Highlights
- Athens city tour including a visit to the ancient Acropolis
- Visit to Delphi including The Treasury House of Athenians
- Visit to Meteora and 'suspended in the air' monastaries
- Visit the National Museum of Meteora
- Visit the Mushorom Museum with truffle demonstration and tastings
- 3-night stay in Naoussa on the gorgeous Greek island of Paros
- Sightseeing tour of Paros including visits to Antiparos and Lefkes
- Free time to explore the vibrant seaside village of Naoussa, Paros
- 3-night stay on the iconic Greek island of Santorini
- Island tour of Santorini including watching the sun go down in Oia
- Private boat cruise to explore the volcanic island of Nea Kameni
- Lava walk to the rim of Nea Kameni volcano
- Swimming in the beautiful Aegean Sea
- Free time to explore Santorini at leisure
- 4-night stay in Heraklion, Crete
- Visit to Spinalonga, the venetian fortress
- Visit to Knossos including the historical Palace of Knossos
- Learn to make Tzatziki in the village of Arolithos
- Make your own Komgoloi (worry beads)
- Day trip to the rustic village of Bizariano in the mountains of Crete
- Meet a shepherd and enjoy a cheese making and meze tasting demonstration
- Rustic cooking class - make your own cheese pie with honey
- Friends for company!
Inclusions
- Fully escorted by a Sisterhood Tour Hostess who is on hand to ensure your holiday is a memorable one
- Return airfares including taxes ex Melbourne (other departure cities and classes upon request)
- Specialist step on guides
- All transportation throughout including ferries and internal flights
- Sightseeing as per our itinerary including entrance fees
- All meals as specified in our itinerary
- Comfortable, well located hotels with private facilities
- Willing to share option
- Meet and greet prior to departure via Zoom
- Ready made friends for company!
Notice
Moderate Fitness Rating - A moderate level of fitness will be required for these tours due to the length and/or overall physicality of our tour itinerary. You can expect to walk more than 10,000 steps daily on more challenging terrain and longer periods. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches, trains and boats unaided and at times handle your luggage. For more information on our physical ratings please click here
TIPPING
Local tipping is customary and appreciated. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system on all Group Tours involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour who then distributes it daily to service providers on your behalf. This avoids the need for you to consider individual tipping situations daily throughout your trip. The estimated amount for your tour is EUR50 and this will confirmed in your final documentation.
A new tax, named as “climate crisis resilience tax” as per the article 30 of law 5073/2023 and will be replacing the accommodation tax and will be applicable at all hotels in Greece. The new tax will be calculated per room, per night and it will be payable by the guests on the spot. The amount will be EUR 10 per room per night 5 star hotel and EUR 7 per rrom per night 4 star hotel.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Monday 18 August 2025
Melbourne - Athens
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel! Meet with your Sisterhood Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at the Melbourne Airport for your flight to Athens.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airline as we make our way towards Greece.
Day 2 - Tuesday 19 August 2025
Welcome to Athens (D)
Welcome to Athens, upon arrival this afternoon we'll be transferred to our accommodation with time to settle in before our welcome dinner tonight. Here's to our first night in Greece!
Overnight: Amalia Hotel (or similar)
Day 3 - Wednesday 20 August 2025
Athens (B)
This morning we'll enjoy a panoramic city tour including a visit to the ancient Acropolis. We will also have the opportunity to visit the city centre, the house of Parliament, National Library, Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium. After the tour we return to our hotel with the rest of the day at leisure.
Tonight we'll regroup for dinner in the vibrant and popular Plaka Area.
Overnight: Amalia Hotel (or similar)
Day 4 - Thursday 21 August 2025
Athens - Delphi - Kalambaka (B,D)
This morning, after breakfast we'll travel by private coach to Delphi via Thebes, Levadia and the picturesque village of Arachova, on the slopes of Mount Parnassus. Upon arrival into Delphi we'll visit the Archaeological Site.Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, the ancients believed this site to be the centre of the world. We'll then visit the village of Arachova with free time for lunch.
We'll continue to the main site of Delphi. The Treasury House of the Athenian's has been reconstructed to show visitors how the treasuries would have looked when Delphi was at its peak.
We'll then depart for Kalambaka with check into our hotel upon arrival.
Dinner will be at the hotel tonight.
Overnight: Amalia Hotel Kalambaka (or similar)
Day 5 - Friday 22 August 2025
Kalambaka (B,D)
This morning, we'll enjoy a visit to fascinating Meteora. The area of Meteora, meaning 'suspended in the air' is one of the most important Eastern Orthodox Monastery complexes in Greece and was first occupied for religious purposes in 985 AD by a hermit named Barnabus who lived in a cave in the cliffs. It was not until the 14th century, however, that the first small church was built by Neilos, the Prior of Stagai Convent. In 1382 the monk Anthanasios from Mt Athos arrived and with the help of his followers built the first monastery Megalo Meteoro on the flat top of one of the rock towers. Inaccessible and remote, a total of 23 monasteries were built however today only 6 remain, perched on top of huge rocks these monasteries still contain exquisite specimens of Byzantine art.
