12 Days in Greece ~ Athens & the Greek Isles
May 3 - 15, 2026
Mystical Greece
I first came to Greece over 30 years ago, and it still brings me the same joy. Wandering white-washed villages, photographing flower-filled doorways and blue-domed churches, discovering cozy tavernas and hidden alleys... it's all about being fully present in moments of discovery. One of the most fulfilling parts of travel is getting to know the locals, and traveling with a foodie means your palate will be happy at every turn.
Greece has thousands of islands, each with its own charm. So why the Cyclades? These islands are the picture-perfect postcard: dazzling white houses, winding cobblestone lanes, hilltop windmills, and stunning beaches set against the deep blue Aegean. It’s the quintessential Greek island experience.
We’ll spend four nights each on two gems: iconic Santorini with its jaw-dropping views, and Sifnos, a quieter, food-loving favorite among the French. Then we’ll wrap up with four nights in the heart of exciting Athens, staying in the historic Plaka district. From rooftop dinners under the Acropolis to wandering ancient streets, Athens is a delicious time capsule waiting to be explored. We go on the inside track and offer you the possibility to stay either in a boutique hotel or your own private apartment in Athens, all located within a 5-minute walk of each other.
We travel mid-season to avoid the crowds and time our outings for a more relaxed, meaningful experience.
Join us on a journey through Greece, exploring with heart, mind, body, and spirit.
Remember to pack your swimsuit :)
Tour Highlights
Greek Island Experiences
Relish 4 nights in a luxurious boutique hotel on the volcanic island of Santorini,
followed by 5 nights on Sifnos in your own whitewashed Cycladic home, nestled among olive trees.
Guided visit to the Akrotiri excavations, featuring 7,000-year-old buildings and frescoes:
the fabled Lost City of Atlantis?
Afternoon catamaran outing to the caldera: swim and snorkel in hot springs, and experience a magical sunset on the water
Santorini winery tour: Vineyard to Bottle
Lunch with Mama Katina, the beloved matriarch of a family-run seafood restaurant in the picturesque Ammoudi Bay nestled beneath the cliffside village of Oia
Private half-day outing with a Sifnos native
Discovery of the Chrysopigi monastery and the crown jewel village of Kastro
Farm tour with local farming family, followed by a tasting menu of specialties sourced from the farm
Visit to the ancient Mycenaean acropolis at the Agios Andreas archaeological site
Journey to a remote fishing village and dine at a family-owned seafood restaurant run by local fishermen
Athens Experiences
Reside 4 nights in your own Athenian apartment in the historic Plaka district
Explore Athens with local scholars: the stunning modern Acropolis Museum,
and the Acropolis itself, ancient “high city” and UNESCO World Heritage site, home to architectural masterpieces including the Parthenon
Discover Athen’s best bites alongside a culinary guide during a six-hour food and walking tour
Take a day trips to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi, ancient religious sanctuary known as the “navel of the world”, and home to the Oracle of Apollo
Enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal in the home of an Athenian family
Trip price & What’s Included
The trip cost of $5,500 per person based on shared occupancy and includes 12 nights of lodging in high-quality, beautifully furnished, air-conditioned accommodations: 4 nights in a boutique hotel in Santorini, 4 nights in a private Cycladic home on Sifnos, and 4 nights in designer apartments in Athens, shared by 2 to 4 people per apartment. Also included are airport pick-up in Santorini and return transport to Athens airport; 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 8 dinners; all transportation during group activities, including ferries, taxis, and a catamaran outing; privately guided walks and curated experiences; entrance fees to all sites listed in the itinerary highlights; and full-time services of Karen as your trip escort and travel planning consultant.
This tour can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.
Travel insurance is required. I like Travel Guard and am happy to provide guidance on choosing a policy.
Fitness Level
MODERATE to STRENUOUS – This tour involves a lot of walking, standing, climbing stairs, hills, and navigating uneven terrain, cobblestones, and gravel pathways. This tour is does not provide accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Practical Information
This tour is limited to 8 travelers; reservations are honored on a first-come, first-served basis.
This is a LAND-ONLY package beginning with your arrival at Santorini Airport (JTR) and ending with your departure from Athens Airport (ATH). The price does not include airfare, or local transportation outside of group activities such as taxis or Ubers for personal use.
You are welcome to add extra days before or after the tour to visit other cities or destinations.
Prior to booking your international flight, please consider the following:
Outbound flight: Due to overnight flight from the U.S., you will need to depart one day prior to desired arrival in Santorini (May 2)
Inbound flight: Departs Athens and arrives in the U.S. on the same day (May 15)
I recommend arriving Santorini between 12:00-3:00pm May 3, 2026. Check-out time from Athens is 10:00am on May 15, 2026.
Please consult with Karen before finalizing your international flight.
Count me in!
I would love to welcome you on the Greece tour.
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