Athens to Santorini

Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today in Athens – named after the goddess of wisdom. If you arrive early, maybe join the Taste of Athens Urban Adventure, wander through the Acropolis Museum or take a half-day trip to Cape Sounio. After the welcome meeting, perhaps head out for some gyros and ouzo with your new travel companions.

This morning, you’ll travel by metro to the port of Piraeus, then catch a scenic ferry to Syros. When you arrive, join your local leader on a walking tour through the main town of Ermoupolis – home to well-preserved neoclassical mansions and 19th-century tenement blocks. Syros is also famous for its sweets! Stop at a family-run traditional loukoumi workshop, where you’ll learn how these multi-coloured fruit-flavoured jellies (also called Greek delight) and chalvadopita (hazelnut, almond or honey-filled wafers) are made. You’ll have plenty of time to explore tomorrow, so tonight, you can relax at a waterfront cafe and watch the setting sun turn the nearby houses pink.

After breakfast, set off on a walk through the fortress-like town of Ano Syros, with its narrow alleyways, handmade souvenir shops and sweeping views of the Aegean Sea. Listen for traditional Rembetiko music drifting from family-run tavernas as you wander. Then, enjoy some free time to explore Syros at your own pace – maybe discover abandoned windmills, visit archaeological sites or simply relax on a beach for the afternoon. Tonight, take a taxi to a taverna in a remote northern village for dinner. Sample the region’s local flavours as you watch the sun set over the Aegean Sea.

Today, board a ferry to Mykonos – a beautiful island named in honour of Apollo's grandson. In ancient Greek mythology, it was known as the battlefield where Zeus fought the Gigantes, but today the island is best known for its decadence, style and nightlife. When you arrive, join your leader for a walk through the maze-like Old Town. Browse chic galleries and boutiques, follow flower-lined paths past age-old churches and tiny restaurants. Then, spend the afternoon soaking up the sun and splashing in the water. As the sun sets, maybe join Europe’s party crowd at one of Mykonos’ many bars and clubs, or take a more traditional approach with dinnerin a backstreet restaurant.

This morning, take a half-daytrip to the nearby island of Delos. One of the most important archaeological and mythological sites in the Greek Islands, Delos is a sacred area and the political and religious centre of the Aegean. When you arrive, discover some of its archaeological treasures, including the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Precinct. Later, head to one of Mykonos’ famous beaches – some of the best in Europe. Spend the afternoon finding the perfect beach bar for a drink (or two) or simply relax along the coastline for a swim. You could also visit the 19th-century House of Lena or the Aegean Maritime Museum. Tonight, explore Ano Mera for a seafood dinner or wander down to Little Venice, where colourful balconies hang over the sea.

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.

In 1500 BC, a volcanic eruption sank the centre of Santorini, creating one of the planet’s most striking geological formations – the caldera. Today, you’ll take an excursion along the crater’s rim, starting in Thira and passing through small villages on your way to Oia. If time allows, maybe consider the half-daytrip to the island’s volcano and hot springs in the centre of the lagoon, or visit a local winery. Here, vines are pruned into low basket shapes that sit on the volcanic soil, protecting the grapes from strong winds. Tonight, say goodbye to your Greek Islands adventure, maybe with a cocktail in hand, as the sun sets behind the iconic caldera.

Today your adventure comes to an end. As there are no further activities planned, you’re able to leave your accommodation at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay to see all Santorini has to offer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.