Off-Season Island Exploring

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Athens

   Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

   Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   Love at First Sight

   Athens has plenty of rooftop venues to take advantage of the opportunity to see the Acropolis shining at night. They have become popular hubs for nightlife among locals. One of our favorite rooftop bars is POINT A (Acropolis Point), which is the only bar that provides views of both the Acropolis and the modern elegant lines of the Acropolis Museum, lit beautifully at night. POINT A has a relaxed vibe and Greek cuisine with a twist. It’s perfect for couples and even families or groups of friends. If you happen to stay around the Monastiraki district, you should definitely visit A for Athens cocktail bar and restaurant, a popular venue among locals. Hytra and GB Roof Garden are full-on luxury restaurants and bars that can provide perfect romantic evenings. We guarantee that if you spend your first night dining at one of those places, you will quickly fall in love with the mind-blowing views and lively city.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Athens

   

   Athens Highlights Mythology Small Group Tour

   Discover the myths behind the greatest landmarks in Athens. Learn about Greek gods and heroes, and discover what really hides behind ancient myths. At the same time visit the best landmarks and sites in Athens, such as the Acropolis (Parthenon, theater of Dionysus, temple of Athena Nike, temple of Erechtheion, and the sanctuary of Asclepius), Olympian Zeus’ temple, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Hephaestus.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   An Archeologist's Paradise

   If you are interested in what life was like in ancient Greece, you've arrived at the right place. Athens offers some wonderful museums you definitely shouldn't miss. The Acropolis Museum, located in an award-winning building, is an absolute must-see. It displays and protects priceless artifacts and provides an opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of the Acropolis and the city itself. The National Archaeological Museum is the city's largest museum, housed in a beautiful neoclassical building. If you want to experience the panorama of ancient Greek culture to the fullest, save at least two days to wander through its fascinating collections. An exhibition of archaeological findings can also be found at the airport's main building. Additionally, the National Gallery offers an extensive collection of modern Greek art, while the Goulandris Museum showcases an impressive array of contemporary art, making both essential stops for art enthusiasts.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   Athens by Night Food and Wine Tasting Small Group Tour

   As the sun sets, embark on a truly decadent foray into Greek gastronomy and viticulture. This immersive food tour includes two authentic eateries, followed by a wine tasting, in which an expert sommelier takes you through five different varieties, plus ouzo.
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Athens

   

   Delicious Athens Food Group Tour

   Eat your way through Athens! Discover Greek flavors and their history, with a walk through some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods, rarely visited by tourists. Taste olive oils, Greek cheeses, tsipouro drink, honey, souvlaki, tapenades, baklava, Greek coffee, sweets, and a variety of Greek tapas.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Corfu by Airplane / Arrival in Corfu

   

   From Athens to Corfu the best option will be to take a flight on one of the low cost airlines. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport for your flight. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival:

   
   

   Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

   The jewel of the Ionian Sea, Corfu exudes a sense of elegance, nostalgia and aristocratic grandeur. Its charming old town, with its noble architecture, sophisticated ambience, and impeccable sea views, has a prime spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Corfu’s multicultural history is a juxtaposition of conquests by the Venetians, French, and British. Their stories are reflected in the island’s eclectic, neoclassical, and Art Nouveau architecture. Corfu's historical center is protected by two Venetian Fortresses: the Old Fortress which played a crucial role in Corfu’s history protecting the island from many sieges, and the hilltop New Fortress, with its vaulted passageways, underground galleries, and astonishing views of the Old Town. Discover the island’s unique history by visiting a few of its grand palaces, like the Achilleion Palace, built by Empress Elizabeth ("Sisi") of Austria in 1892, with its luscious gardens and impressive collection of marble statues. Corfu's countryside is dotted with pretty villages, expansive olive groves, vineyards, and herbal gardens. The coastline is a dream world of its own, with crystalline azure waters and secret coves only accessible by boat.

