The Jewels of the Aegean Sea - Island Hopping

Day 01 Saturday: Athens

Arrival at Athens International Airport and transfer to your hotel.The rest of the day is at leisure. We suggest, in the evening, to visit the Old Plaka District with its vibrant atmosphere, stroll its narrow streets with its various souvenir stores, cafes, old fashion Greek Taverns and nightlife. Dinner at your Hotel.

Day 02 Sunday: Athens - Mykonos

After breakfast we depart with our professional tour guide for a panoramic City Tour, driving by the most important sites of Athens such as the Panathinaikon Stadium, cradle of the first Olympic Games that took place in 1896. We will Pass by the Prime Minister's residence, the Ex Royal Palace (guarded by colourful guards wearing their traditional costumes - Evzones) and the Zappeion Megaron. Proceed passing by the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus continuing passing by the National Garden, the Hadrian's Arc, St. Paul's Church, the Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Schliemann's House (Numismatic Museum), the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, the University, the National Library, the Old Parliament, the Constitution Square, the Russian Orthodox Church,and continuing with a visit to the Parthenon atop the Acropolis, the most recognized symbol of ancient Greece and one of the world's greatest cultural monuments. On top of the Acropolis we will visit the Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens and we will walk passing the Herodion and Dionyson Theater. We continue for a visit of the National Archaeological Museum which is considered one of the richest Museums of the world. Following our lunch we will board our bus for a drive to the port of Rafina where we will go on board our Ferry to sail to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, passing by the islands of Andros and Tinos. Upon arrival, our escort will be meeting us at the port and escort us to the hotel with a private bus.- Optional night life with city walking tour including dinner & drinks.

Day 03 Monday: Mykonos

This morning after breakfast at the hotel we will board our bus for a Panoramic Tour of the island. We will start from the beach of Aghios Ioannis with the picturesque little church - one of the 400 or more such little churches on the island - then we will pass by Ornos beach, San Stefano beach and Tourlos harbor before we head out to the most distant beaches of Kalafatis and Santa Anna. On the way back we will visit the village of Ano Mera well known for the monastery of Panagia Tourliani and the typical little square with Taverns and Cafes. After visiting the monastery we will drive to the Mykonian Spiti - a traditional Mykonian house,  where you will enjoy a traditional lunch - stuffed tomatoes and peppers, spinach pie and the the famous "tzatziki" followed with wine and ouzo. After lunch we will go into town for a stroll in the small narrow streets visiting Manto Mavrogenous square, the unique church of Paraportiani and the lovely Little Venice the views to the magnificent Windmills overlooking the sea. The buildings, are constructed according to the Cycladic architectural style have a special urban interest as well as the maze-like narrow streets with their outdoor white and blue stairs result in an unbelievable beautiful aesthetic unity. Many souvenir and jewellery shops, cafes and restaurants by the sea provide an atmosphere that is one you will never forget. - Optional night life with dinner and drinks.

Day 04 Tuesday: Delos - Santorini

Today, after breakfast at the hotel we will be transferred to the old port of Mykonos to sail to Delos island for a visit of the most important archaeological site of the Eastern Mediterranean. Our local representative will care for the luggage storage till the time of our departure to Santorini island. Once on the island we will meet our professional guide which will take us through the entire ancient city with its market places the public squares, the Temple of Apollo, the sanctuary of Artemis the old city & the amphitheater and walk down the celebrated Lion Street. We will also visit the museum of Delos and admire the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman Sculptures, a collection of vessels from all the periods as well as small items used in the every day life of the inhabitants. Last of all, next to the Museum there is a coffee shop, where one can take a break and relax before heading back to the boat for the return trip to Mykonos. Once at the port of Mykonos we will be transferred to the Ferry Boat which will take us to the island of Santorini passing by the picturesque islands of Paros, Naxos and Ios. Once we reach Santorini and transferred to our hotel where we will have an opportunity for a swim at the sea before our dinner at the hotel.- Optional nightlife, including walk at Fira and the Caldera.

Day 05 Wednesday: Santorini

After breakfast at the hotel we will meet our escort and our bus which will transfer us to the port of Athinios where we will board our excursion.The first stop is at the islet of Nea Kameni, which is the Volcano of Santorini. There, you will have the opportunity to walk to the crater of the still active, but dormant Volcano, 127 meters above the sea level, which last erupted in 1950.After 1,5 hour the boat leaves the Volcano and heads to the small islet of Palaia Kameni or Hot Springs, as it is better known, which was formed through the centuries by several Volcanic eruptions. Along the coastline of the isle there are many hot springs, and you have 30 minutes to swim in the warm yellow-green waters which are considered to have healing powers.The next stop is at Thirassia, the second largest island after Santorini in the Caldera. The island, located opposite of Santorini, is quiet and unaffected by the large numbers of tourists arriving every day. Here, you will have 2 hours free time to explore the island and swim in the crystal clear waters. Optional lunch at traditional Tavern of Thirassia with a majestic view of the caldera.After Thirassia you may choose to return to Athinios port (Fira) or proceed with the same boat to the traditional port of Ammoudi, from where you take approximately 300 stairs to Oia village or climb to the Oia village by donkey (payable on spot). In Oia you can explore the traditional settlement, wander in the narrow streets, admire the unique architecture, blending large Venetian houses and small cave homes, and of course watch the world's famous sunset. After the sunset, the buses will be waiting in the parking area to return you to the hotel for dinner- Optional nightlife, including walk at Fira and Caldera.

