Name: Best Greek Islands Vacation in 8 Days
Brand: Zicasso
Rating: 4.925047438330171 (3162 reviews)

Resort at Paraga Beach on Mykonos, Greece

What to expect on this itinerary

This is your custom tailored vacation through the Greek Islands that will bring you to the precipice of grandeur. Look out over the never-ending wonder of Greece, where famous philosophers and humanity thrived, and get ready for an unforgettable vacation designed specifically to highlight the famous Greek islands and Athens.

Countries Visited

Greece

Places Visited

Athens, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini

Suggested Duration

8 Days

Day 1

Athens - Greek Beginnings

Welcome to Athens, the gateway to the islands and the cradle of Western Civilization. At the airport, you will be met by a private transfer that will take you into the center of the ancient city, where you can breathe in the history that has inspired people, countries, and the world alike. Acropolis hill rises over the city at its core, literally and figuratively, once that actual center of history. Wander along the foothill of the Acropolis and enjoy a taste of the islands to come with a visit to the neighborhood of Anafiotika, a stunning area of whitewashed homes that climb up the slope of the hill. The neighborhood was built in the 19th century by villagers brought from the Cyclades to give them a reminder of home. The narrow paths are nothing less than charming, as bougainvillea give a burst of color to the immaculate walls. The sweet aroma of flaky filo filled with rich cheese drifts from a tiny restaurant along the stairway, welcoming you inside and into Greece.

Transfer

Accommodation

Day 2

Athens - Historic Possibilities

The wonder of the Athens is at your beckon call this morning on a guided tour of the ancient and modern history of the city that encompasses all of Greece. An overview of Athenian past has you exploring the grand collection in the New Acropolis Museum. The third floor is dedicated to the Parthenon with a panoramic view of the temple on top of the hill. On the first floor you will walk past archaeological treasures guarded by a rail but open for everyone to see just how shallow anyone can dig within the borders of Athens to find remains of the old city. The magnificent display of statues within the foyer not only allows you a sense of the importance of art amongst the Greeks but also shows the attention to detail even with chiseling a person’s beard out of stone, for which each strand of hair looks accounted.

Atop Acropolis Hill is the imposing entryway known as the Propylaea. The thick and massive pillars continue to give the proud and important air to the citadel. The scent of earth and history surrounds you, from the marble of the columns to the marble paved floor, the air swirls with passionate antiquity. Within the confines of the Acropolis you can see the stunning Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The celebrated structure has been revered for millennia, for its perfect construction to its richly carved metopes and pediments, displaying the myths of Athens and gods alike. It is not hard to understand why this particular temple is considered the symbol for the Golden Age of Athens, which stands before you like a treasure.

Accommodation

Tour

Breakfast

Day 3

Mykonos - Island Promises

The desire for an island getaway can never be satisfied until you experience the incredible shores of the Greek Isles. Today you will make your way by hydrofoil to the marveled island of Mykonos. You almost have to prepare yourself for the unparalleled beaches, pristine waters, and charming streets yet to come. The pillars of ancient Athens fade from view. The turquoise waters of the Mediterranean reach into the horizon. Disembark at the port of Mykonos where you can see five immaculate windmills on a wing of the island. The wheels spin slowly in the cool breeze of the late afternoon. The waves brush against the shores. You can see the colorful walls of Little Venice, a short group of connected buildings that linger above the waves. The sweet scent of the sea lifts into the breeze. There is no mistaking it, the sands are close and you have arrived.

Accommodation

Transfer

Breakfast

Day 4

Mykonos - Delos, Island of the Gods

Enjoy your breakfast by the pool where you can hear the gentle rush of the waves along the sand. The day will bring you along the incredible shores of Delos, the birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis. The city was once a prosperous trading port, an ancient civilization with decorated houses and running water. The ruins of the city spread over the valley and along the hillside. There is a grace within the marble ruins of the city that continues to wrap around the remaining columns. At the foothill of Cynthis the propylaea of the Temple of Isis stands over the valley. Between the pillars you can see the remaining bust of Isis situated proudly over the once prosperous city.

The marble lions that guard the Sacred Lake, where Apollo was born, are poised and proud; you can imagine them coming to life at any moment to protect the sacred grounds. The immaculate color of marble washes over the ancient ruins guiding you through history, while at the House of Dionysus there is a vibrant mural that decorates the floor, bordered by a textile of rolling waves. The mural depicts Dionysus, God of Wine, successfully riding atop a tiger. The elegance of the mural, along with the grace and grandeur of the remains of the city are remarkable.

