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Not everyone wants to plan their own Greek island adventure — and that's completely fine. Organized tours take the logistics off your hands, and the best ones combine efficient island-hopping with genuine local experiences.
For budget-conscious travelers: G Adventures and Intrepid offer group tours through the islands with included ferries, accommodation, and some activities at reasonable all-in prices.
For sailing enthusiasts: Companies like MedSailors and SailSterling run multi-day sailing trips where you sleep on the boat, visit multiple islands, and swim from private coves.
For luxury travelers: Private tour operators design custom itineraries with premium hotels, private guides, and flexible schedules.
For independent spirits: Self-guided packages pre-book your ferries and hotels while letting you explore at your own pace.
Here's my complete guide to the best tours of Greece and Greek islands — so you can choose the right option for your style.
Why Consider an Organized Tour?
Island-hopping independently is wonderful, but it's not for everyone. Organized tours make sense when:
You have limited time. Tours are optimized for efficiency — no wasted days figuring out ferry schedules or arriving to find hotels full.
You're traveling solo. Group tours provide instant social connections. Sailing trips and small-group adventures are particularly good for meeting people.
You want local expertise. Good tour guides share insights you'd never discover independently — hidden restaurants, historical context, cultural nuances.
You hate logistics. If booking ferries and coordinating accommodation sounds like work rather than fun, tours handle everything.
You're a first-timer. Greece can be overwhelming with choices. Tours curate the highlights and remove decision fatigue.
(For those who prefer independent travel, see our guide on the best way to see the Greek islands.)
Types of Greek Island Tours
Before comparing specific operators, here's what each tour style offers:
Tour Type
Price Range
Group Size
Best For
Accommodation
Budget Group Tours
€1,200–2,500
12–20
Young/budget travelers
Hotels/hostels
Sailing Tours
€800–2,000
8–16
Social travelers, water lovers
On the boat
Small-Group Tours
€2,500–5,000
6–12
Mid-range travelers
Good hotels
Luxury Private Tours
€5,000–15,000+
2–8
Couples, families
Premium hotels
Self-Guided Packages
€1,000–3,000
Independent
Those wanting flexibility
Pre-booked hotels
Best Budget Group Tours
Budget group tours offer the best value for seeing multiple Greek islands — ferries, accommodation, and some activities included at all-in prices that would be hard to beat independently.
G Adventures
Best for: 18–39 travelers, social experiences, budget-conscious
G Adventures runs several Greek island itineraries aimed at younger travelers who want adventure without breaking the bank.
Popular itineraries:
Sailing Greece — Mykonos to Santorini (8 days, ~€1,700): Sail through the Cyclades on a traditional yacht, stopping at Mykonos, Paros, Ios, and Santorini. Sleep on the boat, swim from private coves, and explore islands by day.
Greek Island Hopping (9 days, ~€1,500): Athens → Mykonos → Paros → Santorini → Athens. Combines ferry travel with land-based accommodation.
What's included: Ferries between islands, accommodation, some meals, a CEO (Chief Experience Officer) guide, group activities.
What's not included: Most meals, optional activities, drinks, international flights.
The vibe: Young, social, budget-conscious. Expect shared rooms, group dinners, and an emphasis on experiences over luxury. Average age is 25–35.
The catch: G Adventures accommodation is basic — hostels and budget hotels. Group sizes can reach 16–20 people. Not ideal for those wanting privacy or luxury.
Find G Adventures Greece tours
Intrepid Travel
Best for: Slightly older budget travelers (25–45), small groups, responsible tourism
Intrepid runs similar itineraries to G Adventures but with slightly smaller groups and a stronger focus on sustainable tourism.
Popular itineraries:
Greece Island Hopping (10 days, ~€2,000): Athens → Naxos → Santorini → Crete → Athens. Good balance of island variety with mainland Athens time.
Sailing Greece — Cyclades Islands (8 days, ~€1,800): Similar to G Adventures' sailing option but with Intrepid's community-focused approach.
