Highlights of Greece with Island Explorer
Highlights of Greece with Island Explorer
Highlights of Greece with Island Explorer
12 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Santorini, Mykonos
Tour operator:
Tour code:
HIGIN26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day Greek adventure, exploring where the literature, art, and laws that shaped Western civilization as we know it today all began. This journey will take you through Athens and two glittering island gems in the Aegean Sea. Wander the streets of the Greek capital, where ancient history blends with vibrant city life, and visit the Acropolis with a Local Guide. Travel to Delphi and Kalambaka, where myths come alive amidst breathtaking scenery, before marvelling at Meteora’s monasteries perched atop towering rocks. Next, sail to Santorini for stunning sunsets and wine tasting experiences. In Mykonos, explore charming, cobbled streets and visit Delos, Apollo's mythical birthplace. Expect a blend of included activities and Choice Experiences.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Zafolia, Dorian Inn, President
Athens is about to become your personal playground. Check into your hotel, then hit the streets of this ancient wonder. Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilization', is packed with history at every turn. Lace up your walking shoes and dive into the city’s rich artistry, stunning architecture, and archaeological treasures. After a day of exploring, you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow adventurers. Get ready to make some unforgettable memories.
Day 2: Athens Sightseeing – Delphi
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Nafsika Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, you’ll come face-to-face with the impressive ancient backdrop that followed you throughout yesterday’s solo sightseeing – the Acropolis. A Local Guide joins you for a tour through the ancient citadel, including the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. View the Panathinaiko Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch, stopping at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to admire the curiously clad Evzone guards. Later, follow the road taken by the ancient Greeks who once sought the wisdom of the Oracle, arriving in Delphi for your overnight stay. Perhaps opt for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience – Beekeeping with Honey Tasting, where you'll visit a local apiary to learn the secrets of honey making and find out why Greek honey is considered among the best in the world.
Day 3: Delphi Sightseeing – Kalambaka
Location: Delphi
Accommodation Name: Aeton Melathron
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo, following in the footsteps of the path Alexander the Great trod as he sought the prediction that he would conquer the world. Your Local Guide will share the captivating history of this ancient site and reveal some of the Oracle’s prophecies that came true. Discover Delphi’s fame as the host of the Pythian Games, dedicated to Apollo and the arts. Then, enjoy a scenic drive to Thermopylae, the legendary site where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartan warriors made their heroic stand against the entire Persian army. Later, arrive in Kalambaka and dine at your hotel.
Day 4: Kalambaka – Meteora – Athens
Location: Meteora
Accommodation Name: Zafolia, Dorian Inn, President
Meals Included: Breakfast
The mystical monasteries of Meteora cling to the rounded rock towers that overlook Kalambaka. Joining a Local Guide this morning, you’ll visit this heavenly Eastern Orthodox complex, built by monks in the 14th century to stave off attacks from the invading Turks. Return to Athens later this afternoon where the rest of the day is free to do as you wish. A Choice Experience this evening could see indulging in traditional taverna experience with delicious cuisine, dancing, and drinks, or a meze-style dinner in Psiri, enjoying the illuminated views of the Acropolis.
Day 5: Athens – Santorini
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Kamari Beach, New Haroula
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leave the busy cityscape behind and catch a high-speed ferry to Santorini. Here, volcanic eruptions from thousands of years ago have left a lasting impact, creating a landscape of stunning contrasts and dramatic beauty. After checking in and an orientation tour, you'll have some free time to either relax in your hotel or explore the surrounding town on your own.
Day 6: Santorini Free Time
Location: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Kamari Beach, New Haroula
Meals Included: Breakfast
Why laze on the sun-soaked beach all day when you could take a tour of Santorini's must-visit destinations instead? You could opt for the Santorini Island Tour with a visit to Akrotiri, where you’ll drive to Profitis Ilias for panoramic views, visit the charming village of Pyrgos to admire Cycladic architecture and explore the ancient Bronze Age village of Megalochori. Or in the evening, the Choice Experience will feature a Traditional Greek Wedding Show, with food, drinks, dancing and, of course, plate-smashing fun.
Day 7: Santorini Free Time
Location: Santorini
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 time or instead stroll through Fira’s narrow streets shopping for  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. One Choice Experience could see you take a traditional fishing boat to the volcano, soaking in its warm thermal waters and healing mud against the backdrop of Santorini’s enchanting cliff-top villages. Another choice involved a memorable journey through Santorini's landscapes and villages, discovering its history, visiting the Akrotiri archaeological site, enjoying local wines and meze, and ending with a visit to the picturesque village of Oia. Then, why not make the most of your final evening in Santorini, sampling the local culinary delights with uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea?
Day 8: Santorini – Mykonos
Location: Mykonos
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 idyllic behind the colorful wooden shutters that shield the locals from the warm Mediterranean sun.
Day 9: Mykonos Free Time
Location: Mykonos
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 10: Mykonos Free Time
Location: Mykonos
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 overlook the bay. For history lovers, there’s no better way to spend your day than joining a Choice Experience visit to nearby Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. On this captivating exploration of one of Ancient Greece’s most sacred sites, you’ll see many artefacts that have been collected in the ruins. 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 11: Mykonos – Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Zafolia, Dorian Inn, President
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 façades to find the best souvlaki in town.
Day 12: 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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Meals
The tour includes 11 breakfasts and 1 dinner.
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Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing tours with a Local Guide include visits to the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and more.
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Orientation Tours
Enjoy an orientation of the town of Fira with views over the caldera with your Travel Director.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in various hotels throughout the tour, including Zafolia, Dorian Inn, President, Nafsika Palace, Aeton Melathron, Kamari Beach, New Haroula, Alkistis, and Dimele.
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Transportation
High-speed ferry transportation is included between Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos.
What's Not Included
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience, Santorini Island Tour, and Traditional Greek Wedding Show are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Greece are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel between destinations with ease, including high-speed ferry rides to Santorini and Mykonos, and scenic drives through Greece's historic landscapes, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable accommodations including Zafolia, Dorian Inn, and President in Athens, Nafsika Palace in Delphi, Aeton Melathron in Kalambaka, Kamari Beach and New Haroula in Santorini, and Alkistis and Dimele in Mykonos.
Dining Summary
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 1 Dinner (D)
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
- 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
Check out our Q&As
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What unique experiences are offered during the tour in Delphi?
In Delphi, you can walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo, following the path of historical figures like Alexander the Great. You can also opt for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience, such as beekeeping with honey tasting at a local apiary.
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What activities are available in Santorini during the free time?
In Santorini, you can take a tour of the island's must-visit destinations, including Akrotiri and the village of Pyrgos. You can also enjoy a Traditional Greek Wedding Show with food, drinks, and dancing, or explore the island's ancient paths, villages, and beaches on your own.
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What can I do during my free time in Mykonos?
In Mykonos, you can explore the island on your own or join an optional Island Tour to visit Ano Mera village and Kalafatis beach. You can also visit the 16th-century windmills of Kato Mili and take a Choice Experience to Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.
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What is the significance of Meteora in the tour?
Meteora is known for its mystical monasteries that cling to rock towers. During the tour, you will visit this Eastern Orthodox complex with a Local Guide, learning about its history and significance.
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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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Terms and Conditions