Please note: there is a dress code for our monastery visit: women must wear a skirt below the knee and no trousers are permitted.
After the end of our tour, we will depart for the Natural History Museum of Meteora and the interesting Mushroom Museum. Take part in a demonstration of truffle hunting with dogs, followed by a snack of mushroom and truffle pasta. After the visit we return to our hotel.
Dinner will be at our hotel tonight.
Overnight: Amalia Hotel Kalambaka (or similar)
Day 6 - Saturday 23 August 2025
Kalambaka - Athens (B)
This morning, after breakfast we'll return to Athens where upon arrival the remainder of our day is free.
Aside from the popular Plaka area, why not explore the equally as popular Monastirakiou area of Athens? Plenty of restaurants, shops and a short walk away is the fun and quirky Little Kook area which has to be seen to be believed.
Dinner is free tonight - your tour hostess will be have suggestions on dining options.
Overnight: Amalia Hotel Athens (or similar)
Day 7 - Sunday 24 August 2025
Athens - Paros (B)
This morning after breakfast, we will be transferred to the Athens airport for a short flight to the island of Paros.
We'll be transferred to our accommodation with the remainder of the day free to begin exploring this island paradise and the swanky village of Naoussa.
Paros sits in the heart of the Aegean Sea and belongs to the Cyclades. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece, mainly known for its traditional Cycladic architecture and enchanting sandy beaches with transparent waters. There's a great vibe in the coastal village of Naoussa and plenty of quality restaurants and shopping boutiques to discover.
Dinner at Leisure tonight. Your tour hostess will have suggestions on dining options.
Overnight: Hotel Fotilia, Naoussa (or similar)
** This small family run boutique hotel has been chosen not for it's luxury but for it's charm and close proximity to all there is to see in Naoussa.
Day 8 - Monday 25 August 2025
Paros (B)
This morning after our breakfast, we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Paros.
As we climb into our private, air-conditioned vehicle and take off to explore the island, there will likely be plenty of photo-worthy views around every corner. First stop: Paroikia, the capital of Paros, a beautiful Cycladic village with whitewashed cubic houses and impressive neoclassical mansions. A well-preserved 13th century Venetian castle stands proudly on a hill at the village centre, offering an amazing view of Paroikia. Do not miss the chance to explore the famous Island landmark: the 6th century church of Panagia Ekatontapyliani. After our walking tour of the town, we move to Rounta port where we take a 15 minute ferry to Antiparos Island. White houses with a blue touch, narrow streets with bougainvillea and eucalyptus, an irresistible atmosphere of good vibrations. Walking tour of Chora (main town) in the main market street until the Kastro, a marvel of architecture made from two storey houses adjoined one to another, a typical example of Venetian architecture. We ferry back to Paros and drive to Lefkes: the ancient capital of the island and one of the loveliest villages of Paros. Situated in the central part of Paros, it is built at an altitude of 300 meters above the sea level, on a verdant hill covered with olive trees and pine trees and offers a breathtaking view of Naxos Island. Then time to explore more of Naoussa, our colorful fishing village. We'll explore its traditional character and charm, with its whitewashed and flowered little houses and tiny, whitewashed churches and chapels, surrounded by labyrinth-like narrow, stone paved streets. We'll find a local tavern to enjoy lunch before heading back to our hotel..
Dinner at Leisure tonight. Your tour hostess will have suggestions on dining options.
Overnight: Hotel Fotilia, Naoussa (or similar)
Day 9 - Tuesday 26 August 2025
Free Day in Naoussa, Paros (B)
Today is yours to explore Naoussa at leisure. See if you can find the Sisterhood shop! Plenty of boutique shops, restaurants and cafes to visit and enjoy. When you're done shopping take the short walk to the 5 star Cosme Resort right on the Aegean Sea, enjoy lunch or a visit to their divine spa (pre booking is advised). Swim nearby at the beautiful public beach, or lash out and book a beach sunbed and umbrella (EUR100) for the day.
Dinner at Leisure tonight. Your tour hostess will have suggestions on dining options.
Overnight: Hotel Fotilia, Naoussa (or similar)
Day 10 - Wednesday 27 August 2025
Paros - Santorini (B)
This morning after breakfast, we will be transferred to the port for our trip to the island of Santorini.
Upon arrival we will be transferred to our hotel. The romantic island of Santorini is said to be the most spectacular of the Greek Islands offering some of the most stunning sunsets in the world. The western side of the island is perched on a submerged volcano known as the Caldera. Amazing views can be seen over the cliffs of the shining blue Aegean Sea. Late this afternoon, we'll enjoy a tour of Pyrgos, Prophet Elias, the highest point of the island with panoramic views and Oia village where we will have the chance to watch the famous sunset.
