4 Nights in the Greek Islands from Athens: Santorini, Mykonos and Syros

Traveling through Greece’s iconic islands is a dream for many, but booking the perfect getaway can sometimes be a puzzle of logistics and costs. This particular tour, offered by Achtypis Tours, promises five days of island hopping with ferry transfers, hotel stays, and the freedom to explore at your own pace. It’s a blend of independent travel convenience and the reassurance of pre-arranged accommodations and transportation.

What we love about this experience is how it offers a taste of three very different islands—from Syros’s peaceful beaches to Mykonos’s lively nightlife, and Santorini’s stunning vistas and charming streets. The flexibility of a self-guided tour means you can craft your days to suit your mood—whether lounging on beaches, wandering through whitewashed alleyways, or enjoying local cuisine.

On the flip side, a notable consideration is the lack of included transfers on the islands themselves—meaning extra planning and expenses for taxis or shuttles could be needed. Also, the quality of some hotels, especially in Santorini, has been called into question by past travelers, making it worth researching your options if comfort is a priority.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy the freedom to explore at their own pace but want the reassurance of hotel bookings and ferry logistics handled in advance. It’s ideal for those comfortable with arranging local transportation and looking to experience Greece without the restrictions of a guided group.

Key Points

• Independent, flexible itinerary allows you to customize your days on each island.
• Includes ferry transfers and accommodation in three different islands for hassle-free travel.
• Hotels vary in quality, with some reviews mentioning less desirable options, especially in Santorini.
• Extra costs for local transportation mean you’ll want to budget for taxis or shuttles.
• Ferry rides are considered a highlight, offering scenic views and a chance to see the islands from a different angle.
• Limited included activities mean you’ll have ample free time, but also more planning to do.

This tour spans five days, and although it promises a smooth journey from Athens to three of Greece’s most beloved islands, it’s important to understand what’s actually included—and what’s not. For $1,063.54 per person, you get hotel stays, ferry transfers, and meals on the itinerary. But beyond that, you’ll need to arrange your own local transportation and activities.

Day-by-Day Breakdown

Day 1: From Athens to Syros

Your adventure begins at the port of Piraeus, where you’ll check in your ferry tickets before setting sail for Syros. The ferry ride is around two hours, and travelers often mention enjoying the scenic views across the Aegean Sea. Once on Syros, you’re free to explore at leisure.

Syros is lauded for its laid-back vibe and beautiful beaches, especially those in sheltered coves, perfect for relaxing away from tourist crowds. Reviewers like Geoffrey B. appreciated Syros’ charm, noting the ease of exploring the old town on foot. Amanda S. agreed that the hotel options in Syros were beautiful, though she pointed out the pricing might be steep for what you get.

Day 2: To Mykonos

The next morning, you’ll take a ferry from Syros to Mykonos, known for its buzzing nightlife and stunning beaches. Travelers like JoHeller H. appreciated having a whole day to enjoy the island’s famous party scene, while others enjoyed wandering through the winding streets of Mykonos Town, with its iconic white buildings and colorful accents.

Days 3-4: Two Days in Santorini

Santorini is the highlight for many, with its dramatic cliffs, iconic white houses, and breathtaking sunsets. You’ll have two full days here to indulge in sightseeing, dining, or simply soaking in the scenery. The tour mentions a free day both on arrival and on the second day, giving you plenty of time to explore or relax.

As some reviews point out, hotel quality in Santorini can vary. Several travelers noted that some hotels, especially the one in Santorini, were less desirable—small rooms, poor location, or lacking amenities like reliable air conditioning. One reviewer, Paola C., had a particularly disappointing experience at a hotel called Mathias Village, describing it as a “closet” and criticizing the cleanliness and service.

Final Day: Morning in Santorini

Your last morning in Santorini is free before heading back to the port for the ferry to Athens. The journey back is lengthy—around 8-9 hours—so some travelers suggest flying might be a better option if you’re pressed for time or dislike long ferry rides.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers 4 nights of hotel accommodation (with options for 3- or 5-star), ferry transfers between islands, and some meals. The inclusion of a free brochure guide helps you navigate each island at your own pace.

However, local guides and island activities are not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation on land (buses, taxis, or shuttles), which some travelers found to be less than seamless—especially in Mykonos, where limited bus service and a large tourist influx can make transit tricky, as Lance J. experienced. He also highlighted the importance of contacting hotels in advance to secure shuttles, which wasn’t always automatically included.

Hotel Quality & Location

Reviewers frequently mention the hotel in Mykonos was a bit secluded, though they appreciated the offered shuttle service. In Santorini, the hotel quality varied, with some travelers feeling the accommodations did not match expectations or the star ratings. A few even had to upgrade or change hotels at their own expense to find a more comfortable stay.

Ferry Experience

The ferry rides are generally praised for their scenic beauty—many reviewers called the Blue Star ferries “amazing” and enjoyed the different perspectives they provided of the islands. But, on the return trip from Santorini, several noted that the 8-9 hour ferry was long and tiring, especially if you have a lot of luggage or prefer flying.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

One of the best parts of this tour is the flexibility it offers. Reviewers like Nicolas G. appreciated the well-organized ferry rides and hotels, which allowed them to enjoy the islands without much logistical stress. They also enjoyed exploring on their own, mentioning that self-guided freedom was a major plus.

However, several travelers pointed out that extra costs for land transport on the islands quickly add up. A few noted that the hotels in Santorini were in remote locations, making sightseeing a bit more of a challenge without additional transportation.

It’s worth noting that, based on reviews, some travelers felt the hotels were not corresponding to the 3-star or 5-star ratings—some in Santorini being well below expectations, with issues like poor condition, lack of air conditioning, or being located far from main attractions. This suggests you should consider upgrading or doing extra research on your accommodations if comfort matters.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best for independent travelers who enjoy the idea of having their ferry and hotel logistics taken care of but want to maintain flexibility. If you’re comfortable with arranging your own local transportation and don’t mind a bit of uncertainty with hotel quality, this could be a cost-effective way to see some of Greece’s most famous islands.

It’s also suitable for those who cherish scenic ferry rides, enjoy exploring at their own pace, and are okay with somewhat basic accommodations in exchange for the freedom to customize their days.

However, if you prefer a guided experience with included land transfers, organized activities, or higher-end hotels, you may find this offering less aligned with your preferences.

This 5-day self-guided island-hopping tour provides a cost-effective and flexible way to visit Greece’s iconic islands. The inclusion of ferry rides and hotel stays offers peace of mind in planning, but it does demand some extra effort on your part for ground transportation and potential hotel upgrades.

You’ll love the scenic ferry rides, the chance to explore Syros’s quiet beaches, and the vibrant night scene in Mykonos. Santorini’s views and scenery are undeniably stunning, though you should be prepared for variable hotel quality and longer ferry trips.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy discovering destinations at their own pace and don’t mind doing some extra planning to optimize their experience. If you’re happy to book some transfers locally, bring a sense of humor about hotel surprises, and seek a balance of freedom and convenience, this trip offers a memorable taste of Greece.

Will I need to arrange my own transportation on the islands?
Yes, the tour does not include local land transfers, so you’ll need to organize taxis, shuttles, or buses to get between ports and hotels. Some hotels offer shuttle services, so it’s worth checking in advance.

Are the hotels in Santorini and Mykonos of good quality?
According to reviews, hotel quality can vary. Some travelers found the hotels in Santorini to be disappointing—small rooms, poor location, or lacking amenities. It might be worth investigating options for upgrades or choosing hotels carefully.

Is this tour suitable if I want guided sightseeing?
Not really. This is a self-guided experience. You get ferry transfers and hotel bookings but will be exploring independently.

What if I have a lot of luggage?
Ferry rides are generally smooth, but some travelers advise packing light, especially for longer ferry trips, as luggage handling can be tricky and ferries may have limited space.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. Since there are no fixed schedules beyond ferry and hotel stays, you can spend more or less time on each island depending on your preferences.

Is the price good value?
The package covers ferry transfers and hotel stays, which can be convenient, but some reviews feel that the cost is high relative to what’s included, especially considering additional expenses for local transport and variable hotel quality.

Would this work if I want a very relaxing, luxury experience?
Probably not. The accommodations are a mix, and some travelers found the hotels in Santorini far from main sights. For luxury, you might prefer custom bookings or guided tours with included transfers.

This detailed breakdown should help you decide whether this self-guided Greek island hopping experience aligns with your travel style. With the right expectations and some extra planning, it can be a rewarding way to soak up the beauty and charm of Greece’s islands.