12-Day Do-As-You-Like Tour: Independent Greek Island Hopping Tour
Explore Greece at Your Own Pace
Travel through Greece with the freedom to make each day your own. This 12-day independent journey begins in Athens, then crosses the Aegean through Mykonos, Paros and Santorini before reaching Crete. Hotels, transfers and inter-island travel are arranged, so you can focus on what each place makes you want to do once you arrive.
Some days may lead you into ancient history, perhaps with a visit to Delos, Akrotiri or Knossos. Others may be better spent wandering whitewashed lanes, finding a quiet beach, lingering over lunch by the water or simply watching an island evening unfold. There is no group timetable to follow from morning to night.
What changes from place to place is the scenery, rhythm and character. What stays constant is the freedom to experience it on your own terms, with the practical pieces of the journey already in place.
Itinerary
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Athens
Day 2: Athens
Day 3: Piraeus – Mykonos
Day 4: Mykonos
Day 5: Mykonos
Day 6: Mykonos – Paros
Day 7: Paros
Day 8: Paros – Santorini
Day 9: Santorini
Day 10: Santorini – Crete
Day 11: Crete
Day 12: Crete – Athens
12-Day Independent Greek Island Hopping Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Athens
Arrive at Athens International Airport, where you will be met and transferred by taxi to your hotel. Settle in and begin your journey at your own pace. Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: Athens
Today is entirely yours in Athens. Explore the city at your own rhythm, whether that means ancient landmarks, museums, neighbourhoods, cafés or simply time to wander. Overnight in Athens. (B)
Day 3: Piraeus – Mykonos
After breakfast, transfer by taxi to Piraeus and board the high-speed ferry to Mykonos. After approximately three hours, arrive on the island and transfer to your hotel.
The rest of the day is free to discover Mykonos in your own way. Wander through its maze of narrow lanes, pause by tiny chapels and flower-filled whitewashed houses, spend time by the waterfront or find a place to watch the sunset. Later, choose between a relaxed evening over dinner and drinks or a taste of the nightlife for which Mykonos is known. Overnight in Mykonos. (B)
Day 4: Mykonos
In the morning, you may choose an optional half-day excursion to Delos by local boat UNESCO World Heritage Site of Delos ↗. Return to Mykonos around lunchtime. Afterward, the afternoon is free to enjoy more of the island, spend time by the sea or simply slow the pace. Overnight in Mykonos. (B)
Day 5: Mykonos
A full day is yours in Mykonos. Return to a favourite corner, discover a beach, browse the shops, linger over lunch or simply let the day unfold without a fixed plan. Overnight in Mykonos. (B)
Day 6: Mykonos – Paros
After breakfast, transfer to the port and board the high-speed ferry to Paros. The crossing takes approximately 50 minutes. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, with time to settle into the island’s gentler rhythm and begin exploring at your own pace. Overnight in Paros. (B)
Day 7: Paros
Today is entirely free in Paros. Wander through a village, spend time by the sea, explore the island independently or simply enjoy a day without a timetable. Overnight in Paros. (B)
Day 8: Paros – Santorini
After breakfast, transfer to the port and board the high-speed ferry to Santorini. The journey takes approximately three hours. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. If you wish, join an optional guided tour of the excavations at Akrotiri. Overnight in Santorini. (B)
Day 9: Santorini
A full day is at leisure to experience Santorini in the way that suits you. Follow the caldera views, explore the island’s villages, spend time by the sea or simply slow down and enjoy the atmosphere. Overnight in Santorini.
Day 10: Santorini – Crete
Enjoy a free morning in Santorini. In the afternoon, transfer to the port and board the high-speed ferry to Heraklion, Crete. After approximately 2½ hours, arrive in Heraklion and transfer to your hotel. The journey now shifts from the Cyclades to Crete, with a different landscape, history and rhythm waiting for you. Overnight in Heraklion. (B)
Day 11: Crete
Today is at leisure. Explore Heraklion and its surroundings independently, or choose an optional tour of the archaeological site of Knossos Minoan Palatial Centres of Crete↗. Whether you spend the day with history, by the waterfront or simply exploring the city at your own pace, Crete is yours to discover. Overnight in Heraklion. (B)
Day 12: Crete – Athens
In the afternoon, transfer to Heraklion Airport for your flight back to Athens. The flight takes approximately 50 minutes. Arrive at Athens International Airport, where the tour comes to an end. (B)
Have a pleasant and safe trip home.
N.B. B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
Departures
Dates 2026 – 2027:
- Upon request. Dates are flexible. From April to October.
Do As You Like: Ideas for Your Free Days
What to do in Mykonos:
- Explore Mykonos Town on a private or small-group walking tour, discovering Little Venice, the windmills, Panagia Paraportiani and the island’s Cycladic lanes.
