The Greek Isles (2011)

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Back to View Trips Starting at $2,295 USD

Departures

05/23/2011
06/12/2011
06/20/2011
07/15/2011

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DAY 1 Overnight flight

DAY 2 Arrival in Athens

Arrival in Athens
Welcome to Athens! After clearing customs, you’ll meet your Full-time EFCB Tour Guide and the rest of your group. Did you know that Athens was named after Athena, goddess of wisdom and war?

Walking tour of Athens

Walking tour of Athens
Your tour guide will show you some of the can't-miss spots of Athens, including the bustling Plaka district. Check out Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus—construction on the temple began in 515 B.C.

DAY 3 Sightseeing tour of Athens (local guide)

Sightseeing tour of Athens (local guide)
Discover ancient Athens with a local guide. It's hard not to feel the past as you walk in the sandalsteps of the ancient philosophers, merchants and artisans. See the Temple of Athena Nike, which once housed a gold statue of the goddess, and pass the stadium where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896. Also climb the famed Acropolis and view the legendary Parthenon.

Welcome dinner
Enjoy some group bonding time at tonight’s included dinner.

DAY 4 Ferry to Mykonos

Ferry to Mykonos
Begin your 6-day Greek Island hop, and head to cosmopolitan Mykonos. Mykonos is known for its beaches and its nightlife, and though you'll pay a little more for your fun here than you will on the other islands, the stellar scenery and lively bar and club scene are all worth it.

Free time on Mykonos (nighttime)

Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. Little Venice – This is the best area to go bar hopping—many places have verandas overlooking the water.
2. Katerina’s – Famous for its piña coladas, this Little Venice bar offers stunning views of the sunset over the sea.
3. Cavo Paradiso – Famous DJs spin at this Paradise Beach spot in the summer months.
4. Anemo Theatre – From July to September, this outdoor venue features concerts and other performances.
5. Caprice – This is the first club to open in the spring and the last to close in the fall.

DAY 5 Free day on Mykonos

Top 5 free-time suggestions:
1. Paradise Beach – This is the most famous of the beaches, with all the seaside activities to earn the reputation.
2. Lena's House – Step inside a recreated home of a middle class 19th-century Mykonos family.
3. Little Venice – Check out this unique area of houses built hanging over the sea.
4. Museum of Folklore – Housed in a 19th-century sea captain's home, this museum displays a cool collection of crafts and furniture.
5. Delos – Just off the coast of Mykonos, the entire island is an archaeological site.

DAY 6 Ferry to Santorini

Ferry to Santorini
Head to island of Santorini, also known as Thira. The scenery of Santorini is simply spectacular. Actually the caldera of an ancient volcano, the crescent-shaped island encircles beautiful blue waters.

Free time on Santorini (nighttime)

Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. Kamari – This town's beachfront is packed with clubs and cafes, so take your pick.
2. Yellow Donkey Disco – A youthful air dominates this popular club in Kamari.
3. Kirathira Bar – For some mellow jazz and a nice atmosphere, check out this spot.
4. Murphy’s Club – This club in Fira is open all year; a favorite spot for dancing.
5. Tropical Bar – The balcony at this cool place looks out on the volcano caldera 250 meters above the sea.

DAY 7 Free day on Santorini

Top 5 free-time suggestions:
1. Archaeological Museum – Check out this collection of locally-discovered artifacts, including figurines, vases and more.
2. Ancient Thira – These amazing ancient ruins are atop a high cliff overlooking two beaches.
3. Oia – Explore this beautiful village at the westernmost tip of the island; a great place to watch the sun set over the water.
4. Pyrgos – This is one of the oldest and most traditional villages on the island.
5. Swimming – The long beach at Kamari is a very appealing option for seaside activities.

DAY 8 Ferry to Ios

Ferry to Ios
Head to the smaller island of Ios, known as the island of good times. It has a very youthful feel, and most people who come here come for the nightlife. Of course, during the day, it's easy to catch up on sleep on any number of relaxing beaches.

Free time on Ios (nighttime)

Top 5 nightlife suggestions:
1. Mylopotas – Come to bar-hopping heaven on this long stretch along the beach.
2. Scorpion – Located in Mylopotas, this is supposedly the largest club in the Cyclades Island chain.
3. Ios Club – On the port, this is a good spot to have a drink and listen to classical or jazz music.
4. Dubliner – In the main square of Ios Town, this is a friendly watering hole, popular with Irish tourists.
5. Amadeus Bar – This small charming bar has great music.

DAY 9 Free day on Ios

Top 4 free-time suggestions:
1. Ios Town – Explore this charming village in the classic Cycladic style (whitewash, cubes and colorful doors and shutters).
2. Mylopotas – Water sports, sunning, and swimming abound at this lively sandy beach.
3. Koumbara – About a 30-minute walk from the port of Ios, this is a quieter, more mellow beach.
4. Plakotos – Up on a mountain on the north side of the island, this is the supposed spot of Homer's grave.

DAY 10 Return to Athens

Return to Athens
Head back to the mainland for the final evening of your trip.

Farewell drink
Share some last laughs (and maybe shed a few tears) over a farewell drink with the group.

DAY 11 Flight home

Don't want to go home?
Plan beforehand, and you can change your return ticket and explore more of Athens on your own, or visit another city and fly home from there. To request special travel, fill out this form.