Island hopping in Mykonos & Santorini

Day 1: Departure for Mykonos

Your tour of the Cyclades begins in Mykonos, where you’ll first collect your hire car. You’ll stay for four nights at a Caractère hotel of your choice on beautiful Mykonos.

Day 2: Mykonos

In Mykonos Town, alongside a charming harbour, you’ll find several lovely museums well worth a visit. The white church of Panagia Paraportiani is also definitely worth admiring. Then take a stroll through the picturesque neighbourhood of Mikra Enetia (Little Venice), where the houses have been built right down to the water’s edge.

Day 3: Mykonos

In Ano Mera, you can visit the 16th-century Panagia Tourliani monastery, known for its imposing towers and ancient frescoes. Mykonos is also famous for its idyllic beaches, where you are guaranteed a wonderful rest.

Day 4: Delos

On day 4, you’ll take a boat to Delos. The ‘sacred island’ of Delos, situated in the centre of the Cyclades, is the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. The famous ‘Lion Terrace’ originally featured nine lions carved from Parian marble, of which five remain today. A sixth lioness can be admired in Venice.

Day 5: Boat trip Mykonos – Santorini

The adventure continues with a boat trip from Mykonos to Santorini. You arrive by boat in the crater of Santorini, which is an unforgettable experience. The black crater walls loom up before you and, high above, white villages stand out against the blue sky. In Minoan times, the Santorini volcano erupted and buried the ancient city of Akrotiri under 50 metres of pumice. Of Santorini, which was once a circular island with a 1,200-metre-high volcano, barely two walls remained. You will stay on Santorini for three nights, once again in a Caractère hotel of your choice.

Day 6: Santorini, a unique spectacle

Your journey continues with a tour of Santorini, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ‘caldera’. The best views are from Oia or Thíra, the island’s capital. You can also visit the gigantic crater by catamaran, which is certainly a fun experience. At the end of the day, you’ll be treated to the ‘most beautiful sunset in the world’.

Day 7: Santorini

Santorini is the cradle of Cycladic culture. A visit to the village and museum of Akrotíri will teach you a great deal about the history of this beautiful island. A tour through the centre of the island takes you past pretty villages with churches and monasteries.

Day 8: Back home

Unfortunately, your trip comes to an end today; it’s time to head back home. Fancy a longer holiday? We’d be happy to arrange for you to stay a little longer at one of our Caractère hotels in the Cyclades.

Frequently asked questions about island hopping in the Cyclades

When is the best time to visit Mykonos and Santorini?

Choose May through to September. Spring (May–June) is ideal for walks along the crater rim of Santorini without the intense heat. The summer months are perfect for the bustling beach scene on Mykonos, whilst September still offers wonderfully warm sea water.

Is a hire car necessary on Mykonos and Santorini?

Yes, a hire car is highly recommended. Although there are buses, a car gives you the freedom to explore the quiet bays of Mykonos and the remote wineries and archaeological sites such as Akrotíri on Santorini at your own pace.

What makes this tour unique?

This tour combines the two absolute icons of the Cyclades in one luxury package. You’ll experience the cosmopolitan atmosphere and ancient mystique of Delos on Mykonos, followed by the unrivalled natural power and romance of the Caldera on Santorini.