Greece in 11 Days: Ancient Ruins, Mykonos, & Santorini (Flight Included)

Trip Highlights: Acropolis of Athens - Meteora - Mykonos - Santorini

Ready to dive into the wonders of one of the greatest civilizations of all time and walk in the footsteps of the greats, from Socrates to Aristotle? Head to your departure airport, ready for a flight to Athens*, the Greek capital. Night on board.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Accommodation: Polis Grand or similar

Accommodation: Polis Grand or similar

Included Activities: Athens Guided Sightseeing and Acropolis Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. Today head for Delphi. On-route discover the cities via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus.

Arrive in Delphi and visit the Archaeological Site of the 4th-century-B.C. This extensive mountainside archaeological complex contains the beautiful remains of the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, as well as an ancient stadium and theater. Next, depart for Kalambaka, passing through picturesque villages and towns of Central Greece. Dinner and overnight stay in Kalambaka.

Please note: At Delphi, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and includes a number of stairs and steep paths. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility.

Accommodation: Amalia Kalambaka or similar

Included Activities: Visit to Delphi Archaeological Site

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll visit the striking rock formation, Meteora, an incredibly unique scenery with ageless Monasteries protruding from the rocks. These priceless historical and religious treasures stand between sky and earth on the top of the cliffs. An incredible sight to behold.

In the afternoon return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia, Thermopylae with a short stop to see Leonida's Monument. Arrive in Athens early in the evening and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Athens.

Please note: At Meteora, the terrain is quite uneven underfoot and you will be required to climb a number of stairs in order to visit the monasteries. It may not be suitable for those with reduced mobility. Modest dress is required to enter the monasteries of Meteora. This includes a long skirt (not trousers) and covered neckline/shoulders for women, and long trousers for men.

Accommodation: Polis Grand or similar

Included Activities: Meteora Monasteries

Enjoy your early morning breakfast* and at indicated time transfer to the port for your ferry to Mykonos. This beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea is best known for its beaches and lively atmosphere. Upon arrival on transfer to your hotel for check in. The remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure and discover the island. We recommend a stroll around the capital town of Hora, a Cycladic maze brimming with trendy bars and restaurants. Overnight stay in Mykonos.

*Please note: You may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast this morning due to the early departure time of the ferry to Mykonos.

Accommodation: Pelican Bay Hotel Mykonos or similar

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy today at your leisure and discover this magical island at your own pace. We recommend doing some sightseeing: check out the whitewashed cubic houses, windmills and chapels, the wonderful sandy beaches, shops, galleries and the incredible nightlife. Explore the towns’ winding narrow streets, visit Paraportiani, one of the many churches on the Island, or enjoy a drink at Little Venice. We have an exciting array of recommended optional activities and excursions listed below.  Overnight stay in Mykonos.

Optional Tour of Delos: A well-rounded tour of this beautiful and historically important island. Having been inhabited between 2500 and 69 b.C. Delos has kept many treasures from these times. Agora, an ancient marketplace, the famous terrace of the Naxos lions, the holy lake, the ancient living quarter and theater that will transport you to daily life back then. Visit and learn about The houses of Dionysos, Kleopatra, the Trident, the Masks and the Dolphins with their mosaics, all fantastic art experiences not to be missed.

Why not make the most of your time with our great value Island Experiences Pack of 2 Optional Excursions, available in the next step of the booking process. Choose from Delos Tour & Caldera – Oia Excursion or Delos Tour & Santorini Traditional Bus Tour.

Accommodation: Pelican Bay Hotel Mykonos or similar

Optional Activities:

1. Delos Tour
2. Island Experiences: Delos Tour + Santorini Traditional Bus Tour
3. Island Experiences: Delos Tour + Caldera - Oia (Volcano-Hot Springs-Thirassia-Oia-Sunset)

Accommodation: El Greco Resort & Spa or similar

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the day to discover Santorini at your own pace. Why not relax in one of the cafe's while you watch the world go by or explore the volcanic surroundings of the island known worldwide as the 'island of romance'. To make sure you get the most out of your itinerary, why not enjoy one of our recommended optional activities and excursions listed below*. Overnight stay in Santorini.

