Welcome to the vibrant city of Athens! As the cradle of Western civilization, it’s home to iconic landmarks like the Parthenon, Acropolis, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, all of which stand as testaments to its millennia-old heritage.
Upon arrival, a private transfer will greet you at the airport and whisk you to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner, offering a taste of Athens’ renowned culinary scene.
Arrival & Transfers:
Please book your flights to arrive at Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) by 3pm. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel. Check-in on Day 1 is at 3pm.
After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a sightseeing tour of Athens. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Acropolis, the crown jewel of the city perched high on its rocky outcrop, offering breathtaking views over Athens. See ancient remnants of Greece’s storied past, at the Parthenon, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and the Kallimarmaro Stadium.
A visit to the nearby Acropolis Museum follows, where Greece’s rich history is brought to life through its collection of artefacts.
Next journey through the city streets, passing neoclassical architecture and modern buildings tucked among lively cafes and boutiques. From Syntagma Square to the narrow lanes of Plaka, Athens’ mix of old and new captures imagination.
Enjoy lunch on your own and the rest of the day at leisure.
Following a hearty breakfast, check out of your Athens accommodation for your transfer to the port, where you’ll board a high-speed ferry to the island of Sifnos. Relax in the comfort of a business class seat as you cruise across the Aegean Sea, with views of sparkling waters and scattered islands dotting the horizon.
Upon arrival in Sifnos, you’ll be greeted by the island’s distinct Cycladic architecture – whitewashed houses with blue shutters, narrow stone-paved streets and centuries-old churches with domed roofs. Known for its pottery and traditional tavernas, Sifnos is a lesser-known destination, rich in authentic Greek island life.
Travel time: Ferry – approx. three hours
Today, set out on a half-day tour of Sifnos, starting with a visit to Kastro, an ancient settlement that has been continuously inhabited since the prehistoric era. Perched atop a rocky plateau, Kastro offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and nearby islands, with its steep cliffs once serving as natural fortifications. Here, explore the Archaeological Museum of Sifnos, where artefacts from the island’s Bronze Age, including pottery and sculptures, are on display.
Next, head to Artemonas, known for its grand neoclassical mansions, many of which were built during the 19th century by wealthy shipowners, featuring classic Cycladic architecture. Continue to the Acropolis of Sifnos, the island’s most significant archaeological site, dating back to the Mycenaean period.
The tour concludes in Apollonia, the island’s lively capital, where you can wander through the narrow streets and visit local cafes, shops and churches before returning to your hotel.
Please note: If the Mycenaean Acropolis is unavailable on your tour date or if it’s preferred, a visit to the 17th-century Chrysopigi Monastery – the island’s most iconic religious site – will be arranged as an alternative.
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a full day on your own to explore Sifnos. You might visit the pottery workshops in the village of Kamares, where the island’s long tradition of ceramics comes to life in colourful and intricate designs. Wander through Apollonia, the island’s capital, where narrow alleys lead to charming shops, traditional cafes and centuries-old churches, such as the Church of Panagia Ouranofora with its striking blue dome.
For a more relaxed pace, head to one of Sifnos’ beautiful beaches. Vathi is a sheltered bay with golden sand, lined with waterfront tavernas where you can sample fresh seafood. Alternatively, hike the scenic trails that connect the island’s villages, offering stunning views of terraced hillsides and the sea below. In the evening, try to make time to savour the island’s famed ‘revithada’ chickpea soup at one of the traditional tavernas.
After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the port for your high-speed ferry to Mykonos, where you’ll travel in business class once again. Arriving on this iconic island, known for its lively atmosphere and stunning beaches, transfer to your hotel to settle in.
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking food tour through the heart of Mykonos Town, or ‘Chora’, where you’ll experience the vibrant essence of this beautiful island. Stroll through the narrow, maze-like alleyways, passing the iconic 16th-century windmills and the charming waterfront district of Little Venice, both offering spectacular views of the Aegean.
Your culinary adventure leads you to a local cafe, a traditional bakery and a family-run restaurant, where you’ll sample a variety of local specialties. Taste delicious Cycladic produce, from fresh baked goods to traditional cheeses like kopanisti, and learn about the rich culinary culture and daily life of the island. This tour offers a true taste of Mykonos, both in flavour and spirit.
