Alpha Travel
Sample itinerary

Grand Tour of Greece

Athens, Santorini, and Naxos

Duration
11
Days
Cities
3
Cities
Hotel nights
9
Hotel nights

Overview

Begin in Athens with the Acropolis and the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum, then island-hop through the Cyclades by ferry and a short domestic flight. Santorini delivers caldera sunsets, a private driver-guided island tour, and a morning catamaran cruise with lunch. Naxos offers a market-to-table cooking class and a relaxed full-day island tour before returning to Athens for departure.

  • Morning guided visit to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, with entrance fees handled by your guide at time of visit.

  • Ferry from Athens to Santorini across the Aegean, with dramatic caldera views on arrival.

  • Full-day Santorini exploration with a private driver/guide, covering Oia, volcanic beaches, Pyrgos, and a winery visit.

  • Morning catamaran cruise with lunch, swimming near volcanic islands, and views of Red and White beaches.

  • Naxos market tour and hands-on cooking class, followed by a shared meal of the dishes you prepare.

  • Full-day Naxos island tour with a local driver, visiting the Temple of Dimitra, traditional pottery in Damala, and the villages of Halki, Filoti, and Apeiranthos.

Map showing Greece

Greece

Itinerary

Day by day

En route

Day 1 | Depart for Athens

Board your overnight flight to Athens. Nonstop service is arranged from your international gateway when available.

Athens

Day 2 | Arrive Athens

Welcome to Athens! Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting in the airport terminal for your private transfer to the hotel.

Hotel check-in is typically between 2 and 3 pm. An early-arrival room will be requested; if it is ready you can check in sooner, otherwise the hotel can store your luggage while you enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure to settle in and begin exploring the city.

Ava Hotel

Day 3 | Morning guided visit to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

Standing in the heart of Athens, the first sight of the Acropolis rising above the city is unforgettable. Meet your guide at a central location and walk upward along marble pathways polished smooth by thousands of years of footsteps.

At the summit stands the Parthenon. Seeing it in person is far more powerful than any photograph—its weathered columns still radiate strength and symmetry, a symbol of ancient Greek brilliance and devotion.

A short distance away, the Acropolis Museum houses many of the site's original masterpieces. Built over ancient ruins, the museum lets you look down through glass floors to an archaeological site beneath your feet, creating the feeling that history is still alive below you.

Your guide will illuminate the most significant pieces and the myths behind them. Entrance fees are payable at the time of visit.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the energy of Plaka, the old neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis.

Ava Hotel

Santorini

Day 4 | Ferry to Santorini

Morning transfer to Athens port for your onward ferry to Santorini. The journey across the Aegean is part of the adventure, with open-water views and islands drifting by.

Welcome to Santorini! Your driver will be waiting at the ferry port for a private transfer to your hotel. The drive climbs steeply from the port, with tight turns and jaw-dropping views over the caldera.

The evening is at your leisure to enjoy one of Santorini's famous sunsets over the caldera.

Mill Houses New Elegant Suites

Day 5 | Full-day island exploring with private driver/guide

Exploring Santorini with a private driver is one of the best ways to experience the island—comfortable, flexible, and stress-free, with local insight and access to hidden spots without worrying about navigation or parking.

Start early in Oia before the crowds arrive, walking narrow alleys and photographing the iconic blue-domed churches. Continue to Santorini's volcanic beaches: Red Beach with its dramatic red cliffs, and Perissa or Kamari with their black sand. Even without swimming, the landscapes are worth the stop.

Pyrgos offers a quieter, traditional side of the island and panoramic views from the top. The day can also include a visit to one or two wineries to taste Assyrtiko and other local varieties grown in volcanic soil.

Mill Houses New Elegant Suites

Day 6 | Morning catamaran cruise with lunch

Meet your driver at a meeting point close to your hotel, then board a beautiful catamaran for a morning cruise around the caldera.

