Best of Greece Vacation: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini

View of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece

What to expect on this itinerary

Get out of bed, open your eyes, and start dreaming as you journey on this unique vacation tailored to bring you through the fantastical wonders of Greece. It’s okay to look out over the uncountable colors of blue along the beaches. You can feel like you’re flying as you relax in an infinity pool over the cliffs of Santorini. Venture into the imaginative world of antiquity at the steps of the Acropolis. Visit the birthplace of gods. Just because you’re eyes aren’t closed doesn’t mean your not dreaming; just because the landscapes are unbelievable doesn’t mean you are dreaming. Come to Greece and see the dream come true.

Countries Visited

Greece

Places Visited

Athens, the Acropolis, Mykonos, Mykonos Town, Santorini, Akrotiri, Oia

Suggested Duration

11 Days

Customizable Itinerary

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Day 1

Athens – Enter the Dream

Arrive in Athens and let the dream begin. The arid hills outside of the city are lined with olive trees giving the air a gentle floral scent that drifts along the terrain. You can see the Acropolis rising above the Old City, the pillars of ancient temples whitewashed against the open sky like clouds. The modern city surrounds the majestic antiquity blending the proud past with the friendly present. Walk along the Plaka, beneath the Acropolis, where the ancient buildings of Athens continue to stand and act as residences. You can practically imagine the men touting their restaurants, dressed in togas, proselytization the flavors of their restaurants. The cobblestones give an echo to each step. The scent of roasted meats and drizzled olive oil beckons to you. The delicacies of Greece are at your command; for a rich and unforgettable taste of Athens, sit along the lively pedestrian street of Drakou with the sensational delights at Skoumbri. The seafood is fresh, from zesty calamari to a burst of umami with each bite of grilled bream. Let the city pass you by as you blend into the feeling of seclusion amidst the dreamlike history.

What's Included:

Accommodation
Transfer
Day 2

Athens – Private Thoughts of Antiquity

Day 3

Mykonos – The Mind on Mykonos

Day 4

Mykonos – Meet the Sun(god)

Day 5

Mykonos – The Desirable Beauty of Mykonos

Day 6

Mykonos – Continuously Majestic Mykonos

Day 7

Santorini – Picturesque to Picture Perfect

Day 8

Santorini – The Seduction of Sunset

Day 9

Santorini – More Astounding than a Dream

Day 10

Santorini – The Dreamy Landscapes of Santorini

Day 11

Santorini – When It’s Time to Wake

Trip Highlights

  • Indulge in the romantic secrets and beauty of history standing within the myths and truths of the Acropolis on a private tour
  • Revel in the famous sands of Mykonos beaches
  • Indulge in the home of the gods with a visit to the uninhabited island of Delos
  • Enjoy the meandering streets of “Little Venice” where the grandeur of Mykonos Town comes alive
  • Witness the postcard perfection of Santorini
  • Let romance overtake you on an afternoon cruise where the warm colors of sunset fills the sky
  • Discover why the ashen covered city of Akrotiri excites and compels visitors from all over the world

Detailed Description

Let the dream continue on this 11-day trip meant to blur the lines between what’s possible in reality versus what dreams may come. Whether you’ve dreamed as a couple for years or recently started to share your thoughts about your love of Greece, this tour will take you together, inspire awe, and answer the question of whether the world could ever be this spectacular; the answer would be yes. From the ancient remains of Athens to the caldera of Santorini, whether the blissful beaches of Mykonos or the ancient city of Akrotiri, slip into the dream but make sure you don’t close your eyes.

The dream begins in Athens with a private tour of some of the most famous historical sights in history. Pillars pass you by, Greek busts and statues are on display in the Acropolis Museum as if they are home decorations, meant to be seen, not touched, but filled with family history. Your time in Athens gives way to the luscious waters of Mykonos where the beaches offer you seclusion or celebration; some offer both. The Windmills of the island decorate the shoreline and blend into the sky like clouds. The variety of options is at your whim to experience and explore; after all it is your dream. You could visit the island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo and a once prominent port town. You could spend your days sitting in the shade with your feet stretched out in the warm sand holding a cool drink and your loved-one’s hand. You could do both. You could do neither but, whatever you do, you know it will be magical.

Your time on the islands will whisk you away to Santorini where the dreams found in the quintessential photos of Greece come to life. The white buildings have blue shutters and roofs and stretch along the cliffs that overlook the water. With four days to appreciate the wonders of the island, your time here could take you anywhere. Four days in dreamtime could take you on a romantic sunset cruise, sailing along the water with a fresh grill dinner and sparkling sea. It could take you through the ash-covered city of Akrotiri, known as Greece’s Pompeii; it could also take you on a hike along the cliff side letting you embrace the panorama of the island before you arrive at home wondering if it was all real; your memories tell you that it was.

Zicasso offers a variety of vacations to Greece.  Browse the Greece travel reviews for more information and to see what other travelers enjoyed in Greece.

Starting Price

$4,500 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

  • Accommodations
  • In-country transportation
  • Some or all activities and tours
  • Expert trip planning
  • 24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 617 reviews

Greece Anniversary Vacation Review: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Catamaran Cruise, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting, Hiking, Local Cuisine, 2-Week Trip

We recently returned from an incredible two-week Coral Anniversary trip to Greece and it exceeded every expectation. From the ancient wonders of Athens to the whitewashed villages of Mykonos, the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, and the authentic traditions of Crete, every stop offered something unique and unforgettable. Most importantly, the people we met along the way transformed a beautiful vacation into a truly special experience. The journey took us through Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete.

Outstanding Planning and Service

Every transfer, hotel, tour, ferry, flight, restaurant reservation, and activity was flawlessly coordinated by Zicasso's travel partner. The itinerary struck a perfect balance between guided experiences and personal exploration, allowing us to enjoy Greece without ever worrying about logistics.

Athens – History, Culture, and Exceptional Hospitality

Our stay at our hotel in Athens gave us incredible Acropolis views and a perfect base for exploring the city. Walking through the Acropolis with our guide and standing before the Parthenon was breathtaking. The Acropolis Museum and city highlights tour helped bring thousands of years of history to life.

One of the highlights of our anniversary celebration was dinner at a restaurant atop Lycabettus Hill. Watching the sun set behind the Acropolis while enjoying excellent Greek cuisine and wine was a magical experience and one we'll never forget.

We would especially like to recognize our driver in Athens. He was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making our trip memorable. During our day exploring the Argolis region, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and the Nemea wine country, he provided insights that helped us better appreciate the history and culture of Greece.

What truly distinguished our driver was his attention to detail. While we were traveling along the Athenian Riviera toward Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, he realized we were hoping for a true seaside lunch experience. Without being asked, he contacted the travel company and coordinated everything to make a last-minute adjustment so we could enjoy lunch by the sea. That thoughtful gesture perfectly reflects the level of service he provided throughout our stay. It turned a wonderful day into one of our favorite memories of Athens.

Mykonos – Relaxation and the Beauty of the Aegean

Mykonos provided the perfect contrast to the historical focus of Athens. Staying at our hotel in Mykonos overlooking the Aegean Sea allowed us to fully appreciate the island's beauty.

We spent time exploring the charming streets of Mykonos Town, admiring the famous windmills, and enjoying the relaxed island atmosphere. A major highlight was our private catamaran cruise to Delos and Rhenia. Sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean while visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos gave us a fascinating glimpse into one of the ancient world's most important religious centers. The secluded waters around Rhenia were stunning and provided some of the most beautiful scenery of our trip.

Santorini – Spectacular Views and Unforgettable Sunsets

Santorini is every bit as beautiful as the photographs suggest and somehow even more impressive in person. Our stay in Oia overlooking the caldera was breathtaking. Whether enjoying breakfast with panoramic views or simply walking through the village, every moment felt special.

