Sunday, May 18 – Athens – Tour Begins
Our tour begins in the capital city of Athens, a cultural trove for art, food, music and history. This evening, get to know your fellow travelers at our Amazing Journeys Welcome Event followed by a dinner featuring Greek specialties at a local restaurant in Athens – Opa! (D)
Monday, May 19 – Athens
Ascend the steep hill of the Acropolis, Greek for “highest city.” This is the perfect place to start our tour. The Acropolis was the religious center of ancient Athens and is crowned by the Parthenon, considered the pinnacle of classical Greek architecture. We’ll visit the magnificent New Acropolis Museum, an archaeological museum focused on the findings of artifacts found at the Acropolis, and consistently rated as one of the best museums in the world. Here, we’ll learn about the Parthenon and its surrounding temples, including a top-floor gallery that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Acropolis and modern Athens.
After stopping at a local coffee house to recharge, we’ll head over to the Jewish Museum. Here, you will be immersed in the understanding of the Jewish communities in Athens and in Greece in the 19th and 20th centuries.
This evening is free for further discovery of Athens as there are many fun neighborhoods within close proximity of our hotel. Our recommendation – walking through the Plaka neighborhood, the perfect spot for people watching, shopping and food! Or perhaps you’ll search for the perfect rooftop restaurant with a view of the Acropolis, lit up at night. Wherever you end up, we know you’ll love Athens food scene! (B)
Tuesday, May 20 – Athens – Nafplio – Athens
Our journey today begins as we leave the city of Athens and head to the charming seaside port town of Nafplio. On the way, you’ll experience the workings of olive oil production at an olive farm. Here, we’ll learn to taste olive oil like a professional tester, and sample several different types of olive oil and Kalamata olives.
Next, we continue to historic Nafplio. After an introductory walking tour through this quaint Greek village, you’ll have free time to explore at your own pace, enjoying lunch, photographing the flower filled narrow streets, shopping for Greek treasures and more.
Later, we’ll return to Athens for a group dinner together. (B, D)
Wednesday, May 21 – Athens – Mykonos
This morning, transfer to the port of Piraeus for an exciting high-speed ferry ride to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy magnificent views from our business class seats, as we cruise (2 hours) across the brilliant Aegean Sea to this island paradise. This afternoon, walk through the narrow, picturesque streets of Mykonos as we explore the Old Historic Town on our cultural walking tour. We’ll visit Kato Milli, the famous Windmills to learn how they operate, the picturesque Little Venice, Lena’s House to learn about daily life in Mykonos of centuries past, Manto Mavrogenous Square, and more.
This evening is free to enjoy so many dining options of Mykonos – whether exploring the fantastic restaurants in the Old Town or admiring the breathtaking sunset at our hotel, you are sure to have a magical evening. Our luxurious 5-star hotel overlooks the Aegean Sea and just steps away from one of Mykonos’s premier beaches, Platis Gialos, with its fine sand, restaurants and clubs. With a hotel this beautiful, you may never want to leave! (B)
Thursday, May 22 – Mykonos
Today we’ll embark on a village tour and cooking class with a local Greek family in what’s bound to be a highlight of our trip. Our culinary hosts will welcome us into their beautiful Mykonian home (or their farm) and treat us like family. They’ll teach us about Mykonian history and culture, share stories about their family life and make us feel as if we’ve known them forever. We’ll learn about the true Mykonian lifestyle and taste some traditional meze snacks, such as dakos with kopanisti cheese and tomato, enjoy full-bodied wine and Cretan raki. Wander through fresh vegetable gardens and learn about local organic farming under the warm Greek sunshine. In the kitchen, we’ll make tzatziki and spinach pie, stuffed peppers and tomatoes, fresh grilled vegetables with orzo and several other delectable dishes. Then we’ll gather around the table with our host family, sharing our meal and stories together.
The rest of the day is yours at leisure whether relaxing in the warm Greek sun by the pool or on the beach – you are in the Greek Isles, after all. (B, L)
Friday, May 23 – Mykonos
Spend a day at leisure in paradise. Are you the person who likes to spend time with new friends having a drink around the pool or lazing on the beach? Or perhaps you’ll want to spend your day delving deeper into the history of Greece by exploring the nearby island of Delos on our optional tour. The mythological birthplace of Apollo, it was a major religious center and port during the 1st millennium BCE. The islands ruins encompass Doric temples, markets, an amphitheater, houses with mosaics and the iconic Terrace of the Lions statues. Or, perhaps you’re up for a hike with others. Or, exploring one of the beach communities having a leisurely lunch on the sand. You can visit the local markets, shops and galleries back in Old Town, or visit a museum or two. The day is yours to spend however you’d like.
Join together this evening with our Amazing Journeys friends for our community Shabbat, followed by dinner at a restaurant where we will enjoy delicious seafood along with Greek specialties, overlooking the Aegean Sea at sunset. (B, D)
Saturday, May 24 – Mykonos – Santorini
Today we leave Mykonos behind and take the fast ferry (3 hours) to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the fabled island of Santorini. Revel in the breathtaking scenery of this charming paradise as we head towards our luxurious hotel, located near the city of Fira.
