Highlights of Greece with Island Hopping

Europe Greece
OVERVIEW
Do you go geek for all things Greek? Nuts for an island paradise (or 4)? This trip combines 4 days of mainland exploring with 8 days of island hopping. From ancient architecture to the awesome Aegean. Home of magnificent monasteries to buzzing local island nightlife. Throw in some sunbathing, volcano spotting, canal admiration, feta, olives and you’re onto something pretty Godly indeed.
EXPERIENCES
Athens: All aboard! Time to sail from Athens to Mykonos, checking out that glittering sea view as we go. Includes reserved seating.

Athens: Don't spend another second worrying about how you'll get around Athens. We've got that covered with a private transfer from the port to the hotel.

Athens: Don't spend another second worrying about how you'll get around. We've got that covered with a private transfer from the hotel to the port.

Athens: See Athens’ old town with its winding flower-filled streets and array of tavernas to stop off for a beer and some olives.

Athens: Take an orientation in this ancient metropolis of treasures, myths and legends. See the city’s past and present.

Delphi: Here’s your chance to finally talk to the Oracle! And immerse yourself in Ancient Greek spiritualism.

Delphi: Take some time to visit a long held family run Beekeeping business in Delphi and learn all about the benefits that bees bring to the environment. View the bees and discover how honey is produced in this tradition that dates all the way back from Ancient Greece.

Ios: We'll board the ferry in Ios and head back to where we started: the lovely Athens. Includes reserved seating.

Meteora: When you marvel at the awe-inspiring rock formations here, you'll understand why Meteora means "suspended from the heavens above". Today, you'll climb the charming mountain villages of Kastraki & Kalambaka and see how the monks live today in the captivating Byzantine Basilicas of Greece.

Mykonos: We'll set sail from marvellous Mykonos to perfect Paros, with reserved seating included.

Paros: We'll board the ferry in Paros and set sail for the sultry island of Santorini. With reserved seating included.

Santorini: Enjoy a day trip to Fira and bask in the golden sun as you walk through Santorini's iconic white houses and blue domes. This is the perfect photo op so make sure your phones and cameras are at the ready!

Santorini: We'll board the ferry in Santorini and set sail for inspiring Ios. Includes reserved seating (think of us as your Ferry Godmother.)

Thermopylae: Get ready to be blown away by history when we visit the Hot Gates of Thermophylae . You'll also see the Spartan memorial here to honour the people who sacrificed their lives during the epic battle between the Spartans & the Persians.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
Returns		 Starting From
(price per person)		 Definite Departure
What's this?		 Book Now!
04/08/2025 17/08/2025 £3,625 Book
16/08/2025 29/08/2025 £2,900 Book
01/09/2025 14/09/2025 £2,707 Book
21/04/2026 04/05/2026 £2,460 Book
27/04/2026 10/05/2026 £2,460 Book
11/05/2026 24/05/2026 £2,580 Book
23/05/2026 05/06/2026 £2,588 Book
08/06/2026 21/06/2026 £2,588 Book
22/06/2026 05/07/2026 £2,980 Book
04/07/2026 17/07/2026 £2,980 Book
20/07/2026 02/08/2026 £2,980 Book
03/08/2026 16/08/2026 £2,980 Book
15/08/2026 28/08/2026 £2,980 Book
31/08/2026 13/09/2026 £2,652 Book
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Arion Hotel (or similar) - Meals:
DAY 10: Iliada - Odysseas Resort (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: Far Out Beach Resort (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12: Far Out Beach Resort (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13: Dorian Inn (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 2: Edelweiss Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3: Parnassos Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: A conveniently located hotel - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5: Paradise Beach (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Paradise Beach (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9: Iliada - Odysseas Resort (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
ITINERARY

Welcome to Athens, Greek adventurers! The clock starts now on uncovering this ancient country and all its quirks. We're calling it now, that this trip is THE ancient history lovers dream. Settle in to your hotel before catching up with the crew and get right into the Greek way of life.

Not a second of today will go to waste. Europe’s oldest city will unfold itself this morning as we take to the Parthenon and the Acropolis with the knowledge of a local. Then, it's off to the rocky cliffs of Meteora. Get ready to be blown away by history when we visit the Hot Gates of Thermopylae . You'll also see the Spartan memorial here to honour the people who sacrificed their lives during the epic battle between the Spartans & the Persians. Meet Meteora, one of Greece’s truly breathtaking sites, where natural and man-made beauty come together like flowers in a vase. Mystical monasteries perched on enormous sandstone rocks. Seriously. You’ll think you’ve walked into a scene from Lord of the Rings.

