Greece
Athens, Santorini & Mykonos
From the marble of the Acropolis to the white lanes of the Cyclades: a week on the Aegean by ferry
Athens · Piraeus · Santorini · Oia · Mykonos
Overview
This route brings together two faces of Greece: Athens, the heart of the ancient world, and the Cyclades in the deep blue of the Aegean. After two days in Athens we sail from Piraeus to the islands, spending two nights on each so that we can explore without rushing.
In Santorini we see the white villages clinging to the rim of the volcanic caldera and Oia's famous sunset; in Mykonos, the wind-shaped windmills, narrow lanes and waterfront Little Venice. Flights, inter-island ferry tickets, port transfers and a guided Acropolis visit with entry ticket are all included.
We have deliberately left free time on the islands: a caldera boat trip, an excursion to Delos or an afternoon on the beach; the choice is yours. A Turkish-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the journey.
Highlights
- A guided Acropolis visit: the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Caryatids
- The island-like lanes of Plaka and Anafiotika
- A ferry crossing from Piraeus to the Cyclades
- Fira on the caldera rim and sunset in Oia, Santorini
- The windmills and Little Venice in Mykonos
- Optional caldera boat trip and excursion to Delos
Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul – Athens
We meet our guide at Sabiha Gökçen Airport and take a morning AJet flight to Athens. Our city tour takes in the Evzones changing of the guard in front of the Parliament on Syntagma Square, the Panathenaic Stadium that hosted the 1896 Olympics and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. In the late afternoon we stroll the lanes of Plaka and Anafiotika.
Day 2 Athens: the Acropolis
We climb to the Acropolis in the morning before the crowds build. Passing through the Propylaea, we explore the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its Caryatids and the Temple of Athena Nike with our guide, looking down on the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The afternoon is free around Monastiraki and Ermou Street; in the evening you can join an optional sunset trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.
Day 3 Piraeus – Santorini
Early in the morning we transfer to Piraeus and sail by high-speed ferry through the Cyclades to Santorini. After transferring from Athinios port to our hotel, we walk through Fira on the edge of the caldera, gazing out over the Aegean from the volcanic cliffs.
Day 4 Santorini: Caldera and Oia
In the morning, those who wish can take an optional caldera boat trip to the Nea Kameni volcano and the warm waters of Palea Kameni. In the afternoon we head to Oia at the island's northern tip to wander among blue-domed churches and white houses. We end the day with Oia's famous sunset.
Day 5 Santorini – Mykonos
After breakfast we take the ferry to Mykonos. Once settled into our hotel, we explore the boutiques of Matoyianni Street in Mykonos Town, the white Panagia Paraportiani church and the windmills on the hill. In the evening, sunset in Little Venice, where the sea laps against the walls of the houses.
Day 6 Mykonos: Free Day
The day is entirely yours. Take an optional boat trip to UNESCO-listed Delos, one of the great sanctuaries of the ancient world, or enjoy the sea at beaches such as Ornos and Psarou. In the evening, a last stroll through the town's narrow lanes.
Day 7 Mykonos – Piraeus – Athens – Istanbul
In the morning we sail back to Piraeus by ferry. From there we transfer to Athens Airport and take an evening AJet flight to Istanbul at the end of our tour.
Accommodation
In Athens you stay in a 4★ hotel close to the centre, and on Santorini and Mykonos in 3★ boutique hotels reflecting island architecture, all with breakfast. Hotel names are confirmed 7 days before departure.
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Athens4★ hotel close to the city centre
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Santorini3★ boutique hotel in or near Fira
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Mykonos3★ boutique hotel near Mykonos Town
Transport
Flights to and from Athens are scheduled AJet services, and island crossings are by high-speed ferry. Transfers in Athens and on the islands are by coach or minibus.
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Istanbul (SAW)Athens (ATH)
Flight · Morning flight · approx. 1 h 20 min
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PiraeusSantorini
Ferry · High-speed ferry · approx. 5 h
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SantoriniMykonos
Ferry · High-speed ferry · approx. 2 h 30 min
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MykonosPiraeus
Ferry · High-speed ferry · approx. 3 h
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Athens (ATH)Istanbul (SAW)
Flight · Evening flight · approx. 1 h 20 min
Dates & Prices
| Dates | Per person | Single supplement | Child (2–12) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15–21 May 2027 | +€320 | €849 | Available | |
| 5–11 Jun 2027 | +€360 | €899 | Few seats left · Last 7 seats | |
| 11–17 Sep 2027 | €1,049 | +€360 | €899 | Available |
| 25 Sep – 1 Oct 2027 | €999 | +€320 | €849 | Available |
Prices are per person in a double room and subject to availability.
What's Included / Not Included
What's Included
- Return AJet flights Istanbul (SAW) – Athens – Istanbul (SAW) (15 kg baggage)
- 2 nights in a 4★ hotel in Athens and 4 nights in boutique hotels on Santorini and Mykonos
- Daily breakfast at the hotels
- Ferry tickets Piraeus – Santorini – Mykonos – Piraeus (economy seats)
- Guided Acropolis visit with entry ticket
- Athens city tour and guided walks in Santorini and Mykonos
- Airport, port and hotel transfers
- Professional Turkish-speaking tour guide
- Compulsory professional liability insurance
Not Included
- Turkish departure fee (yurt dışı çıkış harcı)
- Schengen visa fee and visa application centre service charge
- Travel health insurance (mandatory for the visa application; can be added)
- Lunches, dinners and drinks
- Optional tours such as the caldera boat trip, Delos excursion and Cape Sounion
- Accommodation tax paid at the hotels (climate resilience fee) and personal expenses
Visa Information Visa Required
Greece is a Schengen country, so Turkish citizens holding ordinary passports need a Schengen visa for this tour. As the tour begins with a flight to Athens, the express visa scheme that operates seasonally on some eastern Aegean islands does not apply to this route. Your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least 3 months (preferably 6 months) after the return date. We recommend applying at least 6–8 weeks before departure; current requirements are confirmed before travel.
Important Information
- Ferry times are set by the operators and may change with wind and sea conditions; if necessary the programme is rearranged with the same content.
- Boutique hotels on the islands may not have lifts and the lanes involve plenty of steps; we recommend a single medium-sized suitcase for ferry transfers.
- Oia gets very busy at sunset; your guide will suggest setting off early to find a good viewpoint.
- The tour operates with a minimum of 16 participants; if this is not reached you will be informed 10 days before departure.
- The child price (ages 2–12) applies when sharing a room with two adults on an extra bed.
Cancellation & Refunds
Bookings are confirmed with a written package tour contract finalised with our adviser. Cancellation charges based on the time remaining before departure, non-refundable items (visa fees, insurance, special-fare flights) and your rights if a tour is cancelled are explained on our Cancellation & Refund Policy page. Tour-specific terms are stated in the contract.
Cancellation & Refund PolicyGallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the ferry tickets included?
Yes. High-speed ferry tickets for Piraeus – Santorini, Santorini – Mykonos and Mykonos – Piraeus are included in economy seating, as are the transfers between the ports and the hotels.
Can I join this tour with an express visa?
No. The express visa scheme only applies seasonally to ferry journeys from Turkish ports to certain eastern Aegean islands. As this tour begins with a flight to Athens, a valid Schengen visa is required.
How much does it cost if I travel alone?
The single room supplement ranges from €320 to €360 depending on the date. As single rooms are limited in the island boutique hotels, we recommend booking early.
Enquire about this tour
Fill in the form for availability, room options and current prices; our adviser will get back to you shortly. No payment is taken on the site.
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