Dinner at Leisure tonight. Your tour hostess will have suggestions on dining options.
Overnight: El Greco Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day 11 - Thursday 28 August 2025
Santorini (B,L)
This morning after breakfast, we'll enjoy a private boat tour. We begin by crossing the azure waters of Santorini's underwater caldera to explore the volcanic island of Nea Kameni—one of 2 black lava islets located at the centre of the basin. Then, we;ll admire the lunar landscape as we embark on a "lava walk" to the volcano's rim, which provides an extraordinary view of the Aegean Sea below.
Afterwards, we'll have the opportunity to swim in the sea and enjoy a dip in the Natural Springs
We'll then have lunch at a nearby fishing village on the island of Thirarsia, dining at one of the Tarverna's on the water's edge.
Returning to our hotel in Santorini with dinner at leisure - your tour hostess will have some suggestions for dining.
Overnight: El Greco Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day 12 - Friday 29 August 2025
Santorini (B)
A complete free day at leisure to explore. Browse the nearby boutique shops, go on a photo frenzy, enjoy traditional food at a local taverna, the day is yours to enjoy.
Dinner at Leisure tonight. Your tour hostess will have suggestions on dining options..
Overnight: El Greco Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day 13 - Saturday 30 August 2025
Santorini - Crete (B,D)
This morning after breakfast, we'll transfer to the port for our ferry to Heraklion Crete.
Crete is the largest island in Greece offering a 1,000km long coastline full of bays, peninsulas, coves and sandy beaches. It is also known for its historic importance, as it is the home of the Minoan civilisation, Venetian fortresses and many mosques and monasteries. The landscape is extremely diverse with mountain ranges and gorges, Europe's only palm tree forest beach by the coast and inland, vast plains and plateaux.
Upon arrival we will be transferred to our hotel to relax. Dinner at hotel.
Overnight: Out of the Blue Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day 14 - Sunday 31 August 2025
Crete (B,D)
This morning after breakfast we'll be transferred to the port to enjoy a visit to Spinalonga.
We sail from the port of Elounda to the small rocky islet, in the entrance of the lagoon of Elounda. The name Spinalonga is Venetian(Spina=thorn,longa=long). Spinalonga, since antiquity, has protected the harbour of ancient Olous. The city (Olous) is nowadays below sea level, with ruins of buildings sometimes visible in the sea bed. Spinalonga used to be one of the most powerful fortresses of the Venetian Crete, and it was never conquered. Its high walls were built in 1579 and are preserved today intact
There are many restaurants, bars and shops in the centre of the small town Plaka where we can enoy lunch during our free time.
After our visit to Spinalonga we return to our hotel.
Dinner included at our hotel.
Overnight: Out of the Blue Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day 15 - Monday 1 September 2025
Crete (B,L,D)
This morning after breakfast we enjoy our day in Knossos and Arolithos starting with the Palace of Knossos. This extraordinary palace was restored in the early 1900s, with the grandeur and complexity of the structure kept intact despite its having suffered thousands of years of foreign invasions, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It was woven into Greek mythology, most prominently in the myth of the heroic youth Theseus who killed the Minotaur.
We continue to Arolithos village where we'll enjoy lunch and learn how to make our own Tzatziki; a spicy yoghurt and cucumber dip.
Afterwards we'll learn how to make our own Kombolói. The kombolói ("worry beads") have been used for centuries in Greek culture to relieve stress or merely pass time. In a private class, we learn to make our own soothing string of beads, which we can take home as a souvenir.
After our visit to Knossos and Arolithos we return to our hotel.
Dinner included at our hotel.
Overnight: Out of the Blue Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day 16 - Tuesday 2 September 2025
Crete (B,L,D)
Today, after breakfast we head to the mountains of Crete to the rustic village of Bizariano. We'll enjoy a leisurely walk through the village’s pathways led by a local host who will share stories and wisdom about Cretan culture and life.
Next we'll enjoy a Cheese-Making and Meze-Tasting demonstration with an accompanying glass of raki — an anise-flavored aperitif — to experience the full flavour of the bold Cretan culture.
We'll then stroll down the hill to the village café for lto learn how to make our own cheese pie with honey before devouring our creation for dessert.
Returning to our hotel afterwards.
Dinner included at our hotel.
Overnight: Out of the Blue Resort & Spa (or similar)
Day 17 - Wednesday 3 September 2025
Crete - Athens (B,D)
After breakfast we'll have the day free to relax before an afternoon flight back to Athens.
Upon arrival, we'll check into our 'familiar' hotel in Athens and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Amalia Hotel Athens (or similar)
Day 18 - Thursday 4 September 2025
Athens - Home (B)
This morning after breakfast we'll transfer to the Athens Airport for our flight home to Melbourne.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight hospitality of our airline as we head towards home.
Day 19 - Friday 5 September 2025
Welcome Home
Welcome Home! We hope you enjoyed your Gorgeous Greek Islands tour and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.