Greek Islands Odyssey Athens to Mykonos

Welcome to your Greek adventure! Upon your arrival in Athens, we will ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel. You'll have some leisure time to unwind and explore the vibrant city at your own pace. In the afternoon, we will provide you with essential information regarding the start of your journey. This will be available either in person or on the information panels located in the hotel reception area. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

We'll start our day in Athens with a panoramic tour showcasing the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. We’ll visit the Presidential Mansion, admire the historical Panathenaic Stadium—home to the first modern Olympic Games—and view the impressive National Library. Our tour will also take us through the lively downtown squares, ending close to the iconic Acropolis.In the afternoon, we'll head to the Port of Piraeus. Here, you'll board an overnight ferry bound for Heraklion. The ferry offers amenities akin to those on a cruise ship, ensuring a comfortable journey. Accommodation will be in a double cabin, and you'll spend the night aboard as we sail towards the enchanting island of Crete.

Upon arriving in Heraklion at 7:00 a.m. on the island of Crete, we will begin our journey along the scenic western coastline. Our first destination is Rethymno, a charming coastal city known for its Venetian heritage and imposing medieval castle. Next, we’ll explore Chania, a captivating city with a rich history reflected in its impressive fortress and grand mansions. Throughout its past, Chania has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and Greeks. We will conclude the day by returning to Heraklion.

Today, we'll set out on an intriguing journey to the Palace of Knossos, where we'll explore the heart of Minoan civilisation—an essential cornerstone of Greek heritage dating back four thousand years. The visit includes both entrance and a guided tour. Post exploration, our route takes us through Crete's dramatic mountain scenery, heading south to the Libyan Sea coast. Our destination is Agia Galini, a quaint town characterised by its charming lanes, vibrant fishing port, and bustling taverns. You'll have the opportunity to savour lunch and, if you fancy, enjoy a dip in the sea. As the day concludes, we'll return to Heraklion. Please note that from November to April, due to seasonal business closures, we'll visit Matala instead. Known for its stunning beach and remarkable landscapes featuring cliff-side caves, Matala offers a unique charm of its own.

Today, we'll journey along the eastern coast of Crete, starting with a visit to the quaint town of Kritsa. Here, we will explore the beautiful Panagia Kera, a 13th-century church famed for its remarkable frescoes, which are included in your admission. Our next stop is the charming seaside town of Agios Nikolaos, where you'll have leisure time to wander around or enjoy lunch at your own pace amidst the stunning natural harbour. Our adventure continues as we head to Elounda, once a thriving city-state and now a captivating tourist spot. From Elounda, we'll set off on a boat trip to Spinalonga Island. This island houses a historic Venetian fortress, which later served as a leper colony. After immersing ourselves in the rich history of Spinalonga, we'll take the boat back and make our way to Heraklion for the night’s accommodation.

In the early hours of the morning, we'll head to the port and hop on a high-speed ferry to Santorini, expecting to arrive between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Upon reaching this iconic Greek island, we'll journey by bus through stunning scenery to Oia. This enchanting town, famed for its dazzling white streets, spectacular cliffside vistas, castle remains, and windmills, is a delight to explore at your leisure. You'll have an opportunity to savour lunch as you soak in the surroundings. Our next stop is Fira, the capital of Santorini. Here, you're encouraged to consider a boat trip to the hot springs or enjoy the breathtaking sunset from a traditional Mediterranean boat, perfect ways to end the day on this beautiful island.

After breakfast, we will embark on a ferry journey to the charming island of Mykonos. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Mykonos is steeped in mythology – it is said to be the site of the legendary battle between Zeus and the Titans. Once settled, you'll have ample free time to explore the island's quaint narrow streets at your own pace. You can visit Little Venice for its picturesque waterfront views and marvel at the island's iconic windmills.

Following breakfast, you have the entire day to explore the charms of Mykonos at your leisure. We suggest taking a trip to Delos, known as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, and one of the most revered sites of Ancient Greece. Alternatively, you might prefer to unwind on the island's celebrated beaches – Paradise and Super Paradise – renowned for their stunning sands and vibrant atmosphere.

After breakfast, we will head to the port for our ferry back to the Port of Piraeus. Our arrival in Athens is scheduled for late at night, around 11:00 p.m. Please note that if you plan to extend your stay in Athens, the transfer from the port to your hotel will need to be arranged independently. As our tour concludes, we hope you leave with lasting memories of your incredible journey. Ensure you check your flight details as you may require an additional night's accommodation.