2-day Tour from Athens to Santorini and Mykonos

An Easy Way to Explore Two Iconic Greek Islands in Just Two Days

This 2-day tour from Athens to Santorini and Mykonos offers a practical way to experience two of Greece’s most celebrated islands. Priced at $573.51 per person, it includes ferry transportation, hotel accommodations in Santorini, and door-to-door pickup services. The tour is designed for those who want to maximize their time without the hassle of navigating logistics themselves.

While the tour provides seamless transfers and a brief taste of each island, it’s important to note that the schedule is quite packed, with limited time on Mykonos. The hotel stay in Santorini ensures comfort and convenience, and the ferry views are a highlight. However, some reviews mention communication issues and the short duration on Mykonos as potential drawbacks. This tour suits travelers eager for a quick, organized getaway but who are comfortable with a fast-paced itinerary.

Key Points

• Price: $573.51 per person for 2 days
• Duration: Approximately 2 days, including ferry rides and hotel stay
• Includes: Hotel pickup, ferry tickets, hotel accommodation in Santorini, and a gift of Athens city sightseeing bus tickets
• Highlights: Ferry crossings with scenic views of the Aegean, free time on Santorini and Mykonos, and direct transfers between locations
• Limitations: Limited time on Mykonos, some communication concerns, and a busy schedule

Starting Point in Athens: Rafina Port at 5:30 am

The tour begins early in the morning at Rafina Port, located at Arafinidon Alon in Rafina. Travelers are picked up from their Athens hotels and transported directly to the port, ensuring a smooth start. The departure time at 5:30 am means an early start, but it allows maximum time on the islands.

Once at Rafina, the group embarks on the ferry to Santorini, with a cruise lasting about 6 hours. The ferry ride offers impressive views of the caldera as it approaches the famous Santorini port, setting the scene for the island adventure ahead.

Ferry Journey to Santorini: Scenic Views and Calm Seas

The ferry ride from Rafina to Santorini is a significant highlight, offering travelers scenic vistas of the Aegean Sea. The cruise is smooth and typically well-organized, according to reviews, making it a comfortable experience despite the long duration of about 6 hours.

This route provides an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy the expansive views of the islands and sea, a favorite part of this trip. Once arriving at Santorini, a driver is waiting with a sign bearing your name to transfer you to your pre-booked hotel. The hotel options are in Santorini’s 3 or 4-star range, depending on availability, promising a comfortable overnight stay.

Santorini Hotel and Free Time for Exploration

The included hotel stay in Santorini offers a seamless transition from ferry to accommodation, saving travelers from logistical hassles. Once checked in, there’s free time until the next morning, allowing guests to explore at their own pace.

Visitors can enjoy the stunning caldera views, wander through charming streets, or relax at nearby cafes. The flexibility to explore independently is a key perk of this tour, though some reviews note that additional details about the hotel and itinerary are sent only one day before, which can be a minor inconvenience for planning.

Santorini to Mykonos: Short Ferry Ride and Sightseeing

Early the next morning, a driver transfers you back to Santorini’s port for the ferry to Mykonos. The approximately 3-hour cruise offers more scenic views of the Aegean and is generally described as smooth. Arriving in Mykonos, travelers have several hours of free time to explore the picturesque town.

The free time in Mykonos includes options like strolling through the Matoyanni neighborhood with its designer shops or enjoying fresh seafood at seaside tavernas. However, the short duration—around 5 hours—means a quick visit rather than an in-depth exploration. The ferry departs back to Rafina later in the evening, with a final transfer by car to your hotel in Athens.

Transportation, Group Size, and Booking Details

This tour features door-to-door pickup and drop-off, simplifying the logistics for travelers. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, providing a balance between social interaction and comfort. The ferry tickets for all segments—Rafina to Santorini, Santorini to Mykonos, and Mykonos back to Rafina—are included in the price.

Booking this tour typically requires 42 days in advance, indicating a well-organized operation with steady demand. The mobile ticket option adds convenience, and group discounts are available for larger parties.

