Excellent
Cyclades Itinerary: Athens, Mykonos & Syros
11 Days
4 Stops
Private transfer
Plan your trip
Your tailor-made itinerary – No cost, no commitment
Excellent
From$4,100
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Trip curated by Roman Karin
ExpertSyros is the stop that distinguishes this circuit from every standard Cyclades loop, and it's the one I'd always defend when clients question the routing. Ermoupoli's neoclassical architecture, the Apollo Theatre, and the twin hills with their Catholic and Orthodox cathedrals form a cultural landscape that has nothing in common with the whitewashed Cycladic aesthetic, and three nights gives the island the time it needs to read properly. The Delos excursion from Mykonos is the one to always book: uninhabited, marble lion terrace unrestored, no accommodation or restaurants. That combination keeps the site at a register that Mykonos town's tourist circuit simply doesn't share. For the Athens opening, visit the Acropolis Museum on the first morning before the hill; it earns more as a primer than as a follow-up to the climb.
Syros is the stop that distinguishes this circuit from every standard Cyclades loop, and it's the one I'd always defend when clients question the routing. Ermoupoli's neoclassical architecture, the Apollo Theatre, and the twin hills with their Catholic and Orthodox cathedrals form a cultural landscape that has nothing in common with the whitewashed Cycladic aesthetic, and three nights gives the island the time it needs to read properly. The Delos excursion from Mykonos is the one to always book: uninhabited, marble lion terrace unrestored, no accommodation or restaurants. That combination keeps the site at a register that Mykonos town's tourist circuit simply doesn't share. For the Athens opening, visit the Acropolis Museum on the first morning before the hill; it earns more as a primer than as a follow-up to the climb.
Recommended route
Customize at any time with an expert
Athens
Day 1 - 4
Dominating the Attica region of Greece, the country’s capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities in the world. For over two and a half centuries, the astonishing Greek temples and monuments of Athens have continued to intrigue and amaze visitors from around the world. This icon of western civilization seamlessly combines ancient history with modern architecture and a surprisingly lively atmosphere. This is particularly apparent in areas at the foot of the Acropolis, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Thissio where visitors will find numerous extraordinary Neoclassical buildings, trendy and traditional cafes, and shops, and narrow winding streets with historical treasures at every turn. Once you have enjoyed a history and art fix, try some mouth-watering Greek cuisine at one of the city’s fine local restaurants before indulging in the insatiable nightlife at the chic cocktail bars and waterfront dance clubs.
Your accommodation
Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel
Located in Athens (Athens City Centre), Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel is a 3-minute walk from Acropolis Museum and 5 minutes by foot from Athens National Garden. This luxury hotel is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Temple of Olympian Zeus and 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Zappeion Hall.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services. Additional amenities at this hotel include a television in a common area and a reception hall.
Make yourself at home in one of the 40 air-conditioned rooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature rainfall showerheads and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and desks.
Your activity
Athens Tour: Parthenon & Acropolis
Short on time but want to see everything that Athens has to offer? We know how to get you around all the ‘must see’ sites and sights. Our Athens city tour takes you to the most important sites of the historic capital. The Panathenaic Stadium was the site of the first Olympic Games of modern times in 1896. The Prime Minister's residence (ex. Royal Palace) is guarded by the Evzones in their colorful uniform. The Temple of Olympian Zeus,Hadrian's Arch, Parliament, and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and Omonia Square. We make a short stop at each place. Of course, we can’t leave out the Acropolis, home to the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and ‘the harmony between material and spirit’, the monument that ‘puts the order in the mind’, the Parthenon and the Theatre of Dionysus'. Concluding the tour, we will visit the new Acropolis Museum and admire the wonders of the classical era.
Mykonos
Day 5 - 6
Out of all of the Cyclades - the group of islands that surround the sacred Greek island of Delos - Mykonos is perhaps the most famous. It is known for its gorgeous green rolling hills, exquisite beaches and the glamorous, cosmopolitan crowd that typically vacations here. While Mykonos makes for an ideal base for archaeological day trips to the nearby islands, the island itself has plenty to offer. Spend your days exploring the quaint winding alleyways strewn with iconic whitewashed houses; sailing around the picturesque harbour and out into the glistening Aegean Sea; unwinding on the idyllic beaches, and dining in the numerous fine restaurants. If it’s unforgettable nightlife, a bit of luxury, and plenty of natural beauty you are after, Mykonos is undoubtedly the destination for you.
Your accommodation
Petasos Chic Hotel
When you stay at Petasos Chic Hotel in Mykonos, you'll be near the beach, within a 10-minute walk of Mykonos Old Port and Windmills of Mykonos. This hotel is 1.9 mi (3 km) from Mykonos New Port and 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Ornos Beach.
