The 8-Day Athens and Kos Tour: From the Acropolis to the Dodecanese
Combine Athens with one of the most historically fascinating islands of the Dodecanese on an 8-day Athens and Kos tour. Begin in the Greek capital, where the Acropolis and its monuments introduce the world of Classical Greece. Then fly east across the Aegean to Kos, an island closely associated with Hippocrates and shaped by many layers of history.
On Kos, discover the ancient Asklepieion, mountain villages and landscapes beyond the island’s coastline, while leaving enough time to explore independently. Wander through Kos Town, cycle along the island’s routes or simply enjoy life by the sea. If you wish, you can even cross the Aegean to Bodrum in Türkiye for a day in ancient Halicarnassus.
The result is a journey that balances archaeology and culture with relaxed island time, while revealing a another beautiful side of Greece, in the Dodecanese Islands.
Itinerary
Itinerary at a glance:
Day 1: Athens
Day 2: Athens – Acropolis Sightseeing
Day 3: Athens – Kos
Day 4: Kos – Island Highlights
Day 5: Kos – Optional Day Trip to Bodrum
Day 6: Kos at Leisure
Day 7: Kos – Athens
Day 8: Athens – Departure
Athens and Kos Tour Detailed itinerary:
Day 1: Athens
Welcome to Athens. After arriving and settling into your hotel, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your own pace.
Take your first walk through the historic centre, explore the streets of Plaka or simply relax after your journey. Overnight in Athens.
Day 2: Athens – Acropolis Sightseeing
This morning, begin your Athens sightseeing with a guided visit to the Acropolis, where the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike reveal some of the most celebrated monuments of the ancient city. Continue to the Acropolis Museum for a closer look at finds from the Acropolis and the stories behind them.
Later, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. You may wish to wander through Plaka, explore Monastiraki or simply enjoy Athens at your own pace. Overnight in Athens. (Β)
Day 3: Athens – Kos
Today, fly from Athens to Kos, leaving the capital behind for the Dodecanese.
On arrival, settle into your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you time for a first walk through Kos Town, along the harbour or through its lively streets and squares. Overnight in Kos. (Β)
Day 4: Kos – Island Highlights
Today, discover more of Kos on a full-day island tour. Begin with the Asklepieion, the island’s great ancient sanctuary of healing and one of the places most closely associated with the medical tradition of Kos.
Continue to the mountain village of Zia, then cross the island toward Antimachia and Kefalos. Along the way, the scenery changes from inland villages and hills to the long views and coastline of Kos, giving you a broader sense of the island beyond Kos Town.
Later, return to your hotel. Overnight in Kos. (Β)
Day 5: Kos
Today, you may choose an optional day trip across the Aegean to Bodrum in Türkiye. The short sea crossing brings you to ancient Halicarnassus, where Greek, Roman, medieval and modern layers meet around a lively harbour.
Once in Bodrum, explore at your own pace. You may wish to visit Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, see the remains of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, wander through the old streets and bazaar, or stop for lunch before returning to Kos later in the day.
Alternatively, remain on Kos and enjoy the island at your own. Overnight in Kos. (Β)
Day 6: Kos at Leisure
Enjoy a full day to experience Kos according to your own interests.
Explore more of Kos Town, where archaeological remains appear among modern streets, or spend time by the sea. You may visit another village, discover local food and wine, or simply slow down and enjoy the atmosphere of the Dodecanese.
Seasonal boat excursions to nearby islands may also be available, depending on the period of travel. Overnight in Kos. (Β)
Day 7: Kos – Athens
Enjoy some final free time on Kos before your flight back to Athens.
After arriving in the capital, settle into your hotel for your final night in Greece. Later, you may wish to return to Plaka or Monastiraki for dinner and a last evening beneath the Acropolis. Overnight in Athens. (Β)
Day 8: Athens – Departure
Your Athens and Kos journey comes to an end. End of services. (Β)
Have a pleasant and safe trip home.
N.B. B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
Departures
Dates 2026 – 2027:
- Upon request. From April to October.
Included
- 3 nights in a selected 3* hotel in Athens.
- 4 nights in a selected 3* hotel in Kos
Higher-category hotel options can be checked on request. - Twin- bedded rooms with private facilities and A/C
- Transfer from Athens International Airport to hotel and v.v.
Transfer from Athens International Airport to hotel and v.v. (for Kos flight). - Athens – Kos – Athens, economy-class flights.
- Breakfast (7).
- An afternoon tour to Cape Sounion by coach and guide and admission fees.
- Guided Acropolis sightseeing and Acropolis Museum.
- Full-day Kos island highlights tour.
- VAT.
Not included
- Climate resilience tax.
- Air flights (except where specifically stated as included).
- Porterage, Tips.
- Optional activities and excursions.
- Beverages-soft drinks, bottled wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks.
- Admissions fees to the sites and museum (except where specifically stated as included).
- Any services not specifically mentioned as included.
Price
- Starting from 2695 € per person
(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
- 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 services.
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 Athens and Kos Tour
What makes Kos different from other Greek islands?
Kos combines island life with an unusually rich historical landscape. It is associated with Hippocrates, while ancient sites, medieval remains, villages and later architecture appear across the island.
Is a sightseeing tour of Kos included?
Yes a a full-day of Kos island is included in the package. The tour combines the Asklepieion with Zia, Antimachia and the western part of the island around Kefalos.
Can I visit Bodrum in Türkiye while staying on Kos?
Yes. Bodrum is close enough to Kos for a day excursion by ferry. The excursion can be arranged as an optional experience, allowing you to explore ancient Halicarnassus, the harbour, Bodrum Castle, the bazaar and other parts of the town before returning to Kos. Day-trip services operate seasonally. Appropriate travel documents are required.
What travel documents do I need for the Bodrum excursion?
Because Bodrum is in Türkiye, international border formalities apply. The documents and any visa requirements depend on your nationality, so these should be checked before travel.
How do we travel between Athens and Kos?
The tour uses domestic flights between Athens and Kos in both directions.
Will I have time to enjoy Kos independently?
Yes. Alongside the island tour, the itinerary leaves substantial time for independent discovery.
Can pre- or post-tour arrangements be added?
Yes. We’ll be happy to assist you with additional hotel stays, excursions, dining arrangements, transportation and other travel services before or after the tour, allowing you to extend your journey to suit your plans.
Is Kos mainly a beach destination?
No. Its coastline is certainly part of the experience, but Kos also offers archaeological sites, village landscapes, cycling, historic Kos Town and a strong connection with the history of medicine. This allows the tour to combine cultural discovery with time by the Aegean.