10 Day Private Tour in Santorini, Crete, Mykonos, Delos

Experience Greece in Comfort: A Complete 10-Day Private Tour Review

If you’re dreaming of exploring Greece’s iconic islands and ancient sites without the stress of planning every detail, this 10-day private tour might just be what you need. Designed for travelers who want a blend of culture, scenery, and relaxation, this experience offers a guided, all-inclusive way to see Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete. We haven’t taken this exact trip ourselves, but based on reviews and detailed itineraries, it sounds like a well-crafted package that balances sightseeing with leisure.

What really stands out is how personalized attention is built into the experience, with private guides, transfers, and flexible stops. Plus, we love that accommodations and many meals are included, easing the often overwhelming task of logistics. On the flip side, this type of tour is clearly tailored to those who prefer to leave the planning to someone else and are comfortable with a structured schedule. If you’re someone who thrives on independence or spontaneous adventures, this might feel a bit too organized.

Ultimately, this tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to see Greece’s highlights with expert guidance and good value for their money. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of guided experiences and free time, and you love the idea of island-hopping without managing every ferry or hotel booking yourself, this could be just right.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Comfort: Accommodation, breakfasts, flights, and ferries are covered, making logistics easier.
• Expert Guided Tours: You’ll get private guides at iconic sites like the Acropolis and Knossos, enriching your understanding.
• Flexible and Customizable: The private nature means you can tailor parts of your itinerary to your interests.
• Focus on Highlights: The trip hits major Greek destinations—Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete—giving a well-rounded experience.
• Value for Money: While the cost is over $3,300 per person, it includes many essential services, making it a good deal for convenience.
• Well-Reviewed: Travelers praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and smooth organization.

Exploring Greece: What You Can Expect

This tour provides a comprehensive snapshot of Greece’s most famous sights combined with some lesser-known gems, all wrapped into a 10-day package. It’s a mix of guided explorations, leisure time, and travel between islands, designed to give you a seamless experience. Let’s walk through the itinerary to understand what makes each stop special—and what you might want to consider.

Day 1: Easy Arrival and First Impressions in Athens

Your journey begins with a convenient pickup at Athens International Airport, where a driver will transfer you to your hotel. This small but crucial service sets a relaxed tone, especially if you’re arriving after a long flight. While the actual hotel isn’t specified here, the inclusion of private transfers means you won’t need to worry about finding taxis or navigating unfamiliar streets right away.

Day 2: Discovering Athens’s Ancient Wonders

The highlight of your first full day is visiting the Acropolis, a site that practically embodies Greece’s cultural identity. Your private guide will lead you through the Theatre of Dionysus, the Porch of Caryatids, and the Parthenon—all awe-inspiring structures that speak volumes about ancient Greek civilization.

The Acropolis Museum adds context with its extensive artifacts displayed over an archaeological excavation, visible through a glass floor. It’s a clever way to connect history directly beneath your feet. Afterwards, a panoramic city tour includes landmarks like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Syntagma Square, and the Panathinaiko Stadium—another Olympic connection, this time modern.

While most reviews mention how knowledgeable and friendly the guides are, one review notes that all hotel rooms had beautiful sea and city views, adding a touch of luxury. After a day of sightseeing, you could end your day wandering the charming streets of Plaka, sampling some of the famous souvlaki.

Day 3: Ferry to Mykonos and Island Vibes

You’ll transfer to Piraeus port early in the morning and catch a ferry to Mykonos, arriving around 9:40 am. This part of the trip is a real highlight, as ferries in Greece are generally reliable and provide scenic views of the Aegean Sea.

Once on the island, the local driver will take you to your hotel. The afternoon and evening are yours—perfect for strolling through Little Venice, exploring narrow streets, or relaxing at a beach. The reviews highlight Mykonos’s famous nightlife and unique charm, and you might find the town’s lively atmosphere a perfect introduction to island life.

Day 4: Possible Excursion to Delos

One of the most intriguing optional experiences is a visit to the archaeological site of Delos. Although it comes at an extra cost, many travelers find it worthwhile because Delos is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the legendary birthplace of Apollo and Artemis.

The boat trip includes exploring ancient ruins, temples, and mosaics, plus a BBQ lunch on board—an added treat. Post-Delos, Rhenia island awaits with pristine beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Based on reviews, you’ll enjoy the chance to relax and soak in the natural beauty of the Aegean.

Day 5: Sail to Santorini

From Mykonos, you’ll take a noon ferry to Santorini, arriving around 2.5 hours later. The transfer to your hotel likely involves some free time, which travelers often use to relax or start exploring. Santorini’s signature caldera views and narrow streets give it a romantic, almost surreal vibe.

Many reviews mention how the island’s breathtaking scenery and charming architecture make it a favorite. You might want to sample local drinks or just soak in the sunset from one of the many cliffside tavernas.

