Depart the US on your flight to Athens International Airport.

On arrival meet your tour representative and enjoy a transfer to your hotel in the Greek capital. After checking in, the rest of today is free to take in this vibrant city. Perhaps stroll in the Athens National Garden in Syntagma Square, explore the bustling Ermou shopping street, or enjoy the traditional tavernas crammed into the old cobbled district of Plaka, which embodies Athens’ history and heritage. 

Make the most of your time in Athens and upgrade to the deluxe NJV Athens Plaza Hotel or Similar. Offering unparalleled service, this modern 5-star hotel sits on Constitution Square and features contemporary rooms and suites, many with stunning views of the Acropolis, pedestrianized Voukourestiou Street, and tree-lined Stadiou Street. As well as offering chic modern interiors, the NJV is ideally positioned for exploring Athens’ major tourist attractions, with the Acropolis, key monuments, and Athens’ top shopping districts and museums within easy walking distance

This morning brings a guided sightseeing tour of Athens’ modern and ancient Greek landmarks. Hear about the city’s classical past as you view Syntagma Square’s Parliament House and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; and see the National Library, Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of Zeus, and Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896. At the Acropolis, marvel at the treasures of Athens’ Golden Age, including the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and iconic Parthenon. You’ll also visit the New Acropolis Museum, where priceless Acropolis finds, some dating to the 2nd millennium BC, are on show. This afternoon, enjoy your own historic Athens exploration or join our optional Cape Sounion tour to the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon, which stands on a headland overlooking the Saronic Gulf.

*Groups of 9 and less:  Athens city sightseeing and transfer services are on a seat-in-coach or shared coach basis.

After an early breakfast, transfer to Athens’ Piraeus port where your Greek island hopping adventure begins with a ferry crossing to the Cyclades island of Paros. Absorb your first views of Parikia, its capital, as your ferry approaches, and after disembarking, enjoy a guided tour of this whitewashed port town. Climb to its 13th-century Venetian castle for panoramic views and visit the Panagia Ekatontapyliani, or ‘Church of 100 Doors,’ one of Greece’s most important Christian sites. Originally founded by Emperor Constantine and his mother Saint Helen, this 4th-century Byzantine complex is believed to have 100 doors, one of which is secret. After check- in at your hotel in Paros, the day is yours to spend as you want.

Today is free for you to discover Paros’ secrets on your own. This lovely island combines sun-drenched hills with sandy bays, ancient remains, and sleepy villages. Perhaps choose from the many relaxing Paros beaches, try one of the Paros water sports on offer, visit wineries or blue-domed churches, explore the chic village of Naoussa, or dive into Parikia’s shops and tavernas—the choice is yours.

Your Paros island getaway ends with a morning ferry journey to Santorini, the spectacular southernmost Cycladic island. Enjoy your first, thrilling glimpse of this volcanic gem as you sail into its ‘caldera’—the sea-filled crater framed by the island’s towering black cliffs. This afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour along the cliff edge above the caldera from Fira, the capital, to Imerovigli. Pass sugar-cube villages and stop at viewpoints to drink in the submerged crater below. End in Imerovigli to experience the island’s radiant views before spending the first of three nights at your Santorini hotel.

Perhaps take your comfort to the next level and upgrade to the luxurious Orama Hotel & Spa or Similar. Located right at the entrance of Fira, the Orama Hotel & Spa is just a few minutes from the picturesque whitewashed capital.

Wake to a free day on this captivating island. Perhaps travel independently through the Santorini volcanic landscapes to find boutique wineries and hidden beaches, or delve into the shops, bars, and tavernas huddled into Fira’s narrow lanes. Alternatively, head out on an optional afternoon caldera cruise. Sail the caldera to swim off beautiful beaches, bathe in warm volcanic springs, pass coastal landmarks like the ancient lighthouse, savor a barbecue on deck, and waft below the village of Oia to witness another sublime sunset. This evening, maybe dine at a taverna before sampling the excitement of Santorini nightlife.

After breakfast, you have free time to experience more of a romantic Santorini. Perhaps return to the caldera path, shop for last-minute souvenirs, or visit the Fira Prehistoric Museum to see stunning frescoes and artifacts unearthed at the island’s important archaeological site at Akrotiri. You may, however, choose to see all Santorini’s highlights on our optional Landmarks of Santorini tour, covering the Profitis Ilias Monastery on the island’s highest peak, idyllic whitewashed villages, and the black sand beach at Perivolos. The tour includes an unmissable guided visit to Akrotiri, where the remains of this one-time Bronze Age settlement are still preserved in volcanic ash.

Enjoy the morning free at leisure until your afternoon transfer to the port to catch your ferry back to Athens (ferry time approximately 8 hours)  or choose the option to take a quick flight back to Athens (flight time is approximately 50 minutes). On arrival, relax with a transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening in Greece’s charming capital as you wish — the perfect finale to your trip.

*Ferry time from Santorini to Athens is approximately 8 hours
*Flight time from Santorini to Athens is approximately 50 minutes.
*Optional flight upgrade is not available for on-site purchase and must be purchased online at least 35 days prior to departure

After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your return flight to the US.