Athens to Santorini





From ancient Athens, embark on a colourful Greek Islands tour
Embark on a tour through the Aegean Sea, taking local ferries around the Cyclades Islands. Indulge in a little island hopping and take the time to uncover remote ruins, gorgeous beaches and outstanding scenery. Travel from the ancient capital of Athens all the way to the spectacular natural wonders on the island of Santorini on this wonderful Greek adventure.
4.9
240 reviewsStart: Athens, Greece
End: Santorini, Greece
- Duration
- 8 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
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- Explorer
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Why you'll love this trip
- Let the rest of the world melt away as you swim and snorkel in the warm waters of the Aegean Sea.
- Wander through the charming villages of Syros. When night falls, indulge in delicious seafood dinners in traditional tavernas as Rembetika music floats around you.
- With its boutique culture, gorgeous beaches and thumping nightlife, the chic isle of Mykonos invites you to embrace your hedonistic side.
- The sight of a Santorini sunset can turn even the most hardened of souls into a romantic. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island from Thira to Oia, passing through white villages that cling to plunging cliffs.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 31 December 2025
Itinerary
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. As there's not much time to explore Athens on this trip before you head out to the islands, arriving a few days early is recommended. Highlights include the renowned changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square, the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the original Olympic Stadium and of course the Acropolis, where you can enter the Pantheon and enjoy fabulous views over the city. Maybe join an Urban Adventure day trip, such as 'Taste of Athens' or 'Markets, Ruins and Ancient Athens'. You could also take a day trip to the Peloponnese peninsula via ancient Epidavros and the Corinthian canal. After the welcome meeting, perhaps head out for some gyros and ouzo with your new travel companions.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Athens - Acropolis Pass for 5 Sites - EUR30
- Athens - National Archaeological Museum - EUR15
- Athens - Day trip to the Saronic Islands - EUR140
- Athens - Day Trip to Delphi - EUR60
- Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
- Athens - Numismatic Museum - EUR15
- Athens - Twilight Athens Urban Adventure - EUR99
- Athens - Acropolis Museum - EUR30
- Athens - Half day trip to Cape Sounio - EUR55
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm today – confirm the time and place with reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand.
When travelling around Athens please be aware that we have had reports of travellers being pickpocketed on public transport, especially the metro. Please be careful with your valuables while travelling on the metro or the bus.
Certain add on activities in Athens, such as Day trip to the Saronic islands or half day trip to Cape Sounio, must be pre-planned and booked in advance, as there is no time to do them after Welcome Metting on or Day 2 when we already travel to Syros.
Today travel by metro to the port of Piraeus, then catch a relaxing scenic ferry to Syros (approximately 4 hours). In the heart of the Cyclades, Syros offers a rare opportunity to see the islands as the Greeks do. One of the Aegean's most underrated islands, the island features typical whitewashed houses, farms, terraced fields and gorgeous sandy beaches. Your leader will take you on a wander through the main town of Ermoupolis, home to well preserved neoclassical mansions and 19th-century tenement blocks. Syros is also home to delicious sweets. Stop at a family run traditional loukoumi workshop where you will be shown the procedure of how these multi-coloured fruit-flavoured jellies (also called Greek Delight) and chalvadopita (hazelnut, almond or honey-filled wafers) are made - make sure you try some of them. You'll have plenty of time to explore tomorrow, so perhaps kick up your feet at a waterfront cafe and watch the setting sun turn the houses pink.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Syros - Loukoumia Workshop Visit
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Take a walk through the fortress-like town of Ano Syros, which offers great views of the Aegean Sea. Wander the narrow alleyways, pass handmade-souvenir shops and keep an ear open for traditional Rembetiko music floating out of the family-run tavernas. Enjoy free time to further explore Syros at your own pace. Discover abandoned windmills, ancient ruins and charming villages on a network of stone-paved tracks that crisscross the island. Perhaps head to the various archaeological sites on the island, or you might prefer to simply hole up on a beach for the afternoon. Outside of Ermoupolis are many small tranquil coves, while the most popular beaches are on the southern side of the island. While some are sandy and others pebbly, all boast crystal clear waters for swimming in. In the evening, take taxis to a taverna to a remotely located village in the rugged northern part of the island to sample delicious local specialities during an included meal, all while watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- Syros - Ano Syros Walk
- Syros - Dinner at remotely located village
- Syros - Archaeological Sites & Ruins - EUR5
- Syros - Industrial Museum of Syros - EUR2
- Syros - Historical tour of Ermoupolis Textile Heritage Museum - EUR20