Day 6: Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise

The optional cruise to Palea Kameni and the volcano hot springs truly captures Santorini’s volcanic essence. The journey includes swimming in therapeutic waters, viewing landmarks like the Indian Rock and Red Beach, and enjoying a onboard BBQ buffet.

Few experiences rival the spectacle of a Santorini sunset from Oia. While this excursion isn’t included in the base price, reviews suggest it’s a highlight for many, offering stunning views and a chance to relax in natural thermal waters.

Day 7: Ferry to Crete

You’ll leave Santorini in the afternoon, heading to Heraklion, Crete. The ferry provides another scenic crossing, and the transfer from the port to your hotel sets you up for exploring Greece’s largest island.

Days 8 & 9: Exploring Crete

Your second day in Crete offers optional visits to Margarites, a pottery village, and the Arkadi Monastery, a symbol of resistance against Ottoman rule. These quiet, culturally rich stops add depth to your trip.

In Rethymnon, you can stroll through old Venetian streets, see the fortress, and visit local markets. The reviews highlight how well the organization works, with helpful guides and well-chosen accommodations.

The next day, a trip to Knossos Palace is a must for history buffs, revealing the complex social life of ancient Crete. The Olive Mill visit with olive oil tasting is another authentic experience praised by reviewers, who note how enjoyable it is to sample local products after exploring the ancient ruins.

Day 10: Return to Athens and Departure

Your last morning involves a private transfer to Heraklion Airport for your flight back to Athens. From there, it’s a short drive to the airport for your international flight home.

What Sets This Tour Apart

This experience excels in organized convenience and expert guidance. From private pickups to carefully selected hotels, everything is arranged to minimize hassle. The inclusion of ferries, domestic flights, and guided tours means you won’t need to worry about coordinating logistics yourself.

The value lies in the comfort and coverage—especially for travelers who want an immersive experience but don’t want to spend days planning every connection. The reviews reinforce that the guides are knowledgeable and helpful, making complex sites more understandable and enjoyable.

Potential Drawbacks

While the tour offers a lot, it’s not for everyone. If you prefer more spontaneous or independent exploration, the structured schedule might feel limiting. Also, since some excursions are optional and at extra cost, you may need to budget for those if they appeal to you.

The price tag, around $3,372 per person, might seem steep, but it covers most major expenses, which can save you money and time overall. Still, travelers should assess whether the pre-arranged meals, accommodations, and transportation align with their style of travel.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour best suits first-time visitors to Greece who want a comprehensive, guided experience without the stress of organizing each element. It’s a good fit for those who appreciate comfort, knowledgeable guides, and a balanced itinerary. Travelers who value culture paired with relaxation tend to find this package works well.

It also appeals to those traveling with a group—the private setting and group discounts make it economical and social. If you’re traveling solo, it offers a chance to meet like-minded travelers, and couples or small groups will enjoy the personalized touches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While the tour isn’t explicitly marketed for families, the private nature and many outdoor activities could work for older children or teenagers, especially if they enjoy history and scenic boat trips. It’s best to consider the pace and interest level of your kids.

Are all accommodations included?
Yes, the tour offers nine nights’ accommodation as part of the package, with breakfast included each day. Hotel choices aren’t specified here, but reviews mention well-located, scenic hotels.

Do I need to worry about transportation between islands?
No, all ferry tickets and the domestic flight from Crete to Athens are included, making inter-island travel smooth. You’ll be handed tickets and transfers, so no last-minute planning needed.

What about optional tours?
Certain excursions, like the Delos archaeological site and the volcano cruise, are optional and come at extra costs. You can decide whether to add these based on your interests and budget.

How far in advance should I book?
The tour is often booked around 234 days in advance, so if you’re planning a trip during peak season, booking early is smart.

What’s the price range, and what does it include?
At about $3,372.70 per person, this covers private transfers, ferries, flights, guided tours, accommodations, and breakfasts. It offers great value for a hassle-free, guided experience.

Is this tour environmentally friendly?
The program is delivered digitally, reducing paper waste. For specific eco-credentials, it’s best to ask the provider directly, but they do emphasize respecting the environment.

Final Thoughts

This 10-day private tour strikes a compelling balance between guided sightseeing and free time, all wrapped in a comfortable, well-organized package. It’s especially appealing for travelers who want to see Greece’s major sights without the headache of arrangements or logistics. The inclusion of expert guides, private transportation, and all essential ferries and flights makes it a solid choice for those who value convenience and quality.

If your idea of a perfect Greek trip involves soaking up stunning views, learning from knowledgeable guides, and enjoying authentic local cuisine, this tour has a lot to offer. It’s best for travelers who appreciate structure but still want moments of leisure and flexibility. For those eager to explore Greece’s cultural and natural highlights in a seamless way, this experience can truly deliver.

Happy travels, and I hope this helps you decide if Greece’s wonders are calling your name.