   Upon arrival at the airport, our driver will pick you up and take you to your accommodation.

   

   For Your Eyes Only

   After you arrive in Corfu, we recommend heading to one of the main town's must-sees: Palaio Frourio, a 15th-century Venetian fortress. Separated from the town by a moat, the fortress boasts two small peaks, or korypha, that are the source of Corfu's name. While the fort tends to draw visitors for its history, some come for its breathtaking views or because it was one of the locations in the James Bond film "For Your Eyes Only."

   Suggestion to explore on your own

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Corfu

   

   Corfu in a Day Private Tour

   Join us on this full-day private tour of Corfu, and let us take you to everything you must not miss on Corfu in just a day! Enjoy the ease and comfort of your private luxurious vehicle and start your day by visiting the monumental palace of Achillion, built by the famous Empress of Austria Elizabeth aka Princess Sissi. Continue by visiting the Old Town of Corfu, one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and round up your day by enjoying the seaside views of Paleokastritsa, where the trees and the water become one in an emerald dreamscape. A full-day experience of Corfu that combines history, art, culture and natural beauty, this Corfu in a day tour is ideal for first-timers and those spending a short time on the Homeric island of the Phaeacians.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Artemis' Sanctuary

   Just outside of Corfu lies the remains of the Temple of Artemis, an early Doric temple built around 580 BC in the ancient city of Korkyra. Partially excavated by a vacationing Kaiser Wilhelm II on the eve of WWI, this was one of the first buildings to include all the elements of Doric architecture. The pediment that once crowned it, depicting Perseus killing the Medusa, can now be admired in the town of Corfu's National Archaeological Museum.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Corfu

   

   Mingle with Locals in Picturesque Villages

   Corfu is stuffed with humble hamlets, so don't spend all your time on the beach! If you're interested in history or just want to immerse yourself in the island's traditional culture, head to Old Perithia. As the name implies, this is Corfu's oldest village, although most of its traditional homes have been abandoned. Located at the base of Mt. Pantokrator, this village is located in a secure location, with views of the sea, but invisible from the coast. Corfu's second largest town, picturesque Lefkimmi, boasts astonishing architecture, with tall Venetian-style houses, quiet squares, hidden churches, and a canal linking the town to the sea.
   

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   

   Unusual Flavor Combinations

   Corfu's cosmopolitan past is reflected in its cuisine, which blends Greek and Venetian flavors. One popular local dish is pastitsada, a traditional veal casserole. We would recommend that you seek out sofrito, another veal-based dish made with vinegar, parsley, and garlic, as well as bourdeto, a spicy fish stew. For something more unique, try some of the island's exclusive spoon sweets and kumquat liqueur! Another unique taste is traditional "loukoumades", which are little bite-sized fluffy sweet honey balls (the Greek version of donuts).
   

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

7. Day 7 Traveling to Santorini by Airplane, via Athens / Day Stop in Athens / Arrival in Santorini

   

   Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you straight to Corfu's airport, with plenty of time to catch your flight to Athens.

   
   

   Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

   Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

   

   From Athens to Santorini the best option will be to take a flight on one of the low cost airlines. On your day of departure, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to the airport for your flight. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival:

   
   

   Please note that the flight included in your package is non-refundable. In case you would prefer more flexibility, we can check the flexible fares for you and let you know about the price difference. In addition, the price of the flights is subject to change until we receive your deposit.

