Greece: Athens & the Islands Sara

From ancient Athens to idyllic Mykonos and Santorini, dive headfirst into Greek culture and pristine coastlines on Greece’s most Insta-worthy islands

Recommended dates

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Max 14 travellers per group
Arrival transfer included
All activities mentioned on the itinerary
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Stay in hand-picked 3-4 star hotels
Inter-island ferries & private minibus
Accommodation in twin rooms
Experienced Pack Leader with you throughout the trip

Flashpackers must provide evidence that they have purchased travel insurance for the duration of their adventure. Remember, flights aren't included and prices are based on sharing a twin room. If you'd like to upgrade to a single room, you can add this during the booking process or by contacting our Customer Experience team.

ABOUT THIS TRIP

15th May – 23rd May 2025

ABOUT SARA HOPKINS @sayhop

Hi! I’m Sayhop, a 33-year-old content creator who’s been sharing my life online for over a decade. From college graduation to the birth of my now 4-year-old child, my followers have been with me through it all. I’m so excited about our upcoming adventure to Greece, exploring Athens and the Islands with Flash Pack. As someone who loves meeting new people (despite being bad at small talk), I’m looking forward to forming new friendships and experiencing Greece as an adult. My travel philosophy? Do it for the plot. I always pack my skincare products, a sleep mask, and meds. Join me on this journey for self-discovery and connection. I hope everyone leaves feeling more like themselves than ever before.

Athens, Mykonos, Santorini… That iconic Greek island-hopping adventure you’ve been dreaming of? It’s here (and it was definitely worth the wait).

Starting in Athens, you’ll visit star attractions like the dazzling Parthenon surveying the city from atop the Acropolis as it has done for two millennia. But you’ll also delve into a thriving outdoor cafe scene, sampling local street food and sipping sundowners at trendy rooftop bars.

Next up: the Cyclades Islands, where you’ll be soaking up the cosmopolitan vibe on Mykonos and exploring pretty whitewashed towns that line Santorini’s sunken crater. Along the way, there’ll be time for shopping and indulgent beach time, before one last spectacular: sailing into that Santorini sunset on a catamaran cruise. Just remember to send us a postcard, okay?

Welcome to Athens

Touch down in Athens, capital of Greece and birthplace of democracy, where a private Flash Pack transfer will be waiting to take you straight to your central hotel
Enjoy a welcome diner in view of the Acropolis at the home of an esteemed local chef, getting to know your group in true Grecian style

Ancient sites & rooftop drinks

Uncover Athens with a local expert, visiting the Acropolis, Parthenon and the ancient district of Plaka, dotted with whitewashed churches and neoclassical mansions
Check out the city’s vibrant nightlife; from chic rooftop bars and acclaimed cocktail bars to atmospheric bouzouki music venues, the possibilities are endless

Eat like a local

Enjoy a free morning exploring the suburbs that cling to the base of the Acropolis; the winding alleys are filled with traditional tavernas, boutique shops and quaint cafes
Embark on a local-led food tour of the city, seeking out everything from Greek pies and souvlaki to local ouzo and loukomades donuts

Island-hopping to Mykonos

Take a ferry across the sparkling Aegean Sea to Mykonos – Greece’s answer to St Tropez
Head to the photogenic Old Town for a guided walk through the cobblestone streets, soaking up iconic landmarks like the windmills and Little Venice
Enjoy some free time to explore the kaleidoscope of elegant cafes and high-end boutiques lining the whitewashed streets

Sun, sea & sand

Idyllic Greek islands call for down time, so enjoy a free day to swim, sunbathe and relax on one of Mykonos’ many idyllic sandy beaches

Free day on Mykonos

Today you can choose your own way to explore the island – from snorkelling excursions to secret beach trips. Can’t quite extract yourself from perfect relaxation? Simply recline by the pool at your boutique seafront hotel

Magical sunset views

Hop back onto a ferry and reach the picture-perfect island of Santorini
Visit the beautiful village of Oia – the face of a thousand postcards
Take time to wander through the old town’s maze of cobbled lanes and bougainvillea-draped cafes

Santorini sunset cruise

Set sail on a full-day small-group catamaran cruise, exploring Santorini’s caldera and dropping anchor in secluded bays to swim and snorkel among heavenly scenes
Bathe in a thermal spring before a delicious farewell dinner on board, raising a toast with your fellow Flashpackers under the glow of a Santorini sunset

Farewell, Greece

Enjoy a final Greek breakfast before making your own way to Santorini Airport; your Pack Leader will be on hand to help you arrange a local taxi
Arrive home feeling relaxed and perhaps a little smug after your epic Greek odyssey; you’ve soaked up ancient history and island beauty while discovering some of the world’s most coveted spots after all

OUR FAVOURITE HOTELS

Here's a taste of the hotels we sometimes use on this adventure. The hotels you'll stay in for your departure will be shared with you one month before you go.

Moxy Athens City

A design-led hotel with arty interiors, sleek monochrome rooms with Acropolis views and even a graffiti-scrawled gym. By day, the lounge is a laidback creative space, by night it takes on a cool ambience with neon signs and cocktails.

Alkistis Hotel, Mykonos

Set on picturesque Agios Stefanos bay, this chic adults-only hotel was inspired by Cycladic minimalism. If you can drag yourself away from the gorgeous seafront pool, it’s just a short hop to the buzzing energy of the Old Town.

Kamari Beach, Santorini

A stone’s throw from Kamari’s black-sand beach, this white-and-blue hotel features a funky mix of modern and antique style. There’s a large pool with swim-up bar and free beach loungers for guests, but the real selling point is the gorgeous sea view.

Important Notes

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Athens Airport (ATH) and out of Santorini International Airport (JTR).

What time should my flight arrive? (to arrive in time for the welcome meeting)

We suggest arriving before 4 pm on Day 1, to allow yourself enough time to freshen up before the welcome meeting. Check-in at the hotel is from 3 pm.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no planned activities for Day 9, so you can depart at your own leisure. Santorini Airport is approximately 10 minutes from your final hotel.

Are airport transfers included?

Your arrival transfer is included and is private to Flash Pack. Transfers will be in a group depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t include departure transfers, but your Pack Leader can help book your transfers the night before if needed. If you and other Flashpackers are getting the same flight, we recommend splitting the taxi journey.

Are tips included?

Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:

Pack Leader: 10 EUR per day
Drivers: 3 EUR per transfer
Local guides: 5 EUR per half-day tour

Your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip in restaurants, taxis, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.

However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Do I need a visa?

You do not normally need a visa if you’re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada. Please check with your local consulate/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa.

From 2025, ETIAS travel authorisation will be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals travelling to European countries https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias/what-etias_en.

We recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.

What vaccinations and medication will I need?

While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.

1. Consult with a healthcare professional

We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.

2. Up-to-date medical advice

UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.

4. Medication tips

If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.

We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities and hotels are subject to change. These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

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