Greek Islands Itineraries
Greek Islands in 7-10 days
As you might imagine, touring the Greek Islands involves some extent of water transportation, ranging from sailing, to small cruise ship touring, to large cruise line travel.
However, when browsing Greek Island tours you'll find there is an abundance of travel styles, itineraries, and activities to choose from. These range from active hiking and outdoor activity-packed excursions, to relaxing cruises filled with all there is to love about Greek culture, history, and food. Search through the 25 tour companies on Stride to find the perfect Greek Island trip for you!
Greek Islands in 1 Week
One week touring the Greek Islands gives you a taste of all the beauty the iconic region has to offer. Greek Islands tours lasting one week hit the main tourist attractions and historical landmarks the make up the Greek Islands.
Days 1-2, Athens: Explore the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Visit the famous ancient buildings of the mighty Acropolis.
Days 3-4, Santorini: Bask in the sun on the beaches of the famous island of Santorini, and explore the picturesque capital city of Fira. Don’t miss the iconic photo-op spot of the white and blue covered hills of Oia!
Days 5-6, Mykonos: Party it up in the lively Mykonos! Enjoy the sandy beaches and quaint town during the day, and dance the night away at a popular Mykonos party in the evening!
Day 7, Athens: Take a ferry to end your trip back in the historic Athens.
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Greek Island in 2 Weeks
Two weeks allows for a more thorough exploration of the magnificent Greek Islands. With two weeks’ time, you can explore all that the islands have to offer, while also including some historic tours and authentic Greek activities in your itinerary.
Days 1-2, Athens: Start your trip off in Greece’s capital city of Athens. Tour the ancient ruins of 5th-century BC landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
Day 3, Delphi: Explore the archeological sites of Delphi, including the 4th-century BC Temple of Apollo and Athenian Treasury.
Days 4-5, Kea/Delos/Mykonos: Explore the quaint island of Kea before sailing to the uninhabited archaeological site of Delos to tour the remarkable ancient ruins. Spend the night docked in Mykonos and enjoy the lively nightlife this island has to offer!
Day 6, Santorini: Venture to the most popular of the Cyclades Islands for a day to remember in picturesque Santorini! View the whitewashed buildings cascading over the cliffs overlooking the caldera.
Day 7, Rethymnon, Crete/Knossos: The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete, is home to the ancient city of Knossos. Here you will explore the largest Bronze Age archaeological site, which is also considered Europe’s largest city.
Day 8, Kythira: Take a swim and enjoy the wonderful crystal-clear waters of Kythira. Soak up the sun on the beach for a relaxing Greek Island getaway day.
Day 9, Monemvasia/Nafplio: Located on a small island off the east coast of the Peloponnese, Monemvasia is a prominent medieval town with unique, well-preserved architecture. Explore the town of Monemvasia before sailing to the seaport town of Nafplio in The Peloponnese.
Day 10, Mycenae/Hydra: Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site, the striking ruins at Mycenae, before heading to the car-free, traditional town of Hydra.
Day 11, Piraeus/Athens: End your tour in the imposing, Athens, with a tour of the Benaki Museum and a farewell dinner to toast the end of a perfect trip.
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Greek Islands Small Ship Cruises
Small ship Cruises are a great way to get an up close and personal Greek Islands experience. Many Greek Islands small ship cruises focus on adventure-packed island excursions and activities and exciting nightlife parties and dancing. These cruises usually explore the main sailing sights to see in the Greek Islands, lasting an average of 8-9 days.
Days 1-2, Santorini: Kick off your cruise in the wonderous, Santorini. Explore the caldera’s famous cliffs for a picture-perfect view.
Day 3, Ios: This island is most famously known for its nightlife and party scene. Enjoy a cocktail and dance the night away on the lively, Ios!
Day 4, Koufonisia: Explore this hidden gem and smallest island of the Cyclades. Experience the calmness and peace that the majestic beaches of Koufonisia provide.
Day 5, Naxos: Enjoy the rocky terrain and long stretch of beaches that the largest island in the Cyclades has to offer. Soak in the beautiful sunset in Naxos before embarking on your next destination.
Day 6, Paros: Famous for its water sports, have an active water day in Paros. If you’re more interested in a relaxing day, lay out on the beach before hitting the vibrant clubs at night.
