Charming Greek Island Hopping Adventure: 12 Days Exploring the Best Isles from Edinburgh

Day 1: Travel & Athens

Athens, Greece on July 10, 2025

9:00am

Flight from Edinburgh to Athens

Depart early morning from Edinburgh Airport for your flight to Athens International Airport, your gateway to the Greek islands.
GBP150, 4h0m

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch in Plaka

Arrive in Athens and check into a centrally located hotel in Plaka. Enjoy lunch at 'Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani', a charming deli with traditional Greek dishes.
GBP20, 1h0m

3:30pm

Acropolis Visit

Explore the iconic Acropolis and Parthenon (open 8:00am-7:00pm). This ancient citadel offers spectacular views and is a must-see for Greek history enthusiasts.
EUR20, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Kuzina

Dine at Kuzina, overlooking the Acropolis, offering modern Greek cuisine in a stunning setting (open 6:30pm-11:00pm).
GBP30, 1h30m
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Day 2: Santorini Exploration

Santorini, Greece on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Ferry to Santorini

Take an early morning ferry from Piraeus Port to Santorini, a journey of approximately 5 hours aboard a high-speed ferry.
EUR60, 5h0m

1:30pm

Check-in and Lunch in Fira

Arrive in Santorini and check into a hotel in Fira. Have lunch at 'Naoussa Restaurant', famous for fresh seafood with Caldera views.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Oia Village

Spend the afternoon wandering picturesque Oia, renowned for its whitewashed buildings and iconic blue domes, perfect for sunset viewing.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ammoudi Bay

Enjoy dinner at a waterside taverna in Ammoudi Bay, sampling traditional Greek cuisine while watching the sunset over the Aegean.
EUR35, 2h0m
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Day 3: Santorini & Paros

Santorini to Paros, Greece on July 12, 2025

9:00am

Santorini Caldera Boat Tour

Join a half-day boat tour around the Santorini caldera visiting volcanic hot springs and the island of Thirasia. Operates 9:00am-1:00pm.
EUR50, 4h0m

1:30pm

Quick Lunch in Fira

Grab a light lunch at 'Pelican Kipos', offering fresh salads and snacks in a garden setting.
EUR15, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ferry to Paros

Take a 3-hour ferry from Santorini to Paros, arriving at Parikia port ready to explore the island.
EUR35, 3h0m

6:30pm

Check-in and Dinner in Parikia

Check into your accommodation in Parikia and dine at 'Siparos', known for modern takes on Greek classics in a harbour setting.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Paros Island Tour

Paros, Greece on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast with fresh bread, olives, and cheese at your hotel.
Included, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Naoussa Village

Travel to the charming fishing village of Naoussa, famous for its Venetian harbour and vibrant cafes.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Yemeni Taverna

Savour tasty local dishes at Yemeni Taverna in Naoussa, specialising in grilled meats and fresh seafood.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Kolymbithres Beach

Relax at Kolymbithres Beach with its unique rock formations and clear blue waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Taverna Glafkos

Dine on fresh seafood by the sea in Naoussa at Taverna Glafkos, offering a romantic atmosphere.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Naxos Adventure

Paros to Naxos, Greece on July 14, 2025

9:00am

Ferry to Naxos

Short ferry ride of about 45 minutes from Paros to Naxos, known for its beautiful beaches and ancient ruins.
EUR15, 45m

10:00am

Check-in and Breakfast

Check into your hotel in Naxos Town and have breakfast at a local café offering Greek pastries and coffee.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:30am

Portara and Venetian Castle

Visit the famous Portara, the giant marble doorway of an unfinished temple, and explore the nearby Venetian castle.
Free, 2h0m

2:00pm

Lunch at Maro's Taverna

Enjoy hearty Greek cuisine including Naxian specialties at Maro's Taverna in the old town.
EUR20, 1h0m

4:00pm

Agios Prokopios Beach

Spend the late afternoon relaxing at Agios Prokopios, one of Naxos’ best sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters.
Free, 3h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Axiotissa

Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner at Axiotissa, celebrated for its use of local ingredients and creative dishes.
EUR40, 2h0m
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Day 6: Mykonos Visit

Naxos to Mykonos, Greece on July 15, 2025

9:00am

Ferry to Mykonos

Morning ferry to Mykonos, the lively island known for its iconic windmills and vibrant nightlife.
EUR30, 1h15m

10:30am

Hotel Check-in and Brunch

Check into your accommodation in Mykonos Town and enjoy a brunch at ‘Funky Kitchen’ featuring fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
EUR25, 1h0m

12:00pm

Mykonos Windmills and Old Port

Walk through Mykonos Town to visit the historic windmills and nearby Old Port, soaking in the island’s charm.
Free, 2h0m

2:30pm

Beach Time at Psarou

Spend the afternoon at Psarou Beach, popular for its crystal-clear waters and beach bars.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at M-eating

Enjoy dinner at M-eating, which offers creative Greek dishes in an elegant setting in Mykonos town.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 7: Mykonos & Return to Athens

Mykonos to Athens, Greece on July 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Mykonos Town

Have a leisurely breakfast at ‘Bakalo’, serving traditional Greek dishes with a modern twist.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Delos Island Tour

Take a 3-hour morning boat trip to the archaeological island of Delos, a UNESCO world heritage site (tours from 9:30am to 12:30pm).
EUR45, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at ‘Kiki's Tavern’

Enjoy grilled meats and fresh salads at this hidden gem near Agios Sostis beach; note it operates 12pm-7pm and has no electricity.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Ferry to Athens

Catch a high-speed ferry back to Athens (approx 2h30m), arriving in the early evening.
EUR60, 2h30m

7:30pm

Final Dinner in Athens

Dine at 'Dionysos Zonar's' with views of the Acropolis lit up at night for a perfect farewell meal.
GBP40, 2h0m
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Day 8: Departure

Athens, Greece to Edinburgh, UK on July 17, 2025

10:00am

Flight Athens to Edinburgh

After breakfast, transfer to Athens International Airport for your return flight to Edinburgh.
GBP150, 4h0m
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