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Ultimate Greek Islands

Ultimate Greek Islands

17 days, 7 cities132
See dates and prices

From $3449 without flightsPayments as low as $101

White buildings with blue domes in Santorini next to colorful homes overlooking a cliff during a sunset
White buildings with blue domes in Santorini next to colorful homes overlooking a cliff during a sunset
Crystal clear ocean meeting the shoreline of an empty beach in Greece
A view from the sidewalk of a colorful beachside town in Greece with plants lining the street
The Parthenon, an ancient ruin, outdoors on a sunny day in Greece
Trip Type:
or
Activity Level:

Why go?

There’s only one place where you can explore sites from the dawn of civilization and then party ‘til dawn—and that’s Greece. Visit the birthplace of mythology, then swim and sunbathe your way back to modern times on the world’s most trending islands.

Picture yourself

  • Channeling ancient goddesses atop the Acropolis

  • Club hopping in Mykonos ‘til the break of dawn

  • Diving off a boat into the clear-blue Aegean Sea

  • Posing in front of the cotton-candy Santorini sunset

  • Snorkeling through a shipwreck off the island of Ios

What you'll get

  • Round-trip flights & airport transfers (or book 'em yourself)

  • 5 island-to-island ferry rides

  • 14 nights in handpicked accommodations

  • 16 breakfasts

  • 2 dinners

  • Expert Tour Director

  • 24/7 support from our travel gurus

  • Insider Acropolis tour with local guide

Map for the Ultimate Greek Islands tour
Full trip itinerary

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! 2,500 years ago, it was one of the most important cities in the world; its art, politics, architecture, and literature have reverberated down through the ages. Today, Athens is a vibrant metropolis, and a perfect jumping-off point for 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 other travelers as they arrive.
    • Get acquainted with Athens on a brief city walk.
  • Day 3: Explore Athens

    An expert guide will take you up the Acropolis and to many of Athens’ top sites and local spots, like the Plaka neighborhood, on this memorable walking tour.

    After you’ve taken in the sites of ancient Athens, head to Piraeus Port to board your overnight ferry bound for Chania, Crete.

    Today's highlights:

    • Feel the glory of ancient Athens on a guided tour of the Acropolis, including the Parthenon.
    • Enjoy stunning views of Athens from the top of the Acropolis.
  • Day 4: Explore Seaside Chania

    Chania is one of Crete’s most picturesque coastal cities, with a maze of narrow streets and family-owned shops. Take today to explore the area on your own.

    In the evening, head back to the harbor for dinner along the water and a night out on the town. Many of Chania’s tavernas feature live music.

    Today's highlights:

    • Spend the day in Old Port on your own.
    • Admire the unique architecture of Chania, a mix of Venetian and Turkish styles.
    • Learn about Chania’s role in history and its Minoan, Ottoman, Venetian, Byzantine and Greek influences.

    Free time suggestions

    Get Crafty: Visit Tabakaria, the leather district, for well-priced, handmade leather goods
    Beachy Keen: Lounge at the beach, enjoying the soft sand and sparkling water (round-trip transportation included).

  • Day 5: Beach Day on Falassarna

    Join your Tour Director and head to Falassarna, a mile-long golden sand beach outside of Chania, or take a free day to explore.

    Return to Chania in the evening for one last night before heading to Heraklion.

    Today's highlights:

    • Drive to Falassarna, complete with amazing ocean and mountain vistas.
    • Rent an umbrella, grab a fruity drink and relax in style.
  • Day 6: Travel to Heraklion + Optional Knossos & Heraklion Archaeological Museum Tour

    Enjoy a scenic drive through olive groves and mountainous terrain from Chania to Heraklion. The Old Town is known for its massive stone fortifications, astounding Venetian and Turkish fountains and urban sophistication.

    Today's highlights:

    • Board your private coach en route to modern, urban Heraklion, capital of Crete.
    • Arrive and check in to your accommodation.
    • Get to know the area with your Tour Director.

    Free time suggestions

    That's Bull: Visit the Palace of Knossos, the setting of the myth of the Minotaur, just three miles outside of Heraklion
    Eat Up: Heraklion is home to one of Greece’s most thriving cafe and restaurant scenes
    Stock Up: The best shopping in the Greek Islands is in Heraklion’s Old Port

    Knossos and Heraklion Archaeological Museum (extra cost)

    Calling all history and art buffs. Tour palace ruins, frescoes, and a museum of masterpieces.

    Why wait? Save money by booking this optional excursion before your trip departs.

  • Day 7: Free day in Heraklion

    When in Heraklion, do as its namesake, Hercules, would do. But instead of defeating Hades, your heroic feats ought to include catching some sun and eating way too many kebabs.

    Free time suggestions

    Koules fortress: Discover the ancient world at Koules fortress and take in the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

    Ammoudara Beach: Experience ultimate relaxation on the golden sand of Ammoudara Beach. You didn’t come all the way to Greece to stay inside, did you?

  • Day 8: Set Sail for Santorini + Optional Wine Tasting & Village Tour

    Hop aboard a short ferry ride bound for Santorini, the famous Cycladic Island adorned with white and blue buildings, volcanic landscapes, vineyards and picture-perfect sunsets that require no filter.

    Today's highlights:

    • Depart Heraklion and board your ferry to Santorini.
    • Arrive and check in to your accommodation.
    • Join the group for an optional wine tasting activity.

