Greece in a Breeze: Athens, Paros & Santorini

Name: One Week in Greece, a Vacation Itinerary across Athens, Paros, and Santorini.
Brand: JayWay Travel
Rating: 4.90 (38 reviews)

8 Days / 7 Nights

Athens, Paros, Santorini

from$2,425 per person

Average Guest Rating 4.9 / 5

If you're dreaming of a vacation in Greece that has it all yet feels laid-back and comfortable, this 8-day itinerary is for you. Starting with a tour of Athens and its ancient history, continue to Paros, one of the most easy-going Greek Islands, renowned for its pristine beaches. End your trip in style in Santorini and see with your own eyes the epic views that earned the island its international fame. Throughout the trip, sip on divine local wine and sample one of the most superb cuisines in the Mediterranean.
One of our team members in Greece will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon arrival, we will provide you with a local SIM card with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (who you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3-5 star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.

2 Nights in Athens

2 Nights in Athens

Although it's hard to not keep craning your head to take in the spectacle of the Acropolis at the center of town (especially when it's lit up at night), there's more to Athens than its dense concentration of ancient ruins. Athens is a center for contemporary art, with modern galleries sitting beside museums stuffed with art dating back millennia. This combination of the old and new is especially clear at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a spectacular open-air theater that has hosted concerts and plays for nearly 2,000 years. The city's culture is also reflected in its diverse food and drink, which combines traditional Greek favorites with influences from across the Mediterranean, and the world, as fitting Athens' deep history as a humming harbor hub. While Athens' variety is enough to keep you busy, from the hidden back alleys of the center, to the city's showy coast, the city works well as a base for day trips, whether down the coast, or to the Peloponnese. Head to oracular Delphi, or hunt for where Lord Byron's carved his name into the monumental Temple of Poseidon at the tip of Cape Sounion.

Day 1

Day 1 - Arrival in Athens

Upon your arrival in Athens, a driver will meet you and drive you to your centrally located accommodation. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

Love at First Sight

Suggestion to explore on your own

Athens has plenty of rooftop venues to take advantage of the opportunity to see the Acropolis shining at night. They have become popular hubs for nightlife among locals. One of our favorite rooftop bars is POINT A (Acropolis Point), which is the only bar that provides views of both the Acropolis and the modern elegant lines of the Acropolis Museum, lit beautifully at night. POINT A has a relaxed vibe and Greek cuisine with a twist. It’s perfect for couples and even families or groups of friends. If you happen to stay around the Monastiraki district, you should definitely visit A for Athens cocktail bar and restaurant, a popular venue among locals. Hytra and GB Roof Garden are full-on luxury restaurants and bars that can provide perfect romantic evenings. We guarantee that if you spend your first night dining at one of those places, you will quickly fall in love with the mind-blowing views and lively city.

Day 2

Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Athens

Athens Highlights Mythology Small Group Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

Discover the myths behind the greatest landmarks in Athens. Learn about Greek gods and heroes, and discover what really hides behind ancient myths. At the same time visit the best landmarks and sites in Athens, such as the Acropolis (Parthenon, theater of Dionysus, temple of Athena Nike, temple of Erechtheion, and the sanctuary of Asclepius), Olympian Zeus’ temple, the Ancient Agora, and the temple of Hephaestus.

Activity Level : Moderate

Duration : 4 hours

Indulge in Local Cuisine

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Savor the essence of Greek cuisine with key ingredients like olive oil, vegetables, fish, and feta, crafting the distinctive flavors that define this culinary tradition. Infused with fresh vegetables, honey, fish, lamb, and cheese, the vibrant tapestry of Greek flavors comes to life. Indulge in iconic dishes such as tzatziki, souvlaki, gyros, dolmathakia, spanakopita, loukoumades, authentic Greek yogurt, and amygdalota at local cafes and restaurants. Elevate your culinary experience by exploring our carefully curated food tours, each offering a delectable journey into the heart of Greece's gastronomic delights.

Athens by Night Food and Wine Tasting Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Seeking an extraordinary Greek culinary experience to tease your senses? Follow an expert food guide on a quest to discover Athens by night, and experience exquisite Athenian delicacies. Enjoy the best views of Athens after dusk and explore sophisticated eateries to devour the finest of authentic Greek cuisine, including the best souvlaki in town! And to top it all off? A wine tasting focused on indigenous local varieties (plus ouzo!)

