Discounted

Highlights of the Greek Islands

Greece - Trip code GI Discovery
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297Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Explore the Grecian greats on this week-long tour of the Cyclades Islands. From the cosmopolitan bustle of Athens to the ancient riches of Naxos and the breathtaking sunsets of Santorini, our Greek island highlights holiday ticks off all the bucket-list sites. Along the way, get a taste for island life with visits to a heritage distillery and plenty of pit stops at tavernas, too.

Why we love this trip
  • Visit Athens - Discover the icons of the historic capital city, including the Acropolis.
  • Island hop - Cross the blue waters to explore the Cyclades Islands of Naxos and Santorini.
  • Go with the flow - Follow the pace of island life, soaking up the local atmosphere (and a couple of stunning sunsets).
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 7

    Dinner: 1

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

    Ferry

    Public Bus

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    Accommodation

    7 nights comfortable hotel

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    Trip pace:

    Moderate

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    Group Size:

    Trip maximum 16
    Explore average 11

Itinerary

Day 1 - Join tour in Athens

Our tour of the Greek islands starts in Athens. Combining the ancient and modern world, the centre of Athens is surprisingly compact. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to visit one of the cafes in the colourful Psyrri district which offer traditional Greek cuisine such as scrumptious aubergines, tomatoes and cheese washed down with ouzo or raki. There are traditional rustic tavernas in the well-known Plaka area at the foot of the Acropolis, too.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader will meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm and for those that wish, there'll be the chance to go out for dinner. Due to a number of flights arriving into Athens later in the evening, our welcome meeting will take place on day two - details will be left in the hotel reception.

There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Athens at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Athens International Airport (ATH), which is about a one-hour drive from the hotel.

Our time in Athens on this highlights trip is limited, if you can spare more time why not consider extending your trip by arriving a couple of days earlier.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: None

Day 2 - Walking tour of Athens including the Acropolis, evening ferry to Naxos

Heading out on foot, this morning we'll visit the Plaka district, just a short walk from our hotel, to soak up the atmosphere of the old town. Here, the streets are lined with atmospheric tavernas, their tables spilling out onto the narrow, cobbled streets, and traders selling all kinds of specialties. Climbing up from Plaka to the Acropolis, we'll pass through the Anafiotika district, where the architecture is more in keeping with Cyclades than the Greek capital.

We'll have a guided tour of the Acropolis. Deservedly named one of the wonders of the ancient world, the Acropolis is made up of the Temple of Athena Nike, Pericles and the Parthenon Tower and the Erechtheion (the monument most venerated by the ancient Athenians themselves).

Once we've taken in the ancient icons, we'll collect our bags from our hotel and drive to Piraeus harbour for our ferry to Naxos. We'll depart at 5.30pm and the crossing to the island takes around five hours. Onboard, we have reserved seats but feel free to head out on deck to take in the sea air or grab a drink at the bar.

Naxos is the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades Island group, covering an area of around 430 square kilometres, with tranquil beaches, ancient ruins and mountainous villages.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 3 - Free morning, afternoon tour of Naxos town

The morning is free to relax at our hotel. Read a book in the garden courtyard, take a dip in the jacuzzi, or take a stroll on Agios Georgios Beach.

This afternoon, we'll head out to explore Naxos town on foot. At the entrance to the harbour sits the grand Portara marble gate, the doorway of the Temple of Apollo, that has greeted visitors for over 2500 years. The town itself is a mix of whitewashed houses and medieval Venetian mansions, with the fortified 'kastro' (castle) occupying a prominent position overlooking the bay. Our tour leader will show us around the network of alleyways and courtyards, as well as making recommendations for eating out in town. We'll return to our hotel along the promenade alongside Grotta beach.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 4 - Explore foothills of Mount Zas (Mount Zeus), visit Vallindras distillery

Heading inland, this morning we'll drive to a small chapel at the foot of Mt. Zas. Situated at over 500 meters, the air here is noticeably cooler and is a welcome escape from the summer heat.

We'll explore on foot, heading to the village of Apiranthos along the foothills of Mt. Zas (also known as Mount Zeus), the highest mountain in the Cyclades Island group. Along the way, we'll make a stop at the amazingly well-preserved Fotodoti Monastery before continuing to Apiranthos. In total we'll cover just over five kilometres but if you'd rather not walk, there's the option to drive to Apiranthos and re-join the group for lunch.

Apiranthos is a charming village, far removed from the crowds of the beaches along the coast; with the most Cretan influence of all the interior villages of the island. The village square is surrounded by cafes and tavernas looking out to the terraced valley below, making it an idyllic spot to have a leisurely lunch. After we've refuelled, there should hopefully be time to visit the village museum.

Returning to Naxos town, this afternoon we'll make a stop at the Vallindras distillery, known for its distinctive citron liqueur. Now in their fifth generation, the Vallindras family continues the tradition of producing their fragrant liqueur, which is made from the leaves of citrus fruits grown on the islands' fertile slopes. We'll have a tour of the distillery followed by a tasting.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 5 - Free morning, afternoon ferry to Santorini

This morning is free to relax or explore a little more of Naxos at your own pace. Once we've checked out of our hotel, we'll head back to the port of Naxos to catch the lunch-time ferry to Santorini - a crossing of two and a half hours.

The posterchild of Greece's tranquil islands, Santorini (or Thira as the island is also known) is renowned for its natural beauty. It's the most southerly of the Cycladic Islands and is perhaps most famous for its whitewashed churches with blue-domed roofs. It's also an area of particular interest to those keen on the Lost Atlantis legend.

Formerly a huge volcano, Santorini's centre disappeared in an enormous explosion in around 1450 BC. The area of the explosion now forms a lagoon where some believe that the city of Atlantis remains, having been destroyed by the eruption and swept into the waters. Records show that the eruption did overwhelm the Minoan settlements at Akrotiri as well as those on Crete.

We'll check in to our hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure. Our hotel is on the beachfront and has a large swimming pool to cool off in. It's located in the village of Kamari, which is around a 20-minute drive from Santorini's main town, Fira. Local buses depart frequently from the hotel if you'd like to head into town.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 6 - Coastal walk from Thira to Oia, Santorini

This morning, we'll take in the island's natural beauty on a coastal walk from Thira to Oia. We've graded the walk as moderate and it's expected to take us around three to four hours, covering ten kilometres.

We'll hop on a local bus to our starting point before joining the path which goes along the lip of a caldera, giving great views out to sea and of the surrounding countryside. Halfway through the walk, there's the option to stop at a coffee shop for refreshments.

The town of Oia, on the northwestern tip of Santorini, is built along a rocky stretch of coastline and is one of the most photogenic spots on the island. It has an age-old seafaring culture and there are two types of houses here - the whitewashed cave houses that are dug into the volcanic rock in the cliffside and the captain houses above ground where the upper-class ship owners once lived.

Oia has a host of taverns and cafes and it's well worth spending time here before getting the bus back to our hotel in time to witness the famous Santorini sunset.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Day 7 - Full day in Santorini, wine tasting and sunset dinner cruise

This morning we'll enjoy a local wine tasting at Artemis-Karamolegos Winery in Exogonia, the island is best known for its delicious white wines. The middle of the day is left free to explore the island a little more at your own pace.

In the late afternoon, we'll head to the port of Athinios and board a shared sailing boat. The captain will take us to the best spots to enjoy the vistas of the Caldera and the Volcano. A delicious buffet dinner is served onboard and, before the sun starts to dip into the water, the captain will bring the boat to the prime viewing spot to capture it in all of its glory. After the sunset, we'll sail back to Athinios port, where we'll be met and taken back to our hotel.

Accommodation:

Grade: Comfortable Hotel

Single room available

Swimming pool available

Meals Provided: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 8 - Trip ends in Santorini

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Santorini.

There are no activities planned today, so you're free to depart from Santorini at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Santorini Airport (JTR), which is about a 15-minute drive, depending on traffic.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Trip information

Climate and country information

Greece

Climate

Greece has such a vast geographical difference between the mainland and the islands, and travel is possible at all times of year but the climate can vary depending on when you go. During late spring or early autumn, in the months of April-May or September-October, temperatures are warm and pleasant, usually hovering around 77 degrees. Rainfall is low, but can be erratic during these months. Cooler evenings take the heat off the day. If you have booked a walking holiday, wild flowers bloom during the spring, adding color to the hiking trails. Summers are hot and dry, with plenty of sunshine and little rain. Temperatures can go north of 95 degrees in July and August. On the islands, restaurants and bars may be busy with cruise ship passengers. While this period definitely gives you a ‘summer holiday’ feeling, those wishing to explore Greece’s ancient sites may find the heat challenging. When traveling in winter, from late November to early March, the villages will be very quiet. Temperatures in Athens at this time are around 50 and 60 degrees, while the nights will be colder. Hotels in northern Greece in particular are well adapted to deal with cold winters, having proper heating and warm fires to retreat to after a day of exploring. This makes it a good destination for travel between November-March.

