Greek Island Explorer
Greek Island Explorer
Greek Island Explorer
10 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CGIHZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Greek Island Explorer" tour and immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Greece. Begin your journey in Athens, where you'll explore the iconic Acropolis and marvel at the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. Travel in luxury air-conditioned coaches and high-speed ferries to the stunning islands of Santorini and Mykonos. Enjoy guided tours and free time to discover the charming towns of Fira and Mykonos, with their narrow cobbled streets and breathtaking views. Optional experiences include visiting the Temple of Poseidon, wine tasting in Oia, and exploring the ancient island of Delos. Stay in carefully selected hotels, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your adventure. With many meals included and the expertise of a Travel Director, this tour offers a perfect blend of guided exploration and personal discovery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel, Zafolia Dorian Inn President
Accommodation Name: Zafolia, Dorian Inn
Let it sink in – the fact that you’re standing in what was once the center of the western world, where the likes of Socrates, Aristotle and Plato offered their wisdom and insights which have stood the test of time. Your launch pad to a Greek island adventure begins in the capital. There’s plenty of time to relax on the islands, so lace up your walking shoes and discover the city your way. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a glimpse into what lies ahead.
Day 2: Athens Sightseeing And Free Time
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel, Zafolia Dorian Inn President
Accommodation Name: Zafolia, Dorian Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Acropolis looms large over Athens and today you’ll get up close and personal with this ancient citadel. Your Local Guide reveals its extraordinary history that spans thousands of years as you view the archaeological remains of temples, theaters and the mighty Parthenon, considered the most important building to survive Classical Greece. You’ll view the Panathinaiko Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, stopping in Syntagma Square to admire the curiously clad Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The rest of the day is yours to explore Athens on your terms, but with ancient history on your mind you may wish to embark on a Choice Experience to see the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon at Sounion. Or why not visit a turtle sanctuary on our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Choice Experience. This evening, if the sizzle of street food hasn’t already captured your attention, you may wish to join your fellow travelers for an optional traditional dinner at a favorite city taverna.
Day 3: Athens – Santorini
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: Hotel, Kamari Beach New Haroula Nikolas
Accommodation Name: Kamari Beach, New Haroula
Meals Included: Breakfast
Don’t resist the urge to slow it all down as you leave the busy cityscape behind and catch a high-speed ferry to Santorini. The spectacular volcanic eruption in 1646 BC had quite the magic touch on its dramatic landscape. After checking in and an orientation tour, you'll have some time on your own to explore.
Day 4: Santorini Free Time
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: Hotel, Kamari Beach New Haroula Nikolas
Accommodation Name: Kamari Beach, New Haroula
Meals Included: Breakfast
Don’t waste a second of your time lazing on the sun-soaked beaches of Santorini when you can ascend to its highest point for stunning views instead. This Choice Experience will reveal the iconic landscapes of the Cyclades you’ve only seen in photographs – the gleaming whitewashed buildings, cerulean blue domes and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. An alternative Choice Experience could see you board a caïque fishing boat to the volcano instead, soaking in its warm thermal waters and healing mud against the backdrop of Santorini’s enchanting cliff-top villages. This evening, there’s no better place to bid farewell to another beautiful island day than in Oia. Stroll through its marble streets to our favorite sunset spot to capture the Instagram shot of the trip.
Day 5: Santorini Free Time
Location: Santorini
Accommodation: Hotel, Kamari Beach New Haroula Nikolas
Accommodation Name: Kamari Beach, New Haroula
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in another full day to explore Santorini your way. You could choose one of several Choice Experiences to fill the day or stroll through Fira’s narrow streets shopping for last-minute souvenirs, clothing and jewelery. Incredible views of the Caldera are never far as you explore the island’s ancient paths, villages and beaches on your own. Why not make the most of your final evening in Santorini, sampling the local culinary delights with uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea? There’s always time for one last ouzo.
Day 6: Santorini – Mykonos
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation: Alkistis Dimele
Accommodation Name: Alkistis, Dimele
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bound for the island playground of Mykonos. All that stands between you and the sun-kissed shores of the Cyclades is a short high-speed ferry ride. After transferring to your hotel and a short orientation tour, Mykonos is yours for the taking so don’t hold back and seek out your favorite island spots for the rest of your stay. Whitewashed houses line the narrow streets and life is rather idyllic behind the colorful wooden shutters that shield the locals from the warm Mediterranean sun.