Hotel Stay in Santorini: Comfort and Convenience

The accommodation in Santorini is arranged in 3 or 4-star hotels, depending on availability. This stay ensures travelers are rested for the next day’s activities and provides a comfortable base to enjoy some free time. The hotel’s location is not specified in detail, but it is included as part of the seamless logistics.

One review highlights that the hotel was very good and comfortable, adding value to the overall experience. Still, some reviews mention that more detailed hotel information sent in advance could improve planning.

Scenic Ferry Crossings: Views from the Seas

Ferry rides are a central feature of this tour, providing not only transportation but also memorable scenes of the Aegean Sea and the coastline of Santorini and Mykonos. The ferry from Rafina to Santorini is around 6 hours, and from Santorini to Mykonos is approximately 3 hours.

Guests can expect a smooth cruise experience, with many appreciating the panoramic views and the relaxing atmosphere on board. The ferry is an integral part of this tour, offering a scenic alternative to flights, with some reviews noting the views as a highlight.

Free Time on Santorini and Mykonos: Exploration and Shopping

Once in Santorini, the free time allows for independent exploration, sightseeing, or shopping. The iconic white-washed buildings and views of the caldera are highly photogenic. The hotel stay offers a restful pause before moving on.

In Mykonos, the short stay still provides opportunities to visit the famous shopping districts or enjoy local cuisine. The ferry back to Athens is scheduled for the evening, making this a whirlwind but efficient experience to see both islands.

Communication and Logistics: Room for Improvement

Some reviews mention communication issues regarding pickup and hotel information, which could be improved with more timely updates. The tour is generally well-organized, but travelers should be prepared for an early start and a busy schedule.

The logistics are designed for convenience, though the short stop in Mykonos may not satisfy those wanting more time on the island. The hotel arrangements in Santorini are appreciated, but travelers may want to clarify details in advance.

Suitability and Ideal Travelers for This Tour

This 2-day trip is best suited for those with limited time who want to see both Santorini and Mykonos without the hassle of independent planning. It appeals to travelers comfortable with a fast-paced schedule and who value organized transfers and ferry crossings with scenic views.

While the experience can be somewhat rushed, it offers a cost-effective way to enjoy two of Greece’s most famous islands. It’s less ideal for those seeking extensive exploration or relaxation, given the short periods allocated in each location.

Final Thoughts on the 2-day Athens to Santorini and Mykonos Tour

This tour provides a convenient and reasonably priced option to tick off two iconic Greek islands in just two days. The hotel stay in Santorini and ferry rides with scenic views stand out as major pluses.

However, the limited time in Mykonos and potential communication hiccups are important considerations. Travelers who are comfortable with a busy schedule and want a straightforward, organized experience will find this tour good value.

It’s particularly suitable for first-time visitors or those with tight schedules who prefer a pre-arranged itinerary. For a more relaxed or detailed exploration, longer stays or separate trips might be better alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do I need to book this tour?
Bookings are typically made around 42 days in advance, reflecting steady demand.

What is included in the price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, ferry tickets, accommodation in Santorini, and a gift of Athens sightseeing bus tickets.

Are meals included in this tour?
No, food and drinks are not included in the package.

What is the duration of the ferry rides?
The ferry from Rafina to Santorini lasts about 6 hours, and from Santorini to Mykonos around 3 hours.

Does the tour include guided sightseeing?
No, the tour offers free time for exploration rather than guided tours in the islands.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
The tour involves ferry rides and walking around towns, so travelers should be prepared for some physical activity.

What is the hotel accommodation like?
Santorini hotels range from 3 to 4-star, depending on availability, promising comfort and convenience.

Can I customize this tour?
Customizations are not specified; the tour follows a set schedule with prearranged transportation and accommodations.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 6 days in advance for a full refund. Cancellations closer to the date may incur fees or no refund.

Is this tour good value?
Considering ferry rides, hotel stays, and organized transfers, the cost of $573.51 per person offers good value for a quick island experience, despite some limitations in time spent on each island.