Echoes of Antiquity
- Europe
- Greece
Echoes of Antiquity: Mykonos, Paros & Santorini
Tour Code: EUR3004
Overview
Experience Greece’s rich history and culture, exploring the ancient Acropolis of Athens and the lively spirit of its vibrant neighbourhoods. Journey to the mystical sanctuary of Delphi and the gravity-defying monasteries of Meteora, then island-hop through Mykonos, Paros and Santorini, famed for idyllic villages, golden beaches and unforgettable sunsets worldwide.
Tour Highlights
Acropolis of Athens Delphi Meteora Mykonos Paros Santorini
Itinerary
Day 1 Take Off
Depart Australia on an international flight. Travellers departing from other locations can be accommodated on request. Please contact us for personalised arrangements
Day 2 Athens
Arrive in Athens and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring historic Plaka beneath the Acropolis or shopping along Ermou, Kolonaki and Voukourestiou streets. Enjoy your first impressions of the Greek capital and relax after your flight. Overnight in Athens for a comfortable city stay.
Day 3 Athens
After breakfast, enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Athens. Begin in the city centre, passing Syntagma Square, the Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier and the National Library. Continue past Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, stopping at the Panathenaic Stadium. Explore the magnificent Acropolis, viewing the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion and Temple of Athena Nike. Visit the impressive Acropolis Museum to admire classical masterpieces. Return to your hotel or enjoy free time in the city.
Day 4 Athens - Delphi - Kalambaka
After breakfast, depart for Delphi, travelling through Thebes, Levadia and the charming mountain village of Arachova on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Visit the remarkable 4th-century BC archaeological site, home to the sanctuaries of Apollo and Athena Pronaia, along with an ancient theatre and stadium. Continue through scenic landscapes and traditional towns of Central Greece en route to Kalambaka. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in Kalambaka, surrounded by dramatic natural scenery.
Day 5 Kalambaka - Meteora - Athens
After breakfast, journey to the breathtaking rock formations of Meteora, where centuries-old monasteries dramatically perch atop towering cliffs, creating one of Greece’s most extraordinary landscapes. Visit these sacred sites, suspended between earth and sky, and admire their spiritual and historical significance. In the afternoon, return to Athens via Trikala and Lamia, stopping at Thermopylae to see Leonidas’ Monument. Arrive in Athens early evening and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Athens, reflecting on a day of remarkable natural and cultural wonders.
Day 6 Athens - Santorini
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel or collect a breakfast box before an early transfer to the port for your ferry to Santorini. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Later, travel to the picturesque village of Oia to experience one of the world’s most celebrated sunsets. Wander through charming lanes lined with whitewashed houses and iconic blue domes, overlooking the volcanic caldera. Take time to soak in the breathtaking views and shifting colours of dusk. Return to your hotel for an overnight stay on Santorini.
Day 7 Santorini
Enjoy breakfast before a full day at leisure on Santorini. Relax in a café, explore romantic villages or discover dramatic volcanic landscapes. Enhance your stay with an optional excursion of your choice, enjoying the island’s beauty at your own pace. Overnight in Santorini.
Optional Tour 1: Full Day Santorini Traditional Bus Tour
Full-day traditional bus tour of Santorini. Wander through the maze-like village of Emporio, enjoy free time at Perissa’s famous black-sand beach, visit the summit of Profitis Ilias, explore Oia and end the day with a spectacular sunset.
Optional Tour 2: Santorini Volcano, Hot Springs and Thirassia Island Tour
Volcano cruise around Santorini on a traditional Greek boat. Sail to Nea Kameni for a guided walk to the active crater, then continue to Palea Kameni to swim in sulphur-rich thermal waters. Enjoy sea views of Santorini before free time for lunch on Thirassia.
Optional Tour 3: Volcanic Islands Sunset Dinner Cruise
Volcanic islands sunset dinner cruise around Santorini aboard a traditional Greek boat. Sail towards the volcano for a guided walk to the crater, then swim in warm sulphur-rich waters nearby. As the sun sets over Oia, enjoy dinner and wine on board, surrounded by breathtaking Aegean views.
Optional Tour 4: Santorini Sunset Wine Tour
Sunset wine tour on Santorini. Discover the island’s volcanic terroir at Gavalas Winery, explore local wine history at Wine Museum Koutsogiannopoulos and enjoy a private seaside wine tasting. Conclude at a prime sunset viewpoint, relaxing with a glass of wine as the sun sinks into the Aegean Sea.
Day 8 Santorini - Paros
Enjoy an early breakfast or breakfast box before transferring to the port for your ferry to Paros. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring this charming Aegean island, renowned for its beaches and traditional villages. We suggest a relaxed stroll through the picturesque streets of Naoussa. Overnight stay in Paros.
Day 9 Paros
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed day at leisure on Paros. We suggest visiting Kolymbithres Beach for its striking granite formations and clear waters, then strolling through charming Parikia, filled with welcoming cafés and restaurants. Overnight stay in Paros.
Day 10 Paros - Mykonos
Day 11 Mykonos
After breakfast, enjoy a full day at leisure on Mykonos, discovering the island at your own pace. Wander the winding lanes of Hora, visit the iconic Paraportiani, or relax with a drink in Little Venice. You may also join an optional excursion to the legendary island of Delos. Overnight stay in Mykonos.
Optional Tour: Delos Island
Guided tour of the sacred island of Delos, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece. Inhabited from 2500 to 69 BC, Delos reveals remarkable treasures including the ancient Agora, the Terrace of the Naxos Lions, the Holy Lake, residential quarters and theatre. Discover beautifully preserved mosaic floors in the Houses of Dionysos, Kleopatra, the Trident, the Masks and the Dolphins, offering vivid insight into daily life in antiquity.
Day 12 Mykonos - Athens
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the port to catch your ferry to Athens. Overnight stay in Athens.
Day 13 Farewell Athens
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before your journey comes to an end. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Australia, departing with lasting memories of Greece’s ancient wonders, vibrant culture and beautiful island landscapes.
What's Included
All flights included – economy class, upgrades available.
Accommodation – Comfortable, well-located hotels are included throughout the tour, selected to suit your chosen category.
All transfers – Airport, hotel and sightseeing transfers are included for a seamless travel experience from start to finish.
Guided activities & sightseeing – Enjoy guided tours and key experiences as outlined in the itinerary, led by knowledgeable local guides.
Selected meals – Daily breakfast is included, along with additional meals on select touring days, featuring local flavours.
Optional experiences are available to further personalise your journey.
Trip Notes
This journey offers a seamless blend of Greece’s ancient heritage and iconic island life, combining mainland highlights with the beauty of the Cyclades. From exploring Athens, Delphi and the monasteries of Meteora to unwinding in Santorini, Paros and Mykonos, the itinerary is thoughtfully paced to balance guided discovery with time to relax and explore independently.
To enhance your experience, consider arriving in Athens at least one day prior to the tour or extending your stay on the islands. Tailored arrangements including international flights, inter-island transfers, accommodation upgrades and curated excursions—can be organised to ensure a smooth and personalised journey. Optional experiences such as sunset cruises, local food tours and cultural visits can add further depth to your trip.
Pack for warm Mediterranean conditions with lightweight clothing, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes for exploring historic sites and island towns. A light layer is useful for breezy evenings, especially by the coast. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, and guests should ensure all travel documents and regional requirements are in place prior to departure for a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
