11-Day Tour of Athens, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini & Crete

Exploring Greece in just over a week sounds ambitious, but this 11-day guided tour manages to pack in the highlights without making you feel rushed. Offered by Mazi Travel, this journey combines history, culture, stunning landscapes, and island hopping — all with the convenience of organized transfers, guided tours, and thoughtfully selected accommodations. What stands out most is the balance of guided experiences and free time, giving you the chance to both learn and explore on your own.

One thing we particularly love about this tour is the inclusion of expert-guided archaeological sites like the Acropolis, Palace of Knossos, and Delos, which ensures you get meaningful insights rather than just ticking boxes. The scenic ferries between islands promise memorable views and a taste of island life from the water. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the pace — with multiple islands and transfers packed into a relatively short period, it might feel busy for travelers wanting a more relaxed experience.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate a mix of structured sightseeing with personal downtime, and those eager to see multiple Greek islands without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. If you’re after a comprehensive introduction to Greece’s highlights with knowledgeable guides and a touch of adventure, this trip hits the mark.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covering Athens, Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, and Crete.
• Small-group experience for personalized attention and better interaction.
• Expert-guided tours of key archaeological sites like the Acropolis, Knossos Palace, and Delos ruins.
• Island hopping via scenic ferries adding a memorable water-based experience.
• Accommodation included across a range of 3- and 4-star hotels.
• Flexible free time allows for spontaneous exploration or relaxation.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This 11-day journey offers a stellar overview of Greece’s most famous islands and historical sites, all arranged with a clear focus on value and authentic experiences. It’s designed for travelers who want a taste of everything — from Athens’ ancient monuments to the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos, the fascinating ruins of Delos, the stunning sunsets of Santorini, and the archaeological treasures of Crete.

Athens: The Historic Heart

Your journey begins in Athens, where the first impressions are a whirlwind of iconic sights. The guided tour includes the Panathenaic Stadium, known as the only stadium built entirely of marble, where you can walk the same grounds as the first modern Olympians. We loved the way guides explained its significance in Olympic history, making it feel tangible.

A highlight is definitely the Acropolis, home to the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and other classical marvels. The guided tour here ensures you don’t miss the details that bring the ruins to life — from the sculptures to the ancient columns. The Acropolis Museum adds context with modern displays of artifacts, some of which are stunningly well-preserved.

The day ends with time to wander Athens at your own pace, perhaps exploring the lively Plaka neighborhood or grabbing a Greek coffee. The balance of guided and free time offers flexibility without the stress of navigating on your own.

Island Hopping: Ferries and Seascapes

One of the most appealing aspects of this tour is the seamless ferry transfers between islands. Traveling on shared ferries, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Aegean and the chance to relax or snap photos along the way. The ferry from Piraeus to Mykonos takes about three hours, giving you plenty of time to settle in and soak up the scenery.

The ferry rides are praised for their organization and comfort, as some reviews note. The switch from the bustling Piraeus port to the scenic open water offers a taste of Greek maritime life, and the views you’ll see are truly memorable. The ferry from Mykonos to Santorini and later from Santorini to Heraklion are similarly smooth, making island-hopping feel effortless.

Mykonos: A Mix of Beach, Boutique, and Buzz

Upon arrival in Mykonos, you get two nights to explore. The island is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, charming streets, and beautiful beaches. While the tour doesn’t include guided exploration here, the free time allows you to relax on famous beaches like Paradise or explore the labyrinthine town with its whitewashed buildings and boutique shops.

A boat trip to Delos is a real highlight — a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site reveals the significance of this ancient trading hub. Reviewer comments mention how the boat trips between islands are organized and impressive, with some noting that the experience feels like a private luxury cruise despite being part of a small group.

Santorini: Famous Sunsets and Unique Villages

Next stop is the iconic island of Santorini. You’ll stay in a 3-star hotel with time to explore at your leisure. The day offers guided visits to Oia, Fira, and Pyrgos, allowing you to marvel at the caldera views, sample local delicacies, and enjoy the famously spectacular sunsets.

Reviewers appreciate the flexibility here — you can relax on the beaches, wander through quaint villages, or just soak in the views from your hotel. The guided tour in Santorini highlights the unique architecture and volcanic landscape that make this island so captivating.

Crete: Ancient Ruins and Island Life

The last island on your itinerary is Crete, where a guided tour of Knossos Palace provides a fascinating look into Minoan civilization. The tour includes enough time to appreciate the ruins and learn about ancient legends, making it a genuinely educational and memorable experience.

Following that, you have a free evening in Heraklion to explore or unwind. The accommodations here are 4-star, offering a comfortable base for your final night.

The Return and Highlights

The journey wraps up with a ferry back to Piraeus, with a private transfer from Heraklion to the port and then a scenic overnight ferry. The final day involves a transfer to the Athens airport, making the logistics straightforward.

The tour’s inclusion of all transfers, guided tours, and ferry tickets offers a lot of value — especially considering the price of around $2,200 per person. For those who prefer not to worry about booking ferries, accommodations, and guides separately, this organized package provides peace of mind.

The Experience from Reviews: Insights and Authentic Touches

Travelers often mention the guides’ knowledge and engaging storytelling, which really enhance the experience. One reviewer appreciated the “amazing experience” and noted feeling like characters from a road trip, thanks to her exploration of Crete after the tour. Another spoke highly of the organized boat trips, describing the crossings as “really impressive” and “beautiful.”

Several mentioned how the scenic ferry rides contributed to the trip’s charm, with some noting that the boats felt well-organized and comfortable, even with thousands of passengers sharing the experience.

While most found the pace lively and packed, they also appreciated the flexibility built into the schedule — enough free time to relax, explore, or indulge in local cuisine. This balance is especially important for travelers who want a structured overview but still crave personal discovery.

Practical Considerations and Final Thoughts

This tour’s value lies in its well-rounded approach: guided historical visits, scenic island ferries, comfortable accommodations, and free time. The small-group setting ensures more personal attention and a more intimate experience, which makes a difference when exploring archaeological sites or wandering through charming villages.

However, keep in mind that the schedule is quite full, so travelers should be prepared for some early mornings and busy days. The ferry transfers, while generally smooth, depend on weather conditions — a common caveat in island-hopping trips.

This experience is perfect for those who want a comprehensive introduction to Greece’s most popular islands without the hassle of planning each step. It appeals to history buffs, beach lovers, and anyone eager to get a taste of authentic Greek culture with knowledgeable guides leading the way.

The Sum Up

This 11-day guided tour of Greece offers remarkable value for travelers eager to see the highlights with ease and expert insights. The combination of guided archaeological visits, scenic ferry rides, and free time to explore each island makes it an attractive package for first-time visitors or those wanting a well-organized overview.

The tour excels at balancing educational experiences with relaxed leisure, especially with the knowledgeable guides who bring history to life and the beautifully organized ferry crossings. Its accommodations are comfortable, and the small-group size ensures a more personal, engaging experience.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive Greece experience without the stress of logistics, and those who enjoy a mix of guided tours with personal exploration. If you’re after a well-rounded, authentic Greek adventure, this 11-day trip is likely to meet — or even exceed — your expectations.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, all transfers mentioned — including from airports to hotels, hotel to port, and ferry crossings — are included, ensuring smooth travel between destinations.

How many nights do I stay at each location?
You’ll spend 2 nights in Athens, 3 nights in Mykonos, 2 nights in Santorini, and 2 nights in Heraklion, Crete. The final night is spent on a ferry returning to Athens.

Are guided tours available at all sites?
Guided tours are included for the Acropolis, Delos, and Palace of Knossos, allowing you to learn from knowledgeable guides. Free time is provided to explore other sites on your own.

Do I need to worry about ferry schedules?
Ferry tickets are included and arranged in advance, with departures between islands. While generally reliable, weather can affect schedules, but the organizers aim to keep disruptions minimal.

What type of accommodation is included?
The package includes 10 nights of accommodation: 2 nights in Athens in a 4-star hotel, 3 nights in Mykonos in a 3-star hotel, 2 nights in Santorini in a 3-star hotel, and 2 nights in Heraklion in a 4-star hotel.

Is breakfast included?
Yes, breakfast is served at the hotels on 9 of the days, offering a good start before busy sightseeing days.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult — this is a family-friendly tour suited for those with kids who can handle the pace.

What’s the overall value for the price?
Considering guided tours, ferry tickets, accommodations, and organized transfers, the price offers a solid value for a comprehensive Greek experience.

Is there a tour leader or guide throughout the trip?
While there’s no tour leader accompanying the entire journey, knowledgeable guides lead major archaeological sites, and a 24-hour emergency phone number is available for support.

What if I want to customize my experience?
Since this is a set package, customization options are limited. However, the free time on each island allows for personal exploration and additional activities if you wish.

This detailed review should help you decide whether this 11-day Greece tour aligns with your travel style — adventurous, educational, and comfortable — all wrapped into one memorable trip.