Essential Greece Vacation to Athens, Mykonos, Santorini

What to expect on this itinerary
The marbled temples of the Acropolis will glint in the sunlight and the whitewashed walls of Oia will glow at sunset during your 10-day Greece highlights tour. Discover the essential charms of Santorini’s seaside cliffs and colorful beaches. Embrace the maze-like streets and captivating windmills of Mykonos’s largest town. Discover the depth of history brimming from Athens as you experience the enchanting essence of culture and tradition in Greece.
Customizable Itinerary
Athens – Arrive and Settle into Greece’s Historic Capital
Athens radiates history and culture at its core in a country considered the cradle of Western Civilization. Ruins of both Greek and Roman development continue to decorate the city center. Byzantine mosaics decorate churches and museums with gilded allure. Your private transfer is waiting at the airport upon your arrival.
On the way to your hotel in the city center, the aroma of olive groves surrounds you. You can see the pure white marble of Mount Pentelicus, an ancient quarry that has provided building material for Athens for millennia. The original Panathenaic Stadium was constructed in the 4th-century BC. The replica was erected in the 19th-century to house the first modern-era Olympic games. The stadium contains 47 tiers of seating and a 669-foot long track.
You settle into the comforts of your hotel to find classical architectural elements on the outside and rapturous modern luxuries on the inside.
What's Included:
Athens – Full Day Tour of Athens’s Ancient and Contemporary Charms
Athens – Half-Day Exploration of the Wonders of Cape Sounion
Mykonos – Transfer to the Stunning Island of Mykonos by High-Speed Ferry
Mykonos – Relish the Enchanting Character of Mykonos on a Private Tour
Mykonos – Enjoy the Island’s Luxuries and Culture with a Day at Leisure
Santorini – Travel by High-Speed Ferry to the Famous Island of Santorini
Santorini – Enjoy a Half-Day Sailing Excursion
Santorini – Relax in the Splendors of Santorini with a Day at Leisure
Santorini – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Marvel at the preserved ancient temples and historic streets of Athens and the Acropolis on a private guided tour of the city
- Explore the beachside neighborhoods and fabulous ruins of the Temple of Poseidon overlooking Cape Sounion
- Bask in a luxurious sunset cruise around Santorini’s caldera
- Revel in a rejuvenating Thalassotherapy spa session in a tranquil spa near the shores of Mykonos
- Discover the charming village-like atmosphere in Oia, located overlooking the Aegean Sea on Santorini
- Relax on the celebrated sun-drenched, sandy beaches of Mykonos
Detailed Description
Greece embodies charm in its landscape and wealth of ancient history. Your 10-day Greece vacation to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini lets you indulge in the luxuries of the islands and embrace the splendor of the country’s vibrant past. Vacations to Greece begin in Athens, a timeless city surrounding the remnants of its former golden age. Your private transfer takes you from the airport to your comfortable hotel near the heart of the city. Your private tour of Athens offers insight into the contemporary and ancient history of Athens, along with leading you through the labyrinthine streets of antique neighborhoods to experience the culture of the city.
Venture to the edges of Athens along the shores of the city to visit local markets known for fresh fish, colorful vegetables, and tasty wine. Your guide leads you around the ruins of the Temple of Poseidon, situated overlooking Cape Sounion. Transfer to the celebrated island of Mykonos by high-speed ferry where luxury and relaxation are one in the same. Enjoy a tour of the island, where you view the Cycladic architecture and the Paraportiani Church. A day at leisure allows you to relax on the beaches, enjoy a spa treatment, or stroll through the cobbled streets of the town at your preferred pace.
You travel to Santorini by high-speed ferry and find the island as picturesque as a postcard. You step onto a luxurious catamaran for a sunset cruise around the caldera, providing sweeping views of the cliffs, precious beaches to experience, and a tremendous meal to enjoy while bobbing in the Aegean Sea. Your day at leisure on Santorini can take you to see the ancient city of Akrotiri or wine tasting in one of the historic wineries on the island. You could even spend the day at the rooftop pool basking in the vista. On your final morning in Santorini, your private transfer escorts you to the airport for your flight to Athens. You will meet you connecting flight to take you home. If you aren't ready to leave Greece, consider a trip extension. To read about travelers' experiences on their customized trips, browse the reviews for Greece travel on Zicasso.
