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...

Greece

Journeys: Discover the Greek Islands

DAY 1 Athens

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

Administrative

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group

Your opportunity to meet your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

B4B Athens Hotel

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.

Orientation Walk Mykonos

Mykonos

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

Watercraft

Ferry

Athens- Mykonos2.25h-2.5h105km

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

Accommodation

Mykonos Beach Hotel

Hotel
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.

Watercraft

Ferry

Mykonos- Delos0.5h8km

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

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Delos Guided tour with Museum

Delos2.5h-3h2km

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.

Watercraft

Ferry

Delos- Mykonos0.5h8km

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

Free Time

MykonosAFTERNOON

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

Accommodation

Mykonos Beach Hotel

Hotel
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.

Naxos Walking Tour

Naxos1.5h4km

Join your Expedition Leader 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.

Watercraft

Ferry

Mykonos- Naxos1h2km

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

Your G for Good Moment: Naxos Wildlife and Conservation Awareness Experience

Naxos0.5h

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.

Accommodation

Hotel Sphinx Naxos

Hotel
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.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Kourounochori- Chálki0.5h4km

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

Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Explore and Connect: Village to Village Hike

Kourounochori- Chálki3.75h5km

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.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Chálki- Naxos0.5h2km

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

Free Time

NaxosAFTERNOON

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.

1

Optional Activities - Day 5Show

Accommodation

Hotel Sphinx Naxos

Hotel
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.

Watercraft

Ferry

Naxos- Santorini3h

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

Land Tour

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.

Land Tour

Caldera Hiking Excursion

Fira- Oía3h-4h11km

Hike along the caldera cliff from Fira to Oia with your Expedition Leader 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.

Accommodation

De Sol Hotel & Spa Santorini

Hotel
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

SantoriniFULL_DAY

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

Accommodation

De Sol Hotel & Spa Santorini

Hotel
DAY 8 Santorini

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your Expedition Leader can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Day
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