Vacation Overview
Tour Details
Journeys: Discover the Greek Islands
Sail into a world of timeless charm and island magic on this 8-day journey through the Greek Islands. Wander the iconic windmills and seaside charm of Mykonos, explore the lush heart of Naxos with an expert guide, and take part in a meaningful wildlife conservation experience. Along the way, enjoy a farm-fresh lunch, dive into centuries of tradition, and end your adventure on the postcard-perfect cliffs of Santorini — where the sunsets are unforgettable and the history runs deep.
Highlights
Stroll the whitewashed streets of Mykonos and admire its famous windmills, Savour a fresh farmstead lunch rooted in island tradition, Visit a wildlife conservation project supported by Planeterra, Hike through the lush villages of Naxos with a local expert
Accomodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your Expedition Leader to organize one for you with reception.
Group Leader
All National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our Chief Experience Officers (CEO). The aim of the Expedition Leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches
What's Included
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Delos Guided Tour with Museum, Delos
Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Explore and Connect: Village to Village Hike, Kourounochori
Your G for Good Moment: Naxos Wildlife and Conservation Awareness Experience, Naxos
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet
Your Expedition Leader and Group.
Orientation walk of Mykonos. Expedition Leader-led walk through Little Venice to see windmills. Free time to explore Mykonos. Naxos Wildlife Conservation project visit. Expedition Leader-led walking exploration of Naxos including the famous Portara. Lunch at a traditional taverna. Visit to the Akrotiri Museum. Expedition Leader-led of a portion of the Caldera Trail. Free time in Santorini. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Daily Itinerary
G Adventures: Journeys: Discover the Greek Islands
Day 1: Athens
Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel.
Day 2: Athens/Mykonos
Travel by ferry to the island of Mykonos with its iconic windmills and seaside cafes. Here you’ll relax and unwind with an afternoon at the pool, then join your tour leader for a walk through town, revealing those famous windmills, the Church of Panagia Paraportiani, and the lovely Little Venice.
Day 3: Mykonos
After a free morning on Mykonos, head out on an excursion with an archeologist guide to Delos, an island with recorded history dating back to the early Ionian civilization. Once the religious centre of the Aegean Cyclades, the island now exists as an open-air museum, uninhabited and with no vehicles. According to legend, Latonna gave birth here to Apollo the Greek sun god, and to Artemis, the huntress and goddess of marriage and fertility. On our walk, see the Sacred Harbor and the regal Sacred Way, with imposing stone lions leading to the temples dedicated to Apollo and Artemis. Then visit the museum where artifacts found on the island are housed.
Day 4: Mykonos/Naxos
This morning, travel by ferry to the island of Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands. Here you’ll immerse yourself in a culinary adventure accompanied by a local expert. Learn the secrets of the Naxian Rosto, a celebrated dish of slow cooked pork infused with fragrant garlic and filled with local graviera cheese, baked in the oven. Then, head out on a walking tour starting at the “Portara”, a marble gateway–remnants of the temple of Apollo dating from the 6th century BC. From ancient Greek ruins to medieval fortresses and modern island life–explore the old town. Stroll through winding alleys, view the 11th-century Cathedral, and see prehistoric Cycladic figurines in the historic Ursuline School.
Day 5: Naxos
Spend a full day in the countryside and appreciate the true spirit of Naxos, a rich, agricultural hub. Accompanied by a local guide, explore the island’s unique culture walking from village to village, meeting the locals, and tasting traditional flavours along the way. Walk in ancient footsteps through Kouroi, an archeological landmark, witness the watermills of Myloi, sample Kytro liquor at Chalki village, and enjoy the iconic olives and olive oil in Kaloxylos village. On your way back, make a stop at the non-profit Naxos Wildlife Protection organization to learn about their conservation efforts on the island before enjoying a free afternoon.
Day 6: Naxos/Santorini
Catch a ferry to the postcard-perfect Santorini this morning. Here, you’ll join a local guide for a visit to the Akrotiri Museum and ruins–a Bronze Age settlement destroyed in the Theran eruption sometime in the 16th century BC. The site was buried in volcanic ash, preserving the remains of fine frescos and artifacts, similar to the famed Pompeii. Later, choose some free time to relax or join your tour leader for a walk around Fira to see the Three Bells of Santorini.
Day 7: Santorini
Today is free to enjoy the stunning landscapes, beaches and culture of Santorini. Opt to join a sailing excursion which visits local beaches, one of the oldest active volcanoes, and the volcanically formed islands of Palea and Nea Kameni. This evening, join the group for an optional farewell dinner in Oia, famous for its stunning sunset views, and toast the end of your Greek adventure.
Day 8: Santorini
Depart at any time.