Greeks to Greece: Athens, Ios & Santorini

Itinerary

• Day 1: Overnight Flight

  Board your overnight flight to Athens, the cradle of Western Civilization and one of the oldest cities in the world. Pro tip: if you’re looking to earn some bonus points with the locals upon arrival, make sure you refer to Greece by its real name: Hellas.

• Day 2: Arrive in Athens + Welcome Dinner

  Welcome to Athens! This city is at least 5,000 years old, but hardly looks a day over 25 (when you look past the historic structures and ancient statues). What we’re trying to say is, Athens is a beautiful city filled with art, literature, history, and about a million Instagram-worthy spots. And it’s the first stop on your journey through the Greek Islands.

  In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner of local cuisine and drinks with fellow travelers at an authentic local spot. Afterwards, you’re free to take the party elsewhere!

  Today's highlights:

  • Meet an EF representative at the airport
  • Transfer to your accommodation and check in
  • Receive the latest schedule from your Tour Director
  • Meet your fellow travelers as they arrive
  • Get acquainted with Athens on a brief walk around the city with your Tour Director.
• Day 3: Explore Athens

  Spend the morning exploring Athens in depth! By now, you’re a pro when it comes to exploring Greece, so we’re giving you the morning to adventure in Athens with a guide before enjoying a free afternoon on your own to find that perfect pita or homemade hummus.

  Today's highlights:

  • Wake up and greet the ancient city like a really, really old friend.
  • Meet your local guide and experience the city's highlights.
  • Revisit some favorite spots from day one in Athens, then go on a hunt to find new hidden gems.
  • Check out some of the residential areas for an authentic look at life in Athens.

  Free time suggestions

  Go Ancient: Step back in time in the historic Acropolis of Athens, and take in incredible panoramic views of Athens from the citadel’s hilltop vantage point.
  All Greek to Me: The National Archaeology Museum is considered one of the greatest museums in the world, with pieces ranging from Greek sculptures to Egyptian Antiquities. Mama Mia! That’s quite a collection.
  Follow the Light: Flood-lit like a beacon towering over the city, Mount Lycabettus offers a spectacular view of the city. If you’ve been holding out on posting a scenic Instagram post, this is your moment.

• Day 4: Set Sail for Ios

  Escape the hustle and bustle of Athens and immerse yourself in island life, Mediterranean style. The hilly island of Ios, in the Cyclades, is known for all-day parties, sandy beaches so soft they’ll have you ditching your shoes permanently, and nightlife that stretches into early morning. This is the place to party, relax, and repeat.

  Today's highlights:

  • Blow a farewell kiss to Athens and board your ferry to Ios.
  • Arrive and check in to your accommodations.
  • Join your Tour Director on a walking tour of the area and get a feel for the island living.
  • Spend the rest of the day exploring on your own, then get the party started with the island’s famous nightlife.

  Free time suggestions

  Mylopotas Beach: Head to Mylopotas Beach, located near the island’s main village of Chora, for a day of sunbathing, or hit the water for windsurfing, snorkeling, and Marco Polo-ing. Prepare to get your socks knocked off—this is the most visited beach in Ios…not that you should be wearing socks at the beach anyways.
  Pyrgos Hike: Head into the cliff-top villages of Ios and catch a glimpse of the iconic windmills. Then, feel on top of the world after hiking up to Pyrgos, the island’s highest point, and take in some serious views.

• Day 5: Free Day in Ios + Optional Speedboat & Shipwreck Snorkel

  Enjoy a free day to explore Ios on your own. By now, you probably already understand why the nightlife on this island is so famous, but Ios is more than just a party destination—it’s full of history, tradition, and activity. Spend the day wandering around island villages, going for a hike, or just relaxing under blue skies on one of the island’s pristine beaches. Bring a bottle of wine, a book, and your personal playlist—you’re in paradise.

  Today's highlights:

  • Make your way to the beach for more splashing, sunshine, and sand between your toes, and love that this is now part of your daily routine.
  • Head to the harbor to devour fresh seafood and ocean views.
  • Snap a picture at the Panayia Gremiotissa bell tower, one of the most photographed spots on the island.
  • Dance the night away in the Greek Islands’ most famous party scene.

