Mykonos & Santorini from Athens

Exciting Greek Island Adventure Starting from Athens

This 5-day tour offers a well-paced journey between Mykonos and Santorini, departing from Athens for a total cost of $1,099.13 per person. Starting early at 6:00 am from Titania Hotel in Athens, the trip includes ferry rides with numbered seats and hotel transfers, making it a practical choice for travelers eager to explore Greece’s most famous islands. With a rating of 3.5 out of 5 from 20 reviews, it demonstrates both appeal and room for improvement, especially regarding transportation reliability.

This tour is suited for those who enjoy a blend of relaxation, sightseeing, and free time in iconic Greek settings. While it offers a straightforward schedule with comfortable transport and hotel stays, potential travelers should be aware of the possibility of ferry cancellations, which have occurred in the past. Overall, it provides an accessible way to visit both Mykonos’ lively beaches and Santorini’s dramatic caldera views, making it ideal for first-time visitors wanting a taste of these beloved islands.

Key Points

• Price and duration: Priced at $1,099.13 per person over 5 days, including ferry tickets and some meals.
• Departure details: Starts from Titania Hotel Athens at 6:00 am, with a private vehicle transfer to Piraeus port.
• Island stops: Features Mykonos with its lively beaches and Santorini, famous for sunset views and volcanic landscapes.
• Ferry rides: Includes ferry tickets with numbered seats for all crossings, with the option for additional sightseeing in Santorini.
• Free time: Plenty of leisure days on each island to explore at your own pace, with recommendations for local dining and attractions.
• Limitations: Ferry cancellations can occur, impacting travel plans, as noted in some reviews.

From Piraeus to Mykonos: The Start of the Island Escape

The tour begins early in the morning with private transportation from Athens to the port of Piraeus. Travelers are greeted by an assistant and transported comfortably to board the ferry to Mykonos. The ferry ride is included with numbered seats, ensuring a smooth journey across the Aegean Sea. The name “Mykonos” is linked to Mykono, son of Apollo, symbolizing a ‘place of light’, a nickname fitting for this sun-drenched island.

Upon arrival, a local representative welcomes visitors and helps transfer them to their hotel. This initial transfer sets the tone for a relaxed stay, with the rest of the day free to start soaking in the island’s tranquil vibe. The friendly local community maintains a slow-paced lifestyle that visitors tend to enjoy, especially after the early morning transfer.

Exploring Mykonos Town: Beaches, Shopping, and Nightlife

The second day is dedicated to exploring Mykonos Town, the hub of the island’s energetic scene. Known for luxury shopping, lively beaches, and vibrant nightlife, this area draws an international crowd. Famous beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise offer opportunities to relax and soak up the sun, while the narrow streets lined with boutiques and cafes invite wandering.

Gastronomy on Mykonos is deeply Mediterranean, with vegetables, olive oil, herbs, and seafood forming the core of local cuisine. Visitors find it easy to indulge in delicious local dishes, often accompanied by a glass of Greek wine. The town’s charm lies in its combination of modern luxury and traditional charm, making it a popular stop for those seeking both relaxation and entertainment.

Transition to Santorini: Ferry Ride and Fira’s Stunning Views

On the third day, the adventure continues with a ferry ride to Santorini, passing by the famous city of Fira. The ferry with numbered seats ensures comfort during this approximately 2-hour voyage across the Aegean. During the crossing, travelers can photograph the iconic white buildings perched on the caldera cliffs, a view that has inspired countless artists and photographers.

Upon arrival in Santorini, a Spanish-speaking representative greets visitors and helps transfer them to their hotel. This island is often called the ‘lost continent of Atlantis’, thanks to its volcanic landscape and dramatic cliffs. The evening can be spent strolling through the narrow streets of Fira, taking in views of the caldera and enjoying local cuisine.

Free Days in Santorini: Optional Sailing and Local Delights

The fourth day provides a full day at leisure in Santorini, giving travelers the chance to explore at their own pace. Many choose to simply wander through Fira and Oia, savoring local wines and delicious Greek dishes like moussaka and fresh seafood. The tour notes that visiting small islands within the caldera, such as Nea and Palea Kameni, is an optional activity—weather permitting—that involves visiting hot springs with green and yellow waters.