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 4 hours

Delicious Athens Food Small Group Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Eat your way through Athens! Discover Greek flavors and their history, with a walk through some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods, rarely visited by tourists. Taste olive oils, Greek cheeses, tsipouro drink, honey, souvlaki, tapenades, baklava, Greek coffee, sweets, and a variety of Greek tapas.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

The Great Eats and Streets Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Athens came together through a mixture of cultures across the centuries, and there’s still a lot of that history around, in the food as well as in the city's neighborhoods. This tour explores the city's complex heritage, and its effects on contemporary Greek culture and cuisine.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 5 hours

Day 3

Day 3 - Traveling to Paros by Ferry

Paros awaits you today! A driver will pick you up from from your accommodations and take you to the port of Piraeus, where you'll catch your ferry to Paros. The duration of the journey is around 3 hours / 4 hours 15 minutes.

We also offer the following excursions in Athens

Acropolis for Families Private Tour

Moderate2 hours

Ancient Corinth Tour & Nemea Wine-Tasting Private Tour

Moderate9 hours

Athens Highlights Mythology Private Tour

Moderate4 hours

Athens Markets and Chronicles Small Group Tour

Light4 hours

3 Nights in Paros

3 Nights in Paros

Paros offers a quintessential Greek island experience. Located in the heart of the Cyclades, this fisherman's paradise historically famed for its marble now attracts landlubbers. Paros combines all the necessary elements for a memorable vacation: captivating landscapes, heavenly beaches with turquoise waters, picturesque villages with whitewashed cube houses and colorful shutters framed with beautiful bougainvillea, traditional island flair, and a distinctive character. The town of Parikia is home to the impressive church of Panagia Ekatontapiliani (the Church of a Hundred Doors), one of Greece's main pilgrimage points. Once a quaint fisherman's village, Naoussa is the place to be, offering a more laidback and affordable take on neighboring Mykonos. Naoussa houses narrow maze-like alleyways, cute shops, and a plethora of fish taverns serving fresh food. At night, the picturesque harbor, with its traditional fishing boats, offers a new side, thanks to its bustling nightlife.

Day 3

Day 3 - Arrival in Paros

Upon arrival to Paros island you'll be met in the port by our driver who will take you to your accommodation.

Naoussa's Peaceful Atmosphere

Suggestion to explore on your own

If you haven't walked the white-washed cobblestone alleys of Naoussa's Old Town, you haven't seen the true Paros. The town's narrow maze-like passages may be peaceful and quiet during the hot summer mornings, but as soon as night comes, they're teaming with people and life. Take the opportunity to sit in one of the numerous bars and restaurants that set tables outside to enjoy the island's vibes.

Day 4

Day 4 - Your First Full Day in Paros

Paros Highlights Half-Day Private Tour

Included in your vacation package price.

The picturesque island of Paros is rich in history, culture, and traditions, not to mention its wonderful landscapes and beaches. On this tour, your guide will help you discover some of its amazing places, including Ekatontapyliani (the "Church of a Hundred Doors"), the market street of Parikia, the cosmopolitan village of Naousa, and Lefkes, Paros' ancient capital, located amid verdant and peaceful mountains. And if you wish you can also enjoy a stop at a traditional Kafenio (café).

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 4 hours

Indulge in Local Food

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

The cuisine of Paros features vegetable stews, baked and boiled legumes, and many different kinds of delicious fried balls prepared with herbs and vegetables grown on the island, such as tomato balls, chickpea balls, zucchini balls, and potato balls. Fresh fish is cooked in several ways. In addition to the mouthwatering kakavia soup, fish can be grilled, fried, and cooked with vegetables, greens, and legumes. Karavoles (giant snails) are a delicacy for those looking for a gourmet experience. They are either boiled with garlic, lightly fried or served in an onion stew. The island also produces honey, herbs, and capers.