- Take a half-day guided excursion to ancient Delos.
Spend a day sailing or cruising around Delos and Rhenia, with time for swimming in the Aegean. - Simply choose a favourite beach and combine it with lunch and a relaxed evening in Mykonos Town.
What to do in Paros:
- Discover Naoussa, its old harbour and the nearby beaches of Kolymbithres.
- Take a boat trip around Paros and Antiparos, with swimming in small bays and coves; cross to Antiparos for its whitewashed town, beaches and relaxed atmosphere
- Explore traditional villages such as Lefkes and enjoy some of the island’s local food and wine.
- Paros also has scenic walking routes.
What to do in Santorini:
- Experience the caldera from the sea on a daytime or sunset catamaran cruise.
- Discover Santorini’s volcanic wines with a winery visit and tasting.
- Explore the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri
- Take a boat excursion to the volcanic islands and hot springs.
What to do in Heraklion:
- Visit Knossos and combine it with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum for a deeper look at Minoan Crete.
- Wander through Heraklion’s historic centre and Venetian harbour, including Koules Fortress.
- Visit CRETAquarium and discover the marine life of the Mediterranean.
- Head into the Cretan countryside for a food, wine, olive-oil or 4×4 experience.
Included
- 2 nights accommodation in Athens, twin bedded rooms at the 3* hotel.
- 3 nights accommodation in Mykonos at a 3* hotel.
- 2 nights accommodation in Paros at a 3* hotel.
- 2 nights accommodation in Santorini at a 3* hotel.
- 2 nights accommodation in Heraklion at the 3* hotel.
Higher-category hotel options can be checked on request. - All breakfasts (11).
- Transfers by taxi/minivan upon arrival in Athens international Airport to your hotel as well round trip transfers port/hotel in Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Heraklion.
- High-speed economy class ferry tickets Piraeus/Mykonos/Paros/Santorini/Crete.
- Air ticket Heraklion-Athens by Aegean Air, incl. taxes.
Not included
- Shore excursions on the islands or other land arrangements.
- Climate resilience tax.
- International flights and any air travel not specifically stated as included.
- Porterage.
- Tips.
- Beverages-soft drinks, bottled wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks.
- Admissions fees to the sites and museum (except where specifically stated as included).
- All items not mentioned.
Price
- Starting from 2190 € – per person in twin/double occupancy.
(The starting price is indicative, calculated on the basis of a 3-star hotel in April, and may vary according to the travel period. Higher-category accommodation can be arranged on request. We will be happy to check the available options for your travel dates). - Single room supplement applies.
Remarks
- The tour is flexible and subject to changes. Feel free to adjust your itinerary. Change islands, modify the number of days, and shape the trip to match your plans. Let’s create the perfect journey for you!
- Itineraries can be changed at the discretion of the company in case of adverse weather conditions or in case of other extraordinary conditions.
- The tour includes a portion run by a carefully selected third-party company that meets our service standards.
Pre & Post Tour
We’re here to ensure your travel experience is seamless from start to finish. Beyond your tour, we gladly assist with arranging pre- and post-tour services including hotel reservations, guided excursions, dining options, transportation, and more.
Vikings Navita is ready to personalize your itinerary, providing comfort, convenience, and unforgettable experiences every step of the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the 12 Day Do As You Like Tour
Is this an escorted tour?
No. This journey is designed for travellers who prefer to explore independently rather than follow an escorted group from place to place. Your main travel arrangements are organized in advance, while much of your time in Athens and the islands remains yours to enjoy as you choose.
How much free time will I have?
A great deal. Free time is one of the defining features of this journey. Instead of following a full schedule of daily sightseeing, you can decide whether a day calls for exploring, relaxing by the sea, discovering a village or simply slowing down.
Can I add guided tours or excursions?
Yes. Optional experiences can be added in several destinations such as Delos from Mykonos, Akrotiri in Santorini and Knossos in Crete Palace of Knossos ↗. The exact arrangements can be discussed when planning your trip.
How do I travel between the islands?
The itinerary uses high-speed ferries between Piraeus, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini and Crete, with transfers arranged as specified in the program. The journey concludes with a flight from Heraklion to Athens.
What accommodation is included?
The current program is based on 3-star accommodation in Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini and Heraklion in double rooms with private facilities and air conditioning.
If you prefer a different hotel category, please contact us to discuss the available options. .
Can I change the islands or number of days?
Yes. Flexibility is part of the concept of this tour. The number of days and islands can be adjusted to suit your travel plans and the kind of journey you would like to create.
Can I extend my stay before or after the tour?
Yes. Additional hotel nights, sightseeing, transportation and other pre- or post-tour arrangements can be planned according to your travel needs.
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