   “Intelligent adults come here and turn into infants,” Craig Walzer, owner of the Atlantis Bookstore. Santorini is every traveler's dream. The whitewashed houses and blue domed churches perched atop of soaring cliffs, the narrow cobblestone streets and unsurpassed views of crystal-clear blue waters -- these all greet you as you step foot on this fairytale land. Intertwining myth and reality, Santorini is every bit as beautiful as the countless postcards, magazine covers, and Instagram photos claim. The village of Oia is world-famous for its sunset, where thousands of spectators line up every evening to witness the magic as the sun bids farewell to the sky and the canvas lights up in fierce hues. Fortunately, the sunset can be enjoyed from much of the rest of this crescent-shaped island. Santorini is also home to Akrotiri, the Greek take on Pompeii. Inhabited since Neolithic times, this city was built up by the Minoans, a seafaring civilization that predated the ancient Greeks, only to be destroyed in the catastrophic eruption that shaped Santorini, which forms part of a massive volcanic caldera. Covered in ashes for millennia, Akrotiri is still being uncovered. We suggest visiting the neighboring center of the caldera, where you can enjoy hot springs, visit the volcanic crater, and enjoy stunning views of Santorini itself. Santorini’s unique ecology, climate and volcanic ash soil paved the way for a flourishing wine industry. Its indigenous varietals will make your stay even more enjoyable.

   Upon arrival to Santorini airport, a driver will meet you and take you to your accommodation.

   

   Blindingly White

   Santorini's characteristic yposkafa houses dug straight into volcanic rock and resembling caves on the inside, are one of the island's most romantic features. The history behind this architecture is a bit less charming, however. Due to harsh winter winds, the need for protection from raids, and the high costs of living above a cliff, many poor ended up burrowing along the caldera's cliffs. The houses are generally white, both to cool homes otherwise basking in the sun and due to a law from the 1930s that once required citizens to use whitewash to fight the epidemics that once ravaged Santorini and its neighbors. Explore this unique architecture by visiting the Folklore Museum of Santorini, followed by a walk through Fira or Oia.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Santorini

   

   Best of Santorini Private Tour

   This private tour of Santorini shows you around the best of the island in a day. Visit Santorini's must-see sites and landmarks while nibbling on local delicacies and sipping on Greek wine along the way. Discover the most photogenic parts of the island and create memories to last a lifetime.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Scenic Hikes from Shore to Springs

   If you're looking to stay active, we recommend hiking. Our favorite trail runs for 11km (6.5 miles) between Fira and Oia, and we're sure you'll enjoy every minute of it. On the way, you'll pass through the beautiful towns of Firostefani and Imerovigli. If you're looking for more of a challenge, head from the village of Pyrgos, through Santorini's highest point (home to the Prophet Elias Holy Monastery), and on to ancient Thira. For a more rough and ready path, walk to the Old Port, where you can hop aboard a boat tour that will take you across the caldera to the volcano on Nea Kameni. A spectacular hike up over this dormant mountain is moderately challenging but worth the effort for its breathtaking views. Back on the boat, you can circle to the other side of the volcano, where your weary legs will relish a chance to soak in the thermal hot springs at Palia Kameni before looping back to Fira.

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Santorini

   

   A Hidden Gem

   Pyrgos, the best-preserved medieval settlement on the island, is a tiny village loaded with small wonders. It is located on an elevated hill in the center of the island. For visitors looking for an authentic local village, this is the place. You can spend a lazy afternoon basking in the warm sun in an outdoor cafe or a romantic evening wandering through the streets. Regardless of the season, the busiest time is noon, when people gather for ouzo or the island's beers, accompanied by excellent local meze. Join the locals at one of their tavernas!

   Suggestion to explore on your own

   

   Blindingly White

   Santorini's characteristic yposkafa houses dug straight into volcanic rock and resembling caves on the inside, are one of the island's most romantic features. The history behind this architecture is a bit less charming, however. Due to harsh winter winds, the need for protection from raids, and the high costs of living above a cliff, many poor ended up burrowing along the caldera's cliffs. The houses are generally white, both to cool homes otherwise basking in the sun and due to a law from the 1930s that once required citizens to use whitewash to fight the epidemics that once ravaged Santorini and its neighbors. Explore this unique architecture by visiting the Folklore Museum of Santorini, followed by a walk through Fira or Oia.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

10. Day 10 Departure Day

    Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you straight to Santorini's airport.