Journeys: Discover the Greek Islands

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  • thumbnail map_journeysdiscoverthegreekislands

Duration: 8 days

Begins: Athens

Ends: Santorini

Trip Code: EGMNG

From

£2,499 per person

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    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.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    National Geographic Journeys
    Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
    Service Level
    Upgraded
    Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
    Physical Rating
    3 - Average
    Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    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
    • Lunch at a Myconian seaside restaurant
    • Orientation walk of Mykonos
    • CEO-led walk through Little Venice to see windmills
    • Free time to explore Mykonos
    • Naxos Wildlife Conservation project visit
    • CEO-led walking exploration of Naxos including the famous Portara
    • Lunch at a traditional taverna
    • Visit to the Akrotiri Museum
    • CEO-led of a portion of the Caldera Trail
    • Free time in Santorini
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

    Allow USD350-455 for meals not included.

    Itinerary Notes

    There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

    Day 1 : Athens

    Arrive at any time. Please make your own way to the joining hotel.

    Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

    1h

    The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. Check for the meeting time on the welcome note at the hotel. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early.

    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.

    Ferry

    Athens - Mykonos 2h15m - 2h30m 105km

    Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

    Orientation Walk Mykonos

    Mykonos

    Enjoy an orientation walk with your CEO. Walk through Little Venice to see what makes the city so interesting.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 3 : Mykonos

    After breakfast, 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. Return to Mykonos for a free afternoon.

    Ferry

    Mykonos - Delos 0h30m 8km

    Get to the next spot on your route aboard a ferry boat.

    Delos Guided tour with Museum

    Delos 2h30m - 3h 2km

    A guided walking tour of Delos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, will take you through one of Greece's most significant archaeological locations. This island was once a sacred sanctuary and a thriving trade center. Look into the remarkable ruins of a city that was once the center of the Hellenic world. The Delos Museum on-site holds an impressive collection of artifacts recovered from the island.

    Ferry

    Delos - Mykonos 0h30m 8km

    Get to the next spot on your route aboard a ferry boat.

    Free time:

    Mykonos Afternoon

    There's lots to see and do. Get out and explore!

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    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 with an expert guide 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.

    Ferry

    Mykonos - Naxos 10h 2km

    Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

    Naxos Wildlife and Conservation Awareness Experience

    Naxos 0h30m

    Prepare for an immersive educational experience led by the experts at the Naxos Wildlife Protection Association—an established Wildlife Rescue, First Aid Station & G Adventures-supported initiative —providing valuable insights into sea turtle conservation. During this community tourism visit, travellers will gain a deeper understanding of sea turtle biology, the threats they face, and the essential rescue protocols for assisting injured or sick turtles. Enjoy an informative discussion around the program and leave with a heightened awareness of the responsible actions needed to safeguard these beautiful marine creatures and their natural habitats.

    Naxos Walking Tour

    Naxos 1h30m 4km

    Join your CEO on a walking tour of Naxos. Take in the iconic Portara, a marble gate of the Temple of Apollo and an enduring symbol of Naxos. Navigate the labyrinthine streets of Old Town, where every corner and coat of arms has a story to tell. Your walk culminates with a visit to the Catholic Cathedral and the art collection at the former Ursuline School, showcasing a fascinating mix of ancient artifacts and Venetian, Byzantine, and contemporary history.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    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.

    Private Vehicle

    Kourounochori - Chálki 0h30m 4km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Explore and Connect: Village to Village Hike

    Kourounochori - Chálki 3h45m 5km

    Set out on a village-to-village hiking tour to discover the heart of Naxos with a local expert. The walk connects you to the island's culture and nature, from the ancient Kouroi of Naxos to the historic watermills of Myloi. You'll pass through villages like Chalki and Kaloxylos, tasting local products such as Kitron liqueur and olive oil, all while learning about the island's traditions and the evolution of its communities.

    Private Vehicle

    Chálki - Naxos 0h30m 2km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Free time:

    Naxos Afternoon

    There's plenty to see and do in Naxos and now is your time to explore. Perhaps choose to relax after a big morning with a beach visit.

    Optional Activities - Day 5

    Beach Time in Naxos

    Naxos

    Explore the beautiful beaches of Naxos - there's no shortage of them across the island! Sparkling blue waters, pristine sandy beaches, and unforgettable sun-kissed weather make "beach hopping" an activity you can't miss, whether you opt to relax on the beach or spend an active day by the sea.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    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 along a segment of the caldera trail. Along the way view the famous Three Bells of Santorini as well as a top down view of the stone path leading to a panoramic view of the volcano and caldera.

    Ferry

    Naxos - Santorini 3h

    Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

    Guided Tour of Akrotiri Archeological Site

    Santorini

    Rumoured to be the inspiration for Plato's Atlantis, the ancient ruins of Akrotiri are one of the most-visited attractions in Santorini for a reason. Buried under lava for centuries, many of the site's buildings, roads and structures present visitors an intimate look into Minoan culture from 1,650 B.C.

    Caldera Hiking Excursion

    Fira - Oía 3h - 4h 11km

    Hike along the caldera cliff from Fira to Oia with your CEO as your guide. You'll pass through the villages of Firostefani and Imerovigli between Fira and Oia. At just under 11km the hike will take between 3 and 4 hours. Part of the path is similar to a sidewalk and some parts are cobblestone and others a simple dirt path. Enjoy the exercise and some of the best views in Santorini.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    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.

    Free time:

    Santorini Full day

    There's lots to see and do. Get out and explore!

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 8 : Santorini

    Depart at any time.

    Departure Day

    Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

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