Greece: Isles & Icons

Experiential highlights include:

• Participate in a cooking class with a local Greek family
• Venture into an underground cave to learn about and participate in wine tasting
• Sail around the caldera of Santorini on a yacht with beautiful views and a delicious dinner
• Explore the Parthenon and take in hilltop views from the impressive Acropolis
• Wander through ancient ruins on the island of Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo
• Take exciting high-speed ferry rides across the Aegean Sea
• Experience the world-famous sunsets of Santorini and Mykonos
• Visit a vibrant, colorful fishing village in Paros
• Take in the famous windmills along the coast in Mykonos
• Learn about Greek Jewish life at the Jewish Museum in Athens
• Relax by the pool with breathtaking ocean views at amazing hotels

Tuesday, October 13 – 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 Welcome Dinner featuring Greek specialties at a local restaurant in Athens – Opa! (D)

Wednesday, October 14 – 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. You’ll see the Temple of Athena, Nike, the Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens, and the Dionysus Theater. 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.

We’ll give you a bit of free time to enjoy lunch on your own and to recharge, then, 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. We have many recommendations, including 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. Or the vibrant Monastiraki neighborhood, with night markets and restaurants galore!  Wherever you end up, we know you’ll love Athens’ food scene! (B)

Thursday, October 15 – Athens – Mykonos

This morning, transfer to the port of Piraeus for an exciting high-speed ferry ride (approximately 2 hours) to Mykonos, the whitewashed jewel of the Cyclades Islands. Enjoy magnificent views from our business class seats, as we cruise 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 short but informative walking tour.  We’ll visit Kato Milli, the famous windmills, to learn how they operate, the picturesque Little Venice, Manto Mavrogenous Square, and more.

This evening is free to enjoy so many dining options of Mykonos – whether exploring the fantastic restaurants or admiring the breathtaking sunset in the Old Town, you are sure to have a magical evening or, head back to our luxurious 5-star hotel overlooking 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)

Friday, October 16 – Mykonos

Today we’ll delve deeper into the history of Greece by exploring the nearby island of Delos.  The mythological birthplace of Apollo, it was a major religious center and port during the 1st millennium BCE.  The island’s ruins encompass Doric temples, markets, an amphitheater, houses with mosaics and the iconic Terrace of the Lions statues.

Upon your return to Mykonos, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure in paradise! Some options include seeing the local markets, shops and galleries back in Old Town, swimming at our hotel pool or nearby beach, or having a leisurely lunch on the sand.  The afternoon is yours to spend however you’d like.

Join together this evening with our Amazing Journeys community for Shabbat services, followed by dinner where we will enjoy delicious seafood with Greek specialties, while overlooking the Aegean Sea at sunset. (B, D)

Saturday, October 17 – Mykonos

This morning and early afternoon is yours at leisure. You may choose to relax in the warm Greek sun by the pool or on the beach – you are in the Greek Isles, after all.  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’re up for a hike with others.

Later this afternoon we’ll experience true Greek life as we embark on a culinary adventure at a 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 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. 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.  (B, D)

Sunday, October 18 – Mykonos – Paros

After a leisurely breakfast, we leave Mykonos behind and take the fast ferry (approximately 45 minutes) to Paros, a stunning island in the heart of the Cyclades, renowned for its traditional charm, whitewashed villages, and crystal-clear waters. With its blend of ancient history and modern allure, Paros offers up the perfect blend of relaxation and cultural exploration.

Upon arrival, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore Naoussa, a vibrant fishing village, with its winding white waterfront and narrow streets.  This little town comes alive in the evenings with its trendy restaurants and waterfront bars. Tonight’s dinner will be at the picturesque small port of the village. (B, D)

Monday, October 19 – Paros

This morning, we begin our tour in Parikia, Paros’ main town. We’ll walk to the castle and the church of Saints Constantine and Helen, and visit the Old Town. Then, walking through the alleys, we arrive at one of the main attractions of Paros, Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the oldest churches in the country, built around 400 AD, also called the Church with One Hundred Gates. Not only is an architectural and archaeological monument, the church of Our Lady of the Hundred Gates is one of the most important pilgrimage sites throughout Greece.

From there, the bus takes us to the port of Punda where we will hop on a ferry to Antiparos. We’ll stroll through the picturesque little town and visit the Venetian Fortress, built in the 15th century, and is still inhabited. Here, you’ll have some free time for lunch, shopping, photos or even to swim.