The cruise combines sailing, swimming, sightseeing, and a freshly prepared Greek lunch, all with the caldera as your backdrop. The first stop is usually Red Beach, with dramatic red volcanic cliffs ideal for photos and a quick swim.

You will cruise past White Beach, accessible mainly by boat, and along black-sand beaches. Near the volcanic island of Nea Kameni, swim in warm, mineral-rich waters—a unique, spa-like natural experience.

Lunch is served anchored in a scenic spot: grilled chicken or seafood, Greek salad, pasta, bread, and local wine, beer, and soft drinks, with sea breeze, sunshine, and incredible views.

The evening is at your leisure.

Mill Houses New Elegant Suites

Lunch

Naxos

Day 7 | Ferry to Naxos

Morning transfer to Santorini ferry port for your onward journey to Naxos. The crossing is short but beautiful, full of island-hopping charm.

Welcome to Naxos! Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure—perfect for beach time and a first taste of the island.

Naxos Island Hotel

Day 8 | Morning cooking class

Taking a cooking class in Naxos is one of the most immersive ways to experience the island. You do not just taste local flavors—you create them, learning hands-on from local chefs and farmers.

Meet your guide at your hotel and make the rounds of the local produce market the way Naxians do. Pick and choose fresh, seasonal produce bursting with fragrance, color, and flavor, then walk through the cobblestone maze-like alleys of the Chora castle, sampling cheeses and liqueurs at local shops.

The experience ends at a small traditional taverna, where a talented chef shows you step by step how to make traditional appetizers and the renowned Greek salad. Then comes the best part: sitting down to share the dishes you made, along with another traditional dish prepared by the chef, raising glasses and toasting a day spent enjoying and experiencing the island.

The evening is at your leisure.

Naxos Island Hotel

Day 9 | Full-day island exploring with driver/guide

Meet your driver at your hotel. The drivers and guides are locals who know every corner of the island and its long history.

Visit the Temple of Dimitra, built in 530 BC, and an old pottery workshop in the village of Damala that still produces traditional pottery. Continue to three of Naxos's most beautiful and famous villages: Halki, the old center of the island; Filoti, the largest village; and Apeiranthos, a traditional village built of stone and marble.

This is a fun, relaxing day exploring the island at your own pace. Your driver can customize the route based on your interests.

Naxos Island Hotel

Athens

Day 10 | Fly to Athens

Transfer to Naxos airport for your flight to Athens. Upon arrival, transfer to your airport hotel on your own, with the evening at leisure before tomorrow's departure.

Holiday Inn Athens Airport

En route

Day 11 | Depart for home

Transfer to Athens airport on your own and board your return flight home.

Stays

Hotel program

9 nights across 4 properties. Specific room categories confirmed at booking.

  • Athens

    Ava Hotel

    2 nights

  • Santorini

    Mill Houses New Elegant Suites

    3 nights

  • Naxos

    Naxos Island Hotel

    3 nights

  • Athens

    Holiday Inn Athens Airport

    1 night

Dates & Prices

Planning your dates

This sample journey is priced from $4,802 per person · based on 4 guests and 2 rooms · excluding international flights. Contact your advisor for seasonal availability, private departures, and international air.

Sample itinerary and pricing for planning purposes. Final quotes depend on travel dates, flight class, hotel availability, and party size. International flights, guide gratuities, Acropolis and museum entrance fees, Europe hotel tourist fees, and checked baggage are quoted or paid separately.

Journey Details

Air & rail

  • Day 1 · flight

    International gateway — Athens

    Nonstop overnight — Scheduled by your advisor before travel

  • Day 4 · transfer

    Athens — Santorini

    Approx. 4h–8h by ferry — First-class ferry

  • Day 7 · transfer

    Santorini — Naxos

    Approx. 1h–2h by ferry — First-class ferry

  • Day 10 · flight

    Naxos — Athens

    Approx. 45m — Scheduled by your advisor before travel

  • Day 11 · flight

    Athens — international gateway

    Nonstop or connecting — Scheduled by your advisor before travel

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