Today board a two-hour ferry to Mykonos, a beautiful island named in honour of Apollo's grandson. Known in ancient Greek mythology as the battlefield where Zeus fought the Gigantes, today the island is best known for its decadence, style, and nightlife. Join your leader for a walk through the maze-like old town and be captivated by the quintessential Greek Isles vista of squat white houses brightly juxtaposed against the cerulean sea. Browse the chic galleries and boutiques, follow flower-lined paths past age-old churches and tiny restaurants to secluded, sandy beaches, and spend the afternoon soaking up the rays and splashing in the water. Settle into your lovely room at the hotel. As the sun sets, maybe join Europe's party crowd at one of the many bars and clubs on Mykonos, or take a more traditional approach with a meal at a delightful backstreet restaurant.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
This morning you will take a half-day trip out to the nearby island of Delos. One of the most important archaeological and mythological sites in the Greek Islands, a sacred area that was once the political and religious centre of the Aegean, Delos is considered to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. A living museum, the wealthy built mansions in the town that developed around Apollo’s sanctuary, decorating them with luxurious frescoes, mosaics and statues. The island is overflowing with archaeological finds like the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Precinct, with many more still being uncovered. Later on today you might like to head to one of Mykonos' many beaches, which are some of the nicest in Europe. Take a short bus ride to the pumping Paradise or Super Paradise beach bars, or perhaps find a quieter spot to relax along the beautiful coastline. You could also check out the 19th-century House of Lena or the Aegean Maritime Museum in town. This evening you could make your way to the village of Ano Mera and seek out a tavern for a seafood dinner or perhaps wander down to Little Venice, where colourful balconies hang precariously over the sea.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Delos - Day Trip to the Island of Delos
- Delos - Archaeological Site
- Mykonos - Aegean Maritime Museum - EUR4
- Mykonos - House of Lena - EUR2
- Mykonos - Trip to Village of Ano Mera (by public bus) - EUR4
- Mykonos - Paradise Beach (by public bus) - EUR4
- Mykonos - Super Paradise Beach (by public bus) - EUR10
- Myconos - Cooking Class in Myconian house & farm - EUR150
Take another ferry and arrive on the spectacular southern island of Santorini (approximately 2.5hrs hours). Renowned for its amazing natural beauty, Santorini is one of Europe's tourist hotspots, the home of the iconic image of the Greek islands – whitewashed, blue-domed buildings clinging to the cliff face with sparkling water in the background. Discover the hilltop ruins of Ancient Thira and its fascinating Prehistoric Museum, as well as the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that gives an insight into how the people here lived before the eruption. Check out the range of restaurants and shops in the island's capital, interchangeably called Thira or Fira. If you have time while you're here, perhaps head to one of Santorini's volcanic beaches, such as Red Beach or the black beaches of Perissa, Vlhada, Perivolos or Agios Georgios. Be sure to try some of the island’s delicious food – the nutrient-filled volcanic soil makes the ingredients grown here full of flavour.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Santorini - Museum of Prehistoric Thira - EUR10
- Santorini - Volcano & Hot Springs Half Day Trip (by boat) - EUR25
- Santorini - Beer tasting at local brewery - EUR30
- Santorini - Wine museum and wine tasting from - EUR25
- Santorini - Archelogical site of Akrotiri - EUR20
- Santorini - Sunset Cruise & Dinner - EUR90
- Santorini - Semi Private Sunset Catamaran cruise & Dinner - EUR160
Please note that our accommodation is located in the village of Karterados. It is a walk of approximately 20 minutes into Santorini's main town of Thira, or alternatively there are frequent bus departures from the bus stop right beside the hotel.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes
In 1500 BC a volcanic eruption sank the center of Santorini, forming one of the most significant geological formations on the planet – the awe-inspiring caldera. The spectacular natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Today make an excursion along the crater rim, starting in Thira town and walking through little villages all the way to Oia, passing steep cliff faces and experiencing breathtaking views along the way. If you have time, you might also like to take a half-day trip to the island's volcano and hot springs in the centre of the lagoon. Or perhaps visit one of the island’s wineries – the vines here are cultivated in a very unusual way, with the plants being pruned to form a low basket shape that sits on top of the volcanic soil to protect the grapes from strong winds. On the last evening of your adventure, rub shoulders with friendly locals in packed pubs and cafes, sipping a cocktail as you witness a magnificent Santorini sunset.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Santorini - Caldera Rim Hike to Oia
Please note that the hike along the caldera usually takes approximately 3-5 hours / 12 km, and the surface varies between gravel and loose volcanic scree. There are multiple uphill and downhill sections, and there are no shade and no toilet facilities along the way. Please speak to your leader for more details if you have any concerns. As an alternative to the hike you can take the bus to Oia instead, and meet up with the rest of the group there.