Take in the views from a terrace and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
Make yourself at home in one of the 18 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars. Rooms have private balconies. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Bathrooms have showers and hair dryers.
Your activity
Farm Souvlaki Cooking Experience
Everyone who has visited Greece has tasted at least once the famous “souvlaki”. Considered the national fast food and a trademark of Greek culture, it is a tasteful combination of small pieces or slices of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer. It is often eaten straight off the skewer while still hot but is usually served nowadays inside a rolled pita bread, with lemon, sauces (often tzatziki), vegetables such as sliced tomato and onion and sometimes fried potatoes. The art of souvlaki can be taught at the Mykonian Farm where guests will be transferred and will be wholeheartedly welcomed by the Farm’s superintendent. They will be escorted to a specially arranged area of the farm, where they will witness and learn the secrets of making the best souvlaki in Mykonos. The course will include marinating of the ingredients, skewing of the meat, preparaƟon of the vegetables (cuttng, slicing) and a cooking demonstration of the main sauce of the souvlaki, the tzatziki. Participants will then take part in a tzatziki competion with the target of making the best sauce. We will then proceed to grill the meat and in the end, wrap all ingredients in pita bread.
All participants will create their own souvlaki (with the supervision of course of the head griller), they will get to enjoy it, together with a Greek salad & a beer.Discover the art of Greece’s iconic fast food: souvlaki. This flavorful skewer of grilled meat and vegetables, often served in a warm pita with tzatziki, lemon, and fresh produce, is a must-try on Mykonos. At the Mykonian Farm, guests are welcomed by the farm superintendent and guided to a dedicated area to learn the secrets of making the perfect souvlaki. The class covers marinating and skewering meat, preparing vegetables, and creating the signature tzatziki sauce. Guests even compete to make the best tzatziki before grilling their souvlaki and assembling it in a pita.
Each participant enjoys their own freshly made souvlaki, accompanied by a Greek salad and a refreshing beer.
Start time: 17:00
Group size: Max 20 pax
Ermoupoli
Day 7 - 9
Ermoupolis is a picture-perfect Greek village and the capital of the Syros and the entire Cyclades archipelago. Spreading along the water and up towards two hills in a glorious display of pink and white traditional buildings, the town provides an other-worldly oasis of winding cobbled lanes, boutiques, and a gorgeous town square. Several idyllic spots for swimming can be found right next to cafes and restaurants, with easy ladders and plunge points. Once home to wealthy shipowners, the town’s taste of grandeur can still be seen in its grand estates, marble squares, spectacular churches and an array of beautiful sculptures, earning it the nickname ‘Little Milan’ and ‘Duchess of the Aegean’. History enthusiasts will also enjoy the various museums on offer, such as the Archaeological Museum, Folklore Museum, and others. Arts lovers can choose from many concerts, events and festivals.
Your accommodation
Syrou Melathron
When you stay at Syrou Melathron in Syros, you'll be on the beach, just steps from Agios Nikolaos and 3 minutes by foot from Apollon Theater. This beach hotel is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Syros Town Hall and 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Miaouli Square.
Take in the views from a rooftop terrace and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access and concierge services.
Make yourself at home in one of the 22 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and espresso makers. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and flat-screen televisions are provided for your entertainment. Bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and in-room child care (surcharge).
Athens
Day 10 - 11
Dominating the Attica region of Greece, the country’s capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities in the world. For over two and a half centuries, the astonishing Greek temples and monuments of Athens have continued to intrigue and amaze visitors from around the world. This icon of western civilization seamlessly combines ancient history with modern architecture and a surprisingly lively atmosphere. This is particularly apparent in areas at the foot of the Acropolis, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki, and Thissio where visitors will find numerous extraordinary Neoclassical buildings, trendy and traditional cafes, and shops, and narrow winding streets with historical treasures at every turn. Once you have enjoyed a history and art fix, try some mouth-watering Greek cuisine at one of the city’s fine local restaurants before indulging in the insatiable nightlife at the chic cocktail bars and waterfront dance clubs.
Your accommodation
Athenian Callirhoe Hotel
With a stay at Athenian Callirhoe Hotel, you'll be centrally located in Athens, just a 4-minute walk from Acropolis Museum and 12 minutes by foot from Acropolis. This hotel is 0.5 mi (0.8 km) from Temple of Olympian Zeus and 1 mi (1.7 km) from Parthenon.
Enjoy recreational amenities such as a sauna and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services.
Stay in one of 84 guestrooms featuring LCD televisions. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. 20-inch Smart televisions with satellite programming provide entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.
