Athens to Santorini

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
Athens to Santorini
8 Days
From AUD $3925
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating


 (20 reviews)

Athens to Santorini

Athens to Santorini

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
4.5
20 Reviews
View Map
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Embark on a tour through the Aegean Sea, taking local ferries around the Cyclades Islands. Indulge in a little island hopping and take the time to uncover remote ruins, gorgeous beaches and outstanding scenery.

Highlights

  • Let the rest of the world melt away as you swim and snorkel in the warm waters of the Aegean Sea.
  • Wander through the charming villages of Syros. When night falls, indulge in delicious seafood dinners in traditional tavernas as Rembetika music floats around you.
  • With its boutique culture, gorgeous beaches and thumping nightlife, the chic isle of Mykonos invites you to embrace your hedonistic side.
  • The sight of a Santorini sunset can turn even the most hardened of souls into a romantic. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island from Thira to Oia, passing through white villages that cling to plunging cliffs.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Ferry, Public bus, Taxi, Metro

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Athens, Greece

Finishes

Santorini, Greece

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Athens
Kalimera! Welcome to Greece. As there's not much time to explore Athens on this trip before you head out to the islands, arriving a few days early is recommended. Highlights include the renowned changing of the guard at Syntagma (Parliament) Square, the National Gardens, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the original Olympic Stadium and of course the Acropolis, where you can enter the Pantheon and enjoy fabulous views over the city. Maybe join an Urban Adventure day trip, such as 'Taste of Athens' or 'Markets, Ruins and Ancient Athens'. You could also take a day trip to the Peloponnese peninsula via ancient Epidavros and the Corinthian canal. After the welcome meeting, perhaps head out for some gyros and ouzo with your new travel companions.

Optional Activities:

  • Athens - Acropolis Pass for 5 Sites (30 EUR)
  • Athens - National Archaeological Museum (15 EUR)
  • Athens - Day trip to the Saronic Islands (140 EUR)
  • Athens - Day Trip to Delphi (60 EUR)
  • Athens - Lycabettus Hill - Free
  • Athens - Numismatic Museum (15 EUR)
  • Athens - Twilight Athens Urban Adventure (99 EUR)
  • Athens - Acropolis Museum (30 EUR)
  • Athens - Half day trip to Cape Sounio (55 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Syros
Today travel by metro to the port of Piraeus, then catch a relaxing scenic ferry to Syros (approximately 4 hours). In the heart of the Cyclades, Syros offers a rare opportunity to see the islands as the Greeks do. One of the Aegean's most underrated islands, the island features typical whitewashed houses, farms, terraced fields and gorgeous sandy beaches. Your leader will take you on a wander through the main town of Ermoupolis, home to well preserved neoclassical mansions and 19th-century tenement blocks. Syros is also home to delicious sweets. Stop at a family run traditional loukoumi workshop where you will be shown the procedure of how these multi-coloured fruit-flavoured jellies (also called Greek Delight) and chalvadopita (hazelnut, almond or honey-filled wafers) are made - make sure you try some of them. You'll have plenty of time to explore tomorrow, so perhaps kick up your feet at a waterfront cafe and watch the setting sun turn the houses pink.

Included Activities:

  • Syros - Loukoumia Workshop Visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Syros
Take a walk through the fortress-like town of Ano Syros, which offers great views of the Aegean Sea. Wander the narrow alleyways, pass handmade-souvenir shops and keep an ear open for traditional Rembetiko music floating out of the family-run tavernas. Enjoy free time to further explore Syros at your own pace. Discover abandoned windmills, ancient ruins and charming villages on a network of stone-paved tracks that crisscross the island. Perhaps head to the various archaeological sites on the island, or you might prefer to simply hole up on a beach for the afternoon. Outside of Ermoupolis are many small tranquil coves, while the most popular beaches are on the southern side of the island. While some are sandy and others pebbly, all boast crystal clear waters for swimming in. In the evening, take taxis to a taverna to a remotely located village in the rugged northern part of the island to sample delicious local specialities during an included meal, all while watching the sun set over the Aegean Sea.

Included Activities:

  • Syros - Ano Syros Walk
  • Syros - Dinner at remotely located village

Optional Activities:

