3-Week Greek Islands Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Greek Islands tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaGreek Islands travel expert at TourRadar

• 15 Day Greece Itinerary, incl. Athens and Greek Islands

  The 15-day Greek adventure encompasses 5 destinations including Athens' Acropolis and 4 distinct islands. Visitors will see Syros' Ermoupoli town, Mykonos' windmills, Santorini's Oia village, and Crete's Knossos Palace. Accommodations at selected 3-star hotels with included breakfasts and private transfers.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Athens

    Get to the Acropolis by 8 AM to avoid crowds and beat the heat. One traveler notes, "The morning light makes for incredible photos of the Parthenon." Stay in the Plaka neighborhood for easy walks to major sites. On day two, explore the charming Anafiotika area below the Acropolis and visit the Acropolis Museum by metro (€1.20).

    
  • Days 3-4

    Syros

    Take a morning ferry from Piraeus to Syros (4-6 hours). This hidden gem offers a more authentic Greek experience than its popular neighbors. "Syros was the unexpected highlight - less touristy and the evening candle lighting ceremony during Easter was magical," shares one visitor. Stay near Ermoupoli's historic center to explore its neoclassical architecture. The Brazzera Hotel stands out for its location and helpful staff.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Mykonos

    A 45-minute ferry takes you to vibrant Mykonos. Summer crowds peak in July-August, so consider visiting in May or September instead. See the famous windmills but also visit Ano Mera village for local culture. One traveler recommends, "The Pelican Bay Hotel was excellent - great location and breakfast." Take a morning island tour to discover quiet beaches before crowds arrive.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Santorini

    The ferry to Santorini (2-4 hours) offers beautiful caldera views. Choose Fira or Imerovigli as your base for better transport options than Oia. A recent visitor suggests, "Book your caldera sunset cruise at least 2 days ahead in peak season - they fill up fast." Visit Oia early morning or late afternoon to avoid cruise ship crowds.

    
  • Days 9-13

    Crete

    Take the ferry to Crete (4-6 hours), Greece's largest island. Stay near Heraklion to visit the Palace of Knossos right when it opens at 8 AM. The Sea Breeze Hotel is popular for its beachfront location. Use your five days for trips to Chania's Venetian harbor (2 hours by bus) and Elafonisi beach. One traveler recommends, "Rent a car for at least 2 days - Crete is huge and public transport can be limiting."

    
  • Days 14-15

    Athens

    Fly back to Athens (50 minutes) for your final stay. The Pure Hotel offers a central location. Shop at Monastiraki flea market or take a food tour through the Central Market.

    

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• 15 Day Greece Itinerary, incl. Athens and Cyclades Islands

  A 15-day Greek escape features 4 destinations: Athens (3 nights at Parnon Hotel), Mykonos (4 nights at Charissi Hotel), Paros (4 nights at Eri Hotel), and Santorini (4 nights at Terra Blue). Package includes 14 breakfasts and all inter-island transfers.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Athens

    Begin your Greek adventure in Athens. The airport transfer to central Athens takes 30-45 minutes, so try to avoid morning rush hour. Spend your first afternoon exploring the charming Plaka neighborhood. A recent visitor shared: "Our taxi driver Spiros took us to a lookout point for an amazing overview of Athens and the Acropolis before reaching our hotel - a perfect introduction to the city."

    
  • Days 3-5

    Mykonos

    Take a morning high-speed ferry from Piraeus port to Mykonos. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. Stay near Mykonos Town for easy access to restaurants and nightlife. The best beaches sit along the south coast. You can reach Paradise or Super Paradise beach by local bus. For photos of the famous windmills, go before 6:30 PM to beat the crowds. A traveler noted: "Having the freedom on each island to balance touring and down time was wonderful."

    
  • Days 6-8

    Paros

    A quick 45-minute ferry brings you to peaceful Paros. Choose between staying in Parikia or Naoussa for great food and shopping options. Rent a scooter to find secluded beaches and mountain villages. Golden Beach is particularly special. Visit the Byzantine church Panagia Ekatontapiliani in Parikia early to avoid tour groups. The historic marble quarries offer a fascinating look into ancient Greek sculpture.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Santorini

    Take a 3-hour ferry to Santorini. Stay in Imerovigli or Firostefani for stunning caldera views without the tourist crush of Oia. The caldera walking path from Fira to Oia takes about 3 hours. Remember water and sun protection. For Oia's sunset views, find your spot by 6 PM in summer. Visit Perissa and Kamari's black sand beaches in the morning when they're quieter.

    
  • Days 12-13

    Santorini

    Plan some wine tasting tours. The volcanic soil creates excellent assyrtiko wines. Visit ancient Akrotiri right when it opens at 8 AM to avoid cruise ship crowds. A regular visitor suggests: "Take the local bus to the archaeological site - it's only €2 and more reliable than trying to park there."

    
  • Days 14-15

    Athens

    Return to Athens by high-speed ferry (5 hours) or take a 45-minute flight. Use your last full day to see the Acropolis and its museum. Book Acropolis tickets online to skip lines. End your trip with dinner in the Gazi district, known for its modern Greek restaurants.

    

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• 15 Day Greece Sailing Itinerary, incl. Santorini and Athens

  The 15-day sailing adventure covers 15 Greek islands from Santorini to Athens at approx. $220 per day. Travelers visit Naxos's Temple of Dimitra, swim at Ios's Magganari Beach, and stop at Hydra's car-free harbor. Accommodations aboard a modern 57-ft yacht with twin/double cabins and expert guidance.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Santorini

    Your Greek adventure starts in Santorini. Meet your skipper and fellow sailors at the 5 PM welcome meeting. You'll get familiar with your cabin and learn important safety basics. "We really enjoyed getting to know the boat the first night while watching the sunset over Santorini's caldera—bring a light jacket as it gets breezy after dark," one traveler mentioned.

    
  • Days 3-6

    Southern Cyclades

    Weather and wind guide your path through the southern islands. Stop at beautiful spots like Folegandros with its cliffside town (go before 11 AM to avoid crowds). Check out Sifnos's ancient hiking paths but pack good walking shoes. Spend time at Ios's Manganari Beach. According to a recent guest: "The cave exploring in Antiparos was incredible—definitely pack water shoes as the rocks can be slippery."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Mykonos

    Welcome to vibrant Mykonos with its famous windmills and Little Venice area. The early morning hours offer the best photo opportunities before cruise ships arrive. One traveler noted: "Getting to the windmills by 8 AM gave us perfect photos without crowds." Your second day is free to visit beaches or wander the winding streets.

    
  • Days 9-13

    Northern Cyclades

    Your northern island exploration includes: - Syros and its remarkably beautiful main square - Kythnos's natural hot springs (water shoes recommended) - Kea's stone lion statue and local silver workshops - Hydra's artistic culture and charming donkey transport. One sailor shared: "Hydra was magical—no cars means complete peace. Just remember to book dinner reservations in advance during high season as the best tavernas fill up."

    
  • Day 14

    Athens Approach

    Set sail for Athens on a 4-5 hour journey. Most groups enjoy a final dinner together in the Plaka area. A good tip from a traveler: "Ask your skipper to recommend a traditional psistaria (grill house)—they know the authentic spots away from tourist traps."

    
  • Day 15

    Athens

    Have breakfast before leaving the boat. If you're staying longer consider booking a room in Koukaki. It's close to the Acropolis and has a nice local feel.

    

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