Starting Price
$4,100 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 580 reviews
We recently returned from an incredible two-week Coral Anniversary trip to Greece and it exceeded every expectation. From the ancient wonders of Athens to the whitewashed villages of Mykonos, the dramatic cliffs of Santorini, and the authentic traditions of Crete, every stop offered something unique and unforgettable. Most importantly, the people we met along the way transformed a beautiful vacation into a truly special experience. The journey took us through Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete.
Outstanding Planning and Service
Every transfer, hotel, tour, ferry, flight, restaurant reservation, and activity was flawlessly coordinated by Zicasso's travel partner. The itinerary struck a perfect balance between guided experiences and personal exploration, allowing us to enjoy Greece without ever worrying about logistics.
Athens – History, Culture, and Exceptional Hospitality
Our stay at our hotel in Athens gave us incredible Acropolis views and a perfect base for exploring the city. Walking through the Acropolis with our guide and standing before the Parthenon was breathtaking. The Acropolis Museum and city highlights tour helped bring thousands of years of history to life.
One of the highlights of our anniversary celebration was dinner at a restaurant atop Lycabettus Hill. Watching the sun set behind the Acropolis while enjoying excellent Greek cuisine and wine was a magical experience and one we'll never forget.
We would especially like to recognize our driver in Athens. He was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in making our trip memorable. During our day exploring the Argolis region, Epidaurus, Mycenae, and the Nemea wine country, he provided insights that helped us better appreciate the history and culture of Greece.
What truly distinguished our driver was his attention to detail. While we were traveling along the Athenian Riviera toward Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon, he realized we were hoping for a true seaside lunch experience. Without being asked, he contacted the travel company and coordinated everything to make a last-minute adjustment so we could enjoy lunch by the sea. That thoughtful gesture perfectly reflects the level of service he provided throughout our stay. It turned a wonderful day into one of our favorite memories of Athens.
Mykonos – Relaxation and the Beauty of the Aegean
Mykonos provided the perfect contrast to the historical focus of Athens. Staying at our hotel in Mykonos overlooking the Aegean Sea allowed us to fully appreciate the island's beauty.
We spent time exploring the charming streets of Mykonos Town, admiring the famous windmills, and enjoying the relaxed island atmosphere. A major highlight was our private catamaran cruise to Delos and Rhenia. Sailing through the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean while visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos gave us a fascinating glimpse into one of the ancient world's most important religious centers. The secluded waters around Rhenia were stunning and provided some of the most beautiful scenery of our trip.
Santorini – Spectacular Views and Unforgettable Sunsets
Santorini is every bit as beautiful as the photographs suggest and somehow even more impressive in person. Our stay in Oia overlooking the caldera was breathtaking. Whether enjoying breakfast with panoramic views or simply walking through the village, every moment felt special.
The wine-tasting experiences at a winery were outstanding. Sampling the island's distinctive Assyrtiko wines while learning about Santorini's unique volcanic terroir gave us a new appreciation for Greek winemaking. The carefully paired food-and-wine experiences were among the culinary highlights of the entire trip.
Our private sunset catamaran cruise around the caldera, White Beach, Red Beach, Black Beach, hot springs, and the volcano was another unforgettable experience. Watching the sunset from the water while enjoying dinner and local wine created one of the most memorable evenings of our anniversary trip.
Crete – The Heart of Greece
As amazing as Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini were, Crete became our favorite part of the journey.
Our quick stop at Knossos Palace and the historic city of Rethymnon allowed us to learn about the Minoan civilization and experience the rich blend of Venetian and Ottoman influences that define the island. The old Venetian harbor in Chania was equally impressive and provided a spectacular setting for our stay.
Samaria Gorge
One of the most rewarding experiences of our entire trip was hiking the Samaria Gorge. Covering 11 miles through one of Europe's most spectacular natural settings was challenging and incredibly rewarding. The dramatic cliffs, pristine landscape, and sheer scale of the gorge were unlike anything we had experienced before.
A tremendous part of that experience was our guide. Our guide brought expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for Crete that elevated the hike far beyond a typical excursion. His knowledge of the region, local culture, and natural environment made every step more meaningful.
Kissamos Villages and Cooking Class
Our final full day in Crete may have been the most authentic and memorable day of the entire trip.