Day 7: Mykonos Free Time
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation: Alkistis Dimele
Accommodation Name: Alkistis, Dimele
Meals Included: Breakfast
Snap your fingers and you’ll be on the other side of the island. Well, almost. You could choose to spend your day exploring tiny Mykonos your way or join your fellow travelers for an optional Island tour driving through arid landscapes to some of its most celebrated beaches. Before you dip your toes into the water, you’ll visit Ano Mera village whose 16th-century monastery is dedicated to the protectress of Mykonos. Then continue to the beautiful Blue Flag beach of Kalafatis.
Day 8: Mykonos Free Time
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation: Alkistis Dimele
Accommodation Name: Alkistis, Dimele
Meals Included: Breakfast
Grab your front-row seat to the goings-on in Mykonos's old port as you sit perched on one of the brightly painted wooden balconies characteristic of Little Venice. There’s time today to wander through the shopping streets of Chora village and see the 16th-century windmills of Kato Mili that look out over the bay. For history lovers, there’s no better way to spend your day than joining an optional visit to nearby Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. On this captivating exploration of what was once the most important site in ancient Greece, you’ll see many artefacts that have been collected in the ruins of this sacred site. After a day of sightseeing, you’ll want to make the most of your final evening in this island playground. Seek out a taverna with beautiful views of the sunset and toast to another day in paradise with new friends.
Day 9: Mykonos – Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Hotel, Zafolia Dorian Inn President
Accommodation Name: Zafolia, Dorian Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving island life behind, it’s time to return to Athens for a final exhilarating encounter with the vibrant Greek capital. Transfer to your Athens hotel, then spend the evening in the narrow lanes of Plaka following your nose past its 19th-century facades to find the best souvlaki in town. A lively evening lies ahead if you’ve yet to have your fill of good times with good friends. Keep your toes tapping to the street music that fills the air and find a taverna with your name on it.
Day 10: Depart Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey through Athens and the Greek islands reveals why Ancient Greece was the chosen land for gods and goddesses, philosophers, poets and famous personalities. As you prepare for your return journey and long after you arrive home, you’ll remember the generous spirit, postcard-perfect scenery and legacy of the ancients that are among the many gifts that Greece has given you. Say farewell to your new friends at the end of your holiday.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout your holiday.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted for comfort and convenience, is included.
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Many meals and daily breakfasts included
The tour includes many meals and daily breakfasts.
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City orientation tours
City orientation tours are included to help you get acquainted with each destination.
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Audio headsets
Audio headsets are provided throughout your holiday to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries is included.
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High-speed ferries
High-speed ferries from Piraeus to Santorini, Santorini to Mykonos, and Mykonos to Piraeus are included, subject to availability and weather conditions.
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Extensive variety of Choice Experiences
An extensive variety of Choice Experiences is included to enhance your travel experience.
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Alternative hotels
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as visits to the Temple of Poseidon, traditional dinners, and wine tastings are not included and may incur additional costs.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be arranged separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for the Travel Director, driver, and local guides are not included.
Dining Summary
- 9 Breakfast (B)
Essentials
- Sightseeing tour with a Local Guide includes a visit to the magnificent Acropolis and views of the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch
- Enjoy an orientation of the town of Fira with the views over the caldera with your Travel Director
- Orientation of the port and Mykonos town includes a walk along the narrow cobbled streets with your Travel Director
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the Greek Island Explorer tour?
The tour includes travel in luxury air-conditioned coaches with Wi-Fi and high-speed ferries from Piraeus to Santorini, Santorini to Mykonos, and Mykonos to Piraeus, subject to availability and weather conditions.
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Are meals included in the Greek Island Explorer tour?
Many meals and daily breakfasts are included in the tour package.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Greek Island Explorer tour?
The tour includes stays in cherry-picked hotels such as Zafolia, Dorian Inn, President in Athens, Kamari Beach, New Haroula, Nikolas in Santorini, and Alkistis, Dimele in Mykonos, all selected for comfort and convenience.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences such as visits to the Temple of Poseidon, traditional dinners, and wine tastings, which are not included in the tour package and may incur additional costs.
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Is travel insurance included in the Greek Island Explorer tour?
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package and should be arranged separately.
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What is the starting and ending location of the Greek Island Explorer tour?
The tour starts and ends in Athens, Greece.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty and joy of taking a guided vacation with Costsaver is that you get to meet, travel and make friends with people from all over the world.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Costsaver is part of The Travel Corporation, which has been in business for over 100 years.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Costsaver is proud to be a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation started in 2008. To date the charity has donated over US$2 million to assist underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism initiatives around the globe.
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Low Deposit
Costsaver requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of costsaver charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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