16-Day Grand Greek Explorer: Culture, History, and Island Hopping
Greece Collection

16-Day Grand Greek Explorer: Culture, History, and Island Hopping

The definitive Greek exploration: a 16-day grand odyssey from the Monasteries in the Sky to the deepest blue of the Aegean.

Duration 16 Days · 15 Nights
Overview

Leave No Island Unturned

The definitive Greek exploration: A 16-day grand odyssey from the "Monasteries in the Sky" to the deepest blue of the Aegean. This "Grand Greek Explorer" is our most exhaustive and prestigious itinerary, meticulously crafted for those who wish to leave no stone unturned. Your journey spans the heroic history of Athens, the sacred oracles of Delphi, and the breathtaking UNESCO heights of Meteora.

The adventure then transforms into an epic island-hopping symphony, taking you through the glamour of Mykonos, the authentic charm of Paros and Naxos, the iconic caldera of Santorini, the Minoan mysteries of Crete, and the medieval majesty of Rhodes. With seamless flight and high-speed ferry connections, luxury private transfers, and hand-picked elite accommodations, we invite you to become a true connoisseur of the Hellenic world. Tour Good, Feel Good.

Highlights

What Makes This Tour Unforgettable

Mainland Greece
The Acropolis in Athens, the Oracle of Delphi, and the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora
Cycladic Island Hopping
Mykonos, the authentic charm of Paros and Naxos, and the iconic Santorini caldera
Minoan Crete
Free time to explore Heraklion and the Knossos Palace ruins
Medieval Rhodes
The Old Town, the Acropolis of Lindos, and the island's beaches
Day by Day

Your Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Greece

After landing in Athens, you are greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Overnight: Athens.

Day 2
Half Day Athens City Tour

Join a coach tour of the city, visiting the Acropolis with a guided tour and the Acropolis Museum. The afternoon is at leisure in Plaka or Ermou Street. Overnight: Athens.

Day 3
Athens to Kalambaka, visit of Delphi

Board a bus for a journey to Delphi, visiting the archaeological site and the Temple of Apollo, then continuing to Kalambaka, the town at the foot of the Meteora Monasteries. Overnight: Kalambaka.

Day 4
Meteora Monasteries Sightseeing

Travel to UNESCO-listed Meteora for a tour of two cliff-top monasteries, then return to Athens, passing the monument of Leonidas at Thermopylae. Overnight: Athens.

Day 5
Travel to Mykonos by Ferry (or flight)

A morning speed ferry takes you to Mykonos, famous for its dazzling seascapes and nightlife. Overnight: Mykonos.

Day 6
Enjoy a Free Day in Mykonos

A full free day to explore Mykonos Town (Chora), with its whitewashed streets, restaurants, and bars. Overnight: Mykonos.

Day 7
Set Sail for Paros

A short ferry takes you to Paros Island, with a free day to relax and explore this traditional Cycladic island. Overnight: Paros.

Day 8
Set Sail for Naxos

A ferry to Naxos Island, the largest and most agriculturally fertile of the Cyclades, with a free day to explore the island's ruins and beaches. Overnight: Naxos.

Day 9
Set Sail for Santorini

Departure to Santorini, with the remainder of the day at leisure to explore the caldera views. Overnight: Santorini.

Day 10
Santorini at Leisure

Explore the town and villages, hike the scenic route between Fira and Oia, and witness one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Overnight: Santorini.

Day 11
Set Sail for Crete (Heraklion)

A ferry to Crete, with a free day to relax and begin exploring Heraklion. Overnight: Heraklion.

Day 12
Crete (Heraklion) at Leisure

A free day, with a visit to the Knossos Palace ruins and the Archaeological Museum (housing Minoan artifacts) highly recommended. Overnight: Heraklion.

Day 13
Travel to Rhodes by Flight

A morning flight to Rhodes, with the remainder of the day free to explore the largest of the Dodecanese islands. Overnight: Rhodes.

Day 14
Rhodes at Leisure

Explore the Medieval Old Town, head out to the Acropolis of Lindos, or simply relax on the beach. Overnight: Rhodes.

Day 15
Travel to Athens by Flight

A flight back to Athens for your final night in Greece. Overnight: Athens.

Day 16
Departure

After check-out, a transfer will be arranged to Athens International Airport for your onward travel arrangements.

What's Included

Your Journey Covers

  • Hotel accommodation in the luxury category of your choice across the mainland and seven islands
  • Domestic flight tickets from Crete to Rhodes and from Rhodes back to Athens including taxes
  • High-speed ferry tickets for all island connections (Athens – Mykonos – Paros – Naxos – Santorini – Crete)
  • Expert-led sightseeing tours with professional licensed English-speaking guides for mainland and city highlights
  • Main entrance fees to all sites visited as per the itinerary including the Acropolis, Delphi, Meteora and Knossos
  • Fast-track entry to major museums and archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary including daily gourmet breakfast and a traditional dinner in Kalambaka
  • Deluxe air-conditioned vehicles for all private transfers, mainland travel and airport and port pick-ups
  • Domestic land transportation and professional meet-and-greet assistance at every island port
  • Local taxes and handling services
  • 24/7 elite support throughout the 16-day journey
Questions

Frequently Asked

How many islands does this tour visit?
Six islands plus the mainland: Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Crete, and Rhodes.
Are most days free/leisure or guided?
The mainland portion (Athens, Delphi, Meteora) is guided; once island-hopping begins, most days are free for independent exploration with optional activities.
How do I get between the islands?
Primarily by high-speed ferry, with a domestic flight used for the Crete–Rhodes and Rhodes–Athens legs.
Is this tour suitable for a first visit to Greece?
It's better suited to travelers who want a comprehensive, in-depth exploration rather than a quick first overview, given its length and the number of islands covered.
Private Design Service

Not exactly the journey you had in mind?

Tell us your travel style, dates, pace and wish list. We'll design a private journey around what you actually want to experience.