Accommodation

Tour

Breakfast

Day 5

Mykonos - Clear Waters and Stellar Cliffs

The morning arrives with the light shining off of the calm sea. Enjoy your breakfast with the cool breeze of the early day, the aroma of fresh coffee swirling through the air. After breakfast you will have a semi-private transfer to the port where you will hydrofoil through the tremendous turquoise water of the sea. The crystal beaches of Mykonos have dissipated beyond the horizon; however, the cliffs of Santorini now begin to come into view. The boat glides into the caldera giving prime view of the crescent island before you. The whitewashed homes crawl along the cliff side, clustered in distinct villages. Arrive at your fantastic accommodation with a view that overlooks the caldera below. The rocky surface of the protruding tip of the volcano sits at the water’s center. There is an outstanding blue that rises from the sea, blending into the sky, where the sun begins to set.

Accommodation

Transfer

Breakfast

Day 6

Santorini - Crescent Allure

The day is yours to spend it as you wish along the spectacular cliffs of Santorini. Spend the day lounging by the infinity pool where the endless waters offer a gentle trickle to the perfect panorama. You could even visit the spectacular lost city of Akrotiri, believed to be the basis for the lost city of Atlantis. The city was covered in ash from a volcanic eruption over three thousand years ago. Now the preserved remains of the city sit untouched, slowly being excavated to help Greece and the world understand a large part of our past.

Walk down the ancient main street surrounded by buildings that were once shops, homes, and warehouses. Jars stand outside with traces of oil and wine inside. The rich scent of volcanic earth drapes over the city. You can almost imagine the bustle of the main street during the height of Akrotiri’s existence. The area known as Complex Delta encompasses four houses. One room is decorated with the spring fresco. The texture of the mountains gives a special sensitivity to the rocky landscape covered in blossoming lilies. Colors burst from the wall, graceful and elegant against the textured ashen exterior of the buildings. The magic of the island isn’t just within its views but also within its superb past.

Accommodation

Breakfast

Day 7

Athens - Return of Antiquity

Soak in the gentle panorama of your view at breakfast once more. The rich perfume of Greek coffee is lifted by the breeze. A semi-private transfer will take you from your hotel to the port. Board the hydrofoil and sail across the Mediterranean back to sensational city of Athens. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the city once more, bringing you to the footsteps of the Acropolis. Let the sun drive across the sky as you enjoy your time along the Plaka, the oldest continuously inhabited street in Athens. The charm of the cobblestones and the narrow pathways brings you to an entirely different city than that which you left. The sweet aroma of revani, cake soaked in simple syrup, rushes along side you, settling you back into Athens.

Accommodation

Breakfast

Day 8

Athens - Farewell Greece

Today you will journey from the Athens city center to the airport for your flight home. Your time along the ancient sights and the islands was nothing less than stellar, showing you the sensational wonders of the ancient and the modern, from cosmopolitan beaches to pillared perseverance, splendid panoramas to lavish art. Although you may be on your way home, whenever you miss the islands all you have to do is close your eyes and remember your extraordinary holiday; Greece will be here waiting when you’re ready to return.

Transfer

Breakfast

Trip Highlights

Tour through the magnificent history of Athens where the Acropolis sits like a jewel over the city
Indulge on the glorious beaches of Mykonos, where cosmopolitan meets charm
Journey to the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis on the island of Delos to see where gods were born
Experience the vast collection of colors in a Santorini sunset
View the picture perfect villages of Santorini where roofs are painted blue and the walls are flushed with white

Detailed Description

The sunlight hits the Parthenon and brings a spectacular pink shimmer to the marble. The wondrous crystal waters of Mykonos lap at the beaches and glisten like diamonds. The whitewashed homes of Santorini sparkle a deep orange in the remarkable sunset. Get ready for an island exploration on this 8-day tour meant for island hoppers, antique seekers, adventurers, celebrators, those that desire luxury and those that want to bask in the Mediterranean sun. There is no limit to the majesty of Greece through the antiquity of Athens and the warm sand of Mykonos, the marble statues of Delos to the ancient ashen city of Akrotiri. Don’t be afraid to marvel at the marvelous and wonder at the wonderful. This is a holiday meant for thrill seekers and royalty; it is a holiday meant for you.

Your grand journey through the Greek Isles begins in Athens where the pillars of antiquity continue to decorate the skyline of the city. The marble glistens in sunlight and reminds the world of the Golden Age of Athens. Tour through the contemporary and antiquated monuments of the city, where palaces and mansions rise over the streets and the myths of Greece are chiseled into the temples. The history of the city will remain as you make your way out of Athens and onto the famed shores of Mykonos.

