Highlights of Greece | 2024
Highlights of Greece | 2024
Highlights of Greece | 2024
11 Days Starting in Athens and ending in Santorini
Visiting: Athens, Archaeological site of Mycenae, Corinth, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi, Mykonos, Paros, Fira
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SGGIS19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 51
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Oh my Gods, it's Greece! From the ancient ruins of Athens to the glistening seas of the Aegean. Marvel at mythical architecture in the Greek capital, plus Olympia, Mycenae and Delphi. Catch the perplexingly beautiful Corinth canal before taking to the water like the true island hopper you are, exploring villages, volcanoes and valiant nightlife as you sail from magical Mykonos to saucy Santorini. All aboard!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation: Arion Hotel (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Arion Hotel (or similar)
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.
Day 2 : Athens To Olympia
Location: Archaeological site of Mycenae, Corinth, Nafplion, Olympia, Athens
Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Olympia (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel Olympia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 explore the first modern Olympic Stadium from the 1896 Games. That's some really old Olympic vibes right there.
Rugged mountains, cypress trees and citrus groves will pepper our pretty tour from Athens to Corinth, where we will stop to get a look at a man-made canal that squeezes ships through its tight cliffs in what seems like an impossible feat.
What was once a military hotspot is now a jaw-dropping archaeological site amidst the mountain ranges of Greece. Our Trip Manager will uncover the 4,000 year history of Mycenae and Agamemnon’s Palace in a tale of heroics, myths and curses.
We make a short stop at the cute coastal town of Nafplio i.e the first capital of Greece. Let's grab some lunch (gyros, anyone?) and take a stroll through the ancient city. Next up - the wispy mountains of Arcadia to Olympia. Save some room on your camera roll for this one...
And so the historical uncoverings continue as we land in Olympia, the place where the Olympic Games were birthed, and what is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 3 : Olympia To Delphi
Location: Olympia, Delphi
Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Delphi (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Amalia Hotel Delphi (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Fun fact: the first Olympic Games was held in 776BC, let's just let that number sink in for a moment...Wow. Today our Local Guide will show us all the important sites of those games, giving you the chance to sit in the 45,000 seat stadium where it actually first took place. If that's not a spine-tingling moment, we don't know what is. We'll wrap it up at the Temple of Hera (Queen of the Greek Gods), and place where the Olympic flame is lit every four years. We'll also visit the ruins of Zeus' temple before we head off on our journey, where you'll be sure to feel the vibes of one of the most well known Greek gods.
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.
Day 4 : Delphi To Athens
Location: Delphi, Athens
Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Through the limestone columns of the Sanctuary of Apollo, we continue tapping into what was once the center 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.
You have a night to make Athens yours before ‘hopping’ out to marvelous Mykonos on the morrow.
Day 5 : Athens To Mykonos
Location: Athens, Mykonos
Accommodation: Paradise Beach (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Paradise Beach (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 6 : Mykonos
Location: Mykonos
Accommodation: Paradise Beach (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Paradise Beach (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7 : Mykonos To Paros
Location: Mykonos, Paros
Accommodation: Asterias (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we're on to our next Greek island, Paros. Let's spare a thought for all those travelers 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 an Organic Farm run where you'll sample their delicious produce and then head to one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades - Naoussa.
Day 8 : Paros
Location: Paros
Accommodation: Asterias (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Another day, another Greek Island delight. Hold tight - today we're off for a Paros sailing adventure. Tonight, we'll tuck into an included dinner at a local restaurant, before heading out to sample the local (and legendary) nightlife.
Day 9 : Paros To Santorini
Location: Fira, Paros
Accommodation: Hotel Nikos (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Hotel Nikos (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10 : Santorini
Location: Fira
Accommodation: Hotel Nikos (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Hotel Nikos (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise and shine, Greek Island travelers! 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 trip to incredible Oia followed by a winery visit.
Day 11 : End Santorini
Location: Fira
Meals Included: Breakfast
And with that, the trip comes to an end. From Santorini, you’re free to make your way home… or keep going. Who’s for Cyprus? Or Turkey? The whole Aegean lies at your feet (literally) and you have a boatload of new buds to go exploring with!
What's Included
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Accommodations
Stay in a variety of hotels and inns throughout the tour, including options like Arion Hotel, Amalia Hotel Olympia, Amalia Hotel Delphi, Paradise Beach, Asterias, and Hotel Nikos or similar.
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Meals
Enjoy included meals as specified in the itinerary, offering a taste of local Greek cuisine.
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Transportation
All transportation within Greece is covered, including boat rides between the islands.
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Guided Tours
Benefit from guided tours of historical and archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, Olympia, Mycenae, Delphi, and more, with knowledgeable local guides.
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Island Hopping
Experience the beauty of the Greek islands with stops in Mykonos, Paros, and the iconic Santorini.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
Flights to and from the starting point (Athens) and endpoint (Santorini) are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included, offering you the freedom to choose your provider.
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Some Meals
While many meals are included, some will be at your own expense, giving you the opportunity to explore local cuisine.
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Optional Activities
Activities such as the Mykonos by night walking tour, Organic Farm visit in Paros, and Oia winery visit in Santorini are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks outside of included meals are not covered.
Check out our Q&As
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What is not included in the tour package?
Exclusions include international flights, travel insurance, some meals, optional activities, and personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional snacks, and drinks outside of included meals.
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What are the main activities on this tour?
Main activities include coach tours, exploring historical sites and ruins, island hopping, boat/cruise excursions, and walking tours.
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What countries are visited during this tour?
The tour visits Greece.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
All transportation within Greece is covered, including boat rides between the islands.
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What is the primary focus or theme of the tour?
The primary focus of the tour is cultural exploration.
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Are there any guided tours included?
Yes, the tour includes guided tours of historical and archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, Olympia, Mycenae, Delphi, and more, with knowledgeable local guides.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Yes, included meals as specified in the itinerary are part of the tour, offering a taste of local Greek cuisine.
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What are the highlights of the Spotlight on Greece & Athens to Santorini Plus tour?
The highlights of the tour include exploring the ancient wonders of Athens, visiting the historic site of Olympia, discovering the archaeological marvels of Mycenae and Nafplio, uncovering the mysteries of Delphi, island hopping to Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini, and enjoying local specialties in Santorini.
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What type of accommodations can be expected during the tour?
Accommodations include a variety of hotels and inns throughout the tour, such as Arion Hotel, Amalia Hotel Olympia, Amalia Hotel Delphi, Paradise Beach, Asterias, and Hotel Nikos or similar.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions