History and Culture of Greece: 10-Day Island Hopping Tour

When you are ready, your private guide will lead you on a tour of the legendary Acropolis. One of the endless highlights of your tour will be your opportunity for an up-close view of the famous Parthenon. This quintessential example of Greek construction and history will be the perfect place to end the first leg of your tour. Your tour will then continue with a private visit to the Acropolis Museum. Stunning examples of Greek statues, columns, and sculptures can be found around every corner, and by the end of your tour, you will feel entirely immersed in the history and culture of Greece.

After breakfast, excitement will mount as you prepare to set off for the first Greek Island of your trip. When you are ready, you will sail across the Aegean Sea to the island of Mykonos. Upon your arrival, you will be whisked away to your luxurious accommodation, where you will have some time to settle in before being led on an intriguing tour of the island. Your tour will lead you to the Kato Milli area and the Village of Ano Mera. In Kato Milli, you will be provided with the opportunity to explore the island’s age-old windmills, and, in Ano Mera, you will further explore the history of the island with visits to Panagia Tourliani and Gyzi Castle.

After breakfast at your hotel this morning, you will board a private boat and begin the enjoyable ride across the sea. During your transfer, you will be able to feel the warmth of the sun as it reflects off your face and the calming water. Upon your arrival in Delos, you will be led on an immersive tour. The island is believed to be the birthplace of the Greek god, Apollo, and you will explore the remains of multiple temples, which were dedicated to him. Your tour will then continue to the area of the Sacred Lake and Terrace of Lions, where you will learn about the history of where the lake once thrived. After lunch, you will continue your tour with a discovery of the Archeological Museum.

Breakfast at your hotel will be provided, and soon after, it will be time to head to the private boat to set sail for your next island destination of Naxos. Upon your arrival in Naxos, you will be led to your luxurious hotel, which will be situated on the water. After checking in, your exploration of the history and culture of the island will begin with a private tour. Your first stop will be the Village of Sangri. The highlight of this historic village will be the Temple of Demeter, and its ruins date back to the sixth century BC. The next part of your tour will lead you to a nearby pottery workshop, where you can learn from master artisans as they craft beautiful pieces of pottery.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will set off for the next island destination of Santorini. Upon your arrival, you will be transferred to your luxurious accommodation. After checking in, your expert guide will lead you on a private tour of the island. As you begin to travel around the city’s roads, you will venture to the ancient site of Akrotiri. The area was only recently unearthed in the 20th century after having been buried under volcanic ash for hundreds of years. After experiencing the history of the island, you will explore the rich culture of Santorini by visiting the popular villages of Fira and Oia. Fira is known for its many stores and shops that are typically full of artisan goods.

After breakfast this morning, you will embark on a private cruise to visit the nearby island of Nea Kameni. During your cruise, you will pass by spectacular landscapes and breathtaking scenery, and the morning will easily pass as you bask in the sun and sip on a glass of champagne. Once the boat arrives on the island of Nea Kameni, your private guide will begin your exclusive tour. The first part of your tour will be a climb to the island’s impressive volcano. The impressive views will become a lifelong memory, and as you travel down the volcano, your tour will continue with a visit and dip in the island’s refreshing hot springs. You will have as much time as you desire to spend in the peaceful pools.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will board a private boat to begin your picturesque journey to your final island destination of Crete. Upon your arrival, you will be whisked away to your luxurious accommodation before being led on an exclusive tour of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. This museum is considered to be one of the best museums around the world, and your visit will be intriguing and memorable. As your expert guide begins to lead you around the exhibits, you will feel the history and culture pulsing from every room. Once your incredible tour concludes, you can continue to discover what Crete has to offer, and your guide can provide you with excellent dining recommendations as well.

You can begin the day with a warm cup of coffee and fresh breakfast before venturing out for the day’s exclusive tour. When you are ready, your guide will greet you and begin your journey to Knossos Palace. Knossos is considered to be the largest archeological site on the island, and the palace is a quintessential example of the architecture and culture of the ancient Minoan civilization. The palace was one of the largest buildings that the Minoans ever constructed, and you will learn more about the history of the Minoans while you stroll through the ruins with your expert guide. After viewing the last remarkable artifact, you will return to your hotel, and the balance of the day will be at leisure.

There will be time for one more stroll through the roads of the island before you leave this morning. With coffee in hand, you can explore a few more ancient sites and scenic views before returning to your hotel for your transfer to Heraklion Airport. Here, you will have a brief flight to Athens International Airport, where you will catch your connecting flight home.