Highlights of the Greek Islands

This seven-night escorted tour with Explore Worldwide opens in Athens, where the compact old town along Plaka and the Araifotika district offer a lively mix of narrow cobbled streets and cafés. A walk up to the Acropolis brings close views of the Parthenon, a reminder of Greece’s long history.

Next comes a ferry crossing to Naxos, the largest Cycladic island, where the 2500-year-old Portara greets visitors at the harbour. The tour includes a gentle walk inland to Apiranthos, passing a well-preserved monastery and cooler mountain air at Mt. Zas, followed by a visit to a family-run distillery making citron liqueur. After two days, it’s on to Santorini, with time to walk the caldera trail from Fira to Oia and explore the island’s seafaring past.

A local wine tasting and a shared boat trip to watch the sun dip below the caldera round off the trip. The pace allows time to relax or make your own discoveries, rather than ticking off a relentless list.

New to Greece? Our Greece guide has the practical essentials: money, plugs, visas and when to go.