12 Day Best Of Greece & Island Hopping
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
✓ Incredible sightseeing including Athens, Delphi, Meteora, Myknos, Paros, Santorini & more
✓ 5 Day exploration of Greece mainland's highlights
✓ 8 Day Greek islands hopping including Mykonos, Paros & Santorini
✓ Expert english speaking local guides on all included activities
✓ 11 nights in centrally located & comfortable hotels
✓ 12 meals including daily breakfast and 1 dinner
✓ Ferry transport to Mykonos & from Santorini
✓ Athens Airport arrival transfer
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Upon your arrival at Athens international airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Athens has an array of amazing hotels, and this package has the cream of the crop, and we know you will thoroughly enjoy your one night stay in Athens. The rest of the day is at leisure. Visit on your own the famous flea market in Plaka (old town of Athens).
Enjoy a beautiful breakfast at the hotel and get ready to leave via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, before arriving in Delph, to visit the archaeological site. You will have a chance to visit the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios and learn the story of this brave God’s triumph over the dragon that guarded the “Omphalos”. Visit the marble Treasury of the Athenians, built to store the rich offerings of grateful kings. Afterward, you will proceed to the small picturesque city of Kalambaka, passing through beautiful villages and cities of Central Greece, where you will enjoy a delicious included dinner.
After a tasty breakfast in the hotel, get ready to explore Meteora. These unique rock formations, rising high with Christian monasteries built at the top are truly fascinating experiences. Visit the interior part of them, but also enjoy the marvelous views from the top. Return to Athens via Trikala, Lamia. Thermopylae (shortstop to see across the road the Leonida's Monument). After the arrival back to Athens, spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Today, after the luscious breakfast at the hotel, you have the opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guide will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Continue on and pass by the Prime Minister's residence (ex Royal Palace) guarded by the Euzones in their colorful uniform, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian's Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma).
On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally "the harmony between material and spirit", the monument that "puts the order in the mind", the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum.
Today it's an early start as you will be transfered to Athen's port to catch your scenic ferry to Mykonos. Upon arrival at Mykonos port, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. The afternoon is free at leisure to start exploring this cosmopolitan island. Stroll down the whitewashed streets of the Chora (the capital town) and get involved in the Mediterranean spirit by dining in one of the local taverns or drinking your first cocktail at one of the waterfront beach bars.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before enjoying a free day in Mykonos. Perhaps stroll down the Chora streets to begin your Cycladic exploration. The architecture of the narrow marble streets is astonishing and whitewashed houses with colorful doors and window frames, bougainvillea trees in red bloom and hidden churches will spark your curiosity about the Cycladic heritage. Pay a visit to the church of Panagia Paraportiani, the Townhall and the castle situated above the harbour and don’t miss the Archaeological, Folklore and Maritime Museums to take in a little history.
Wander around the pedestrian shopping streets of the Chora. Stop at glamorous Maoyanni Streets to shop at one of the brand name stores or just enjoy a drink at one of the dazzling cafés or restaurants. On the lively waterfront, admire a fleet of fishing boats casting colourful reflections in the azure waters and do not miss Kazarma building, personal residence of Manto Mavrogenous, the heroine of the Greek Revolution. Continue to Ano Mera village. The big square in the middle of the village with all traditional cafe and restaurants and the big marble fountain, the Monastery of Panagia Tourliani with the unique icon of holy Mary, makes Ano Mera the most attractive and traditional village of Mykonos. Lay back and relax at the most famous beaches of the island like Kalafatis, Agios Stefanos and Agios Giannis with the perfect view to Delos, just before returning back at your hotel full of experiences.
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and enjoy the full day at leisure at this Mediterranean paradise. Bask under the healing sunshine and soak up the alluring sights and sounds of a truly enchanting island in the tropics. Lie down on the alluring beach and get seduced by the softness of the golden sand. Alternatively, you can book our optional Delos half-day excursion and explore the antic heritage of this mystical town.
Optional Tour - Delos half-day excursion
Discover myths and legends of Delos. Starting at 10:00 am from a small fishermen port in Mykonos, just after the town hall, where you embark the boat that takes you to this mystical island. If you´ll be lucky some dolphins may accompany your short 30 minutes trip. Delos heritage hides unique mosaics, the ancient theatre, the ancient market places, the sanctuary of Apollo and the famous lions still guarding the sacred birthplace of Apollo. The Delian light and the energy of the site will be an unforgettable memory for your whole life.
Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at your hotel, and then hop on the transfer to the port of Mykonos to catch the hydro boat to Paros. You will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in. This evening is free at leisure on this dazzling island of Paros. Explore and enjoy all that the island has to offer. History and nature combine to make Paros unforgettable.
Start the day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel and enjoy your full day at leisure while exploring Paros and nearby villages. Discover the Marpissa and Prodromos´s curiosity in their interconnected houses, or drive to Parion, where the local Greek family makes traditional yogurt, fresh myzithra and xynomyzithra cheese, and piquant kefalotyri cheese, all produced from local cow’s milk using traditional methods.
