Many of the Cyclades islands in Greece are popular holiday destinations, however more ‘off-the-beaten-path’ choices are abundant. This 13-day itinerary takes you to these less discovered islands of Greece where you will indulge in luxury accommodations and enjoy the beautiful beaches on Milos, Folegandros, Ios, and Santorini Islands. Before setting off on your luxury island hopping tour, you will spend a day getting oriented with a walking tour of the capital, Athens.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Details for Today
Arrive: Athens, Greece
Accommodation: Hotel Grande Bretagne
Welcome to Greece!
Upon arrival in Athens you will be met as you deplane by your English-speaking ‘meet & greet’ assistant. You will be escorted with priority through customs/passport control and receive luggage porterage, all the way to your vehicle. You will be welcomed by your local driver in the main arrival hall, after collecting luggage and passing through customs. Your driver will transfer you to your hotel in Athens.
Day 2
Details for Today
Athens:
- Athens Walking Discovery Tour
Accommodation: Hotel Grande Bretagne
Meals: B
Today you will embark on a Athens Walking Discovery Tour. Your tour will begin at the new Acropolis Museum, where nearly 4,000 artifacts are on display providing a remarkable insight into the everyday life of the ancient Greeks. The museum is home to impressive collections of decorated pottery, sculptures and relics of a bygone age. There is also a magnificent view of the Acropolis from the museum’s terrace. You will then head up to the top of the Acropolis hill via the gates of Propylaea, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis and an iconic example of classical antiquity, where you will discover the magnificence of the Parthenon and learn about the effect it has had on modern history.
Finally, you will take a pleasant stroll through the narrow streets of Plaka, the city’s historical neighborhood and visit to the Parliament Building in Syntagma Square, where you can watch the ceremonial changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Day 3
Details for Today
Transfer: Fly to Milos Island
Accommodation: Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa
Meals: B
This morning your driver will meet you at the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport of Athens to start your island hopping. First stop: Milos Island. The flight duration is approx. 40 minutes. Upon arrival at Milos Airport you will be welcomed by your local driver in the main arrival hall, after collecting luggage for your transfer to your hotel.
About Milos Island
Most of the island is not accessible by car, so taking a boat trip around the islands gets guests to some really stunning beaches, gorgeous coves, rock tombs, mine/mineral drops (where mining products were loaded into ships), and more. Our captains in Milos are locals who grew up on the seas. They love to dive for sea urchins and have taught guests to spearfish and collect mollusks (that he then feeds them on board!).
Milos does have a great winery too and Chora is a lovely hilltop village where mouthwatering dinners and nights out can be enjoyed.
Day 4
Details for Today
Milos Island and Around:
- Semi-private sailing cruise around Adamas and Kleftiko
Accommodation: Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa
Meals: B, L, D
Today you will enjoy a semi-private sailing cruise around Adamas and Kleftiko. Departure around 09:30 from Adamas port. Sailing across the coastline, leaving behind us Milos bay, we pass by the traditional fishing villages of Skinopi, Klima, Areti and Fourkovouni with the colorful little houses-called “sirmata”- built by the sea side. Then we will visit Arkoudes, a complex of lava rocks, which takes its name by its characteristic shape; the form of a bear. Opening the sails we are heading to the impressive cape Vani. At 10:30 we arrive to the natural bay of Kalogries, which is ideal for diving from the yacht in the transparent turquoise waters. You can also enjoy a coffee along with a sandwich.
Departure at 11:30 – Heading to Kleftiko, we are fishing in the traditional way, admiring at the same time the amazing landscape of rocky formations created by the volcanic lava on the west coastline. At 12:30 we arrive at the hideout of the pirates, where you can enjoy swimming or taking underwater pictures. A refreshing local fruit awaits on the yacht. We depart at 13:45 for the cave of Sikia, where we arrive at 14:30. We can swim to the beach using flippers and masks or we can use the tender. If the weather allows, we will enjoy a tasteful barbeque on board or on the beach with grilled seafood. We depart at 19:45 to enjoy the sunset on board and taste the famous home made ice-cream by “Aggeliki”. Back to Adamas port on 20.00.
Please Note: The program is subject to amendment depending on weather conditions and at the discretion of the captain.
Day 5
Details for Today
Milos Island:
- Day at leisure
Accommodation: Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa
Meals: B
Enjoy the day at leisure! Milos has a plethora of breath-taking beaches and crystal clear waters. What a better way to enjoy the day at leisure by the beach!