* NOTE: Due to timings, you will only be able to enjoy one of the optional activities listed below, so please pick the one you prefer.

Traditional Santorini Bus Tour: During this exciting bus adventure, stop at the most prominent locations on the island. Explore Emporio Village and its medieval fortress, one of the oldest and most traditional villages of Santorini, built like a small labyrinth. Next, take a guided tour of Akrotiri aka “Prehistoric Pompei” or “Lost Atlantis”, buried and preserved by the volcanic ash of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in human history (17th century BC). You then enjoy some free time on Perissa Beach to have lunch and relax at one of the longest black sandy beaches in the Cyclades. Next, stop at Santorini winery for a tasting of Santorini's distinctive wines and learn about one of the oldest vineyards in Europe. Finish your tour with a short stop at the highest peak of Santorini to admire the island’s striking panoramic view. Finally, transfer to Oia, the most photographed village in Greece. Experience its legendary sunset at your leisure.

Optional Sunset On Board: Begin this beautiful journey at the volcano of Santorini in Nea Kameni Island, take photos of the active crater and walk on its rims. Next, stop at Palia Kameni where you can dive and swim in the hot springs created by the volcano. Sail above the underwater craters from Palia Kameni to Thirasia Island, the boat will anchor and you will have the time to savour some local wine. In the north cape of Santorini you will admire the magical view of Oia village with its famous white houses! The end of the excursion comes at sunset. The boat sets sail as the sun dives into the sea.

Optional Caldera – Oia Excursion (Volcano–Hot Springs–Thirassia–Oia–Sunset): An exciting and adventurous excursion that begins sailing with a traditional wooden boat, a kaiki, to the volcano. Climb for approximately 30 minutes to explore dramatic rocky scenery. Next, the boat will anchor at around 220 feet from the hot springs, so you can swim to and from the boat. Next, enjoy some free time for lunch (not included) and a swim  in Thirassia, Fisherman’s Island. After you’ve rested up at lunch, climb 200 steps to reach the top of Oia village, where you will enjoy the legendary sunset. Transfer back to the hotel.

Optional Santorini Cooking Class and Wine-Tasting Tour: Treat yourself to a fun & informative Santorini cooking class and wine tasting tour including a culinary feast filled with Santorini flavors and classic Greek island dishes. During your food tour visit 2 traditional Santorini wineries to taste their vintages and then help a knowledgeable local chef prepare three of Santorini’s signature dishes at a traditional restaurant. Enjoy all your freshly-cooked creations at the end of your cooking lesson and taste wine the estate locally produces.

Accommodation: El Greco Resort & Spa or similar

Optional Activities:

1. Caldera - Oia (Volcano - Hot Springs - Thirassia - Oia - Sunset)
2. Traditional Santorini Bus Tour
3. Wine and Food Lovers - Santorini Cooking Class and Wine-Tasting Tour
4. Sunset On Board

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the port for your ferry to Athens. It’s your last day in the Greek Capital so make the most of it and enjoy this vibrant city. Why not do some souvenir shopping and head to some of the many foodie neighborhoods to enjoy your final taste of the delicious greek gastronomy. Overnight stay in Athens.

Important:

APRIL-MAY-OCTOBER: the regular ferries which run and connect Santorini with Athens depart from Santorini in the afternoon and arrive at Athens in the night. The approximate duration is 7h 30 min. Therefore you can enjoy some free time in Santorini on this day but not in Athens.

JUNE-JULY-AUGUST-SEPTEMBER the regular ferries which run and connect Santorini with Athens depart from Santorini early in the morning and arrive at Athens in the afternoon. The approximate duration is 7h 30 min. Therefore you can enjoy some free time in Athens on this day.

Accommodation: Polis Grand or similar

Breakfast at the hotel.* After an unforgettable journey through Greece's ancient sites and idyllic islands, it's time to bring your trip to a close. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the Canada. Night on board**.

*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

**Depending on the choice of flight, you may arrive back in the Canada the next day.