  • Syros - Archaeological Sites & Ruins (5 EUR)
  • Syros - Industrial Museum of Syros (2 EUR)
  • Syros - Historical tour of Ermoupolis Textile Heritage Museum (20 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Mykonos
Today board a two-hour ferry to Mykonos, a beautiful island named in honour of Apollo's grandson. Known in ancient Greek mythology as the battlefield where Zeus fought the Gigantes, today the island is best known for its decadence, style, and nightlife. Join your leader for a walk through the maze-like old town and be captivated by the quintessential Greek Isles vista of squat white houses brightly juxtaposed against the cerulean sea. Browse the chic galleries and boutiques, follow flower-lined paths past age-old churches and tiny restaurants to secluded, sandy beaches, and spend the afternoon soaking up the rays and splashing in the water. Settle into your lovely room at the hotel. As the sun sets, maybe join Europe's party crowd at one of the many bars and clubs on Mykonos, or take a more traditional approach with a meal at a delightful backstreet restaurant.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Mykonos
This morning you will take a half-day trip out to the nearby island of Delos. One of the most important archaeological and mythological sites in the Greek Islands, a sacred area that was once the political and religious centre of the Aegean, Delos is considered to be the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. A living museum, the wealthy built mansions in the town that developed around Apollo’s sanctuary, decorating them with luxurious frescoes, mosaics and statues. The island is overflowing with archaeological finds like the Terrace of the Lions and the Sacred Precinct, with many more still being uncovered. Later on today you might like to head to one of Mykonos' many beaches, which are some of the nicest in Europe. Take a short bus ride to the pumping Paradise or Super Paradise beach bars, or perhaps find a quieter spot to relax along the beautiful coastline. You could also check out the 19th-century House of Lena or the Aegean Maritime Museum in town. This evening you could make your way to the village of Ano Mera and seek out a tavern for a seafood dinner or perhaps wander down to Little Venice, where colourful balconies hang precariously over the sea.

Included Activities:

  • Delos - Day Trip to the Island of Delos
  • Delos - Archaeological Site

Optional Activities:

  • Mykonos - Aegean Maritime Museum (4 EUR)
  • Mykonos - House of Lena (2 EUR)
  • Mykonos - Trip to Village of Ano Mera (by public bus) (4 EUR)
  • Mykonos - Paradise Beach (by public bus) (4 EUR)
  • Mykonos - Super Paradise Beach (by public bus) (10 EUR)
  • Myconos - Cooking Class in Myconian house & farm (150 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Santorini
Take another ferry and arrive on the spectacular southern island of Santorini (approximately 2.5hrs hours). Renowned for its amazing natural beauty, Santorini is one of Europe's tourist hotspots, the home of the iconic image of the Greek islands – whitewashed, blue-domed buildings clinging to the cliff face with sparkling water in the background. Discover the hilltop ruins of Ancient Thira and its fascinating Prehistoric Museum, as well as the archaeological site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement that gives an insight into how the people here lived before the eruption. Check out the range of restaurants and shops in the island's capital, interchangeably called Thira or Fira. If you have time while you're here, perhaps head to one of Santorini's volcanic beaches, such as Red Beach or the black beaches of Perissa, Vlhada, Perivolos or Agios Georgios. Be sure to try some of the island’s delicious food – the nutrient-filled volcanic soil makes the ingredients grown here full of flavour.

Optional Activities:

  • Santorini - Museum of Prehistoric Thira (10 EUR)
  • Santorini - Volcano & Hot Springs Half Day Trip (by boat) (25 EUR)
  • Santorini - Beer tasting at local brewery (30 EUR)
  • Santorini - Wine museum and wine tasting from (25 EUR)
  • Santorini - Archelogical site of Akrotiri (20 EUR)
  • Santorini - Sunset Cruise & Dinner (90 EUR)
  • Santorini - Semi Private Sunset Catamaran cruise & Dinner (160 EUR)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Santorini
In 1500 BC a volcanic eruption sank the center of Santorini, forming one of the most significant geological formations on the planet – the awe-inspiring caldera. The spectacular natural beauty of this caldera is what makes Santorini such a special place. Today make an excursion along the crater rim, starting in Thira town and walking through little villages all the way to Oia, passing steep cliff faces and experiencing breathtaking views along the way. If you have time, you might also like to take a half-day trip to the island's volcano and hot springs in the centre of the lagoon. Or perhaps visit one of the island’s wineries – the vines here are cultivated in a very unusual way, with the plants being pruned to form a low basket shape that sits on top of the volcanic soil to protect the grapes from strong winds. On the last evening of your adventure, rub shoulders with friendly locals in packed pubs and cafes, sipping a cocktail as you witness a magnificent Santorini sunset.

Included Activities:

  • Santorini - Caldera Rim Hike to Oia

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Santorini
Today your Greek Islands adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. You might want to extend your stay to see all Santorini has to offer. We are happy to book additional accommodation, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $3,925
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Embark on a tour through the Aegean Sea, taking local ferries around the Cyclades Islands. Indulge in a little island hopping and take the time to uncover remote ruins, gorgeous beaches and outstanding scenery.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 20 Apr 2026

View Map

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.0
Miel or maria
Traveled, September 2023

10/06/2023

If you want to be active on your holiday, Intrepid is for you.

4.5
Sarah
Traveled, September 2023

11/03/2023

I had an amazing time on this tour and loved exploring the Greek islands! There was plenty to see and do and I didn't feel it was too rushed as there was time to also do your own thing as well as the included activities. Our group leader, Vasiliki, was amazing and she made the tour much more enjoyable as I felt very happy, comfortable and safe. It was nice to explore the Greek islands for the first time this way (also as a solo traveller) and not have to worry or think too much on what to do or how to get around. Amazing memories and friendships made along the way. Would highly recommend!

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

Book Now