Day 6
Details for Today
Transfer: Ferry ride to Folégandros
Accommodation: Anemi Hotel
Meals: B
Today we will continue the island hopping. Your driver will meet you at the hotel for your transfer to the port where you can catch your ferry to Folegandros. Ferry transportation from Milos to Folegandros – approx. 1 hour. Upon disembarkation your English-speaking driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
About Folégandros
Folégandros was named after the son of king Minos. This off-the-beaten-path destination captivates visitors with the untouched beauty of its beaches, the luminous blue of its waters, and the unadulterated style of its architecture.
Day 7
Details for Today
Folégandros:
- Day at leisure
Accommodation: Anemi Hotel
Meals: B
Enjoy the day at leisure! Take your time to enjoy this little known gem of an island. A walk at the Chora (capital) of the island is most inspiring! The white washed houses blend with the blue of the sea and sky in a magnificent way!
Day 8
Details for Today
Transfer: Ferry ride to Ios Island
Accommodation: Levantes Ios Boutique hotel
Meals: B
We’re on our away again! This morning your driver will meet you at the hotel for your transfer to the port where you can catch your ferry to Ios island. Ferry transportation from Folegandros to Ios – approx. 1 ½ hours. Upon disembarkation your English-speaking driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
About Ios Island
Ios is another island that offers gorgeous scenery and a high level of authenticity. It is unique in that there are a lot of what they call “mixed” families, in which one person came on holiday and stayed to marry. This gives the island a unique feeling that you just belong. Stunning beaches and a petrified forest for hiking, an organic farm, a cheese factory and a fantastic town. The product here still caters very much to Greeks and locals so food options are inexpensive and superb.
Day 9
Details for Today
Ios Island:
- Day at leisure
Accommodation: Levantes Ios Boutique hotel
Meals: B
Enjoy the day at leisure! Enjoy the beach of Mylopotas or if you want something totally off the beaten path, then Papas beach is just the place for you!
Day 10
Details for Today
Transfer: Ferry ride to Santorini
Accommodation: Canaves Oia Suites
Meals: B
Today you begin your final island hop. Your driver will meet you at the hotel for your transfer to the port where you can catch your ferry to Santorini. Ferry transportation from Ios to Santorini – approx. 1 ½ hours. Upon disembarkation your English-speaking driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 11
Details for Today
Santorini:
- Semi-private sunset catamaran cruise
Accommodation: Canaves Oia Suites
Meals: B, D
Today you will enjoy a semi-private sunset catamaran cruise. The moment you step aboard a luxury catamaran, you will appreciate the exclusivity of a Semi-Private Sunset Cruise and enjoy one of the best vacation experiences Santorini has to offer. You will set sail on the crystal clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea and sail past some of the famous Santorini beaches before experiencing the unique opportunity of sailing into the spectacular caldera. This luxury cruise includes an unforgettable barbeque paired with Santorini’s finest wine and beverages and the chance to see the beautiful stunning sunset from below Oia village.
Your sailing trip begins at Vlihada Marina and sails towards the Red Beach for swimming and snorkeling. You will then set sail for the White Beach, sailing close to Indian Rock, Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement, and an ancient light house dropping anchor for a delicious barbeque with beverages on board. Next, sail to the breathtaking caldera where you will be able to swim and have an incredible mud bath. Finally, drift below the Oia village and admire the spectacular sunset before leisurely sailing back to the charming Amoudi port.
Day 12
Details for Today
Santorini:
- Santorini Wine Roads tour
Accommodation: Canaves Oia Suites
Meals: B, L
Today, embark on a Santorini Wine Roads tour. Santorini remains the home of a small, but flourishing, wine industry and what better way to discover these Aegean varietals than visiting the island’s wineries. Your tour begins with a scenic tour around Santorini, where you will enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the picturesque white washed villages along your route.
You will also stop off at three long-established family wineries, where you will be given a fascinating glimpse into the production of Santorini wine by an experienced local wine Sommelier, starting with the selection and variety of the grapes and ending with bottling the finished wine. Sampling fifteen of the finest Theraic Wines you will also taste the most famous Santorini wine, the sweet Vin Santo.
Day 13
Details for Today
Transfer: Fly to Athens to catch your international flight home
Meals: B
Your driver will meet you at the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport of Santorini. You will fly to Athens (domestic flight, duration approx. 45 minutes). Upon arrival in Athens, meet your English-speaking assistant. You will receive luggage porterage, assistance during check in and you will be escorted through formalities check, all the way to your departure gate for your trip home.
Accommodation
Hotel Grande Bretagne – Athens
Steeped in history and located in the heart of Syntagma Square, the 5-star luxury Grande Bretagne hotel has retained much of the style and character of the original building constructed in 1874. Its prestigious location just a stone’s throw away from high-end shopping areas, notable museums and the business district, close proximity to the Parliament and the original Olympic Stadium makes it an ideal choice for a city break where you can have maximum time for sightseeing. The Grande Bretagne is a majestic landmark hotel that offers spacious luxurious accommodation of a very high standard with classically furnished suites and rooms. The hotel also boasts a multi-awarded beauty and health spa, both rooftop and indoor pools, along with a 24-hour state-of-the-art business center and a fully-equipped fitness center. Guests also have a number of dining options as the Grande Bretagne is a showcase for exquisite regional and international cuisine.
Melian Boutique Hotel & Spa – Milos
The luxury Melian Boutique Hotel and Spa idyllically situated in the tiny picturesque fishing village of Pollonia offers 15 beautifully appointed and exquisitely furnished suites, idyllically situated on the Pelekouda beach. All the deluxe hotel’s sumptuous accommodations reflect the traditional character and Cycladic architecture of Milos affording stunning views across the emerald waters of the Aegean Sea. The Melian Boutique Hotel with its classic handmade furnishings exudes an aristocratic ambiance, making it a haven of tranquility and ideal for secluded vacations and romantic interludes. Revel in sheer splendor at this eco-friendly retreat. With cozy white interiors combined with vibrant hues and décor, the opulent suites ensure a warm tranquil environment and are extremely appealing. They feature spacious living areas, lavish bedrooms with iron-framed queen size beds, large desks, luxurious bathrooms with walk-in showers, private expansive terraces and some boast an outdoor Jacuzzi. Guests can experience optimal relaxation with some of the most exceptional spa treatments at the hotel’s revitalizing spa and well-being center.
Featuring luxury state-of-the-art rooms and deluxe suites, the Anemi Hotel is a fine example of traditional Cycladic architecture. Its prominent location surrounded by exquisite flower gardens on the small unspoiled island of Folegandros ensures guests of an unrivaled holiday experience. Consisting of 12 separate two-story buildings perched on tall cliffs above the island’s port, Karavostasi, the whitewashed accommodations boast stunning views of the rocky coastline and the sea. The hotel is a haven of incredible natural beauty and provides guests with a serene ambiance. Offering modern conveniences and aesthetic features, all the unique buildings combine spatial elegance with discreet luxury. Rooms and suites are notably pristine and feature king size beds, spacious sitting areas, a dining room and a bathroom with bathtub. Depending on their position, they have either private verandas or balconies and there are two outdoor sea-water swimming pools, a tennis court, a small fitness center, even a playground and open-air movie theatre for younger guests. The exclusive hotel serves Greek cuisine.
Levantes Ios Boutique hotel – Ios
Perfectly situated only ten minutes away from the picturesque harbor of Ios and overlooking the famous long stretch of beach of Mylopotas, the luxurious Levantes Ios Hotel offers extremely first-class accommodation boasting spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes and the neighboring Cycladic islands. Built in keeping with the traditional architecture of the island, much of the premises has been constructed from weathered stones collected from the bordering mountains enhancing its distinctive character. It is also an ideal location for water sports and activities. Guests can choose from a number of elegantly appointed rooms and suites evoking luxury with an unexpected touch of individuality. Their high-end design concept combined with their tasteful contemporary furnishings, ensures guests make the most out of their tranquil surroundings. Accommodations feature lavishly refurbished lounge areas, king size beds with cotton drapes, private balconies, sitting areas, Jacuzzi, private garden and pool along with world-class amenities. The hotel is also renowned for its sumptuous homemade breakfast and warm hospitality extended towards its guests.
Canaves Oia Suites – Oia Village Santorini
With stunning views of Santorini’s impressive caldera and exclusive world-class services and amenities, the 5-star Canaves Oia Suites are highly exceptional. Carved into a cliff overlooking the deep blue Aegean Sea, the luxury open plan suites are situated in the quaint village of Oia and reflect the traditional character of the island. The idyllic accommodations and their prominent location are perfect for ultimate romantic getaways and for couples planning to exchange their wedding vows or enjoy a perfect unforgettable honeymoon. From the exquisitely appointed living areas featuring antique furnishings, fine art and modern touches of minimalism to the spacious al fresco dining areas and plunge pools, the Canaves Oia Suites create a seductive environment of intimacy. Guests can luxuriate in romantic candlelight dinners at the Petra Gourmet restaurant, dine under the stars on their private verandas or embark on a wine tasting journey in the wine cellar. The Canaves Oia provides memorable romantic moments in the most intimate of settings.