  Free time suggestions

  Paleokastro: Explore Paleokastro (translation: old castle) and discover the ancient ruins that have been standing on a cliff’s edge overlooking the Aegean Sea since 1397 AD.
  Archaeological Museum: Ios is more than just a pretty face. Soak in some of the island’s ancient history at the Archeological Museum.

  Speedboat & Shipwreck Snorkel (extra cost)

  Hop on your speed boat, grab a snorkel, and swim amongst a shipwreck. Then, voyage into secret caves in the coast of Ios, relax on our favorite isolated beaches and hidden lagoons, and munch on a light lunch.
  
  This excursion is pre-book only; if your trip is less than five days away, please call 800-766-2645 to purchase.

• Day 6: Travel to Santorini + Optional Cliffside Wine Tasting

  Next stop, Santorini! This piece of paradise is one of the most iconic Greek Islands, complete with whitewashed and blue-domed buildings, romantic beaches, and endless sunshine.

  Today's highlights:

  • Board your ferry to Santorini.
  • Arrive and check in to your accommodation.
  • Get to know the picturesque island that you’ll be calling home for the next two nights.
  • Sprint to the nearest beach and enjoy a Santorini sunset.

  Free time suggestions

  Sunset in Oia: Oia is the traditional village in the northwestern end of Santorini and best known for its blue-domed churched, windmills and winding streets that pop up in everyone’s Instagram feeds. And for good reason. Head there before sunset for awe-inspiring sunset views and get ready to capture some likes…errr, photos.
  Santorini Beaches: Visit one of Santorini’s top beaches for an evening swim—from Perivolos to Kamari to Ammoudi Bay—there are tons to choose from and you literally can’t go wrong.

  Cliffside wine tasting & village tour (extra cost)

  Quaint villages, wine, and a breathtaking sunset—it doesn’t get more Greek than this.
  
  Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

• Day 7: Explore Santorini

  Still loving life on this romantic island? Rhetorical question: The answer is obviously yes. Enjoy another day to check out Santorini’s famous sites and hidden gems. Now, here’s your trivia question of the day— What’s black, white, and red all over? Answer: The sandy beaches that cover this volcanic island and are the perfect backdrop for any photo shoot (and pretty nice spots for a nap, too). Think you know your adult grape juice?

  Today's highlights:

  • Grab your towel and your sunscreen, it’s time to hit the beach(es).
  • Take a dip in the Aegean Sea. You can pinch yourself, but we promise you aren’t dreaming, plus you’ll end up with some unnecessary bruises.
  • Shop along the narrow streets of Fira, the capital city of Santorini, or just admire the handcrafted jewelry, local artwork, and souvenirs.

  Free time suggestions

  Akrotiri Ruins: Visit the Akrotiri Ruins are a Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried in volcanic dust, this site predates Pompeii and is considered by many to be the famed lost city of Atlantis.
  Thira Ruins: Head up to the top of the cliffs on the southeast part of the island to explore this Greek and Roman archaeological site.
  Museums: Get your history on at a few of the island’s museums. The Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera are home to well-preserved artifacts and fossils dating back to 17th century BC.

• Day 8: Return to Athens + Farewell Dinner

  Athens felt neglected, so it’s a good thing you’re heading back to pay it another visit. End the trip with a bang in a city known for stunning views and world-class nightlife. Take the afternoon to adventure in Athens on your own before an included farewell dinner with the group.

  Farewell Dinner
  Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included farewell dinner with the group.

  Today's highlights:

  • Take a ferry from Ios to Athens, and greet the ancient city like a really, really old friend.
  • Enjoy one last group dinner, and raise a glass to an epic trip.
• Day 9: Fly Home

  Antio, filoi!
  Translation: Goodbye, friends. Your next destination awaits—home. Before you head to the airport, enjoy your last few moments together. Take one more group photo. Grab that final drink. (Fine, maybe a couple of drinks.) But this isn’t goodbye. It’s, “See you later.” The only question is, where?

  –OR–

  EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS

  1. Double the fun
  A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.

  2. Go ahead or stay behind
  Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.

  Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.