Santorini to Athens Overview

Arrive early to soak up the sun on one of Greece's top holiday destinations. Bask on the black sand Santorini beaches or cool off with a refreshing swim in the clear Aegean waters. Why not do as the locals do and hire a scooter to explore further, stopping to visit the ancient Thira and Akrotiri ruins or to simply find a quiet spot and enjoy sweeping views over the caldera. Alternatively, take a more relaxed approach on a day trip to the volcano and hot springs.

Follow the narrow stairways and roughly hewn tracks to find remote, sandy beaches. Hike up to Panagia Gremiotissa, an ancient church marked by windmills and a lone palm that offers stunning views over the island and bay. Visit Byzantine churches and try a sip of ouzo with locals among the whitewashed buildings of Chora. After time spent enjoying the spoils of island life, feast on the day’s catch and perhaps head out after dark to sample Ios’s acclaimed nightlife.

Discover mythical folklore and archaeological history on a hike around Naxos, an island shrouded in racy romantic tales of misbehaving gods. Visit the temple of Apollo, the ruins of a Greek castle and a local liqueur distillery, where the citrus inspired kitron is made. Take time to visit backstreet tavernas and bakeries in the medieval castle area, dive into the sea and end the day with a glass of Naxos wine - reputed to be the antidote for a broken heart. Or for the adventurous, get up close to colourful marine creatures on a scuba diving trip or try windsurfing across the bay.

Depart the Greek Islands and travel to Athens, an ancient city named after the goddess of wisdom. Get aerial views of the city from the Parthenon, take a walk past the Temple of Olympian Zeus or find a cafe in the streets below the Acropolis and watch locals going about their business. Perhaps enjoy a final group dinner and a toast to this grand Greek Island adventure.