What's included: Ferries, accommodation, local leaders, some meals, activities focused on local communities.
The vibe: Slightly more mature than G Adventures. Emphasis on sustainable travel and authentic local experiences. Groups are typically 10–12 people.
The catch: Still budget accommodation. The responsible tourism focus is genuine but can sometimes mean less flexibility.
Contiki
Best for: 18–35 year olds, party-focused, first-time travelers
Contiki specifically targets the 18–35 age bracket with energetic itineraries that emphasize fun.
Popular itineraries:
Greek Island Hopping (8 days, ~€1,600): Athens → Mykonos → Ios → Santorini → Athens. Heavy on nightlife and beach time.
The vibe: Young, party-oriented, social. Expect club nights, beach parties, and a very energetic atmosphere.
The catch: If you're over 30 or prefer cultural experiences over nightlife, Contiki might feel too intense.
Best Sailing Tours
Sailing tours offer something different — you sleep on a yacht, anchor in coves that ferries can't reach, and experience the islands from the water.
MedSailors
Best for: 20–35 year olds, social travelers, sailing enthusiasts
MedSailors runs multi-day sailing trips through the Greek islands, with a strong emphasis on the social experience.
Popular itineraries:
Greece Cyclades Sailing (7 nights, ~€900–1,400): Sail from Mykonos through the Cyclades, stopping at Paros, Ios, Santorini, and smaller islands. Swim from the boat, explore ports, enjoy sunset dinners on deck.
What's included: Yacht, skipper, bedding, some meals (breakfast kitty system).
The vibe: Young, social, adventurous. Yachts carry 8–10 people who quickly become friends. Mix of sailing, swimming, exploring, and nightlife.
The catch: Space is limited on boats — cabins are small. You'll share bathrooms. Seasickness can be an issue. Not for those wanting privacy or luxury.
SailSterling
Best for: Similar demographic to MedSailors, slightly more upmarket
SailSterling runs comparable sailing trips with slightly newer boats and a marginally more premium experience.
Popular itineraries:
Greek Islands Sailing (7 nights, ~€1,000–1,600): Similar Cyclades routing — Mykonos, Paros, Ios, Santorini, with flexibility based on wind and group preferences.
The vibe: Social but slightly more relaxed than MedSailors. Average age skews slightly older (25–35).
The Yacht Week
Best for: Groups of friends, those wanting luxury sailing
The Yacht Week offers a more upscale sailing experience — charter your own yacht with friends and join a flotilla with other boats.
What it costs: €1,500–3,000+ per person for a week, depending on yacht choice and cabin type.
The vibe: Luxury meets adventure. You get your own cabin, your own crew, and join other boats for social events. Popular with groups who want to charter together.
The catch: Significantly more expensive. Best done with a pre-formed group of 6–8 friends.
Best Small-Group & Premium Tours
For travelers wanting more comfort without the planning — smaller groups, better hotels, and curated experiences.
Exodus Travels
Best for: Active travelers 30–60, hiking/adventure focus
Exodus combines Greek islands with mainland hiking — a different approach than pure beach-hopping.
Popular itineraries:
Greek Islands Walking & Sailing (12 days, ~€2,800): Combines sailing through the Cyclades with guided walks on Naxos, Santorini, and other islands. Active but not exhausting.
The vibe: Active travelers who want more than beaches. Good for couples and solo travelers who enjoy hiking.
Insight Vacations
Best for: 50+ travelers, comfort-focused, comprehensive experiences
Insight offers premium group tours with excellent hotels and comprehensive itineraries.
Popular itineraries:
Greek Islands Odyssey (10 days, ~€4,000+): Athens → Mykonos → Santorini → Crete with premium accommodation, included meals, and expert guides.
The vibe: Comfortable, comprehensive, no surprises. Good for travelers who want quality without DIY planning.