Authentic Greek Cuisine Group Cooking Class

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Enjoy a hands-on cooking lesson with one of the most trusted gastronomic specialists on the island, who will introduce you to the authentic Greek cuisine. Join in for a fun morning or evening in the kitchen for a Greek cooking class concentrating on the traditional food and wines of the beautiful island of Paros. See, smell, and taste authentic Greece. Please note that a minimum of 4 participants is required for this cooking class.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 5 hours

Petra Farm Private Tour and Tasting with Meal

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Go beyond the tourist beaches and visit an amazing family-run sustainable farm. You will enjoy a tour around the place and learn about its Mediterranean crops. Once you're familiar with this unique place, there will be a tasting and meal on a terrace that offers stunning views of the sea and the picturesque village of Naousa.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 2 hours

Day 5

Day 5 - Your Second Full Day in Paros

Every Day a Different Beach

Suggestion to explore on your own

Paros' beaches have plenty of variation, from wide and deep to shallow and sheltered, sandy to rocky, but all are beautiful. One of the most popular is Monastiri Beach, part of Paros Park. Largely protected from the elements, this is an excellent spot for parents with young children (as is the surrounding park). The fishing town of Naoussa's main beach, Piperi, is wide and sandy, hence the quality hotels and villas nearby. Golden Beach draws those with a more active mindset, thanks in part to its summer winds, and has plenty of instructors and rental opportunities for a slew of water sports. Finally, Kolymbithres is home to a beach famous for its shallow, clear waters.

Explore The Surroundings

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Boasting a prime location in the heart of the Cyclades Islands, Paros is the ideal base from where to explore other lesser-known or super-famous islands nearby. Neighboring Antiparos feels like the younger sister of Paros, only less crowded. Antiparos beaches are sandy with crystal clear waters. Most of them are within walking distance of Chora, the island’s capital, while others, more secluded ones, can be reached by boat. On the southern side of Antiparos, you’ll find Antiparos Cave, the most impressive place to visit on the island. The small, uninhabited island of Delos is home to one of the most magnificent archaeological sites in Greece. The excavations on the island are among the most extensive in the Mediterranean. Last but not least, from Paros, you can enjoy a day trip to the indisputable queen of the Greek Islands, the vibrant and cosmopolitan Mykonos.

Antiparos Island Private Tour

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

The enchanting atmosphere of Antiparos will seduce you as soon as you arrive. White houses with blue touches, narrow streets with bougainvillea and eucalyptus, and an irresistible atmosphere of optimism and good vibrations. The first visit will be a captivating Antiparos. Then your tour will continue with a stop on the beach for a swim and lunch. Naturally, you will also visit the island's main town.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 6 hours

Antiparos and Despotiko Group Cruise

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Discover the beautiful and famous island of Antiparos, and its neighbors, on a cruise you'll never forget! You'll sail to beautiful beaches, sea caves, and small islands that will make you marvel at Greece's beauty. This cruise offers a rare opportunity to get close to untamed beauty, with the help of an experienced captain who will choose the perfect route based on the day's weather.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 7 hours

Delos and Mykonos Private Day Trip

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

Enjoy this thrilling day trip, which merges rocky Delos island (one of Greece's most important archaeological sites) with the white paradise that is Mykonos, with its sandy beaches and picturesque villages.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 8 hours

Delos and Mykonos Full-Day Group Cruise

Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

We invite you to visit the islands of Delos and Mykonos, with an excursion that combines their rich history and archeology with their cosmopolitan style! You will explore Delos, the small granite birthplace of the god of light, filled with historical and archaeological sites. Next you will travel to the cosmopolitan island of Mykonos, with its unparalleled Cycladic architecture. You will surely enjoy the golden sandy beaches and the Aegean landscape that you'll explore on the way.

Activity Level : Light

Duration : 10 hours

Day 6

Day 6 - Traveling to Santorini by Ferry

Today you will travel from Paros to Santorini by ferry. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations and take you to the port. Then you will take the ferry to Santorini, which takes around 1 hour 45 minutes / 3 hour 20 minutes based on your preferred departure time.