Later, we’ll return by ferry to Paros and Pounta Port to Lefkes Village. It is surrounded by small forest areas, olive groves and vineyards. It is characterized by its beautiful, pine forest, which covers one side of the village.

In the afternoon we arrive back at Naoussa, the beautiful fishing village with all its Cycladic charm. We take a little walk through its small roads and the port with the colourful fishing boats, which is one of the most picturesque in Greece and an ideal background for great photos!

This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at any one of the cafes and tavernas, located within the winding streets, squares and waterfront of Paros. How about some fresh fish? (B)

Tuesday, October 20 – Paros – Santorini

This morning we’re back on the fast ferry (approximately 2 hours) to the most spectacular destination in the Mediterranean, the fabled island of Santorini.  Upon arrival in Santorini, 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 a lovely lunch with a caldera view that will take your breath away.

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.

Finally, we’ll visit 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.

Revel in Santorini’s breathtaking scenery of this charming paradise as we head towards our luxurious hotel, located near the city of Fira. This evening, enjoy the lively town of Fira as you head out on your own for the evening. Perhaps you’ll enjoy drinks or dinner at one of the many caldera view restaurants perched along the cliffs, looking down at the Aegean Sea below. (B, L)

Wednesday, October 21 – Santorini

Today is yours to enjoy all that Santorini has to offer. Might we recommend an amazing 10K hike from Fira to Oia, one of the most beautiful hikes in the world! Take the cable car to the bottom of the cliffs. You are also steps away from the “Gold Street” where shopping for jewelry and other items should be on your list! Enjoy Kamari Beach, with its seaside restaurants and shops.

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 of this island, with spectacular views over the deep blue Aegean Sea. 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)

Thursday, October 22 – 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, 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 amazing views while enjoying our Farewell Dinner BBQ onboard. (B, D)

Friday, October 23 – 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 1-2      Divani Acropolis Palace, Athens
Nights 3-5      Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux, Mykonos
Nights 6-7      Paros Agnanti, Paros
Nights 8-10    Belvedere Suites, Santorini

Please note: Alternate hotels may be used. The order of the tour may be changed. Some activities are weather dependent.

A deposit of $850 per person is due with your reservation.  Full payment is due on June 30, 2026. Rates listed are for final payments made by check.  After the initial deposit, all payments made by credit card will have a 3% credit card fee.

Prices are subject to change based on availability.

Pre-Nights: Rates are per night and include breakfast and taxes. Prices are subject to change based on availability. There will be no Amazing Journeys staff present for pre-night stays. A deposit of $50 per person is required with your reservation of a pre-night.

Athens (October 12)
Double – $220 per person

Please note – This is a group exclusive vacation package. We are unable to make any of our package components available to anyone who is not part of our Amazing Journeys group.

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 January 14, 2026, there is a $150 penalty for cancellation. From January 15 – April 6, 2026 there is a $450 penalty for cancellation. From April 7 – June 30, 2026 the cancellation penalty is the amount of the deposit including deposits for any additional hotel nights. From July 1 – August 31, 2026, the cancellation penalty is 50% of the total for the tour package including any additional hotel nights. From September 1, 2026 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: It is important that you not purchase airfare until you receive a confirmation letter from Amazing Journeys. For this itinerary, flight parameters are as follows:
Arrive into Athens – land in Athens (airport code ATH) no later than 3:30pm on October 13.  You will likely leave the US on October 12.  Our first program will begin at our hotel in the evening on October 13.  Your hotel room will be ready beginning at 3:00pm.  If your flight arrives earlier in the day and your room is not yet ready, the hotel is happy to store your luggage for you while you begin to explore Athens.
Depart from Santorini – depart from Santorini (airport code JTR) any time on October 23. You can either book your flights as a multi-city journey: Hometown – Athens, Santorini – Hometown.  Or you can book a roundtrip between your Hometown and Athens, then a one-way flight from Santorini to Athens.

Transfers: Transfers between the airports to our first and last hotel are not included. Taxis or ride-shares will be the best option.

Activity Level: 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.

Passports & Visas: A passport is necessary to travel on this itinerary.  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 the fall of 2026.  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.

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. You can get more information at the following web site: www.cdc.gov/travel.

We must have a minimum of 14 participants in order to operate this tour. Maximum tour size is 22 guests.