Athens, Naxos & Santorini Adventure
The ancient capital of Athens, then 2 of the magical Greek Isles: Naxos & Santorini; travel independently with flights, hotel & ferry included.
Overview
Style | Independent PackageThese un-escorted packages have no set schedule or guides, so you have the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own from your centrally-located hotel. More of these packages
Freedom to explore at your own pace; unescorted |
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Departures | May – September 2025 | ||
Activity Level | Easy | ||
What to Expect | This leisurely-paced, independent tour requires minimal walking and is suitable for most levels of physical fitness. This tour does not include a tour guide or escort. Travel safely and confidently with our new health & safety protocols. | ||
Already booked? | Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more. |
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Discover the magic of Athens and the Greek Isles of Naxos and Santorini. This tour is designed for the independent traveler that loves to spend their days exploring the ancient secrets of the Greek islands or basking on the sun-splashed Mediterranean beaches. Spend the evenings dining, dancing and enjoying everything the islands have to offer.
Spend two nights in Athens, exploring the magnificent ancient ruins, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Propylea, and the temple of Athena Nike. Then, begin your Greek island-hopping adventure on the breathtaking island of Naxos. Explore the island’s winding stone alleys and discover numerous castles, temples, churches and more. Then set off on a high-speed ferry for Santorini, the Greek island famous for rugged landscapes, whitewashed houses, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques that cling to steep cliffs. Wherever you explore on the island, enjoy the spectacular views as the sun sets behind the caldera.
Package includes
- Flights
- Transfers
- Hotel
- Meals
- Round trip flights from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) via scheduled carriers, including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees, with other gateways available on request
- 8 nights in Deluxe and Superior First Class hotels
- 8 breakfasts
- Athens City Tour
- All transfers
- Ferries between Athens, Naxos and Santorini
- Return flight from Santorini
Optional add-ons
- Flights from other cities are available. Request pricing when making your reservation.
- Optional tour of Cape Sounion
Why you'll love it
- Visit the Acropolis, the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion.
- Board a high speed ferry to the gorgeous island of Naxos, the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades.
- Spend two days exploring Naxos, admiring the Portara and the ancient stone castle of Kastro, or relaxing on the beach at Plaka or Agios Prokopios.
- Enjoy Santorini's rugged landscapes, whitewashed houses, open-air cafes and glittering boutiques.
- Explore Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia.
- Take an optional boat cruise to Nea Kameni and visit the still active volcano.
Itinerary at a Glance
- 1 Depart USA
- 2 Athens
- 3 Athens
- Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion, $55
- 4 Athens & Naxos
- 5 Naxos
- 6 Naxos
- 7 Naxos & Santorini
- 8 Santorini
- 9 Santorini
- 10 Depart Santorini/Arrive USA
Dates & Prices
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Depart USA
- Check in for your overnight flight to Athens, Greece
Day 2 Athens
- Arrive in Athens, where you'll be met and escorted to your hotel
- Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar
Full Day ItineraryArrive today in Athens. Our representative will meet you and then escort you to your hotel, centrally located near Constitution Square and the famous Plaka (Old Town). Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization, once hailed as the Paris of the Mediterranean, is now a bustling modern city, a colorful tapestry of Eastern and Western influences, full of outdoor cafes, pedestrian streets, parks, gardens, street bazaars, dilapidated mansions, and ancient ruins.
Day 3 Athens
- Enjoy a half day of sightseeing in Athens
- Spend the afternoon exploring the city independently, or join an optional excursion
Royal Olympic Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryWitness the striking contrast between the breathtaking monuments of a glorious past and elegant modern structures during your tour of Athens. Visit the Acropolis, the crowning beauty and glory of Ancient Athens, with its many monuments atop its rocky base, including the awesome Parthenon, the Propylea, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, with its Porch of Maidens.
Drive to the Roman Temple of Olympic Zeus, the Panathinaikon Stadium (site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896), and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square. See views of government buildings and elegant structures of the 19th century. Drive along Panepistimiou Avenue and view the Catholic Cathedral, the Academy, the University, and the National Library. Conclude your tour with a visit to the new Acropolis Museum, a marvel of architecture with an entire exhibition of the glory of Ancient Athens.
This afternoon, explore Athens on your own or join an optional excursion.
Optional Excursion: Cape Sounion, $55Drive along the coastal road past countless coves and the beautiful beaches of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, and Varkiza to Cape Sounion. Dominated by the spectacular Temple of Poseidon, the sanctuary at Sounion is one of Attica's most important archaeological sites. Although evidence suggests that the site dates back to the prehistoric period, the sanctuary is first mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, where Menelaos stopped during his return from Troy to bury his helmsman, Phrontes Onetorides. Learn about this area's rich history as you take in stunning views of the Aegean on this fascinating optional excursion.
Day 4 Athens & Naxos
- Transfer via high speed ferry to Naxos
- Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring Naxos
Kavuras Village Hotel or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, you'll be transferred to the port of Piraeus to board a high-speed ferry to the gorgeous island of Naxos, the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades. Its high mountains and lush, fertile valleys are dotted with charming traditional villages. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to the hotel for check-in. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Full Day ItinerarySpend two days independently enjoying the island of Naxos. Stroll through the town of Naxos, also known as Chora, with its winding stone and narrow arched alleys. Admire the Portara, the magnificent marble gate still standing as testimony to the grandeur of the Temple of Apollo, built in the 6th century B.C.E., and perhaps the most recognizable landmark of Naxos.
Be amazed by the ancient stone castle of Kastro. Explore the numerous castles, temples, churches, and archaeological sites that dot the island. Or, if you prefer, relax on the beach at Plaka or Agios Prokopios or go scuba diving and admire the reefs and shipwrecks below the surface.
Day 6 Naxos
- Spend another full day exploring Naxos at your own pace
Kavuras Village Hotel or similar Breakfast
Day 7 Naxos & Santorini
- Transfer via high speed ferry to Santorini
- Spend the balance of the day exploring Santorini at leisure
Santorini Palace or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryThis morning, transfer to the port of Naxos for your ferry to the island of Santorini. Upon arrival at the port of Thira, you will be met and transferred to your hotel on the cliff-side of Santorini, facing the famous Caldera. The balance of the day is at leisure. This striking island is a volcanic crater immersed in the sea. The island is renowned for its breathtaking and rugged landscapes, whitewashed houses, open-air cafes, and glittering boutiques that cling to cliffs, accessible by foot, cable car, or mule.
Day 8 Santorini
- Spend a full day at leisure enjoying Santorini
Santorini Palace or similar Breakfast
Full Day ItineraryYou will have two days to enjoy the island of Santorini independently. Visit the bustling town of Fira or even the smaller villages of Firostefani, Imerovigli, and Oia. Or, take an optional boat cruise to Nea Kameni and visit the still-active volcano. Wherever you go, enjoy the spectacular views as the sun sets behind the caldera.
Day 9 Santorini
- Spend another full day exploring Santorini at your own pace
Santorini Palace or similar Breakfast
Day 10 Depart Santorini/Arrive USA
- Bid farewell to Greece as you board your flight home
- Arrive in the USA later today
Breakfast
Hotels
In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.
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Trip Details
- What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
- Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
- Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
- Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
- Should I purchase travel insurance? Yes! We recommend you purchase travel insurance to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. For your convenience, we offer a plan provided by Travelex Insurance Services.
- What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
- What should I know about Greece? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.