We also offer the following excursions in Paros

Byzantine Way Private Hiking Tour with Transfer

Moderate4 hours

Discover Paros Full-Day Private Tour

Light8 hours

Kaiki Cruise around Antiparos and Despotiko Group Tour

Light7 hours

Marble and Monastery Private Walking Tour with Transfer

Moderate4 hours

2 Nights in Santorini

2 Nights in Santorini

“Intelligent adults come here and turn into infants,” Craig Walzer, owner of the Atlantis Bookstore. Santorini is every traveler's dream. The whitewashed houses and blue domed churches perched atop of soaring cliffs, the narrow cobblestone streets and unsurpassed views of crystal-clear blue waters -- these all greet you as you step foot on this fairytale land. Intertwining myth and reality, Santorini is every bit as beautiful as the countless postcards, magazine covers, and Instagram photos claim. The village of Oia is world-famous for its sunset, where thousands of spectators line up every evening to witness the magic as the sun bids farewell to the sky and the canvas lights up in fierce hues. Fortunately, the sunset can be enjoyed from much of the rest of this crescent-shaped island. Santorini is also home to Akrotiri, the Greek take on Pompeii. Inhabited since Neolithic times, this city was built up by the Minoans, a seafaring civilization that predated the ancient Greeks, only to be destroyed in the catastrophic eruption that shaped Santorini, which forms part of a massive volcanic caldera. Covered in ashes for millennia, Akrotiri is still being uncovered. We suggest visiting the neighboring center of the caldera, where you can enjoy hot springs, visit the volcanic crater, and enjoy stunning views of Santorini itself. Santorini’s unique ecology, climate and volcanic ash soil paved the way for a flourishing wine industry. Its indigenous varietals will make your stay even more enjoyable.

Day 6

Day 6 - Arrival in Santorini

Upon arrival to Santorini's port, you'll be taken to your hotel in Fira.

Day 7

Day 7 - Your First Full Day in Santorini

Premium Group Catamaran Cruise

Included in your vacation package price.

Santorini’s volcanic landscape is best explored from the water, so set sail on this top-rated catamaran cruise, which will bring you to the island’s best beaches, viewpoints, and even directly inside the caldera, with a small group of fellow travelers. Along the way, you'll soak in natural hot springs, swim and snorkel off the Red Beach, and take in views of nearby Cyclades islands. An open bar and buffet lunch served right onboard keep you refreshed and energized throughout the voyage.

Activity Level : Easy

Duration : 5 hours

Blindingly White

Suggestion to explore on your own

Santorini's characteristic yposkafa houses dug straight into volcanic rock and resembling caves on the inside, are one of the island's most romantic features. The history behind this architecture is a bit less charming, however. Due to harsh winter winds, the need for protection from raids, and the high costs of living above a cliff, many poor ended up burrowing along the caldera's cliffs. The houses are generally white, both to cool homes otherwise basking in the sun and due to a law from the 1930s that once required citizens to use whitewash to fight the epidemics that once ravaged Santorini and its neighbors. Explore this unique architecture by visiting the Folklore Museum of Santorini, followed by a walk through Fira or Oia.

Day 8

Day 8 - Departure Day

Today a driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you straight to Santorini's airport.

We also offer the following excursions in Santorini

Anydro Small Group Tour

Light5 hours 30 minutes

Best of Santorini Private Tour

Light5 hours

Flying Dress Private Photo Shoot

Light1 hour

Highlights Small Group Tour

Light5 hours 30 minutes

What's Included

Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.

Athens

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Athens Airport Transfer

Athens Highlights Mythology Small Group Tour

Piraeus Port Departure Transfer

Athens (Piraeus) - Paros Ferry

Paros

3 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Parikia Port - Naoussa Private Transfer

Paros Highlights Half-Day Private Tour

Naoussa - Parikia Port Private Transfer

Paros - Santorini Ferry

Santorini

2 Nights Accommodation

Breakfast (hotels only)

Santorini Fira Port Transfer

Premium Group Catamaran Cruise

Santorini Fira Airport Transfer

package excludes:

Flights to and from Europe.
Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website

Benefits of Traveling with JayWay

A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.

A Travel Advisor who speaks your language

We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.

A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation

Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.

A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions

We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.

Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day

Your Europe-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.

On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road

Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.

Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out

Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.

Glowing Reviews from Our Guests

4.9 / 5

Average of our Guest's Ratings of vacation packages including these destinations

John, Tammy & Virginia

Maryland

JayWay rocks! We have used JayWay on two separate and very different trips. They always deliver and having a fantastic local contact makes all the difference!

Year : 2024
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Paros, Santorini, Athens
Rating :

5 / 5

Joseph & Sarah

New York

I highly recommend JayWay Travel for anyone planning a trip. Their personalized service and itinerary options are top-notch. The private transfers to each location and excursions made for a stress free trip as well. We had an unforgettable honeymoon we will cherish forever.

Year : 2024
Visited : Greece
Itinerary : Athens, Santorini, Heraklion, Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion, Athens
Rating :

5 / 5

Heather & Gregory

Pennsylvania

If you want to plan a vacation that is persoanlized to you (your budget, your hobbies, your activity level, etc.), JayWay is the perfect company to book your next trip.

Year : 2024
Visited : Croatia, Greece
Itinerary : Dubrovnik, Santorini, Athens
Rating :

5 / 5

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