Along the shores of Mykonos you can see the reason why the beaches are revered and the town is captivating. The streets of Mykonos Town wind along the classic architecture of the Cyclades, while the cosmopolitan stores give the essence of the town a grander feel. Sit along the hot sands and cool waters of the island before venturing to the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo wrapped in the ruins of the island of Delos. Cruise through the Mediterranean and arrive beneath the cliffs of Santorini. The breathtaking view of the island has inspired and will continue to inspire people from around the world. The water splashes against the rocks below and the sunset absorbs the sky. With the days at your leisure there is ample opportunity to relax and explore at your own pace, including the ancient city of Akrotiri, where theory claims it to be the Lost City of Atlantis. Find yourself back in Athens within the luxurious surroundings of the Acropolis before your sensational holiday finds you at home once again.

Zicasso offers a variety of Greece vacation packages. Be sure to read the reviews for travel agents for Greece. You will see why travelers continue to rely on Zicasso for their customized vacations, and also learn what others experienced while in Greece.

Starting Price

$3,300 per person (excluding international flights)

Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.

What's Included

Accommodations
In-country transportation
Some or all activities and tours
Expert trip planning
24x7 support during your trip

Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.

4.9

Verified Traveler Reviews

Based on 3162 reviews

Greece Tour Review: Athens, Naxos, Santorini, Akrotiri, Winery, Volcano, Walking Food Tour, 8 Nights

We had a wonderful experience with our Zicasso travel specialist while planning our vacation in Greece. We had a group that consisted of two families; in total, eight people. Our travel specialist gave us recommendations based on the types of activities we wanted to do and the types of islands we were hoping to experience.

We stayed two nights in Athens, three nights on Naxos, and three nights in Santorini. The accommodations were fantastic! Every tour guide and driver was helpful and so kind.

When we wanted to add a stop in Naxos for an impromptu lunch, our guide was happy to detour and bring us to a place with the best gyros that the locals really enjoy! Everyone made us feel at home. Thank you for a beautiful trip and all the lovely memories!

Greece Travel Review: Paros, Santorini, Private Sailing Experience, 9 Nights

Zicasso's travel expert was very professional. She answered all my questions promptly and made sure to book the tours and hotels that fit our needs. Highly recommend.

Greece Honeymoon Review: 11 Days

Our 11-day honeymoon in Greece was nothing short of magical—and we owe so much of that to our Zicasso travel specialist and the entire team at her company. From the very start, they worked within our budget and offered a flexible payment plan that made planning feel manageable and stress-free.

As our trip approached, we had a thorough planning call with our specialist. She walked us through every detail of our itinerary, which completely put us at ease. That level of preparation meant we could focus on enjoying the moment instead of worrying about logistics.

Once we landed in Athens, the travel company was just a WhatsApp message away. Anytime we had a question—no matter how small—they responded within minutes. That kind of real-time support made us feel cared for the entire time.

The accommodations they booked were absolutely out of this world. Each hotel felt handpicked just for us—luxurious, romantic, and incredibly welcoming. It was clear the company has strong relationships with local vendors because we were treated like royalty everywhere we went.

As a gay couple, we also appreciated how safe, inclusive, and celebrated we felt throughout the trip. Every detail was thoughtfully planned with us in mind.

We’d recommend our travel company 1,000 times out of 10. If you're planning a gay honeymoon—or any trip to Greece—look no further. This was truly the trip of a lifetime.

Greece Trip Review: History, Local Cuisine, Scenery, 2 Weeks

Zicasso's travel specialist and her company did an amazing job of planning the most incredible and memorable trip for my family of five.

Every detail was meticulously thought out and perfectly executed. Every transfer was spacious and, thankfully, air conditioned. Each boutique hotel booked was unique and beautiful, with stunning views and amenities offered. Every excursion with English-speaking guides was incredible. The guides were knowledgeable and super-friendly.

We can't thank our travel specialist and her team enough for this amazing trip. We have memories for a lifetime!! I highly recommend using her for your next trip to Greece or Europe.

Greece Family Vacation Review: Santorini, Athens, Chania, Skiathos, Acropolis, Catamaran Sunset Cruise, Boat Ride, Private Tour, Old Town, Culture, 13 Days

It was our family's first time visiting Greece. We've always wanted to see the country and there were so many good things we'd heard about Greece.

There were a couple of things that made this trip very special. First, our youngest daughter's request for her 16th birthday was to go as a family and celebrate it in Greece. Second, none of us had ever been to Greece (on our previous trips, either my husband and/or I had been there or it was our family's second time there), so experiencing it together for the first time was really special.