Days 7-8, Mykonos: End your cruise in the most anticipated party destination in the Greek Islands. Experience all that the world-famous Mykonos nightlife has to offer!
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Greek Islands Tours Reviews & Ratings
cancelled ferries for several days. As a consequence we stayed only one night
on Paros and missed Santorini entirely. But we got to know Naxos very well,
and it is an island with plenty to do. it might have been frustrating, but
leader Cecile Deltreil made superhuman efforts to keep us well occupied.
Although we saw her frequently glued to her cell phone, she never seemed
stressed out and explained changing arrangements in a way that kept us calm
and happy. She was also an excellent guide on walks and in the towns we
visited. If Cecile is typical of Exodus quality of service, it is an
excellent company.
In general accommodation was good and food excellent. Cecile has friendly
relations with lots of good restaurants.
I would certainly recommend this trip, and will be investigating other Exodus
trips in future.
It was all good. I especially enjoyed exploring the small viliages, and the
museum in Naxos was a surprise - really good.
I praise Cecile Deltreil to the skies. She deserves a bonus for this trip and
a raise!
A word of caution about "leisurely," a word subject to interpretation. The
walks were not long, and there were stops for points of interest. But Greek
islands are up and down, and in some cases footing was rocky. So the walking
was easy for hikers of any level, but more challenging if you have any
walking difficulties. ( I had broken my leg 4 months prior, and found the
walks a bit hard. Again leader Cecile was wonderful in figuring alternative
activities for me as needed.)
Did I mention how wonderful Cecile was?
see.
The trip ran smoothly, expertly organised by Cecile, and the weather was
beautiful, late 20's. I travelled on my own and joined a lovely and friendly
group of 15 (3 couples, and the rest of us single, aged between 40 and 70).
We chose to have most meals together. All hotels had a swimming pool, all 3
star and air conditioned.
My favourite hotel was on Naxos and it definitely had the best breakfast. A
lovely traditional island with lots going on, a good beach, excellent
restaurants and beautiful countryside. I would definitely go back to Naxos.
Santorini was beautiful with fantastic views, but very steep, noisy,
expensive and busy, especially when a cruise ship arrived! My knees
struggled a bit on the uphill parts of this, the longest, walk. I cheated
and left early for a bus back to the hotel. Definitely glad I went by cable
car both ways to the boat trip too! Most walked down and got the cable car
back up, which wasn't scary by the way, and avoided using the few little
donkeys still having to walk up and down the hundreds of steps.
Paros was delightful and relaxing, a sleepy traditional island with beautiful
beaches and countryside, lovely shops and restaurants. If you want to shop
wait until you get to Paros, especially for clothes, in the lovely and cool
sheltered streets.
I arrived home from this holiday pleasantly tired and very happy, definitely
one of my favourite trips.
Walking through the countryside in Naxos and Paros.
Cecile was lovely, friendly and attentive, she listened to what everyone
wanted and fitted in with us and what we wanted, always available and giving
advice when needed. Her knowledge and love of the Greek Islands and the
Greek people clearly showed.
Take a small, light and comfortable rucksack, good walking boots/shoes and
stick/s as you will need them, some of the hills are steep and can be slippy.
Get out walking before you go as slightly harder than I had expected of a
Level 1 Leasurely, although, to be fair, I have never been on a walking
holiday before (hats off to anyone going on a Level 10!).
Travel between the islands and mainland was by ferry. A time to relax, maybe
sleep, or chat. Your suitcase is stored down below. Don't forget to take
something warm upstairs to wear as the air conditioning can be extremely
cold!
reasonable standard.
The walk along the Caldera, Santorini.
Excellent knowledge, very well organised and good personality.
Be prepared for the heat when you are walking at this time of year.
Keep luggage to a minimum as there are trips between the islands where you
have to manage your own luggage.
Some unplanned events occurred which the guide had to deal with and she
resolved the situations very professionally.
slepped well and didn't put on weight. The walks were just right, leisurely
as it said, I didn't want a route march, I do enough of that. The group was
assorted, what more can I say ! J
Thanos eating my chips !
Thanos was a true professional with extensive knowledge of his job. Well
educated, kind,fit, just a great guy. For me he made the holiday, such a
pleasure when some one knows his job. I must thank Thanos for a happy Greek
Islands Trip.
Pack half what you think you need.
The breakfasts could be a little more substantial.
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