Day 06 Thursday: Santorini - Crete

After breakfast at the hotel, you have leisure time for swimming. You may choose an optional Tour to Akrotiri Archaeological Site where you will also have the opportunity to admire the famous breathtaking nearby Red Beach of Santorini. In the afternoon we check-out our hotel and head to the port. On the way we will visit a Winery, as wine is the leading product of the island and is directly intertwined with the history of Santorini. Once at the Winery, we will see up and close the manufacturing and the product that only the volcanic soil of Santorini offers. We will also have the opportunity to taste the wine of the Winery. After the Winery visit, the bus will take us to the port of Athinios where we will board the Ferry and sail to Heraklion town in the island of Crete. Once at Heraklion we will be transferred to our hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 07 Friday: Crete - Athens

This morning after our breakfast at the hotel we will meet our tour guide, we will board the bus and drive to Rethymno. This city is blessed with beauty, decorated with renaissance colours and the inhabitants are well known for their hospitality and the traditional way of life. The old town, full of small houses embraced by the magical atmosphere, the spectacular stronghold named ''Fortetza'' and a walk along the longest beach of Crete, are sights you don't have to miss. After lunch we will continue to the City of Chania for a walk by the Venetian harbour. On our way back to Heraklion before returning to the city we will stop at Knossos and visit this highly important Archaeological site. This is where European civilization began, an era ruled by powerful Kind Minos, a place full of myths and legends (Theseus, the Minotaur and the Labyrinth). The layout of the palace was so complicated that the courtiers needed a plan to move though it. Flourishing between 3,000BC and 1,400BC when it strangely disappeared, only to be discovered again in 1878 by Minos Kalokairinos a Cretan merchant and antiquarian.After Kalokairinos, several people attempted to continue the work, and Heinrich Schliemann had previously showed an interest but it was not until March 16, 1900 that archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, an English gentleman of independent means, was able to purchase the entire site and conduct massive excavations. After the tour of the archaeological site of Knossos, we will return to the Port of Heraklion for embarkation on our Ferry. Enjoy an inside cabin while sailing to Piraeus where you have the option to enjoy your a la carte dinner at the ship's main restaurant.

Day 08 Saturday: Athens

Our Ferry Boat will arrive at Piraeus where our escort will meet us and the bus will transfer us to the BBT Athens Transit Lounge for Buffet breakfast. Depending on the departure time, luggage storage will be provided for the ones who wish to spend time in the city or in the Shopping Mall next door before the transfer to the airport.

• 4 nights on 4* Hotel on HB basis

• 2 nights on 4* Hotel on BB basis

• Air - conditioned coach transportation

• Breakfast daily at the Hotels

• Transfer from the Airport to the Hotel (Arrival)

• All transfers needed in Athens

• Lunch at restaurant in Plaka - Athens

• All transfers in Mykonos

• Lunch at Mykonian Spiti including unlimited Wine and Ouzo - Mykonos

• Half day excursion to Delos Island with professional guide, including transfers

• Boat trip tickets to Delos Island

• All transfers in Santorini

• Guided Tour on the islet on Nea Kameni, the Volcano of Santorini

• Guided tour at the Winery

• Taste of four different kinds of wine at the Winery

• All transfers in Crete

• Lunch in a local restaurant in Rethymno - Crete

• Accomodation on the Ferry Crete - Athens on Double Inside Cabin (Last night)

• Breakfast at the Olympia Conference Hall (Last day)

• Transfer from the Olympia Conference Hall to the Airport (Departure)

• Tour escort throughout the Tour, except on the Ferry boats

• Professional tour guide at the Archaeological site of Acropolis and at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens

• Professional tour guide at the Archaeological site of Knossos - Crete

• All ferry boat tickets: Athens - Mykonos / Mykonos - Santorini / Santorini - Crete / Crete - Athens

• VAT and all legal taxes included

• Entrance fees to the archaelogical sites and museums

• Drinks and beverages during meals – Except the lunch at the Mykonian Spiti

• Gratuities

• Porterage service

• Anything that is not specified in the program as included

The entrance fees, that are not included in the above rates, are the following:

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