Greek Island Explorer (Small Group)

Let it sink in – you're standing in what was once the centre of the Western world, where the likes of Socrates, Aristotle and Plato shared wisdom that has stood the test of time. Your launchpad to a Greek island adventure begins in the capital. There's plenty of time to relax on the island, so lace up your walking shoes and discover the city your way. Later, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a glimpse of what lies ahead.

Athens goes big today as you head up to the Acropolis with your Local Guide. This ancient citadel has been stealing the skyline for thousands of years, and now you're getting a closer look at its temples, theatres and the mighty Parthenon, one of Classical Greece's greatest survivors. You'll also view the Panathinaiko Olympic Stadium, Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, before passing Syntagma Square to see the Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The rest of the day is yours to do Athens your way. Add a Choice Experience to the 5th-century BC Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, or choose a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Choice Experience at a turtle sanctuary. This evening, if the sizzle of street food hasn't already won you over, join another Choice Experience with your fellow travellers for a traditional dinner in buzzing Psiri.

Swap city buzz for island swagger today as you jump on a high-speed ferry to Mykonos, the Cycladic charmer that knows how to make an entrance. After transferring to your hotel, take a short walking orientation to get your bearings, then it's over to you. Chase whitewashed lanes, bright shutters, tiny chapels and the kind of sea views that make your camera work overtime.

Hungry for more? Add a Choice Experience food walking tour through Mykonos Chora with a Local Guide, tasting local favourites and picking up the stories behind this sun-soaked show-off. The rest of the day? Yours to wander, snack, sip and soak it all up.

Snap your fingers and you'll be on the other side of the island. Well, almost! Spend your day exploring tiny Mykonos your way, or join your fellow travelers for an optional Island Tour driving through arid landscapes to some of its most celebrated beaches. Before dipping your toes into the water, you'll visit Ano Mera village, home to a 16th-century monastery dedicated to the protectress of Mykonos. Then, continue to the beautiful Blue Flag–awarded beaches.

Mykonos has had its moment, now Naxos gets the spotlight. Start with a free morning your way before hopping on the ferry to this Cycladic favourite, where the pace drops and the appetite kicks in. Get your bearings on an orientation of Naxos town, with its whitewashed lanes, Venetian touches and harbour views all ready to distract you.

The rest of the day is yours. Browse, beach-hop, cafe-hop or simply let Naxos win you over. This evening, add a Choice Experience and roll up your sleeves for a Naxian cooking lesson, getting hands-on with the local flavours that make this island such a treat.

Naxos is all yours today, so play it your way. Linger over coffee in Naxos town, browse the little shops, head for the beach or follow your appetite to a seaside taverna. Want to see more of the island without doing the homework? Add a Choice Experience on an Island Tour of Naxos, taking in the seafront and mountain villages that show off a different side of this Cycladic favourite. Think harbour views, local life and hillside charm, with someone else handling the route. The rest of the day is free to wander, dip, snack or simply let Naxos do its thing.

Hop on the ferry to Santorini and watch the Aegean do its thing before arriving on the island that knows exactly how good it looks. After checking in, the day is yours to play with. Chase caldera views, find a sun-soaked cafe, wander whitewashed lanes or simply sit back and let Santorini show off.

This evening, add a Choice Experience with wine tasting and a visit to Oia, pairing local pours with one of Greece's most famous villages. Blue domes, cliffside views and a glass in hand? Not a bad way to end the day.

Why laze on the sun-soaked beach all day when you could take a tour of Santorini's must-visit destinations instead? Opt for the Santorini Island Tour, which includes a visit to Akrotiri. Pass by charming villages to admire Cycladic architecture and explore the ancient Bronze Age village of Megalochori. Or, take to the water on a catamaran cruise through the caldera, where you can swim, snorkel and soak up the sea breeze.

This evening, there's no better place to bid farewell to another beautiful island day than in Oia. You may take a stroll through its marble streets to the locals' favourite sunset spot and capture the Instagram shot of the trip.

And just like that, your Greek adventure wraps up with Santorini doing what Santorini does best: stealing the final scene. From ancient citadels and oracle stories to Meteora's sky-high monasteries, island ferries, whitewashed lanes and caldera views that absolutely knew they were the main event, you've packed in plenty. Say farewell to your Travel Director and new friends today, but Greece isn't done with you yet. The stories, sunshine and “can we go back? ” moments are coming home too.