The Greek Islands

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: Sightseeing Tour of Athens (Local Guide)

  The remains of some historically significant and crazy old structures still stand in this ancient citadel, including the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike. So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal. The rest of the day is yours to explore Athens.

  Today's highlights:

  • Step back in time in the historic Acropolis of Athens with your local guide.
  • See the Propylaea, the Theatre of Dionysus, and a bunch of other structures you’ll need your guide’s help to pronounce.
  • Take in incredible panoramic views of Athens from the citadel’s hilltop vantage point, and understand why the ancient city’s name translates to “high city”.

  Free time suggestions

  Fill Up: Sample ouzo, the local anise-flavored aperitif, at an authentic Greek restaurant, locally known as a taverna.
  Dig It: 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.

• Day 4: Travel to Santorini

  You’ve soaked in some history, now it’s time to soak in some sun. Leave the city of Athens behind and immerse yourself in island life, Mediterranean style. You’re headed to Santorini, 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, and get ready to feel the love in this iconic romantic destination.
  • Yell “OPA!” when you get to Santorini, but don’t be surprised if your ferry mate gives you the stink eye.
  • Check in to your accommodation and get to know the picturesque island that you’ll be calling home for the next two nights.
  • Sprint to the nearest beach (hint: you’re surrounded by them) and enjoy a Santorini sunset.

  Free time suggestions

  Sun down: 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.
  Beach Time: 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.

• Day 5: Explore Santorini + Optional Wine Tasting + Oia Sunset

  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. Think you know your adult grape juice? Join an optional Cliffside wine tasting excursion.

  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.
  • Channel your inner wine-aficionado during an optional tasting at a Cliffside winery.

  Free time suggestions

  The Found City of Atlantis: Visit the Akrotiri Ruins, 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.
  The Thira of Everything: Head up to the top of the cliffs on the southeast part of the island to explore this Greek and Roman archaeological site.
  Museum On: 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.

  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 6: Set Sail for Paros

  Set sail for Paros in the heart of the Cyclades Islands. With over 75 miles of golden sand beaches, Paros is one of the true delights of the Greek Islands. This is where locals go to vacation.

  Today's highlights:

  • Depart Santorini in the morning.
  • Arrive in Paros and check in to your accommodation.
  • Join your Tour Director for a hand-picked a group activity, or plot your own adventure; you’re free to customize your day any way you’d like!

  Free time suggestions

  Sunset: Enjoy a legendary Paros sunset anywhere on the western coast of the island.
  Naoussa Nightlife: When the sun sets, everyone on the island heads from the beaches to the bars; Naoussa is where it begins and ends.

• Day 7: Free Day on Paros

  Keep exploring the best of Paros. Recharge, relax and spend the days under the blue skies on one of the island’s best beaches. Bring a bottle of wine, a book and your personal playlist—you’re in a beach paradise.

  Today's highlights:

  • Free day! Your Tour Director may coordinate a group activity, but you’re welcome to experience Paros as you’d like.

  Free time suggestions

  Chill Out: Try a quiet meal or drink inland at the village of Lefkes, a serene and rustic village in the hills above the beaches.
  Go Back in Time: Stroll Parikia’s narrow, pebble-lined streets and the Frankish Castle built from the masonry originally used on an ancient temple.

• Day 8: Travel to Mykonos

  Head out from Paros to Mykonos by way of ferry. Though also rich in history, this island’s claim to fame is all-out, non-stop, dance-until-the-sun-comes-up nightlife. Between dazzling seascapes, sandy beaches and the best nightlife in the Mediterranean, get ready—you’ve got two big days and two even bigger nights here.

  Today's highlights:

  • Wave goodbye to Paros and set your sights for Mykonos as your board your ferry.
  • Arrive in Mykonos and check in to your accommodation.
  • Get to know the area with your Tour Director on a brief walk, and start planning out your evening.
  • Spend your free time exploring a few of the islands 800 churches…or maybe just head to one of its 100 bars. You do you.

  Free time suggestions

  Sun of a Beach: The late afternoon is a great time to beach it—a little breeze kicks up and the temperature dips just enough to make it feel great.
  Go to Church: Mykonos’ most famous church, the rock-like Panagia Paraportiani, is usually locked, but the fabulously photogenic whitewashed exterior is a spiritual experience in itself.

• Day 9: Free Day in Mykonos + Optional Mykonian Farm & BBQ

  Spend your last day in Mykonos doing what you want. Whether that’s a beach day, a food day, a food AND beach day, so be it. In Mykonos there is no wrong choice.

  Today's highlights:

  • Take the morning to rest and recover as you please.
  • Lather on the SPF 75 (skincare is important) and head to the nearest beach.
  • Pick up that bottle of olive oil you promised mom at one of the many shops.

  Free time suggestions

  Party in Paradise: By day, Paradise Beach is a hotspot for sun tanners, sand castle-builders, and partiers alike. By night, the sand is your dance floor and the entire beach erupts into a high-energy party that goes ‘til dawn.
  Super Paradise: Visit Super Paradise Beach, Paradise Beach’s smaller, quainter neighbor. Relax under an umbrella, hang out in a beach bar, and soak up your last day in this island paradise.

  Mykonian Farm & BBQ (extra cost)

  See how Greek island farming is done, then get to work preparing for—and eating—a traditional feast.
  
  Vegetarian and vegan options available.

• Day 10: Return to Athens

  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. By now, you’re an old pro when it comes to exploring Greece, so we’re giving you the day to adventure in Athens on your own before an included farewell dinner with the group.

  Today's highlights:

  • Take a ferry from Mykonos to Athens, and greet the ancient city like a really, really old friend.
  • Revisit some favorite spots from day one in Athens, or go on a hunt to find new hidden gems.
  • Check out some of the residential areas for an authentic look at life in Athens.
  • Enjoy one last group dinner, and raise a glass to an epic trip.

  Free time suggestions

  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.

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

• Day 11: 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.