Today your Greek Islands adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. You might want to extend your stay to see all Santorini has to offer. We are happy to book additional accommodation, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
5 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Ferry, Public bus, Taxi, Metro
Hotel (7 nights)
- Syros - Loukoumia Workshop Visit
- Syros - Ano Syros Walk
- Syros - Dinner at remotely located village
- Delos - Day Trip to the Island of Delos
- Delos - Archaeological Site
- Santorini - Caldera Rim Hike to Oia
- Athens - Acropolis Pass for 5 Sites - EUR30
- Athens - National Archaeological Museum - EUR15
- Athens - Day trip to the Saronic Islands - EUR140
- Athens - Day Trip to Delphi - EUR60
- Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
- Athens - Numismatic Museum - EUR15
- Athens - Twilight Athens Urban Adventure - EUR99
- Athens - Acropolis Museum - EUR30
- Athens - Half day trip to Cape Sounio - EUR55
- Syros - Archaeological Sites & Ruins - EUR5
- Syros - Industrial Museum of Syros - EUR2
- Syros - Historical tour of Ermoupolis Textile Heritage Museum - EUR20
- Mykonos - Aegean Maritime Museum - EUR4
- Mykonos - House of Lena - EUR2
- Mykonos - Trip to Village of Ano Mera (by public bus) - EUR4
- Mykonos - Paradise Beach (by public bus) - EUR4
- Mykonos - Super Paradise Beach (by public bus) - EUR10
- Myconos - Cooking Class in Myconian house & farm - EUR150
- Santorini - Museum of Prehistoric Thira - EUR10
- Santorini - Volcano & Hot Springs Half Day Trip (by boat) - EUR25
- Santorini - Beer tasting at local brewery - EUR30
- Santorini - Wine museum and wine tasting from - EUR25
- Santorini - Archelogical site of Akrotiri - EUR20
- Santorini - Sunset Cruise & Dinner - EUR90
- Santorini - Semi Private Sunset Catamaran cruise & Dinner - EUR160
This trip generates 22 kg of CO2-e per person per day
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Before you book you should know
- The main means of transportation on this trip is by public ferry. These ferries are large car ferries that transport hundreds of people, along with cars and trucks. In most cases there are no reserved seats and passengers are free to walk around the ferry. Luggage is stored in a designated area on the car deck and is not accessible while the ferry is moving.
- We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between ports and hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs, up and down steep inclines and across cobblestones.
- The Greek Islands are very hilly and mountainous, which means lots and lots of steps. The cobblestone streets also become very slippery when wet. Some people may find Greece's topography very demanding.
- Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (over 40C/104F). It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Many hotels in Europe have fans, not air conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
- If you have more time to explore Greece, you may want to check out our trip ‘Best of Greece’ (trip code ZMSAC). This trip explores the mainland of Greece in addition to the Cycladic Islands. Alternatively, you could extent your exploration of Greek islands, by joining Highlights of Crete departure. Search trip code ZLSA on our website and ask your travel agent for more details.
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
EUROPEAN HOTELS
Hotels in Europe often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together/apart. Rooms can be rather small, especially by American or Australian standards.
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Attalos Hotel
29 Athinas Street
Monastiraki
Athens
10554
GREECE
Phone: +30 2103212801
Description
Attalos Hotel is situated in the historic district of Monastiraki in the centre of Athens, ideally located for sightseeing at just 10 minutes walk from Syntagma Square and 100 metres from Monastiraki metro station. All rooms have ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, TV, phone, and are fully equipped with modern facilities. There is a roof top garden and bar that provides a great view of the Acropolis.
Instructions
Metered taxis are readily available at Athens Airport (airport code ATH). Alternatively, you can take metro line 3 to Monastiraki Metro Station. From Piraeus port you can take metro line 1 or 3 to Monastiraki. From there it is a short 2-minute walk to the hotel. Exit the station through the Athinas Street exit. Turn left immediately and walk along Athinas Street for about 200 meters. The hotel will be on your left-hand side. Please note that we have had reports of Travellers being pickpocketed on public transport in Athens. Please be careful with valuables whilst travelling on the metro or the bus.
Pre booked arrival transfer from Athens Airport (ATH): If you have pre booked an arrival transfer, drivers will be waiting for guests at the arrival point in the Airport Arrival Hall (Section A or B), holding an Intrepid sign. In the unlikely event that a guest does not meet their driver at Arrival Hall A or B, they should proceed to the designated area at EXIT 4 (directly opposite the pharmacy), where an assistant will be available to help locate their driver. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the transfer operator directly: +30 694 561 3427
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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