Athens & the Greek Islands through local eyes
This trip combines vivid Athens, with the beautiful meditearrean islands of Santorini and Mykonos, along with a visit to Cesme on the Turkish coast. Time in the city of Athens allows for exploration of some of the most iconic sites, including the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus and much more. For the local experience, hop aboard a ferry or join a cruise to the stunning islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Taste the local produce wander among beautiful whitewashed mediterranean homes and explore the cobbled streets where Plato & Socrates walked. The cruise includes time on the Turkish coast too; get to know the historic city of Cesme and its surroundings, or simply relax and soak up the sun on the beach. This is a short but sweet trip, providing the perfect introduction to the best of Athens and the Greek Islands.
Services
Included:
- accommodation to Athens 4nights to Acropolian Spirit 4* or similar
- accommodation to Mykonos 3nights to Porto Mykonos 4* or similar
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Walking half day private museum tour to Athens with English speaking assistant
- Half day private tour to Ancient Corinth with guided tour & private car
- Ferry tickets economy class Piraeus- Aegina – Piraeus
- Ferry tickets economy class Piraeus to Mykonos with speedboat
- Private assistant for the Aegina tour & private car/taxi for the tour
- Lunch to seafood restaurant in Aegina during tour
- Private terrace sunset tour to Mykonos with private car
- Day tour to Mykonos on semi private basis (Be a Myconian for a day)
Excluded:
- City tax to be paid locally
- Entrance fees to visited places
- Tips / gratuities
- Flights Mykonos to Athens
Optional:
- Flights Mykonos to Athens from euro 150 per person
Itinerary at a Glance
Athens
Arrival in Athens
Athens
Explore historic Athens
Athens
Free day in Athens
Aegina
Full day tour on the island of Aegina
Mykonos
Sunset over Mykonos
Mykonos
Be a Mykonian for a day
Mykonos
Free day on Mykonos
Mykonos - Athens
Departure to Athens and homeward bound
Detailed Itinerary
Athens
Day 1: Arrival in Athens
Arrive in Athens. You will be met by a driver, or take a taxi transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, visit one of the beautiful green parks in the city center. They offer a more off the beaten track, gentle introduction to the history that seeps into every corner here; Philopappos Park (free) or the National Garden (free) are a short walk away. Stavros Niarchos Park (free) is a short taxi ride away, and well worth a visit; with authentic Mediterranean planting and landscaping and chess tables handily placed at resting spots, the lighthouse at its peak that commands astonishing views across the city and out to sea.
Athens
Day 2: Explore historic Athens
Meet your guide outside the hotel for an awe-inspiring panoramic drive of the city. The tour includes the Panathenaic Stadium (home of the modern Olympic Games), the Prime Minister's residence guarded by the Evzones in their colourful uniforms, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament building and the memorial of the Unknown Soldier. The tour continues with more astonishing sights, including the Athens Academy, Athens University, the National Library, and Constitution Square (Syntagma).
The highlight of the day is a guided tour of the Acropolis, along with the Propylea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the Parthenon. Having seen all the sights first hand, join a guided visit to the New Acropolis museum, providing a chance to absorb more of the incredible history here.
Return to the hotel, the evening is yours for dinner and relaxation.
Athens
Day 3: Free day in Athens
Today is free to explore more of Athens at your own pace; perhaps visit one of the beautiful parks if there wasn't time on your arrival day, or enjoy wandering the streets and trying out the local restaurants and cafes. Let us know if you'd like any recommendations.
Aegina
Day 4: Full day tour on the island of Aegina
Today you will board a ferry in Piraeus to take you to the small island of Aegina.
Here you will enjoy a fully guided visit to a local pistachio farm, where you will meet the producer and sample different products (you can even buy some to take home with you).
Enjoy a relaxed lunch (included) at a local seafood restaurant before you begin your afternoon activity - a walking tour to the art monuments of the island.
Board your ferry to return to the mainland for the night.
Mykonos
Day 5: Sunset over Mykonos
Today you will take board a speedboat to the famous island of Mykonos.
In the evening you will enjoy a private terrace sunset tour. The experience begins at an old & traditional farmstead, where you will be given a tour. Then you will be taken to the top of the mountain to experience a unique view and admire the sunset colouring the sky. To accompany this feast for the eyes, you will be offered a multitude of local traditional dishes prepared only with the natural products harvested in the farmstead. These delicacies will be accompanied with wine and beverages.
Mykonos
Day 6: Be a Mykonian for a day
Today you will enjoy an experience which will take you back in time. Through a guided tour you will discover Mykonian traditions and learn about the everyday life of a family from the past. You will visit an authentic village house with its traditional stone oven, loom, cheese workshop, winery foot-pressing vat, well, chapel, and so much more.
While wandering around the vegetable garden, the vineyard and the crops, you can meet all the domestic animals of the estate, sheep, chickens, horses, etc. Once you have been acquainted with the premises, you can choose from a cooking class or a bread baking class or even horseback riding - activities which were included in the Mykonians’ everyday life.
Mykonos
Day 7: Free day on Mykonos
Take some time to enjoy Mykonos at your own pace. Wander the streets, sample the food, admire the views and generally just enjoy your last day of your Greek vacation.
Mykonos - Athens
Day 8: Departure to Athens and homeward bound
Today you will take a domestic back to Athens for your onward journey. We hope you had a wonderful time seeing Athens and the Greek islands of Aegina and Mykonos with us!
