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history — rising above you. The island's volcanic history has led to the formation of some of the most unique beaches in the Greek islands, along with the dramatic cliff views on the island's caldera side. Spend your day relaxing at the beach or strolling on one of Santorini’s scenic walking routes. For dinner, sample the island's signature cherry tomatoes and white eggplant, typically served as side dishes with fresh seafood. 

Day 12: Hike Around the Edge of the Caldera

 A boat in the Aegean Sea near Santorini island
Enjoy a guided hiking tour along Santorini's most impressive path, right on the rim of the famous volcanic caldera that inspired the myth of Atlantis. Follow the footsteps of ancient merchants, farmers, and sailors, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You'll walk past traditional whitewashed settlements, marvel at the azure sea, and learn about the rich myths and history of Santorini. Starting from Fira and ending in Oia, the itinerary provides you with extraordinary views and photo ops.

Day 13: Take a Sunset Cruise

Sunset in Santorini 

Today you'll sail around Santorini and visit the islands of Nea Kameni and Thirasia on a six-hour cruise. The excursion starts from the port of Santorini. Your first destination will be the famous volcano of Santorini. After about twenty more minutes of sailing, you will reach Nea Kameni’s jetty. Hop off the boat and hike to the volcano’s ridge, then return to the boat and keep sailing to hot springs on the island of Palea Kameni. Wade into shallow waters mixed with mud, sulfur, iron, and other volcanic metals — the dip has various health benefits! Continue sailing to Thirasia Island, where you'll stop for a short swim. The end of the sailing excursion coincides with a gorgeous sunset. 

Day 14: Enjoy a Kayaking Excursion

Day Black Waters Sea Kayak
Kayaking in the caves of Santorini

Transfer to the beach of Mesa Pigadia this morning, a serene beach with black sand that's the jumping-off point for a kayaking and snorkeling tour. During this excursion, you'll kayak along the south coast, explore quiet sea caves, take in beautiful views of the Red Beach, and snorkel near Kampia Beach. Underwater, you may discover marine life in the crystalline waters of the Aegean Sea, including sea urchins, starfish, and sea turtles, if you’re lucky. See one of the oldest lighthouses in Greece, the Akrotiri Lighthouse, then take a break for lunch in a family-run traditional Greek tavern. Paddle back to your starting point, Mesa Pigadia. You'll have time for one last Greek dinner before the trip ends.

Day 15: Depart Santorini - End of Trip

Santorini's Red Beach

The trip comes to an end today. You'll head to the airport to catch a flight out. Safe travels!

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