    Free time suggestions

    Fira Way: Check out the cliffside bars, which overlook the Caldera and are a great vantage point for sunset.
    Beach Time: Visit one of Santorini’s top beaches for an evening swim—there are dozens to choose from.

    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 9: Explore Santorini

    Continue to explore Santorini’s volcanic landscape. This is your last full day here.

    Today's highlights:

    • Join your Tour Director for a hand-picked group activity or plot your own adventure; you’re free to customize your day however you’d like!

    Free time suggestions

    Shop ‘Til You Drop: Get way ahead on your holiday shopping by browsing the many shops in Fira for souvenirs to bring home for loved ones. Or just treat yourself more bottles of wine and olive oil. We’re not judging.
    Skaros Rock: You’ve seen this craggy outcrop a million times by now while gazing into the caldera. You can actually climb to the top of it from a footpath starting in Imerovigli.

  • Day 10: Set Sail for Ios

    Next stop, Ios! Known for all-day parties, fine-sand beaches and nightlife that stretches into early morning, this is the place to party, relax, repeat.

    Today's highlights:

    • Board your ferry to Ios.
    • Arrive and check in to your accommodation.
    • Join your Tour Director for a hand-picked group activity or plot your own adventure in Ios; you’re free to customize your day however you’d like!

    Free time suggestions

    Beach It: Head to Mylopotas for a day of sunbathing, or try any of the various watersport activities like windsurfing or snorkeling.
    Take a Hike: Head into the hilly villages of Ios and catch a glimpse of the iconic windmills.

  • Day 11: Explore Ios + Optional Speedboat & Shipwreck Snorkel

    Save your strength for one last day of sun-drenched fun on Ios. Ios was the original Ibiza and is still one of the nightlife epicenters of the Mediterranean.

    Today's highlights:

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

    Free time suggestions

    Chill in Chora: This white-washed village is inaccessible to cars. Explore its narrow streets and staircases.
    Take a Hike: Head into the hilly villages of Ios and catch a glimpse of the iconic windmills.
    Homage to Homer: Check out the place where locals believe Homer was buried outside of Plakotos.

    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 12: 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 Ios in the morning.
    • Arrive in Paros and check in to your accommodation.
    • Today is yours to customize as you'd like, or join your Tour Director for a hand-picked activity in Paros.

    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 13: Free Day in 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.
    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 14: Travel to Mykonos

    Head out from Paros to Mykonos on an inter-Aegean ferry. Mykonos has a reputation for dazzling seascapes, sandy beaches and the best nightlife in the Mediterranean. Get ready—you’ve got two big nights here.

    Today's highlights:

    • Board your ferry to Mykonos.
    • Arrive and check in to your accommodation.
    • Acquaint yourself with the area with a brief walk with your Tour Director.
    • Join your Tour Director for a group activity or plan an adventure of your own.

    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.
    Turn Up: The nightlife options are endless.

  • Day 15: Free Day in Mykonos

    The coasts of Mykonos are a top attraction, where you can rent a beach chair and buy drinks from nearby tavernas. Enjoy this last day of Mykonos’ glitz and glamour.

    Today's highlights:

    • Free day! Your Tour Director may organize an optional group activity, but you are welcome to enjoy Mykonos your own way.

    Free time suggestions

    Party in Paradise: During the day, Paradise beach is a beautiful, activity-focused hotspot. At night, the whole area becomes one big party.
    Super Paradise: Considered one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches, it’s also a party beach like it’s neighbor, Paradise... just more Super.
    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 16: Travel to Athens + Farewell Dinner

    Back to the azure waters of the Aegean, this time returning to Athens via ferry. Once you’re back on land, enjoy one last dinner with your group.

    Today's highlights:

    • Board your ferry to Athens.
    • Share some laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) at an included Farewell Dinner.
  • Day 17: 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.

Reviews


Overall rating: 5 out of 5
Based on 132 authentic traveler reviews
  • Don't think about it. Just go. You won't regret it.

      Sonia, traveled Sep. 2021

    Marios was absolutely amazing he went above and beyond making sure that we got a different experience everyday we were there and making sure we went to spots that only the locals know. Honestly don't overthink about the trip. Just go, you will fall in love with the beaches, the architecture in every island is stunning and the food could not be described. It'... See more

  • Book it!

      Annaliese, traveled Sep. 2023

    This was definitely a trip of a lifetime. From the food, views, and the people you meet, this trip was worth every penny. Our tour guide, Yorgos, was amazing! He made sure we got to our destinations safely and also came up with extra activities for us to do on days with a lot of free time. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful time on the ... See more

  • Book it!

      Chesley, traveled Sep. 2023

    This trip was worth every penny! Our tour director Yorgos had the best daily itinerary planned for us and showed us all his favorite spots and took care of all of us the entire trip. There aren't enough words in the world for me to express my appreciation for his kindness and EF for taking the stress out of travel!

  • JUST DO IT.

      Bryana, traveled Sep. 2023

    Wow! I am not even sure where to start besides saying BOOK THIS TRIP! It was my first trip with EF but not my first trip internationally. I loved everything about it. Our TD Efi was phenomenal and I’m so biased now that I don’t know if I can book without knowing she’s the TD. Honestly, 17 days was perfect! There was a good mix of activity and planned outings... See more

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