The wine-tasting experiences at a winery were outstanding. Sampling the island's distinctive Assyrtiko wines while learning about Santorini's unique volcanic terroir gave us a new appreciation for Greek winemaking. The carefully paired food-and-wine experiences were among the culinary highlights of the entire trip.

Our private sunset catamaran cruise around the caldera, White Beach, Red Beach, Black Beach, hot springs, and the volcano was another unforgettable experience. Watching the sunset from the water while enjoying dinner and local wine created one of the most memorable evenings of our anniversary trip.

Crete – The Heart of Greece

As amazing as Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini were, Crete became our favorite part of the journey.

Our quick stop at Knossos Palace and the historic city of Rethymnon allowed us to learn about the Minoan civilization and experience the rich blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences that define the island. The old Venetian harbor in Chania was equally impressive and provided a spectacular setting for our stay.

Samaria Gorge

One of the most rewarding experiences of our entire trip was hiking the Samaria Gorge. Covering 11 miles through one of Europe's most spectacular natural settings was challenging and incredibly rewarding. The dramatic cliffs, pristine landscape, and sheer scale of the gorge were unlike anything we had experienced before.

A tremendous part of that experience was our guide. Our guide brought expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for Crete that elevated the hike far beyond a typical excursion. His knowledge of the region, local culture, and natural environment made every step more meaningful.

Kissamos Villages and Cooking Class

Our final full day in Crete may have been the most authentic and memorable day of the entire trip.

The tour of the traditional villages of Kissamos provided a fascinating look at everyday Cretan life. Learning about olive oil production, tasting regional products, and experiencing rural villages gave us a perspective on Crete that most visitors never see.

The cooking class that followed was exceptional. Our host created an atmosphere that felt less like a tour and more like spending a day with friends. Together with his mother, he shared not only recipes, but the stories, traditions, and values that make Cretan culture so special.

For anyone traveling to Crete, we cannot recommend this tour company highly enough. Their commitment to authentic local experiences is truly outstanding.

This trip exceeded our expectations in every possible way. We experienced world-famous historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, incredible food and wine, beautiful hotels, and unforgettable adventures. Yet what we will remember most are the people who made the experience so special.

We returned home with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for Greek culture, and gratitude for everyone who helped make our anniversary celebration the trip of a lifetime.

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Greece Tour Review: Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Acropolis, Food Tour, Catamaran Cruise, 1 Week

We had a very good trip to Greece with Zicasso's travel specialist. We traveled to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini with a group of six (three couples). They did a good job of finding nice and convenient hotels in each location, and we were also pleased with the Acropolis tour, food tours, and catamaran trip we took during the week.

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Greece Tour Review: Athens, Santorini, Heraklion, Akrotiri, Knossos, Orthodox Easter, History, Culture, 16 Nights

Our travel specialist was an exceptional travel planner. I have planned many trips and my experience with her was at the top. I actually investigated working with Zicasso because I was interested in leveraging the planning of my trip as a cultural exchange with someone in-country who could provide their personal perspectives and insider tips. She delivered!

Our travel specialist had dinner with us the first night and gave us all sorts of insights on Athens and her recommendations. She also gave us her cell number and was available 24/7 for any needs we had throughout the trip. I have never had service like this. She was truly incredible and helped us navigate last-minute changes or additions flawlessly and with no stress.

She found small, family-owned hotels with lots of character for us to stay in. She organized a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Santorini to participate in all of the many festivities surrounding Greek Orthodox Easter; so many traditions and so very different than our American Easter. It was authentic, joyful, and an incredible cultural exchange in that we were welcomed wholeheartedly by the people of Santorini.

The guides she provided were locals who had deep knowledge and high academic credentials, so traveling with them was like going back to school and learning in the most amazing fully immersive manner.

