Greece: Athens and the Greek Isles - Pre-Reservation

Athens and the Greek Isles - Pre-reservation 2025 / 1

May 2025
(11 Days / 10 Nights)
This tour starts and ends in Athens

We are currently in the process of planning this tour. Once we have all the activities, dates, hotels and other details confirmed, and the pricing finalized, we will post a complete itinerary, including the price. If you would like to be notified of this tour's availability when the planning process is completed, please complete the pre-reservation form.

PRE-RESERVATION FORM

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Lapped by the azure Ionian and Aegean seas, Greece is considered the cradle of the Western civilization. During the Athens and the Greek Isles Tour, you will embark on an exclusive voyage of discovery, follow the ancient epic tales and encounter history where it was made.

In Athens, you will discover treasures of the Acropolis, including the masterpiece of Periclean Athens: the Parthenon, then explore the ancient Agora with a private guide who will bring those iconic monuments to life.

In Santorini, you'll sail around the island on a private yacht, walk on the crater of a volcano, explore the crescent of the island surviving after the Late Bronze era volcanic explosions, the picturesque vineyards and villages, enjoy the black sand beaches and spectacular sunsets, and even ride on a donkey.

In Crete, the legendary birthplace of Zeus, you will bask in the history, ambiance and beauty of the island, as you visit the Minoan Palace in Knossos, the Venetian design town of Chania, then take a Mediterranean cooking class. You'll see ancient temples and lively villages, but you'll also have time to relax on the beach, swim and enjoy the Greek Isles which are defined by the sapphire waters and the remains of the richest Mediterranean cultures that intersected and influenced each other here.

HIGHLIGHTS: Lit up Parthenon atop the Acropolis Hill ● Hadrian's Gate, the Temple of Poseidon, the Agora, the Dionysus Theatre ● The Acropolis ● Lively Plaka with colorful tavernas and shops selling local crafts ● White, black and red beaches of Santorini ● Sailing the Aegean on a private catamaran and Santorini sunsets ● The Profitis Ilias Monastery with a 360 degree view of the mythical Atlantis ● Minoan Palace in Knossos ● Venetian harbor in Chania ● Olive oil tasting at Crete's Agia Triada Monastery ● Learning to cook Greek Mediterranean cuisine ● Sampling Greek wines ● The soft, sugary sand of Cretan beaches ● Shopping for treasures in artisans' shops in the narrow streets of Chania

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

Testimonials

The trip to Greece was an amazing immersion in the history, culture and daily life of the country. The trip was a combination of key historical must-sees as well as relaxing unique experiences such as a cooking class and a private catamaran. My opinion of the tour can be quoted. Thanks for a great trip. I know all the effort that goes into crafting and making these trips happen. You are all very much appreciated. - Anne from New Jersey (Greece 3 2023)

I have enjoyed every tour that I have been on. I also like the fact that you take feedback seriously and adjust tours when possible. This is a well-run tour business. - Cheryl from Massachusetts (Greece 2023)

Being in Greece was an overwhelming experience. The views were incredibly beautiful and the people were very kind. We got a real sense of Greek culture and history. - Genie from Virginia

I was so impressed with the trip itinerary: the restaurants were great as were the hotels. The group of women made the trip- so welcoming and I feel any of them could be a friend. The tour had everything I was looking for: seeing the ancient historical sites as well as the natural beauty of Santorini and Crete. - Judy from Pennsylvania

Sights and Soul does a great job of giving a wonderful experience of a country. It's great meeting other women and having a small group experience. I've recommended you to many people and one of my travel companions has also signed up with one of her friends for another tour of yours. - Barbara from Texas

The first night in Athens, we had dinner at once of the most scenic restaurants I have ever experienced. We were 14 women, plus the new-to-me leader, Anne, on an outdoor terrace looking directly at a dramatically lit Parthenon and a full moon. It was beyond any picture, any dream. The group just clicked, like women can do, and even Anne said that she could tell already we were a great group. And we were from that night on. Oh, and the food was fabulous, too! - Wendy from North Carolina

I thoroughly enjoyed my second trip with Sights and Soul. I think the tour guides do an outstanding job. I also think everything is planned just right. The accommodations and restaurant choices were great too. I loved the cooking class with lunch at the Manousakis Winery and the sailing trip in Santorini. – Karen from Florida

I have a fond memory of the Greece tour in general. I enjoyed it a lot. I know many years from now, Greece tour will still come down as one of the best experiences I had. I enjoyed every bit of it. The time in Santorini was absolutely fabulous. I enjoyed seeing the Parthenon, the museum, the boat trip, the Volcano View Hotel, the sunset, the villages, Minoa Palace Resort, the cooking, the foods, the shopping and so many more. – Janifer from Minnesota

The catamaran trip in Santorini was definitely the best experience of the trip, closely followed by the cooking class at the winery and the beach at Elafonisi for a tie. I thought the tour was wonderful. First, I never traveled with just women and either I was very lucky on my first tour or maybe it’s always like this, but I felt as though we had a very congenial group of women on this tour. I felt very comfortable with all my tour mates right from the start. I liked this tour and picked it because it checked off my box for Knossos which id’ wanted to visit for a long time, but also, it had a nice agenda of history, culture, and just fun days like the catamaran and the beach – what tour ever says, “Hey, we’re not doing anything today but going to the beach and having fun.”? Not many that I know of. The pace was really good; there were enough optional things to do if you wanted to or you could just stay at the hotel and sit at the pools. The hotels on this trip were out of this world, especially at Santorini and Chania. Santorini had the million dollar view and I could not get enough of it. I must have taken 100 of the same photo off my balcony just because of that. I will say too that all the hotel staff, from the luggage guys, to the front desk, to the restaurant staff was all top notch – friendly & helpful to boot. The hotel at Chania had everything: beach, pool, good restaurant. They were really organized at check-in and I got plenty of help to get laundry done. It was exceptional. – Leslie from Virginia

To share Greece, Santorini and Crete with like-minded women makes for a great and fun-filled journey. If you’re a single traveler, don’t hesitate, you’ll only be single at the beginning of the first dinner, after that you’ll travel with friends for the adventure; and maybe your next tour as well.
Sue from Kansas

Greece was a wonderful adventure: from the history of Athens to the beauty of Santorini or Crete. Our local guides were very knowledgeable, and Becky is the best! The tour was a great balance of History and Leisure.
Kathy from Washington

I thought the overall tour was a great experience – one of my favorites. Our tour leader was, as always, wonderful. We visited sights that were worthwhile and that I wanted to see. The hotels were very ice: elegant and comfortable. The local guides were good + spoke good English. We had plenty of free time to lie on the beach or shop. Great trip!
Kathy from Ohio

This was my first group tour and I loved it. The other women were all great and I loved not having to worry about any of the logistics. I especially liked being met at the airport and being taken to the hotel. Very nice blend of culture, activities and free time. I enjoyed myself very much. Thank you.
Karen from New Hampshire

It was my first time travelling with a small, women-only tour, and so happy I did. I have done larger, mixed groups before, and came home stressed and the tour was a blur. This trip was different. I came home feeling relaxed and with memories of newfound friends. Excellent trip!
Cheryl from Washington

Overall, the tour was very enjoyable. S+S gave me the courage to travel solo, and have a good time in the process.
Connie from New York

This is my 3rd tour with Sights and Soul, and I have loved each one of them. This was a great tour, met some lovely women. Choice of restaurants was excellent. I am always talking to my women friends and people I meet about what an excellent tour company Sights and Soul is.
Susan from Florida

This is a very well organized, exciting, fun tour of Greece. We had the perfect amount of time in each city and great restaurants for our meals. The guides were all very informative and funny. Becky was amazing. Her calm, patience and full experience of Greece made it an outstanding event. Every detail was terrific and on mark.
Cherrielynn from Hawaii

The tour was very relaxing with the right amount of history balanced with other activities: sailing, wineries and cooking. The extended beach day was great, as well. A lot of fun – I would definitely recommend it. The Volcano View Hotel is awesome!
Barbara from Alberta

I am spreading the word about this trip – I really enjoyed it! Looking forward to traveling with S+S again. Like the small group concept, especially that our group was fantastic.
Janice from Hawaii

Thank you for a wonderful, magical experience. Every day was filled with excitement, good food and wonderful new friendships that I now treasure. Becky was a wonderful guide and hopefully I will be able to travel again with Sights and Soul again.
Rhoda from Florida

I loved the Greece tour, sights, fellow travelers, excellent food + tour leader.
Vicki from Delaware

The trip was a balanced blend of touring antiquities and fun activities, such as cookingclass,visiting wineries and a catamaran sail. We also had adequate free time. Our local guides were extremely knowledgeabe and Becky was wonderful. Her expertise and patience kept tour running smoothly.
Nancy from Virginia

I experienced a taste of Greece with awell organized, worry-free tour. Travel was comfortable, food was fantastic and the fellow travellers were great freinds by the end. I would recommend this trip 100%!
Mary from Maine

So many wonderful memories to keep reliving. Every place was special and this was because of the thoroughness in which you plan and organize a tour, communication with us and your choice in regional guides and having experienced Sights and Soul tour directors. Becky is an amazing tour director and I am very pleased to have been on this adventure with her. Your company's success is definitely apparent by your returning tour members. I am looking forward to the next tour I have reserved. All the best to you both and the whole Sights and Soul team.
Jane Anne from Washington

You've certainly put together a wonderful tour of Greece! I loved the variety of activities; some history/culture, adventure, exploration, relaxation and all-around spoiling. The private catamaran tour was delightful and the food magnificent! Becky is an amazing tour leader! Sweet, warm, informative, and amazingly organized! Each and every meal, accommodation, mode of transportation and connection was done seamlessly. She is truly a gem!
Rita from Michigan

You have a wonderful program and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Greece. New friends and new places. Thank you to all for making this a lifetime memory!
Mary from Maine

Thank you for the never ending and caring way you do business. Your tours are the greatest. And a special note goes out to Becky for her efficient and pleasant way of handling a variety of personalities and concern. You are blessed to have her as part of your company. I can't wait to share my photos and travel experiences with my family and friends. I know they will be jealous.
Linda from Illinois

Thanks to Sights and Soul I definitely caught a travel bug. The Greece tour was fantastic. It was my second Sights and Soul tour (I did Eastern Europe last year), and Greece has always been a dream destination of mine, so my expectations were very, very high - and it still exceeded them by a lot. It will be hard to top! And Becky was fantastic – she was calm, organized, and professional, but she was also nice and really fun to hang out with. By the end of the tour, I felt like she was a friend I’d want to travel with again.
Andrea from Ohio

I have nothing but great things to say about this tour: from food, hotels and the varieties of experiences, this trip was spectacular. Clearly Sights and Soul Travels does their homework. Becky, the tour leader was the epitome of patience. No questions was ever asked too often. She gave clear directions, was always there for every traveler.
Joan from New York

Greece was a blissful experience! My mom and I had a blast. Your company provided us with a wealth of historical information, fine dining and beautiful scenic views from our hotel rooms. Our tour guide, Becky, was compassionate, resourceful, and a wonderful hostess!
Tabbitha from Louisiana

I want to thank you, Becky and everyone at Sights and Soul Travels for making our Greek tour such a memorable experience. I already miss all of the other women that I got to know on the trip and will never forget all of the exciting excursions, tours, boat rides, meals and shopping expeditions we packed into 10 short days. I look forward to traveling again with Sights and Soul Travels in the near future!
Judy from Maryland

I loved every minute of it and will not hesitate to go again with you. Greece was one of the prettiest places I've ever seen. Great shopping, great sites. Great bunch of ladies - laughed a lot.
Nat from Maine

Loved it, loved it, loved it! The trip to Greece was an amazing trip of a lifetime! I hope to take more trips with Sights and Soul Travels in the future. Becky was an awesome tour leader!
Pam from Virginia

This was my first all-girls small tour, having done several trips in the past 6 years with large tour operators with 35 or 40 travelers. Sights and Soul did not miss a beat on their Greek Isle Tour: hotels were awesome, food was beyond my expectations, nice balance of historic sights and museums, and then the cherry on top of the sundae for me was two-fold - the day on the yacht and the cooking class. All good things must come to an end, but this is surely one trip that I wished could have gone one, and on, and on!
Marie from North Carolina

I LOVED the Greece trip, meeting the ladies & Becky was such a wonderful guide! Looking forward to traveling with you again...
Kate from Texas

Thank you for putting together such a wonderful tour of Greece. The activities, restaurants and hotels were wonderful and I feel like I really learned the history and culture of Greece. It was the trip of a lifetime for me and I will always have fond memories of my time there. And I'm already saving for another trip!
Lindsey from Minnesota

I have so many good memories of our great trip to Greece, a great deal of which was due to your gift of arranging events and creating an environment that is both relaxing and stimulating. I'll look forward to future trips!
Kate from Ontario

It was first time traveling overseas for me, and was a bit nervous, but after meeting everyone and seeing how well planned everything was + the quality of accommodations and meals, I was just thrilled and enjoyed everything.
Cynthia from Arizona