Santorini & Mykonos in 7 Days: Island Hopping from Athens

Key Points

• 7-day private tour from Athens includes visits to Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini with ferry transfers.
• Highlights include the famous Santorini sunset in Oia, hot springs, and a half-day trip to Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• The tour features guided city tours in Athens, optional cruise trips, and private transfers throughout.
• Provider rating of 4.6 reflects strong satisfaction, with services tailored for private groups.
• The tour combines cultural exploration, scenic views, and leisure, perfect for travelers seeking a balanced experience.

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Introduction to the 7-Day Cyclades Island Hopping Tour

This 7-day private tour from Private Tours Greece offers an immersive experience of Greece’s iconic islands Mykonos and Santorini, along with a rich exploration of Athens. The tour is designed for those who want to enjoy guided city tours, scenic sunsets, and relaxing boat trips—all with the convenience of private transfers and a flexible schedule.

Spanning seven days, this tour balances cultural highlights, such as the Acropolis and Delos, with leisure moments like swimming in hot springs and viewing Santorini’s famous sunset in Oia. While the tour offers excellent value, it is best suited for travelers comfortable with ferry crossings and walking during stops.

Key Points

• Private group experience with flexible booking options and full refund up to 24 hours before departure.
• Comprehensive itinerary covering Athens city highlights, Mykonos, Santorini, and the sacred island of Delos.
• Multiple scenic experiences including sunset views, hot springs, and archaeological sites.
• Transport logistics include ferry rides, private transfers, and optional cruise excursions.
• Tour duration is 7 days, with accommodations at selected hotels and all services included.

From Athens to the Cyclades: Seamless Transfers and First Impressions

The tour begins with a meet & greet at Athens Airport, where a driver welcomes travelers and provides a welcome folder containing ferry tickets and useful info. After this, guests are transferred to their hotel in Athens for a restful overnight stay. The convenience of private pickup and drop-off sets a smooth tone for the journey.

On Day 2, the private guided Athens city tour lasts 5 hours. The tour covers historic landmarks such as the Panathinaiko Stadium, the Zappeion, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The highlight is the Acropolis, where a licensed guide explains the Theatre of Dionysus, Caryatids, and the Parthenon. The visit ends with a stroll through the National Garden and a visit to the Acropolis Museum—perfect for those interested in ancient artifacts.

Traveling from Athens to Mykonos: Ferry Journey and First Island Impressions

On Day 3, the tour departs from Athens via ferry at 07:00, arriving at the Piraeus port in Mykonos at 09:40. The ferry ride offers views of the Aegean Sea and marks the start of island exploration. Once in Mykonos, a private driver transfers guests to their hotel, allowing time to explore famous neighborhoods like Little Venice and Matogiania, known for shopping and vibrant streets.

Mykonos is celebrated for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and iconic Cycladic architecture, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and nightlife enthusiasts. The tour emphasizes free time in the afternoon to soak in the island’s distinctive charm.

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Optional Guided Cruise to Delos: Mythology and Archaeology

On Day 4, travelers can choose to join an optional guided cruise to Delos, one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The boat departs from the old Mykonos port, with a licensed guide leading the exploration of this sacred island, known as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

The guided tour provides insights into the mythology and history of Delos, making it particularly appealing for those interested in ancient Greek civilization. After the visit, guests return to their hotel in Mykonos for the night, with the option to enjoy the island’s vibrant nightlife or relax.

Crossing to Santorini: Ferry Ride and the Iconic Sunset

Day 5 features a private transfer to Mykonos Port, followed by a ferry ride to Santorini. The boat trip grants spectacular sea views and takes approximately 2 hours. Once in Santorini, a driver transfers guests to their hotel, setting the stage for one of the tour’s most celebrated moments: the sunset in Oia.

The Oia sunset is a key highlight, where visitors witness the warm glow over the caldera and the famous blue-domed churches. This sunset view is considered one of the most photogenic in the world, offering an excellent opportunity for memorable photos and a relaxed evening.

Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Cruise

On Day 6, an optional sunset cruise takes guests on a boat trip to the volcano, with a walk to the volcanic ridge led by a guide explaining its geological history. The cruise includes a stop at Palea Kameni, where travelers can swim in the hot springs—a unique experience in the thermal waters.

After a delicious onboard buffet, the boat proceeds near Oia for the spectacular sunset, with the violet sky providing a perfect backdrop. This cruise blends scenic views, geological wonder, and leisure, creating a memorable experience in Santorini.

Exploring Santorini’s Top Spots: Acropolis, Partyehnon, and Local Flavors

During the stay in Santorini, the tour includes options to visit the Acropolis of Santorini and Partyehnon, offering insights into the island’s ancient and cultural sites. Guests can also enjoy sampling famous Souvlaki in the Plaka area, known for its authentic Greek street food and lively atmosphere.

The island’s picturesque villages, volcanic landscape, and spectacular vistas ensure plenty of options for sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying local cuisine. The tour provides flexibility for guests to explore at their own pace or join additional optional excursions.

Returning to Athens: Ferry and Final Transfer

On Day 7, the tour concludes with a transfer from Santorini port to the ferry, heading back to Piraeus port in Athens. Upon arrival, a driver meets and transfers guests to their hotel, completing the 7-day journey.

This seamless ferry and transfer service minimizes travel stress and offers a comfortable ending to the trip. The entire experience emphasizes convenience, guided insights, and cultural highlights.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This 7-day private island-hopping experience suits travelers seeking a comprehensive, guided exploration of Greece’s most famous islands and Athens. It offers a balance of sightseeing, leisure, and cultural insights, ideal for those who want organized convenience with the flexibility of optional activities.

The tour’s private group setting and high review rating of 4.6 make it a reliable choice, especially for travelers who enjoy scenic sunsets, archaeological sites, and island scenery. Since ferry rides are a key component, it’s best suited for those comfortable with sea travel and walking at stops.

Santorini & Mykonos in 7 Days: Is It Worth It?

This tour provides excellent value for its comprehensive approach, covering major highlights in Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini with guided tours, transfers, and optional excursions. The ferry crossings are well-organized, and the inclusion of local insights adds depth to the experience.

While the tour is packed with activities, the schedule allows for leisure time in each location, especially in Mykonos and Santorini. The sunset views and visits to archaeological sites make this tour particularly appealing for those new to Greece or travelers wanting a structured yet flexible itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes all transfers, ferry tickets, guided city tours, and optional cruise excursions, with accommodations at selected hotels.

How long are the ferry rides?
Ferry rides between Athens and the islands are approximately 2 hours each way, providing scenic sea views.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, with private group services designed for convenience.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there free time during the tour?
Yes, the itinerary includes free time in Mykonos and Santorini for personal exploration, shopping, or relaxing.

Are meals included?
Meals are not explicitly included, but there are recommendations for local food, such as Souvlaki in Plaka.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a camera for sightseeing and enjoying the outdoor activities.

What is the provider rating?
The tour is offered by Private Tours Greece, which has a rating of 4.6, indicating positive feedback.

Is there an option to extend or customize this tour?
The provided information emphasizes a fixed 7-day itinerary, but private tours often allow customization—contact the provider directly for options.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of guided cultural sites, scenic sunsets, and optional cruises, along with private transfers, creates a convenient and memorable Greek island experience.

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