Time difference to GMT

+2

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Orthodox

Language

Greek

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


A selection of optional activities are listed below to help you budget for your trip, please note that some of the walks and boat trips will be weather dependent, trips departing in the early season (in particular in April) are more likely to be effected.

Athens:
On the afternoon of day two you may like to do the following:
Acropolis Museum entrance €15.00 per person
National Archaeological Museum entrance €12.00 per person
Olympic Stadium entrance €10.00 per person
Trams - 24 hour ticket costs €4.10 per operson

If you are a student or over 65, please carry ID for half price museum entrance fees.


only cash accepted

Clothing

July and August are the hottest months though the islands are freshened by cooling sea breezes, and so lightweight cotton clothing is ideal. Earlier or later in the season it's best to be prepared for drops in temperature and the odd shower, so we recommend wearing layers and taking a lightweight raincoat and an umbrella. A warm sweater will also help to fend off the unexpected chilling wind that on occasion races across the open deck of the ferries between the islands.

Women wearing trousers or shorts are not permitted to enter monasteries, so please bring a skirt and ensure your shoulders are covered should you wish to visit any.

Footwear

Lightweight walking boots (especially for volcanoes as flip flops melt) or stout shoes with good ankle support for island walks and sandals or trainers for relaxing.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of luggage and a day pack. You will have to carry your own luggage on and off ferries. Not many of the hotels used have lifts, and porters are not always available so don't overload yourself.

Equipment

We recommend taking a water bottle, sunhat, sunglasses, torch (in case of emergencies), sun cream and insect repellent with you. You may also find walking poles useful for our included and optional walks, as the terrain can be uneven underfoot. You should also bring swimwear and a towel.

In Greece sink plugs aren't always provided in hotel rooms, so we would suggest bringing your own.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £15 to £20 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £15 of local currency for tipping.

In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Greece

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Dinner price
£12.00 - 16.00
Beer price
£3.5
Water price
£0.9
Foreign Exchange
Local currency
Euro
Recommended Currency For Exchange
GBP Sterling or US Dollars, cash.
Where To Exchange
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Currency Exchange locations are generally only found in major cities and large airports
ATM Availability
Cash can be drawn from ATMs from all types of cards in most areas in Greece, including the islands.
Credit Card Acceptance
In major restaurants.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat, Ferry, Public Bus

Accommodation notes

During our time in Athens, we'll stay close to the city centre, just a 15-minute walk away from the Acropolis and the Plaka Quarter. The breakfast buffet includes products from the Mediterranean including seasonal fresh fruits, cereals, scrambled eggs, honey, cakes, bread rolls with olives, raisins or multi-grains, croissants, and hot and cold beverages.
In Naxos, we'll stay in town, just a few metres from the beach and a ten-minute walk from the old town. The small, family-run hotel has a wrap-around garden, decking area and an indoor spa jacuzzi and Hamam. The breakfasts are also known to be fantastic!
While in Santorini, we stay a 15-minute drive away from the island's main town, Fira. All rooms are air-conditioned, have satellite TV and a balcony or terrace. There's also a large swimming pool to cool off in.
Breakfasts are included at our accommodations. It's worth noting that Greek breakfasts tend to be simple, continental buffets, consisting of bread, jams, cheese, cereal and occasionally fruits and yogurt. Cooked options are rare.

Greece

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
The water quality is poor and therefore it is recommended to avoid drinking tap water during your trip.

 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Greece: Visas are not required by UK, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Ability to swim

No, although there are several swimming opportunities on this trip.

Greece

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory but we recommend protection against tetanus and polio. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.

Discovery information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
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Price Guarantee Promise
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Airport Transfers
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