Abercrombie & Kent / Butterfield & Robinson
Best for: Luxury travelers, couples, those wanting exceptional experiences
The luxury tier of Greek island tours — custom itineraries, the finest hotels, private guides, and exclusive access.
What to expect: €8,000–20,000+ per person for 10–14 days. Private yacht charters, caldera suites in Santorini, cooking classes with local chefs, archaeological sites with expert historians.
The vibe: No compromises. These tours compete with the finest travel experiences anywhere in the world.
The catch: Serious investment. Worth it if you value curation, expertise, and exceptional accommodation.
Self-Guided Island-Hopping Packages
For travelers who want pre-booked logistics but independent exploration — the middle ground between DIY and group tours.
How Self-Guided Packages Work
Travel agencies pre-book your ferries, hotels, and sometimes activities — but you explore independently, without a group or guide. You get an itinerary, vouchers, and emergency contact numbers.
What's typically included:
- Ferry tickets between islands
- Hotel accommodation (your choice of level)
- Airport/port transfers
- Sometimes: car rental, activity vouchers, travel app with recommendations
What's not included:
- Meals (except hotel breakfast)
- Activities beyond any included vouchers
- Flights to/from Greece
Popular Self-Guided Providers
Sunvil — Specialist in Greek travel with excellent island-hopping packages. Good mid-range hotels, helpful local support.
Responsible Travel — Similar offerings with emphasis on sustainable tourism.
Local Greek agencies — Many Athens-based agencies create custom self-guided packages. Often the best value.
Sample Self-Guided Itinerary
A typical self-guided package might look like:
10 Days Cyclades Self-Guided (~€1,500–2,500 depending on hotels):
Day 1–2: Athens (hotel + Acropolis tickets) Day 3–4: Naxos (ferry included, beach hotel) Day 5–6: Paros (ferry included, Naoussa hotel) Day 7–9: Santorini (ferry included, caldera hotel upgrade available) Day 10: Athens (ferry or flight back)
The advantage: Flexibility of independent travel with pre-booked logistics. You can spend your days however you want without worrying about ferry schedules or finding accommodation.
The catch: Less social than group tours. You miss out on guide expertise and group camaraderie.
How to Choose Your Tour Type
You're 18–35 and want to meet people → G Adventures, Intrepid, or sailing tours (MedSailors)
You're solo and want guaranteed social interaction → Group sailing tours (live together on a boat for a week)
You want adventure + islands → Exodus (hiking focus) or sailing charters
You want comfort without planning → Insight Vacations or similar premium group tours
You want ultimate luxury → Private tour operators (Abercrombie & Kent, Butterfield & Robinson, local luxury agencies)
You want independence with handled logistics → Self-guided packages
You're traveling with family → Self-guided or private tours (group tours rarely suit families)
Day Tours vs. Multi-Day Tours
Not everyone wants a week-long commitment. Day tours from major hubs work well for shorter visits.
Best Day Tours from Athens
Three-Island Cruise (Hydra, Poros, Aegina): The classic Athens day trip — visit three Saronic islands in a single day with lunch included. Great introduction to Greek island life.
Book Athens three-island cruise
Delphi Day Trip: The ancient oracle, spectacular mountain setting, excellent museum. Essential for history lovers.
Book Delphi day trip from Athens
Meteora Day Trip: Monasteries perched on rock pillars — one of Greece's most spectacular sights. Long day but worth it.
Best Day Tours from Islands
From Santorini: Volcano and hot springs boat tour, wine tasting, sunset sailing From Mykonos: Delos archaeological tour From Crete: Balos and Elafonissi day trips, Samaria Gorge hiking From Rhodes: Symi day trip, Lindos tours
Find day tours on GetYourGuide
Specialty Tours: Niche Interests
Beyond general island-hopping, specialized tours cater to specific interests.
Culinary Tours
For travelers who want to eat their way through Greece — cooking classes, market tours, wine tastings, and meals at exceptional restaurants.