Travel time: Ferry – approx. two hours
This morning, enjoy a private morning excursion to the sacred island of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a convenient pick-up from your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the port, where a 30-minute boat ride takes you across the sparkling Aegean to this sacred island, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
Delos, once a thriving religious sanctuary and commercial hub, holds impressive remnants of its ancient past. With your local guide, explore grand temples, shrines, and residences, all remarkably well-preserved. The mythical Terrace of the Lions still stands guard over the island, and the mosaics in the House of Dionysus offer a vivid glimpse into the life of the ancients. Delos is one of the most extensive archaeological sites in the Mediterranean, with ongoing excavations still revealing its buried treasures.
After the tour, relax on the return ride to Mykonos, where you’ll be free all afternoon. Unwind by the hotel pool or venture into Mykonos Town to explore its world-famous nightlife, with exceptional dining and lively clubs.
Travel time: Sailing – 60 minutes
Enjoy a full day at your leisure to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Mykonos. You could start by wandering through Mykonos Town, with its famous maze-like streets, whitewashed buildings, and the iconic windmills that overlook the sea. Explore the boutique shops, offering everything from handmade jewellery to local textiles, and stop for a coffee or pastry at one of the charming cafes that line the waterfront.
For lunch, consider sampling the island’s fresh seafood at a traditional taverna, such as those in the quaint area of Little Venice, where you can enjoy dishes like grilled octopus or fresh moussaka while taking in the views of the Aegean. Later, you might head to one of Mykonos’ beautiful beaches like Psarou or Ornos to unwind by the crystal-clear waters.
In the evening, Mykonos Town’s nightlife thrives, so consider an outing for drinks and tapas.
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the port, where you’ll board a fast ferry to the stunning island of Santorini. Known for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings with iconic blue domes and stunning sunsets, Santorini is one of Greece’s most renowned and picturesque islands.
Upon arrival in Santorini, transfer to your accommodation for the evening, where you can settle in and prepare to explore the island at your own pace. With its unique architecture, winding cobblestone streets, and quaint villages like Oia and Fira, Santorini is perfect for leisurely strolls or simply enjoying a meal at one of its cliffside tavernas with sweeping views of the caldera.
Spend your morning discovering the hidden gems of Santorini at your own pace. You could wander through the charming streets of Fira, the island’s bustling capital, where you’ll find a mix of traditional whitewashed buildings, chic boutiques, and vibrant cafes. Alternatively, visit the village of Oia, famous for its narrow alleys, stunning sunset views and iconic blue-domed churches, emblematic of Santorini’s architecture.
In the afternoon, embark on a special catamaran cruise around the stunning Santorini caldera. This intimate sailing offers breathtaking views of the island’s volcanic cliffs and one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever witness. The catamaran features hammock-style nets on the bow for sunbathing and a spacious main cabin for relaxing reprieve.
As you sail, you’ll have the chance to swim in the turquoise waters of the Aegean before your captain sets anchor at a picturesque point. While you soak in the awe-inspiring views of the caldera, the crew will prepare a barbecue dinner onboard, with soft drinks, white wine, beer, water and one cocktail included. Savour your meal as the sun dips below the horizon, casting its golden light across Santorini’s dramatic landscape.
Today, visit to the Akrotiri excavations, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Greece. Often referred to as the ‘Minoan Pompeii’, Akrotiri is an ancient city that was preserved under layers of volcanic ash after the eruption of Santorini’s volcano around 1600 BCE. Wander through the well-preserved ruins of houses, streets, and storage rooms, where you can see frescoes and artefacts that provide insight into the island’s ancient culture and its advanced civilisation.
Later, take part in a Greek cooking class, where you’ll learn techniques that have been passed down through generations. In Santorini, cuisine is heavily influenced by the island’s volcanic soil, which produces distinctive ingredients like fava beans and cherry tomatoes. You might try your hand at preparing stuffed vine leaves, tomato keftedes (tomato fritters) or the island’s signature fava puree. Afterward, enjoy the fruits of your labour as lunch.
The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Following breakfast, a private transfer will take you to the port for your ferry back to Piraeus. As you sail across the Aegean, enjoy your last views of its islands as they fade into the distance.
Upon arrival at Piraeus, transfer to your hotel in Athens for the evening. Once settled, you have time to explore the vibrant streets of Athens further and enjoy dinner on your own tonight. Perhaps try a local taverna, offering classic Greek dishes like souvlaki, moussaka and fresh salad served with a view of the Acropolis by night.
Travel time: Ferry – approx. five hours
Savour one last breakfast and wave your goodbyes to gorgeous Greece as you make your own way to the airport for your onward journey.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Please book your flights to depart from Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) at any time. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour. Your transfer will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport.