Highlights of Greece with Island Explorer - From £3,275 - Days 12

Athens is about to become your personal playground. Check into your hotel, then hit the streets of this ancient wonder. Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation', is packed with history at every turn. Lace up your walking shoes and dive into the city’s rich artistry, stunning architecture, and archaeological treasures. After a day of exploring, you’ll meet your Travel Director and fellow adventurers. Get ready to make some unforgettable memories.

Today, you’ll come face-to-face with the impressive ancient backdrop that followed you throughout yesterday’s solo sightseeing – the Acropolis. A Local Guide joins you for a tour through the ancient citadel, including the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena. View the Panathinaiko Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus, and Hadrian’s Arch, stopping at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to admire the curiously clad Evzone guards. Later, follow the road taken by the ancient Greeks who once sought the wisdom of the Oracle, arriving in Delphi for your overnight stay. Perhaps opt for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience – Beekeeping with Honey Tasting, where you'll visit a local apiary to learn the secrets of honey making and find out why Greek honey is considered among the best in the world.

Walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo, following in the footsteps of the path Alexander the Great trod as he sought the prediction that he would conquer the world. Your Local Guide will share the captivating history of this ancient site and reveal some of the Oracle’s prophecies that came true. Discover Delphi’s fame as the host of the Pythian Games, dedicated to Apollo and the arts. Then, enjoy a scenic drive to Thermopylae, the legendary site where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartan warriors made their heroic stand against the entire Persian army. Later, arrive in Kalambaka and dine at your hotel.

The mystical monasteries of Meteora cling to the rounded rock towers that overlook Kalambaka. Joining a Local Guide this morning, you’ll visit this heavenly Eastern Orthodox complex, built by monks in the 14th century to stave off attacks from the invading Turks. Return to Athens later this afternoon where the rest of the day is free to do as you wish. A Choice Experience this evening could see indulging in traditional taverna experience with delicious cuisine, dancing, and drinks, or a meze-style dinner in Psiri, enjoying the illuminated views of Athens.

Leave the busy cityscape behind and catch a high-speed ferry to Santorini. Here, volcanic eruptions from thousands of years ago have left a lasting impact, creating a landscape of stunning contrasts and dramatic beauty. After checking in and an orientation tour, you'll have some free time to either relax in your hotel or explore the surrounding town on your own.

Why laze on the sun-soaked beach all day when you could take a tour of Santorini's must-visit destinations instead? You could opt for the Santorini Island Tour with a visit to Akrotiri, where you’ll drive to Profitis Ilias for panoramic views, pass by charming villages to admire Cycladic architecture and explore the ancient Bronze Age village of Megalochori. Or in the evening, the Choice Experience will feature a Traditional Greek Wedding Show, with food, drinks, dancing and, of course, plate-smashing fun.

Indulge in another full day to explore Santorini your way. You could choose one of several Choice Experiences to fill the time or instead stroll through Fira’s narrow streets shopping for  souvenirs, clothing and jewellery. Incredible views of the Caldera are never far as you explore the island’s ancient paths, villages and beaches on your own. One Choice Experience could see you take a traditional fishing boat to the volcano, soaking in its warm thermal waters and healing mud against the backdrop of Santorini’s enchanting cliff-top villages. Another choice involved a memorable journey through Santorini's landscapes and villages, discovering its history, visiting the Akrotiri archaeological site, enjoying local wines and meze, and ending with a visit to the picturesque village of Oia. Then, why not make the most of your final evening in Santorini, sampling the local culinary delights with uninterrupted views of the Aegean Sea?

Bound for the island playground of Mykonos. All that stands between you and the sun-kissed shores of the Cyclades is a short high-speed ferry ride. After transferring to your hotel and a short orientation tour, Mykonos is yours for the taking so don’t hold back and seek out your favourite island spots for the rest of your stay. Whitewashed houses line the narrow streets and life is idyllic behind the colourful wooden shutters that shield the locals from the warm Mediterranean sun.

Snap your fingers and you’ll be on the other side of the island. Well, almost! You could choose to spend your day exploring tiny Mykonos your way or join your fellow travellers for an optional Island Tour driving through arid landscapes to some of its most celebrated beaches. Before you dip your toes into the water, you’ll visit Ano Mera village whose 16th-century monastery is dedicated to the protectress of Mykonos. Then continue to the beautiful Blue Flag beach of Kalafatis.

Grab your front-row seat to the goings-on in Mykonos's old port as you sit perched on one of the brightly painted wooden balconies characteristic of Little Venice. There’s time today to wander through the shopping streets of Chora village and see the 16th-century windmills of Kato Mili that overlook the bay. For history lovers, there’s no better way to spend your day than joining a Choice Experience visit to nearby Delos, the legendary birthplace of Apollo and his twin sister Artemis. On this captivating exploration of one of Ancient Greece’s most sacred sites, you’ll see many artefacts that have been collected in the ruins. After a day of sightseeing, you’ll want to make the most of your final evening in this island playground. Seek out a taverna with beautiful views of the sunset and toast to another day in paradise with new friends.

Leaving island life behind, it’s time to return to Athens for a final exhilarating encounter with the vibrant Greek capital. Transfer to your Athens hotel, then spend the evening in the narrow lanes of Plaka following your nose past its 19th-century façades to find the best souvlaki in town.

Your journey through Athens and the Greek islands reveals why ancient Greece was the chosen land for gods and goddesses, philosophers, poets and famous personalities. As you prepare for your return journey and long after you arrive home, you’ll remember the generous spirit, postcard-perfect scenery and legacy of the ancients that are among the many gifts that Greece has given you. Say farewell to your new friends at the end of your holiday.