Highlights of Greece with Island Hopping | 2026
Highlights of Greece with Island Hopping | 2026
$3862
Highlights of Greece with Island Hopping | 2026
14 Days Starting and ending in Athens
Visiting: Athens, Thermopylae, Meteora, Delphi, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Ios
Tour 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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Athens
Location: Athens
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 Meteroa
Location: Athens, Thermopylae, Meteora
Accommodation Name: Edelweiss Hotel (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, it's off to the rocky cliffs of Meteora. 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. 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.
Day 3: Meteora To Delphi
Location: Meteora, Delphi
Accommodation Name: Parnassos Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 4: Delphi To Athens
Location: Delphi, Athens
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 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 on the morrow.
Day 5: Athens To Mykonos
Location: Athens, Mykonos
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 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 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 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.
Day 8: Paros
Location: Paros
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 visit to Naoussa, a fishing village with colourful fishing boats and white-washed houses. Tonight, we'll tuck into an included dinner at a local restaurant, before heading out to sample the local nightlife.
Day 9: Paros To Santorini
Location: Paros, Santorini
Accommodation Name: Iliada - Odysseas Resort (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: Santorini
Accommodation Name: Iliada - Odysseas Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 11: Santorini To Ios
Location: Santorini, Ios
Accommodation Name: Far Out Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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 join together for an included dinner tonight, with another free evening on the cards afterwards.
Day 12: Ios
Location: Ios
Accommodation Name: Far Out Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. 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.
Day 13: Ios To Athens
Location: Ios, Athens
Accommodation Name: Dorian Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 14: End Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Meals
13 Breakfasts and 5 Dinners are included.
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Athens Transfers
Private transfer from the port to the hotel in Athens.
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Ferry Transfers
Reserved seating on ferries from Athens to Mykonos, Mykonos to Paros, Paros to Santorini, Santorini to Ios, and Ios to Athens.
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Athens Orientation
Orientation tour in Athens to see the city's past and present.
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Thermopylae Visit
Visit to the Hot Gates of Thermopylae and the Spartan memorial.
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Meteora Visit
Visit to the rock formations and monasteries in Meteora.
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Delphi Visit
Visit to the Sanctuary of Apollo and a beekeeping business in Delphi.
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels including Arion Hotel, Edelweiss Hotel, Amalia Hotel Delphi, Paradise Beach, Asterias, Hotel Nikos, Far Out Beach Resort, and Dorian Inn.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the exploration of Mykonos by night, visit to a traditional village in Paros, cruise in Santorini, and speedboat safari in Ios are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Greece are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Greece with private transfers in Athens, and reserved seating on ferries between Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, and Ios, ensuring a smooth and scenic journey.
Accommodation
Stay in a variety of comfortable hotels including Arion Hotel in Athens, Edelweiss Hotel in Meteora, Amalia Hotel in Delphi, Paradise Beach in Mykonos, Asterias in Paros, Hotel Nikos in Santorini, and Far Out Beach Resort in Ios.
Dining Summary
- 13 Breakfast (B)
- 5 Dinner (D)
Included Experience
- 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: Don't spend another second worrying about how you'll get around Athens. We've got that covered with a private transfer from the hotel to the port.
- Athens: All aboard! Time to sail from Athens to Mykonos, checking out that glittering sea view as we go. Includes reserved seating.
- 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.)
- Ios: We'll board the ferry in Ios and head back to where we started: the lovely Athens. 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: Take an orientation in this ancient metropolis of treasures, myths and legends. See the city’s past and present.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 13 breakfasts and 5 dinners. Specific meals are provided on certain days, such as breakfast and dinner on Day 2, and breakfast on most other days.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, there are several guided tours included. For example, on Day 2, there is a guided tour of the Parthenon and the Acropolis in Athens. Additionally, there is an optional guided walking tour of Mykonos by night on Day 5.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes private transfers in Athens and reserved seating on ferries between the islands. For example, there is a private transfer from the port to the hotel in Athens, and reserved seating on ferries from Athens to Mykonos, Mykonos to Paros, Paros to Santorini, Santorini to Ios, and Ios back to Athens.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities available. For instance, on Day 5, there is an optional exploration of Mykonos by night. On Day 7, there is an optional trip to a traditional village in Paros. On Day 10, you can opt to visit Oia and the black sand beach of Santorini. On Day 12, there is an option for a speedboat safari in Ios.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels and resorts. For example, on Day 1, you will stay at the Arion Hotel (or similar) in Athens. Other accommodations include Edelweiss Hotel (or similar) in Meteora, Amalia Hotel Delphi (or similar) in Delphi, Paradise Beach (or similar) in Mykonos, Asterias (or similar) in Paros, Hotel Nikos (or similar) in Santorini, and Far Out Beach Resort (or similar) in Ios.
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What are some of the key highlights of the tour?
Key highlights include visiting the Parthenon and the Acropolis in Athens, exploring the Hot Gates of Thermopylae and the Spartan memorial, marveling at the rock formations and monasteries in Meteora, visiting the Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi, and island hopping to Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, and Ios. Each island offers unique experiences such as exploring fishing villages, enjoying local cuisine, and taking in stunning sea views.
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Is there any free time during the tour for personal exploration?
Yes, there is free time allocated for personal exploration on several days. For example, on Day 6 in Mykonos, the day is yours to soak up the sunshine and play in the sea. Similarly, on Day 12 in Ios, you have the day to explore the island at your leisure.
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What kind of activities are available on the islands?
Activities on the islands include exploring coastal windmills and cobbled streets in Mykonos, visiting Naoussa fishing village in Paros, taking a cruise in Santorini, swimming at Perissa Beach, and visiting the black sand beach of Santorini. In Ios, you can enjoy a speedboat safari or explore the village of Ios Chora.
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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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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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