From$4,100
per personAccommodations
Transportation
24/7 support
Activities
Tourlane App
Travel plan
Flights
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
30+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
13+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
7+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Why plan with an expert?
200+
Plan with professionals who are explorers themselves.
30+ hours of time saved
Our experts plan and book for you.
13+ Bookings managed
Everything is bundled in one place and perfectly planned.
7+ Transfers coordinated
For optimal transport and comfort.
Excellent
Itinerary inspiration
Four days in Athens gives this itinerary a depth that most Cyclades trips lack. The Acropolis and Parthenon, the Cape Sounion sunset, the Peloponnese day to Epidaurus, Mycenae, and Nafplio, and the Meteora excursion together cover ancient Greece at a scale that no island can replicate — and the Cyclades, arriving after all of that, feel more vivid for the contrast.
View less details
What I always tell people about the Delos excursion from Mykonos: take it. Most visitors stay focused on the beaches and miss one of the most significant ancient sites in the Aegean entirely. Delos is twenty minutes by boat from the harbor and almost entirely uninhabited. The ruins of the Hellenistic city, the Sacred Lake, and the Terrace of the Lions are an extraordinary experience compared to the crowds on any Mykonos beach.
Day 1–4: Athens
Hotel: The Athenian Callirhoe Exclusive Hotel
The guided Acropolis tour and the Acropolis Museum together make a strong first full day. After that, the Cape Sounion sunset excursion fills a second afternoon beautifully: the Temple of Poseidon above the Aegean at that hour is a very specific kind of memorable. Leave the Meteora excursion for the fourth day; the monasteries on their rock columns above the Thessaly plain earn the early start and the long drive north.
Day 5–6: Mykonos
Hotel: Harmony Boutique Hotel
Getting off the speedboat and into Mykonos Town before the lanes fill changes how the island reads. Little Venice and the windmills are worth seeing, but the backstreets between them are where the place actually lives. Two nights is exactly enough: one day for the town and the beaches, one for the optional Delos excursion in the afternoon.
Day 7–9: Kini, Syros
Hotel: Oro Luxury Suites
Syros tends to surprise people. Ermoupoli — the island's capital — is a true neoclassical city built on 19th-century trading wealth, with an opera house, marble-paved squares, and an architectural confidence that most Cycladic islands don't have. Kini on the west coast provides a quieter base: a small bay, reliable tavernas, and a pace that makes three nights feel completely natural.
Day 10: Athens (Final Night)
Hotel: The Athenian Callirhoe Exclusive Hotel
A final evening back in the capital before departure. The Koukaki neighborhood, close to the hotel, is the right setting for a slow last dinner: local restaurants, no tourist markup, and the Acropolis lit on the hill above.
Why Tourlane?
Plan for free
Custom holiday packages and trips that fit your budget
Personalized for you
Itineraries built exactly to your needs
Private VIP guides
A personal English-speaking, native-European travel expert for every step
Peace-of-mind support
Full service assistance before, during, and after your trip
Custom Greece trips
Tips for your Cyclades adventure
The best time for island hopping in the Cyclades is during the shoulder seasons, specifically May, early June, and September to early October. This period offers pleasant temperatures and warm seas for swimming, while avoiding the intense summer crowds and the high prices typically found on islands like Mykonos.
The cost of this itinerary varies due to the inclusion of Mykonos, which is generally one of the pricier Greek islands. While a budget-friendly trip starts around $65 per day, a week-long mid-range trip to Greece typically begins at $1,100, excluding flights. Budget for higher daily costs in Mykonos for accommodation and dining.
Highlights include exploring the ancient Acropolis in Athens and taking a day trip to the historical sites of Mycenae and Epidaurus. On the islands, you should indulge in a hands-on souvlaki cooking class in Mykonos and enjoy the sunset views from the peaceful beach town of Kini on the more refined island of Syros.
For this route, planning for ferry travel is crucial. Always book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, and be mindful of the "Meltemi" winds, which can sometimes cause delays or cancellations. When arriving at a new island, taking a local bus or pre-arranging a transfer is the easiest way to reach your accommodation.
Custom travel packages don’t have to be complicated
1
Dream it
Give us a few details like destination, travel preferences, and budget to receive a free personalized travel itinerary in minutes.
2
Customize it
In a one-on-one consultation, we pair you with an English-speaking, native-European travel expert to customize your trip even more, making it unique to you and providing in-depth knowledge on every destination.
3
Book it
Or better yet, we’ll book it for you. Every detail is covered by us and you’ll have dedicated guides with you every step of the way, so you can focus on the fun. No action needed — just enjoy the ride.