Our guide in Santorini mentioned we must not miss Akrotiri on Santorini, so we made time to fit in this unexpected tour; turns out it blew our mind: an ancient Minoan city... and some say it may have been the lost city of Atlantis. The story of the town and its demise is stunning. Then, a visit to Knossos in Heraklion, Crete, with our PhD guide, a cultural anthropologist and archaeologist. She was able to share the historical perspective on the Minoan Palace of Knossos, but also the contemporary study of the subject and how the work of "pre-history" civilizations is done with limited Minoan language and documentation.

Our travel specialist planned a flawless trip of a lifetime for us, but we also made a friend in Athens. We are so very grateful.

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Greece Trip Review: Athens, Santorini, Food Tour, Vineyard, 9 Nights

One of the best decisions I have made was booking my Greece trip with this Zicasso travel company The entire team was accommodating, responsive, and ensured a flawless trip. We stayed in Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, having transportation provided to and from. The drivers, hotel partners, tour guides, and overall team were remarkable.

In Athens, I would highly recommend our guide for the Acropolis tour and our guide for the food tour. The Athens hotel was exceptional, right in the center of where you want to be.

In Mykonos, I would highly recommend the Jeep tour with our guide and the day trip to Delos and Rineia. Our stay at the hotel was beautiful.

In Santorini, I would highly recommend our guide and the driver for the walking tour and visit to a vineyard. The Oia boat company was great, serving up a fresh Greek feast right on board. The hotel suites were great, especially with the private hot tubs.

Overall, this was an exceptional experience, one we could not have gotten without our travel company. Our trip was planned in six weeks or less and the agents made the process so easy. Thank you!

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Greece Tour Review: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, History, Culture, Tradition, Local Cuisine, Shopping, 8 Nights

If you're considering a trip to Greece, look no further than Zicasso. Our travel expert planned an unforgettable journey for our family; Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, and every detail was executed with care, expertise, and passion. 

From the moment we arrived in Athens, we were immersed in the country’s warm hospitality. Our agent made sure we had the perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation. The historical sites in Athens, like the Acropolis and the ancient Agora, were must-sees.

Mykonos is vibrant yet relaxed. The beaches were beautiful. Every meal on this trip was a highlight. Fresh seafood, local cheeses, olive oil, and delicious pastries—each bite told a story of Greece’s deep culinary heritage.

In Santorini, we were captivated by the island’s charm—whitewashed buildings, breathtaking sunsets, and the deep blue Aegean Sea. We visited traditional villages, giving us a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions that are still very much alive.

Throughout the trip, what stood out most—beyond the stunning landscapes and ancient history—was the friendliness of the Greek people. Their warmth and pride in their culture made every moment feel welcoming and genuine.

Our agent didn’t just plan a vacation—he created an experience rooted in history, tradition, and hospitality. I can’t recommend him and Zicasso highly enough.

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Greece Tour Review: Athens, Peloponnese, Santorini, Messinia, Voidokilia, Pylos, Methoni, Monemvasia, Nafplio, Mystras Castle, Polylimnio Waterfalls, Elafonisos, Olive Oil Tasting, Hiking, 10 Nights

We had a wonderful and memorable trip to Greece, thanks to the Zicasso travel specialist’s excellent planning. In addition to exploring Athens, she designed a seamless road trip across the Peloponnese Peninsula that took us to beautiful beaches and ancient castles in Messinia, Voidokilia, Pylos, Methoni, Monemvasia, and Nafplio. She also provided clear directions and recommended great stops to break up our drives, including Mystras Castle and the beautiful Polylimnio Waterfalls.

Our hotel accommodations were excellent throughout the trip and we really enjoyed our stay in beautiful Santorini. We also appreciated her restaurant recommendations, which saved us from having to search for places to eat and always led us to great food. She stayed in touch via WhatsApp the entire time, checking in on us and answering our questions whenever they came up. There is so much to see in Greece that we’ll definitely need to go back for another visit.

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist.

34,000+ Verified Traveler Reviews