One of the most famous sunsets in the world happens in the village of Oia, as the sun dips down below the caldera off the coast of Santorini. Tonight you’ll get to see this gorgeous sunset for yourself and take in all the beauty this island has to offer. After, feel free to stay in Oia to enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking the caldera and the whitewashed buildings with their blue domes or built into caves in the stunning cliffs. (B)
Sunday, May 25 – Santorini
Our exciting day begins with a visit to the excavation site of ancient Akrotiri, the most important prehistoric settlement found anywhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Known as the “Minoan Pompeii,” the flourishing town was at once destroyed and preserved by a volcanic eruption around 1450 BCE. Next we’ll visit a region known for its wine production and spend time in the small, charming village of Megalochori with its cobble-stone streets filled with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and bell towers as we wind through its labyrinth of winding alleys. Its caldera views will take your breath away.
We’ll have the unique experience of venturing into an underground cave where we’ll visit the Koutsogiannopoulis Wine Museum to learn about the centuries-old production in this region, followed by wine tasting and some local snacks.
Join together this evening with dinner at a restaurant perched along the edge of the cliffs of Santorini with stunning caldera views. (B, D)
Monday, May 26 – Santorini
Spend this morning at leisure – relax by the pool with breathtaking ocean views, visit a local museum, shop in Fira’s charming town center on “gold street,” known for its jewelry, sit in a café to people watch, or explore the picturesque streets and alleys of Fira.
This afternoon, enjoy the beauty of Santorini from the sea as we climb aboard our private yacht to sail around the caldera and take in the views while enjoying our Farewell BBQ Dinner onboard. (B, D)
Tuesday, May 27 – Santorini – Tour Ends
This morning we say “avtio” to Greece as we head back home with memories of our Amazing Journey. (B)
Our Hotels:
Nights 1-3 Divani Acropolis Palace, Athens
Nights 4-6 Myconian Ambassador, Mykonos
Nights 7-9 Orama Hotel & Spa, Santorini
Please note:
– Alternate hotels may be used.
– The order of the tour may be changed.
– Some activities are weather dependent.
Items listed on this website are subject to change at any time. By providing payment you agree to the terms and conditions as outlined on this website. All rooms are non-smoking.
Cancellation Policy: Prior to November 21, 2024, there is a $175 penalty for cancellation. From November 21 – December 17, 2024 there is a $450 penalty for cancellation. From December 18, 2024 – February 17, 2025, the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit including deposits for any additional hotel nights. From February 18 – March 17, 2025, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total for the tour package including any additional hotel nights. From March 18, 2025 or after including “no-shows” will receive no refund for the tour package and including any additional hotel nights. There is no refund in the event of interruption or cancellation after the start of the trip. Your decision not to participate on the tour due to State Department advisories, fear of travel, illness, or any other reason will be deemed a cancellation.
Travel Protection: Amazing Journeys recommends you purchase travel protection. Information will be sent with your tour confirmation.
Flights and Transfers: It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys, which will contain specific flight parameters. This tour begins in Athens (ATH) and ends in Santorini (JTR). Transfers between the airports and hotels are not included.
Twin Accommodations: Twin accommodations are available if you and a friend are traveling together. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation.
Optional Tour in Delos: During our free day in Mykonos, we will be offering an optional half day tour to the island of Delos. You travel by boat in each direction with our guide. We will be asking in advance if you wish to participate. The cost is $125. More details will be sent at a later date.
Passports & Visas: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary. Please send Amazing Journeys a copy of your passport at this time if we do not have a current copy. It must be valid for six months beyond the last day of the trip. If the name on your passport differs from the name on your registration form, a name change fee may be incurred. Travelers will be required to obtain a ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) waiver to travel to Europe, most likely beginning in May. Information can be found here: ETIAS – European Union (europa.eu)
Baggage: Each traveler will be limited to one suitcase. To make travel less cumbersome, we recommend you travel with a backpack and not another wheeled suitcase as your carry-on. Please note that you will be responsible for getting your luggage onto and off of ferries, which may require some steps.
Fuel Surcharges: Should oil costs go above $65 a barrel and our tour operators adjust the rate of the tours cost accordingly, we reserve the right to adjust the cost of the tour.
Exchange Rate: In the case of currency fluctuations of greater than 3%, we reserve the right to adjust our pricing accordingly in order that we may be able to operate the tours effectively.
Taxes & Gratuities: Taxes, surcharges, and government fees are subject to change. Gratuities have been included on this tour and include tips for the local guides, drivers, luggage porters and included meals. Gratuities are not included for housekeeping staff in the hotels and tipping is at your discretion.
Activity Level- 3 out of 5: This trip is designed for those who enjoy a full day of travel, sprinkled with blocks of free time. Walking and standing for 1-2 hours isn’t a big deal. You can navigate hills, uneven ground, and cobblestones, climb into various modes of transportation and could possibly anticipate changes in elevation. You can expect some longer days balanced with free time to recharge or set out on your own. There will be some early mornings and some of the touring days may be longer, with select included activities occurring later in the evening. This tour is not appropriate for those using wheelchairs or other similar devices.
Vaccines & Precautions: At this time there are no specific vaccinations required for international travelers. We recommend you visit a travel clinic or see your health professional to be sure you are up to date on vaccinations needed for international travel. Requirements can change at any time. Requirements can change at any time. You can get more information at the following web site: www.cdc.gov/travel. It is recommended you bring along an official government issued Covid-19 proof of vaccination card as countries and venues along the way may still require it and there is a possibility you may be denied entry without.
We must have a minimum of 15 participants in order to operate this tour. Maximum tour size is 28 guests.