Zicasso gave us two very good Greek travel companies. Both presented interesting itineraries to us. It was a year of planning and I'd gone back and forth with both travel companies with revisions of itineraries and, of course, the cost.

What made us choose this travel company was that the specialist was very honest, upfront, and very accommodating. He gave his honest opinion when I asked him about certain excursion activities or even restaurants (social media makes it really look good, especially for people who have not been there), and he did not pressure or force us into doing activities that did not interest us. He wanted to make sure we got to experience the best, but he was also very mindful of the costs. I had many back and forth conversations with him via texts, emails, or phone calls. He wanted to get to know our family. When I told him about our daughter's 16th birthday requests, he made sure he got every detail of what would make her birthday special. He also asked me about the interests of our eldest daughter because he wanted to surprise her with something special from Greece. That says a lot about the travel specialist and his company; they are personal and it's not just pure business for them.

A few days before we left the US, he called us so we could reschedule our flights (Santorini to Athens) to an earlier time going back home because he was concerned we may miss our connecting flights. Who does that? This just shows he checks every detail and wanted to make sure that even before we left the US, up to the time we arrived back home, everything was taken care of.

We had the best vacation in Greece. We did not worry about anything the entire time. The travel company was in constant communication with us. They created a WhatsApp group chat which made it so much easier. They gave us daily reminders and they arranged everything for us. We felt that the entire trip was customized for our family. The "Mamma Mia" island tour and birthday celebration for our daughter was perfect. The restaurant in Kolios was a great recommendation, and when I asked him to reserve the specific table and have a little birthday decoration for my daughter, it was accomplished.

Chania was amazing; both me and my husband loved this place. The view from our hotel room on Zampeliou Street, overlooking the old harbour and the Cretan Sea with the lighthouse, was breathtaking. We enjoyed walking through the streets of the Old Town of Chania.

We thought Santorini would be overcrowded, but we had a great tour guide who knew where to take us first to avoid crowds, and he gave us really helpful advice to go around the island. He took us to the little hidden alleys and showed how locals live. We ended up really loving the island.

We enjoyed every activity planned for us. We enjoyed our stay at our hotels. Mine and my husband's favorite were the hotel in Kalamata and the one in Chania. We really liked the view of the Acropolis from our rooms at the hotel in Athina, and that hotel was very convenient. We also enjoyed their breakfast there. The girls enjoyed the hotel in Skiathos because of how close it was to the beach, and they loved the "Mamma Mia" boat tour.

We each have our own favorite activities/tour/tour guides, but overall, our family had an amazing time in Greece – the way the travel agent and the entire team did a phenomenal job. The way the itinerary was put together and the timing for each place/island was just perfect for us. They exceeded our expectations. We fell in love with Greece, the culture, and the people, who were all so kind, nice, and very hospitable (not once did we have a bad encounter). We will definitely go back; there is so much more to explore and we'll definitely be working with this travel company in the future.

We only have good things to say about our Greece vacation and we highly recommend this travel agency. We've been to other countries and worked with other travel companies. In our opinion, this one was the best travel company we've ever worked with.

Greece Trip Review: Athens, Naxos, Acropolis, Delphi, Meteora, 10-Day Tour

Zicasso's travel agent took great care of my family, planning an excellent trip, with revisions based on our interests, and was quick to respond to my emails. He took care of the necessary arrangements when the ferry was unexpectedly cancelled.

We stayed in beautiful hotels and enjoyed our tours with knowledgeable guides and drivers. Our trip to Delphi and Meteora was a highlight of our trip. We had a great driver there.

Highly recommend!

Zicasso in the News

Best Greek Islands Vacation in 8 Days

What to expect on this itinerary

Countries Visited

Places Visited

Suggested Duration

Customizable Itinerary

Athens - Greek Beginnings

Athens - Historic Possibilities

Mykonos - Island Promises

Mykonos - Delos, Island of the Gods

Mykonos - Clear Waters and Stellar Cliffs

Santorini - Crescent Allure

Athens - Return of Antiquity

Athens - Farewell Greece

Trip Highlights

Detailed Description

Starting Price

What's Included

Verified Traveler Reviews

Customizable Itinerary

Essential Athens and Greek Islands Vacation: Mykonos & Santorini

Alluring Family Vacation to Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini

A Perfect Greece Vacation Package: Mykonos, Santorini, and More

Best Greek Island Hopping Vacation for Travelers Over 50

Athens & Greek Islands Honeymoon

Best of Greece Vacation: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini