Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete

with Athens extension

Duration: 14 or 16 days
Group size: 15-30
Reviews: 313

Take in the rich culture and history of Greece’s storied islands.

It’s nearly impossible to get a true taste of Greek culture without sampling its flavorful isles. Experience the relaxed lifestyle and vibrant locals that color all the islands, discovering the character and history unique to each locale. Absorb Hellenic heritage in ancient Athens before soaking in Crete’s legendary landscapes. Cruise on the Aegean to the volcanic shores of Santorini and anchor on the beaches of lively Mykonos.

Your tour package includes

12 nights in handpicked hotels
12 breakfasts
5 dinners with beer or wine
3 guided sightseeing tours
Expert Tour Director & local guides

Included highlights

Acropolis
Parthenon
windmills in Mykonos Town
Akrotiri excavations
village of Pyrgos

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Day-by-day itinerary

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Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Athens today.

Athens3 nights

Day 2: Arrival in Athens

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Greece! Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner tonight.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Athens

Included meal: Breakfast

A local guide introduces you to the highlights of this bustling ancient capital, home to the world’s first democracy.

Pass by the Olympic Stadium, Syntagma Square, and the Arch of Hadrian
View the sixth-century Temple of Zeus
See the classically inspired Old Royal Palace, home of the Hellenic Parliament, and drive through the Plaka district
Set off on a walking tour around the ancient Acropolis, site of the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion

Enjoy a free afternoon in Athens or add an excursion.

Cape Sounion

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 4: Free day in Athens

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Athens or add an excursion.

Delphi

Excursion (additional cost)

Mykonos3 nights

Day 5: Transfer to Mykonos

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel by ferry to Mykonos, and follow your Tour Director on an orientation of Mykonos Town when you arrive.

See the iconic windmills in Mykonos Town, built as early as the 16th century
View Little Venice, the charming neighborhood right along the Aegean Sea
Pass the Church of Panagia Paraportiani and admire its unique architecture

Later, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 6: Free day in Mykonos

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Mykonos soaking up the sun and unique island culture, or add an excursion.

Mykonos Cooking Demonstration & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 7: Free day in Mykonos

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy another day exploring Mykonos at your leisure or add an excursion.

Delos

Excursion (additional cost)

Santorini3 nights

Day 8: Transfer to Santorini

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a ferry to Santorini, then enjoy free time to discover the island’s volcanic black-sand beaches, cliff-lined shores, and stunning whitewashed architecture.

Sit down to an included dinner with your group this evening.

Day 9: Sightseeing tour of Santorini

Included meal: Breakfast

Today, take in the local sights on a guided tour of Santorini.

Visit the prehistoric settlements that were unearthed during the archaeological excavations at Akrotiri
Ride to the top of Mount Profitis Ilias for panoramic views of the whole island
Stop in the small, picturesque village of Pyrgos

Enjoy a free evening in Santorini or add an excursion.

Santorini Caldera Cruise & Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 10: Free day in Santorini

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Santorini or add an excursion.

Greek Wine Tasting & Lunch

Excursion (additional cost)

Crete2 nights

Day 11: Transfer to Crete

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This afternoon, take a ferry to Crete, the largest of the Greek islands.

Later, sit down to an included dinner with your group.

Day 12: Free day in Crete

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a full free day in Crete or add an excursion.

Chania

Excursion (additional cost)

Athens1 night

Day 13: Sightseeing tour of Heraklion & transfer to Athens

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

Before returning to Athens, enjoy a guided tour of Heraklion.

Visit the ruins of Knossos, where King Minos imprisoned the Minotaur in a labyrinth, according to the myth
See the Heraklion Archaeological Museum

This afternoon, fly to Athens to say goodbye to your group at a farewell dinner.

Flight Home

Day 14: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or extend your stay to continue exploring Athens.

Extension to Athens

Extend your adventure in Athens, an ancient capital where awe-inspiring history mingles with the present day.

Athens2 nights

Day 14: Free day in Athens

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Athens or add an excursion.

Athens Home-Hosted Dinner

Excursion (additional cost)

Day 15: Free day in Athens

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy another free day in Athens or add an excursion.

Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers to enjoy a farewell drink.

Corinth Canal, Epidaurus & Mycenae

Excursion (additional cost)

Flight Home

Day 16: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

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Reviews

4.7 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Great sampling of the Greek Islands and Athens.

10/28/2019 by 3rd time traveler Ralph L.

We just got back from our tour of Athens and the Greek Islands. Go Ahead did a great job of showing us the best of Athens , Mykonos, Santorini and Crete. I also must say of was very pleased with the hotels selected by Go Ahead and I am very picky about hotels. They were of best of any escorted to...

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10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Nenita B.

The whole trip was great. Our free time gave us time to explore areas that was not in our itinerary and time to shop too. But i find it strange that our tour leader does not dine with us or go us in all our excursions. Overall the trip was a wonderful experience ..

Definitely a must do!!

10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Kimberly C.

This was my first international tour and I couldn't be more pleased! We visited Athens, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete. Absolutely beautiful and interesting!! The tour director was amazing as were the guides and drivers. The group of 26 quickly felt like old friends. We had such a blast!! I highly re...

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The Greek Islands

10/28/2019 by 2nd time traveler Gail S.

I had a wonderful time on this tour. The hotels were great, the food was delicious and the tours were fun. I booked the extra excursions and enjoyed every one. Our tour director, Dina was the best. She was attentive, knowledgeable and kind. The staff, waiters and waitresses, vendors and locals were...

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Best trip!

10/28/2019 by 9th time traveler Maida M.

This was one of the best go-ahead trips that we have taken. Greece was amazing..... great food, great people, beautiful country. Our tour director, Dina, was excellent. She worked hard to make our group feel like family. I would recommend this tour to anyone!

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

Saint George Lycabettus Hotel

This boutique hotel is located in the Kolonaki neighborhood in central Athens. Guests enjoy a screening room, rooftop pool, and spa. Nearby, you’ll fi...

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San Antonio Summerland

This seaside hotel is located in Mykonos Town. Guests enjoy individually controlled air conditioning, free Wi-Fi. Nearby, you'll find the windmills, M...

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El Greco Resort

This beautiful hotel is located in Fira. Guests enjoy a spa, pool, and restaurant. Nearby, you’ll find Fira’s shops and restaurants, Monolithos beach,...

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Hotel Galaxy Iraklio

Respectful of its successful history and privileged position in the pantheon of the country’s most important tourist contributors, the Galaxy Hotel Ir...

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Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

Local weather

Athens, Greece

Weather averages

Today
High 92°F Low 73°F

Heraklion, Greece

Weather averages

Today
High 85°F Low 70°F

Mykonos, Greece

Weather averages

Today
High 80°F Low 74°F

FAQ

Print FAQ

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Greece, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens traveling to Greece.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1.5 hours daily across uneven terrain, including paved roads and cobblestone streets, with steep hills and stairs.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of ferries.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation & arrival information

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Athens. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Ferry rides between Athens and Mykonos, Mykonos and Santorini, and Santorini and Crete, as well as a flight from Heraklion to Athens, are included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include ferries or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
Please note that you may need to handle your own baggage during ferry transfers.

Clothing & packing tips

We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
It is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to any of the countries on this tour.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website atcdc.gov.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
Please note that codeine (commonly found in headache medications) is banned in Greece, and you may face prosecution if you bring it into the country.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in too your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

Greece’s warm climate ensures a constant supply of fresh, high-quality fruits, and vegetables. Salads served with aromatic olive oil, feta cheese, and oregano are plentiful. Simple grilled fish and meat are integral to Greek cuisine, as well as squid and octopus. Don't miss the spinach and cheese pies, called_spanakopita_.

Electricity & air conditioning

Greece operates on the European standard 220-240 volts and uses Types C, E, or F plugs with two small, round pins.
We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other device without a built-in converter.
The strength of the air conditioning in European hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
Your hotel may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. However, these amenities cannot be guaranteed.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Greece is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and seven hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York, it’s 7pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the euro on this tour.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.

Purchasing excursions on tour

Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for optional excursions.
Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.

Dates & prices

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20202021

Starts

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2020