Once you cross the Prodromos´s arch, you will be amazed by blazes of colour from the well-tended courtyards full of geraniums, bougainvillea and basil plants and a number of churches built in 16th century style. The mountainous surrounding of Lefkes village offers fascinating views over the island and its charming alleys, typical old Greek houses and traditional tavernas, cafés and shops make this village very scenic and pleasant stopover.
After breakfast at the hotel, get ready for your transfer to the port of Paros to catch the hydro boat to Santorini. Once in Santorini, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in. Rest of the day is at leisure. Lay back and relax at the white long beaches or head out to explore the island´s history and fascinating landscape. Late in the afternoon, you can visit the picturesque, little village of Oia to watch a romantic sunset.
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a full free day to experience this Mediterranean paradise. Stroll down delightful alleys of Santoniri and admire the white Cycladic houses lining the cliff tops. Perhaps, get in touch with history while visiting the Akrotiri site, known also as the Pompeii of Greece. Explore the local viticulture and vineyards, by visiting a Canava, admiring its vineyards and distillery and tasting volcanic wines. Then, get a glimpse of delicious local food. The number of great restaurants is impressive, and the traditional dishes promise to leave you speechless. When the sun comes down do not miss to enjoy the magical sunset from the Oia village. A spectacular view over the volcano and the island of Thirassia from here is absolutely amazing!
As soon as the sun sets, descend to Ammoudi Bay to enjoy a romantic dinner in a restaurant of your preference. Alternatively, you can embark on a sunset cruise and enjoy this romance of sunset wile sailing on the sea. Most of the harbours of the island run regular sunset cruises and it is a sheer delight to be on board and witness the ethereal sunset.
Optional Tour - Aphrodite Boat Sunset tour in Santorini Island.
Includes roundtrip shared transfers, dinner buffet on board. Does not include: drinks and entrance fee to the volcano.
After one last breakfast at your hotel you will be transfered to Santorini Port to board your ferry back to Athens. Your trip finishes on Arrival to Athen's Port. We hope the memories of this trip will stay with you for a lifetime.
Departure Information.
Taxi and transfers from Athens Port to Athens Airport are widely avaialable. A transfer to the airport will cost approximately EUR 50-75 per taxi.
Inspiring Vacations has been globally recognised and awarded for its handling of COVID-19 during the pandemic. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is our highest concern during this time of uncertainty, and we are continuously monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation.
We have adopted the advice of the WHO to ensure all customers can travel with the knowledge of how to travel safely and with confidence.
Australian owned and operated with 100% Australian Customer Service support
We are proudly 100% Australian owned and operated, with our head office located in Melbourne, Victoria. When you make your booking, you will receive dedicated and ongoing support from our team of travel professionals throughout your booking, up until you are due to depart.
Flexible Date Change Option
Book now, change later with our Flexible Date Change option. You may select this $99pp option at time of purchase, giving travellers the flexibility to change your date without penalty (subject to availability, less third party costs incurred, plus any applicable surcharges for the new date selected).
Date change must be requested prior to 90 days before your original selected departure date*. Once inside 90 days of departure, date changes are not permitted.*some packages may have a varied period in which you can request a date change due to limitations with the third-party provider.
Please refer to our 'Book with Confidence' section for terms and conditions.
The Flexible Date Change option does not cover cost incurred for components not fulfilled by Inspiring Vacations or in the event extra services have been booked with Inspiring Vacations outside of the standard package, including but not limited to airfares, pre/post accommodation or insurance.
Cooling off period
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a refund of your initial deposit payment as part of our cooling off period. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7 day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation.
Deposit & Payments
Booking Process
Booking On Request
Accommodation provided throughout this is trip is at 3* properties which are well located, comfortable and offer all amenities to enjoy a relaxing and rewarding stay. However, you can also choose to upgrade to the below 4* properties from an extra AUD $1117 per person
Athens - Hotel Fresh or similar
Kalambaka - Hotel Grand Meteora, Hotel Amalia or similar
Mykonos - Hotel Porto or similar
Paros - Hotel Saint Andrea or similar
Santorini - Hotel El Greco or similar
To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person) -
Mykonos (Day 5) - Guided tour of Delos - AUD $138 per person
Santorini (Day 1) - Aphrodite Boat Sunset Tour -AUD $154 per person
Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on -tour is subject to availability
COVID -19
Due to COVID there maybe disruptions to standard operating schedules of particular components of this itinerary. Should a component be affected a substitute will be confirmed prior to departure.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard.
Single Supplement
A Single Supplement is available on this tour. Select 'book now' and choose 1 passenger to show the single supplement for this tour.
Triple Share
Not Available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including, e -tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
Group size varies from package to package. Depending on the services provided, the group size might range from private 2 person experiences up to coaches of 60 people depending on your selected holiday.
Tour Style
Partially Escorted - A section of this itinerary is Independent. We have arranged your transportation, accommodation and activities. During this time you will joined by other non Inspiring Vacations travelers. The cruise portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by expert ship's staff and by local leaders during off shore excursions.
Children
Children must share a room with parents at all times and are charged the same price as adults.
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