This morning in Meteora is reserved for exploring a couple of monasteries on the dramatic cliffs. Then, we'll make our way to another historical hotspot. Hop on! The sacred lands of Delphi will be ours this afternoon, again allowing us the chance to uncover world history right here in Greece. Despite being a place of monumental importance, it happens to have a cute little bar scene, and is a great place to sample the national drink of ouzo.

Through the limestone columns of the Sanctuary of Apollo, we continue tapping into what was once the centre of the universe for Ancient Greeks. The remains of this Doric style building stands tall with it's remaining 6 (out of an original 15) pillars, and is the perfect spot to absorb the last bit of beauty that is the slopes of Mt. Parnassus before we jump on the trail back to Athens. Oh, and if you wanna discover the ancient Greek practice of how honey is produced, join us for an intriguing beekeeping experience!  You have a night to make Athens yours before ‘hopping’ out to marvellous Mykonos tomorrow.

With no time to waste, we'll start our island hopping adventures today with our first destination: Mykonos. Let's do this! Two nights on the island of Mykonos, how did we get so lucky? Even the boat ride across the Aegean will have you awe struck and in love. Tonight, you'll have the option to join an exploration of Mykonos by night on a locally guided walking tour of the town's cobbled streets.

Get ready for a day full of viewing coastal windmills, stuffing your face with olives, feta, and tzatziki. We'll stroll down storybook streets dotted with those gorgeous blue domes and we'll pick up some evil eye ornaments along the way to keep the bad vibes away. And this is all before you've even taken a dip in the ocean! Doesn't get much better than this... The day is yours to soak up the sunshine and play in the sea.

This morning we're on to our next Greek island, Paros. Let's spare a thought for all those travellers who only get to visit just one Greek Island, and then remember how lucky we are. Beaches, naturally sculpted swimming coves, a Byzantine church and traditional villages: we must be in Paros. You're free to get into the sun and sea vibes. Those who feel like exploring can sign up for an optional trip to a traditional village where you'll visit a local family-run bakery and shop the local handicrafts.

Another day, another Greek Island delight. Hold tight - today you have the chance to visit Paros and some of the stunning islands around it - for a full day of sunbathing, swimming, relaxing, soaking-up-the-sunshining. Later tonight, we'll tuck into an included dinner at a local restaurant, before heading out to sample the local nightlife.

Paros, it's been magical – but today we're taking to the seas again, this time in search of Greece's most insta-famous island: Santorini. Santorini, we have arrived! Tonight you'll have the chance to join us on a cruise and take in the iconic Fira.

Rise and shine, Greek Island travellers! The island of Santorini won't explore itself. Today is your day to take a swim at Perissa Beach, eat the local specialty of fried tomato balls known as domatokeftedes, or roam and explore. You can even opt to take a visit to incredible Oia followed by a visit to the black sand beach of Santorini.

A bit more rugged and remote than Santorini and Mykonos, Ios will prove a nice change of scenery for our final Island night. And thankfully, there will be no change in the good vibes or the time spent ocean side. We'll enjoy another free evening on the cards afterwards.

Our final Island day, and your last chance to soak up the Greek sun and frolic in the sand without a care in the world. Now is your chance to get some adrenaline in with a speedboat safari, or take a leisurely stroll around the pretty village of Ios Chora and enjoy some stuffed zucchini flowers or baked feta drizzled with olive oil at a local cafe. After an included dinner, it's a free evening tonight, so you're going to need the fuel if you want to hit the party scene of Hora until the break of dawn.

While choking back the tears and waving a sad goodbye to the dreamy islands of Greece, try to think positive thoughts: we have a boat ride to enjoy this morning, as well as one more night together in the city of Athens. Ready for one more dose of Athens and one last chance to hang out together? We'll soak up the last rays of the Mediterranean sun this afternoon before an optional farewell dinner together.

And just like that, it's time for the goodbyes. As sad as they are, at least you have the memories. And another 300 Contiki trips to jump aboard! Make the most of your last free breakfast before you kick on to your next port of call.
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