Top 10 Greek islands

The beautiful and exotic Greek islands lure droves of tourists every year, making them one of the world’s top travel destinations. However, with hundreds of islands to choose from, planning a trip can be a bit of a dilemma. To help you maximize the best of your travel experience, check out the following list of the best Greek islands.

1.     Santorini

Part of the Cyclades group of the Greek islands, Santorini is famous for its dramatic views, stunning sunsets, the white-washed houses, and its very own active volcano. Fira, the capital of Santorini. If you arrive by sea you can take a cable car up from the port or alternatively take a trip on a mule up the 588 zigzagging steps.

2.     Mykonos  

It iis a popular tourist destination in the Greek islands of the Cyclades group, situated in the middle of the Aegean Sea. Mykonos Town (also known as Chora) is a stunningly picturesque Greek town with a maze of tiny streets and whitewashed steps lanes. Although the streets are lined with small shops, boutiques, art galleries, cafes, bars and restaurants, Mykonos Town has not completely lost its identity.

3.     Crete

It  is the largest of the Greek islands and is in the Mediterranean Sea between the Sea of Crete and the Libyan Sea, south of the Peloponnese. As the largest of the Greek islands, Crete is also the most populated. Crete is where you will find the most variety in hotel accommodation, restaurants, shops and nightclubs. Because this island features beautiful beaches, scenic mountains and gorges, you can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities here like hiking, mountain climbing, horse riding, gorge trekking, swimming and more. History lovers will want to explore the many historic and archaeological sites that dot the island such as Knossos Palace, which dates back to the Minoan civilization.

4.     Rhodes

  If you love history, you don’t want to miss out on a visit to Rhodes. Located near the coast of Turkey, this beautiful island packs many historic treasures such as its medieval Old Town, the Temple of Apollo, the Acropolis of Lindos, the Governor’s Palace, Rhodes Footbridge and more. This island of exotic, Turkish influences also features popular beach resorts and charming villages with friendly locals.

5.     Skiathos

One of the most northern of the Greek Islands, Skiathos features vast hills of lush pines and sandy beaches.Nature lovers will not want to miss a visit to the island of Skiathos. One of the most northern of the Greek Islands, Skiathos features vast hills of lush pines and sandy beaches while offering plenty of wildlife viewing and a nature conservatory. Other interesting attractions on the island include ancient monasteries, medieval castles, Byzantine churches and fascinating museums.

6.     Corfu

 Historically Corfu has been controlled by many foreign powers, notably the Venetians, and British.  Of all the best islands in Greece, Corfu probably offers the most variety of everything from its blend of ethnic cultures to its contrasting landscapes and array of attractions. An island steeped in Byzantine history and Greek mythology, Corfu features charming old towns laced with the varying architectural styles of its Greek, Italian, French and British past.
 

7.  Chios

 Separated from Turkey by a narrow strait, the island of Chios is an ideal place for sightseeing. Situated in the center of the island is its most notable historic site, Nea Moni, an 11th century monastery. In the southern region of the island, visitors can explore several medieval villages with their ancient walls and towers. You will likely see a variety of colorful tulips growing in this area as well. If your visit is during the Easter holiday, you might find it interesting to watch a unique tradition in the town of Vrontados where locals practice a friendly church war during Easter services.

8.Samos

Considered one of the sunniest destinations in all of Europe, Samos is where you will discover stunning pebble beaches and crystal clear waters. Considered one of the sunniest destinations in all of Europe, Samos is where you will discover stunning pebble beaches and crystal clear waters, which are ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling. Never tried these fun water activities? Don’t worry, the island of Samos offers you plenty of classes and instructors to provide you with a wonderful experience. Significant sites to see on Samos include the ruins of the Temple of Hera as well as the Eupalinian aqueduct, which is regarded as an ancient engineering marvel.

9. Paros

It is a Greek island in the Cyclades group, neighbouring Naxos and is the third in popularity of the group. First are Santorini and Mykonos. The beautiful and exotic Greek islands lure droves of tourists every year, making them one of the world’s top travel destinations. However, with hundreds of islands to choose from, planning a trip can be a bit of a dilemma. To help you maximize the best of your travel experience, check out the following list of the best Greek islands.

10. Kos

It  is a popular Greek islands. Characterized by long strips of clean, white beaches and rolling farmland rich in grapes, figs, olives, corn and wheat, the island of Kos offers beautiful landscapes, historic sites and great beaches all in a relaxed atmosphere. You can explore attractions like the ruins of an ancient marketplace and the 14th century fortress built by The Knights of Saint John of Rhodes. In the charming city center of whitewashed buildings in Kos Town, you will find an abundant selection of hotels, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Turkey & Greek Islands

ISTANBUL - MIKONOS - SANTORINI - KUSADASI - IZMIR - RHODES - AYA NICOLA - LAVRION - ISTANBUL

DAY 1st - ISTANBUL
Arrival to Istanbul (any time) and transfer to hotel. Stay in the hotel overnight.

DAY 2nd - ISTANBUL
Istanbul City Tour. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. We visit the Topkapi Palace where Imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc.... and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place and free time in Grand bazaar with its 3.500 shops. Stay in the hotel overnight.

DAY 3rd - ISTANBUL
Bosporus Tour. Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish etc. Bosphorus Cruise, through the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential and luxurious apartments and afternoon Camlica Hill and shopping center. Stay in the hotel overnight.

DAY 4th - ISTANBUL
Princess Island Tour .Cruise in Marmara Sea to Princes' Islands, stop at Büyükada, the popular summer resort with sandy beaches and pinewood scenery, once the pleasure island of Byzantine Princes. Tour of the island with horse-drawn carriages Evening return to Istanbul and transfer to hotels. Also versioned during the tour: Topkapi Palace, Leander's Tower, Uskudar from the sea. Stay in the hotel overnight.

DAY 5th - CRUISE DEPARTURE
Transfer to Istanbul seaport and check in to the cruise and departure to Mikonos.

DAY 6th - MIKONOS
Arrival to Mikonos Island and free time at the Island (Optional Sightseeing tours available)

DAY 7th - SANTORINI
Arrival to Santorin Island and Free time at the Santorin Island (Optional Sightseeing tours available)

DAY 8th - KUSADASI – IZMIR
Arrival to Kusadas Izmir and free time at Kusadasi (Optional Sightseeing tours available)

DAY 9th - RHODES ISLAND
Arrival to Rhodes Island and free time at the Island (Optional Sightseeing tours available)

DAY 10th - AYA NICOLA
Arrival to Aya Nicola and free time until evening (Optional Sightseeing tours available)

DAY 11th - LAVRION
Arrival to Lavrion and free time until evening. (Optional Sightseeing tours available)

DAY 12th - CRUISE – ISTANBUL
Arrive to Istanbul , transfer to the hotel and overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 13th - HOME
After breakfast transfer to Istanbul Airport and the end of our services.

Hotel name	Period	Extra bed	Double	Single
Crystal hotel (Taksim area)	20 – 4 -2012 31-10-2012	2050$	2150$	2495$
Carlton hotel (Laleli area )	20-4-2012 31-10-2012	1925$	1985$	2185$

THE ABOVE RATES INCLUDE

* 12 night's accommodation (5 nights at Istanbul Hotel BB + 7 nights at Cruise on FB + basis.)
* All transportation in Turkey by a/c tour coach.
* Meals as stated on the itinerary.
* All entrance fees to the sites and to the museums mentioned on the above Programs.
* Comprehensive sightseeing as itinerary.
* Arabic or English speaking professional guide throughout.
*Air ticket BEY / IST / BEY with Middle East on lower class.

 

By: Julia