What to expect: Small-group tours (6–12 people) visiting food-focused islands like Crete, Sifnos, and Tinos. Includes cooking classes, farm visits, wine tours, and curated restaurant experiences. €2,500–5,000 for 7–10 days.
Best for: Food lovers who want more than taverna recommendations.
Hiking & Walking Tours
For active travelers who want to explore Greece on foot — ancient paths, gorge hikes, and village-to-village walks.
What to expect: Guided walks on Naxos, Andros, Amorgos, Crete, and mainland Greece. Includes Samaria Gorge, Meteora, and lesser-known trails. €1,800–4,000 for 7–12 days.
Best for: Active travelers who find beach-only holidays boring.
Photography Tours
For serious photographers who want expert guidance on capturing Greece's beauty.
What to expect: Small groups (4–8 people) with professional photographer guides. Sunrise/sunset sessions, village exploration, and post-processing workshops. Focus on Santorini, Mykonos, and lesser-known islands. €2,000–4,500 for 5–10 days.
Best for: Photography enthusiasts who want to level up their Greece images.
What to Look for in a Greek Island Tour
Group size matters. Smaller groups (8–12) mean more flexibility and personal attention. Large groups (16–20+) can feel rushed.
Check accommodation quality. "Budget" can mean genuine hostels. Read reviews and understand what you're getting.
Understand what's included. All-in prices vary wildly. Check: meals, activities, entrance fees, drinks, internal transport.
Read recent reviews. Tour quality depends heavily on specific guides and current operations. Focus on the past 12 months.
Consider the pace. Some tours pack in maximum sights; others allow leisure time. Match the pace to your preferences.
Check age demographics. Some tours attract specific age ranges. Contiki is 18–35; Insight skews 50+. Make sure you'll be comfortable.
Quick Comparison: Greek Island Tour Operators
Operator
Price Range
Age Range
Style
Group Size
G Adventures
€€
18–39
Adventure/budget
12–20
Intrepid
€€
25–50
Responsible/budget
10–12
Contiki
€€
18–35
Party/social
16–20
MedSailors
€€
20–35
Sailing/social
8–10
Exodus
€€€
30–60
Active/hiking
8–16
Insight
€€€€
50+
Comfort/comprehensive
20–40
A&K/B&R
€€€€€
40+
Luxury/private
2–8
Self-guided
€€–€€€
Any
Independent
Solo/couple
FAQ
Are organized Greek island tours worth it?
For the right traveler, absolutely. Tours make sense if you value convenience over flexibility, want to meet other travelers, or have limited time to research logistics. Budget tours (G Adventures, Intrepid) offer genuine value — when you add up ferry tickets, accommodation, and activities, the all-in price often matches or beats DIY costs. The trade-off is less flexibility and set itineraries. For experienced travelers who enjoy planning, independent island-hopping usually offers more freedom at similar costs. For first-timers or those who hate logistics, tours are excellent.
Which tour company is best for Greek islands?
It depends on your priorities. For budget and social: G Adventures and Intrepid offer the best value with good reputations. For sailing experience: MedSailors and SailSterling deliver the yacht life at reasonable prices. For comfort without planning: Insight Vacations provides premium group experiences. For ultimate luxury: Abercrombie & Kent and Butterfield & Robinson create exceptional private itineraries. For independence with handled logistics: self-guided packages from specialists like Sunvil offer the best of both worlds. Read recent reviews for whichever operator you consider — quality varies by specific guides and seasons.
Can I customize a Greek island tour?
Yes — several options exist for personalized itineraries. Private tour operators (luxury level) create completely custom experiences based on your interests, timing, and budget. Self-guided packages can usually be modified — most agencies will adjust islands, accommodation level, and duration. Some group tour operators allow extensions (extra nights before/after the tour). For maximum customization, work with a Greece-specialist travel agent who can create a bespoke itinerary. Expect to pay more for customization — but you get exactly what you want. For planning guidance, see our how to plan a trip to Greece guide, or take our quiz to identify your ideal islands before contacting operators.