Santorini’s spectacular sunsets from cafes overlooking the caldera are widely hailed as some of the most beautiful in the world. The island’s unique volcanic terrain and picturesque villages make it a great place to relax and photograph stunning vistas.

Returning to Athens: The Ferry Journey from Santorini to Piraeus

On the fifth day, the tour concludes with a ferry transfer back to Athens’ port, Piraeus. The ferry with numbered seats is included, providing a comfortable journey that signals the end of this island-hopping adventure. The trip lasts approximately 8 hours, returning travelers to the Greek capital where the tour officially ends.

Travelers should note that ferry schedules can change, and ferry cancellations are a known risk, as noted in some reviews. It’s advisable to stay flexible and consider travel insurance or options for alternative transportation if needed.

Practical Details: Transportation, Hotels, and Included Meals

The tour features private vehicle transfers from Athens to the ports of Piraeus and Santorini and hotel stays on both Mykonos and Santorini. The package includes 4 breakfasts across the trip, giving a good start to each day. Hospitality is arranged with local representatives who provide information about each island, making orientation easier for first-time visitors.

Group sizes are capped at 60 travelers, which helps maintain comfort and personal attention during transfers and ferries. Meeting point is conveniently located at Titania Hotel Athens, and the tour concludes at Piraeus port, simplifying arrival and departure logistics.

Limitations and Considerations: Ferry Cancellations and Review Feedback

While the tour offers an efficient way to visit Mykonos and Santorini from Athens, some reviews highlight potential issues such as ferry cancellations. One review mentions a trip cancellation that resulted in additional hotel and ferry expenses, underscoring the importance of planning for unforeseen disruptions.

Travelers should weigh the cost of the tour against the risk of schedule changes. The tour’s fixed schedule and ferry tickets with assigned seats help ensure comfort, but flexibility remains crucial, especially during peak travel times or bad weather.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This 5-day Greek island escape is ideal for first-time visitors seeking a curated experience of Mykonos and Santorini. It suits those who prefer organized transfers, hotel stays, and free time to explore at their own pace. Visitors with an interest in photo opportunities, local cuisine, and iconic landscapes will appreciate the highlights included in this package.

However, travelers who prioritize ferry reliability and flexibility should consider the potential for schedule disruptions. The tour’s structure is best for those comfortable with a moderately paced schedule that balances guided elements with leisure days.

The Sum Up: A Practical Way to Experience Two Greek Icons

This 5-day tour from Athens offers a comprehensive introduction to Mykonos’ lively beaches and Santorini’s volcanic cliffs. The inclusion of ferry tickets with assigned seats and hotel accommodations simplifies logistical planning, making it a practical choice for travelers eager to see these islands without the hassle of independent bookings.

While ferry cancellations have impacted some travelers in the past, the overall experience provides the essentials: stunning scenery, leisure time, and convenient transfers. This tour is well-suited for those who value organized logistics and free time to explore, especially first-timers who want to get a taste of Greece’s most famous islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
The tour involves ferry rides and transfers via private vehicles, but specific accessibility accommodations are not detailed. Travelers should consider their mobility needs before booking.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price covers ferry tickets with numbered seats for all crossings, hotel stays, and 4 breakfasts. International airline tickets are not included.

How flexible are the free days?
The free days in Mykonos and Santorini allow visitors to explore independently, with recommendations for local dining and sightseeing. Optional excursions, like boat rides within the caldera, are available if weather permits.

What are the main attractions on each island?
On Mykonos, the lively beaches, shopping, and nightlife are main draws. Santorini offers iconic caldera views, sunset cafes, and volcanic hot springs.

Are the ferry rides comfortable?
Yes, ferry tickets include numbered seats, ensuring a comfortable journey. However, ferry schedules can change, and cancellations are a risk to consider.

Can I customize this tour?
As a set package, the tour follows a fixed schedule with specific stops and free days. Customizations are limited and would require independent arrangements.

What should I pack for this trip?
Bring comfortable clothing and shoes, sun protection, and a camera to capture the scenic vistas and sunsets.

How do I handle potential ferry cancellations?
Ferry cancellations have been reported in reviews. Consider travel insurance or alternative transport options if schedule changes occur, and stay flexible with your plans.

What is the overall rating of this tour?
The tour holds a 3.5 out of 5 rating from 20 reviews, reflecting a generally positive experience with some notes on logistical issues like ferry cancellations.