The tour of the traditional villages of Kissamos provided a fascinating look at everyday Cretan life. Learning about olive oil production, tasting regional products, and experiencing rural villages gave us a perspective on Crete that most visitors never see.
The cooking class that followed was exceptional. Our host created an atmosphere that felt less like a tour and more like spending a day with friends. Together with his mother, he shared not only recipes, but the stories, traditions, and values that make Cretan culture so special.
For anyone traveling to Crete, we cannot recommend this tour company highly enough. Their commitment to authentic local experiences is truly outstanding.
This trip exceeded our expectations in every possible way. We experienced world-famous historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, incredible food and wine, beautiful hotels, and unforgettable adventures. Yet what we will remember most are the people who made the experience so special.
We returned home with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for Greek culture, and gratitude for everyone who helped make our anniversary celebration the trip of a lifetime.
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We had a very good trip to Greece with Zicasso's travel specialist. We traveled to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini with a group of six (three couples). They did a good job of finding nice and convenient hotels in each location, and we were also pleased with the Acropolis tour, food tours, and catamaran trip we took during the week.
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I originally reached out to Zicasso to find a travel agent to handle our two-week trip to Greece. Zicasso provided me with three travel company options and, after speaking with each, I decided to work with this travel company. The travel specialist turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
Our travel specialist and the travel company team were absolutely amazing and thorough. We planned the trip for me, my wife, brother, and sister-in-law. Every step of the planning process was informative and the travel specialist gave us her best advice leading up to the trip. She answered many of our questions and researched the things we wanted to do while in Greece.
Once we were on the trip, we communicated almost daily with the travel specialist and she remained readily available. She was extremely responsive. It was always a relief during transfer pick-ups to see the travel company’s signs, so we knew who to connect with.
Our two-week Greece adventure through Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete was perfect, and we could tell that the work the travel specialist and the team put in ensured that success. This was a vacation dream of a lifetime, thanks to the travel specialist, the travel company, and Zicasso.
Kudos to Zicasso for recommending the travel company at the beginning and I would highly recommend Zicasso and our travel company to anyone interested in traveling to Greece.
Gratitude and appreciation to all for a trip we will never forget!!!!
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If you're considering a trip to Greece, look no further than Zicasso. Our travel expert planned an unforgettable journey for our family; Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, and every detail was executed with care, expertise, and passion.
From the moment we arrived in Athens, we were immersed in the country’s warm hospitality. Our agent made sure we had the perfect balance of sightseeing and relaxation. The historical sites in Athens, like the Acropolis and the ancient Agora, were must-sees.
Mykonos is vibrant yet relaxed. The beaches were beautiful. Every meal on this trip was a highlight. Fresh seafood, local cheeses, olive oil, and delicious pastries—each bite told a story of Greece’s deep culinary heritage.
In Santorini, we were captivated by the island’s charm—whitewashed buildings, breathtaking sunsets, and the deep blue Aegean Sea. We visited traditional villages, giving us a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions that are still very much alive.
Throughout the trip, what stood out most—beyond the stunning landscapes and ancient history—was the friendliness of the Greek people. Their warmth and pride in their culture made every moment feel welcoming and genuine.
Our agent didn’t just plan a vacation—he created an experience rooted in history, tradition, and hospitality. I can’t recommend him and Zicasso highly enough.
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We loved our trip! My recent trip to Greece was truly unforgettable and I cannot say enough good things about the Zicasso travel company that helped make it happen.
From the moment we arrived in Athens until our final day, every detail was thoughtfully planned and organized. The itinerary was the perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and experiencing the local culture. We visited incredible destinations, including Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini, and each stop offered something unique and memorable.
The accommodations were excellent, transportation between islands was seamless, and the recommendations for restaurants, activities, and attractions were outstanding. Having everything arranged ahead of time allowed us to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics.
One of the things I appreciated most was how responsive and helpful the team was throughout the planning process. They made the trip feel personalized to our interests and ensured everything ran smoothly.
Greece exceeded every expectation and I am so grateful for the expertise and attention to detail that went into planning this adventure. I would highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a stress-free, well-organized, and unforgettable travel experience. We made memories that will last a lifetime!
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We had a wonderful time in Greece. We spent 10 days there and went to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini. The accommodations were great and the planned excursions were fantastic. The weather was perfect.
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