Greece & Her Islands Tour

Your vacation begins as you depart on your transatlantic flight.

Arrive in Athens, Greece, the land of great philosophers, artists and the birthplace of democracy. If you purchased airline tickets from YMT Vacations, you will be transferred to your hotel where the balance of the day is at leisure. This evening, you’ll get a chance to meet all your fellow travelers and your YMT Tour Director at the welcome briefing and dinner (included) at the hotel. (D)

Enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Athens to observe the striking contrasts and history that make this such a fascinating city. You will see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament, the monument of the Unknown Soldier and Constitution Square. Then it’s on to the most famous site in Athens—the Acropolis, atop which lies the stunning 2,500 year old Parthenon Temple built to honor the goddess Athena. Finally, this morning you will visit the new Acropolis Museum. The afternoon is at leisure and you are free to explore the Plaka district in the shadow of the Acropolis, Athens’ oldest and most picturesque neighborhood. The maze of cobblestone pedestrian streets is lined with shops, boutiques, souvenir stands and flea market stalls that beckon all who enter. You will have plenty of time to browse through the many shops and souvenir stalls or you can relax in one of the many tavernas or cafes. This evening you can experience an optional fun and entertaining Greek night. (B)

Today you will have the full day to explore more of this ancient city. We recommend you join our full-day optional tour to Delphi and the Temple of Apollo, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greek history. Delphi was the center of the ancient world and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It sits at the foot of Mount Parnassus, in a landscape of unparalleled beauty and majesty overlooking the Gulf of Corinth. If you are looking for a shorter adventure, consider joining the food market tour of Athens to discover the best of Greek cuisine. (B)

This morning, we take the short drive to the port to board your ferryboat and cruise toward the islands. This afternoon, we arrive at the island of Mykonos, famous for its windmills, whitewashed buildings, and domed churches. This charming island is just 33 square miles, and has a resident population of around 10,000. This evening, you can enjoy exceptionally fresh seafood in the waterfront cafes and tavernas in the area of Mykonos Town known as Little Venice. (B)

Today is yours to explore this magical island. We will have an optional tour to the neighboring Island of Delos, fabled birthplace of Artemis and Apollo. After the 45-minute boat ride, explore the ruins of the ancient Minoan civilization, including the Agora, temples of Apollo, the Hippodrome, amphitheater, and more. In the afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to explore more of the island or relax on one of the many sandy beaches. If you choose to explore on foot, the central part of Mykonos Town is closed to traffic during most of the day, and has whitewashed cubic houses, a labyrinth of narrow streets, churches, lovely chapels, and many purple bougainvillea. (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, this morning we leave Mykonos and take the ferry to the island of Santorini. Arrive to witness the island’s spectacular volcanic cliffs. Famous for the vista of its whitewashed houses of Fira, perched on the side of the caldera, Santorini is one of the most photographed Greek Islands. On the southern side of the island, the resorts of Kamari and Perissa are well known for their black volcanic sand. Santorini is also renowned for producing some of the best wine in Greece. Upon arrival, consider taking part in the optional tour of Oia and Fira with an included wine tasting to experience the best this island has to offer. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant (included). (B, D)

You have a full day to explore this unique island paradise at your own pace, or join our optional Island Highlights Tour where you’ll see the region’s key highlights. These will include Akrotiri, a Bronze Age settlement that was destroyed by a volcanic eruption during the 17th century BC and was preserved in perfect condition; the Red Beach; and several beautiful traditional villages. (B, D)

The last morning in the islands is yours to relax on the beach, or explore the array of shops before we head to the port around lunchtime for our early afternoon ferryboat departure for Athens. We arrive back late evening at the port of Piraeus and take the short transfer to Athens for the last overnight stay in Greece. (B)

Transfer to Athens airport to check in for your return flight home. On certain tour dates, you may choose to combine our Greece and Italy tours. If you are joining us for our Ultimate Greece & Italy tour, you will fly to Rome to join our Bella Italia itinerary. (B)

Note: Local regulations in Greece mandate that guests carry their own luggage on and off ferry boats.