GREECE

The Best of Greece: Ancient Wonders and Cycladic Charm

Day 1: Departure | Direct flight from Montreal (YUL) to Athens (ATH).

Day 2: Old Town History | Settle in and head to Monastiraki Square. Get lost in the Flea Market to browse artisanal soaps and handmade sandals.  Wander the surrounding old town streets for dinner at a traditional taverna with a view of the illuminated Acropolis.

Day 3: The Acropolis & Ancient Wonders | Climb the Acropolis to see the Parthenon, the supreme example of Doric architecture and the Odéon of Herodes Atticus amphitheater.  Visit the ultra-modern New Acropolis Museum. Head to the first floor to see the original Caryatids and finish at the top-floor gallery for panoramic views of the Parthenon.

Experience the Scenic Journey the Apollo Coast | The 70km drive from Athens follows the Athenian Riviera to Cape Sounion. You’ll pass through affluent coastal suburbs like Glyfada and Vouliagmeni, with the sparkling Saronic Gulf on your right the entire way. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Greece.  The Legend of The Temple of Poseidon according to mythology, is where King Aegeus leapt into the sea (giving it the name "Aegean Sea") after mistakenly believing his son Theseus had been killed by the Minotaur. The temple sits on a jagged cliff 60 meters above the sea. Because the Cape is the southernmost tip of the Attic peninsula, you have a 270-degree view of the water. On a clear day, you can see the silhouettes of the Cycladic islands on the horizon.

Day 4: Piraeus Port  | The largest and most common departure point, located about 30 minutes from central Athens via the Green Metro Line which is directly across from the Piraeus metro station.  Embark on the High-Speed Ferry, that takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to reach Mykonos.  Once you are checked into your hotel, find a nice dinner restaurant serving fresh Aegean seafood or modern Greek cuisine while watching stunning sunsets or charming alleyway settings.

Day 5: Chora (Mykonos Town) | Visit Mykonos Town which is world-famous for its "Cycladic Maze." Legend has it that the streets were intentionally designed as a confusing web of narrow, whitewashed alleyways to baffle raiding pirates.  Every building is blindingly white with doors and shutters painted in vibrant blues, reds and greens.  Walking through the car-free center feels like being inside a postcard. Even if you aren't shopping, the people watching here are world-class. It’s the perfect place to grab a "Freddo Espresso" (the Greek iced coffee of choice) and watch the world go by. Visit Little Venice and the adjacent and Kato Mili Windmills.

Day 6: Sailing the Delos (The Sacred Island) and Rhenia Islands (The Hidden Gem) | Delos as the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis, this uninhabited island is essentially a massive open-air museum. You’ll walk through the Terrace of the Lions and see remarkably preserved mosaics in ancient villas. Because it’s a UNESCO site, no one is allowed to stay overnight, giving it avvery quiet, "frozen in time" energy. 

Rhenia, just a short sail from Delos, is the "big sister" island but it’s completely undeveloped. While Delos is for history, Rhenia is for the sea. The water in the turquoise bay is incredibly clear—perfect for seeing the silver fish while you snorkel. The "Atlantis" Lunch: There is nothing quite like eating souvlaki and fresh tzatziki on the deck of a sailboat. The salt air usually makes everything taste better, and the complimentary Greek wine is the perfect pairing for a sunny afternoon on the Aegean.

Day 7: Mykonos to Santorini | To travel from Mykonos to Santorini, most visitors opt for the larger Hydrofoil High Speed Ferry; these offer a smooth, more stable ride but can take up to 7 hours due to additional island stops. Upon arrival at Athinios Port in Santorini, be prepared for a dramatic, steep, and winding drive up the volcanic caldera cliffs to reach the main villages of Fira or Oia.

Day 8: Santorini Highlights & Venetian Castles | A Santorini experience, balancing iconic sightseeing with relaxation.  Visit the famous Oia whitewashed cave houses and secure a spot for the world-renowned sunset at this location. Watch the village light up as night falls, followed by a romantic seaside dinner.  Explore the historical landmarks of the island’s medieval past with stops at the Rock of Skaros (the former Venetian capital) and the iconic, blue-domed church for photos.  Enjoy free time at Perissa Beach for swimming in the volcanic waters and a traditional Greek lunch at a seaside taverna.

Day 9: Authentic Villages & Foodie Traditions | Guided cultural immersion that begins at Firostefani with a local expert, you’ll explore the village famous for its blue-domed church before walking a scenic caldera-edge footpath toward the capital, Fira.  Along the way, you’ll engage with local farmers and tavern owners while sampling a wide array of Greek local specialties like zucchini balls, octopus orzo, and loukoumades.  

Day 10: Homeward Bound | Local flight from Santorini Airport (JRT) for short local flight (50 minutes) to Athens Airport (ATH) to board your Direct flight to Montreal (YUL).