Road to Athens plus 12 Day Greek Island Hopping

30 days
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USTOA

Small Group Tour
Forget the flat line flight - the journey from London to Athens needs to be absorbed on land, then topped off with 12-days getting cosy with the Greek Islands. Lap up the scenery of French vineyards, Swiss Alps, Italian countryside and the energy of the cities in between. Cycle through the charming streets of Munich, see St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican Ci...

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Highlights

    • Private boat through the canals & islands of Venice
    • See the Bridge of Sighs, the Doge's Palace & St. Mark's Square
    • See Venice's iconic canals & gondolas
    • Discover the Secrets of Michelangelo's Florence – see Ponte Vecchio, the Medici Palace & much more on our locally guided walking tour of Florence
    • See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto's Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria
    • Learn about Florence's leather craft with a demonstration
    • Learn about the birthplace of modern society on a guided tour of Athens and visit to the Acropolis
    • See the first modern Olympic Stadium
    • Visit Mykonos town & see the traditional Cycladic-style houses
    • See the famous windmills

What's this trip about?

    Forget the flat line flight - the journey from London to Athens needs to be absorbed on land, then topped off with 12-days getting cosy with the Greek Islands. Lap up the scenery of French vineyards, Swiss Alps, Italian countryside and the energy of the cities in between. Cycle through the charming streets of Munich, see St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City, & ramp things up with paragliding in Austria if you're feeling game.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - 12 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityLondon
End CityAthens

Travel Themes

  • Singles Travel

Destinations

Attractions

  • Alps
  • Athens
  • Florence
  • London
  • Lucerne
  • Munich
  • Mykonos
  • Paris
  • Rome
  • Santorini
  • Venice

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive London

Check in to your hotel after 2:00pm and head out into the humming capital of Britain for a sneak peek at what’s to come. At 4:00pm meet up with your Trip Manager and get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2: London to Paris

Welcome to the first day of the best time of your life - we're calling it early! After a few pleasantries in London we'll get the show on the road with Paris in our sights.A few hours in and your jaws are on the floor already. These chalk cliffs that edge the English ...

Day 3: Paris

Fragonard Perfumery now there's a place to check out, and stock up on perfume, obviously. Especially given the greatly discounted prices and authenticity of buying in France. Later you can drool over haute couture you can't afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whil...

Day 4: Paris to Lucerne

Already enjoying the vibes of Europe just 3 days in, we take things up a notch this morning and head to the Swiss Alps.Just when you think France is the most scenic place on Earth, we make a border cross and start traipsing through the lands of Switzerland; comparing ...

Day 5: Lucerne to Munich via Liechtenstein

When a cable ride to the summit of a beautiful Swiss mountain starts your day, you know it’s going to be a good one. After our morning vistas we shall take to the coach for a bit of country hopping. 3 countries in one day - squeal!!!Although just a tiny dot on the map...

Day 6: Munich to Austrian Tyrol via Innsbruck

Before we make a mad dash to lands so sweet they made The Sound of Music we'll take a guided cycle around the streets of Munich, drinking in any last bits of fabulousness that our beer hall antics distracted us from yesterday.After crossing through the Bavarian Alps, ...

Day 7: Austrian Tyrol

Wake up, peel open your curtains, and take in the magnificence of your view...and your life in general. If you're feeling lively you can jump onto a bike tour through green mountains and waterfalls. If you're feeling really lively you can go tandem paragliding. Not so...

Day 8: Austrian Tyrol to Venice

Good morning, roamers. We could let you sleep all day, but there's some whitewater rafting that needs to be tended to, as well as a floating city in Italy that has our names written all over it. Shall we?You'll think you've seen enough beauty for one day after taking ...

Day 9: Venice

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A guided walking tour and a gondola ride are up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

Day 10: Venice to Florence via Pisa

Venice we love you, but we need to see a bit more of this boot to satisfy our hungry wanderlust ways.As if we were going to leg it from Venice to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-th...

Day 11: Florence

Today is a perfect balance of guided wisdom and free time to roam. We'll uncover the beautiful art of traditional leather & explore streets bursting with heritage. Take to the local markets, down some gelato & make yourself known for the evening of optional festivities.

Day 12: Florence to Rome

Farewell Florence - today we have the epicenter of Italy on our horizons. Pizza and piazzas … we can't wait.After our drift through the rustic Tuscan hillsides of cypress trees and glowing fields, we'll be back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. The Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona are just some of the icons we'll be casting our eyes upon before the sun sets.

Day 13: Rome

Rome wasn't built in a day - so get up and get going early to make the most of this ancient city.When in Rome...take an optional guided tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Religious or not, the Vatican's Italian Renaissa...

Day 14: Rome to Overnight Adriatic Ferry via Pompeii and Bari

The majestic site of Mt. Vesuvius will interlude our trip from Rome to Bari, our ferry port for today's border leap into Greece.Once a totally vibing hang-out of the Romans, Pompeii is now an archaeological site showing remains of what was destroyed by a mountain erup...

Day 15: Overnight Adriatic Ferry to Corfu

The best version of island time? Greek island time. And you'll settle straight into it on the dream scene of Corfu. A heritage listed old town, water sports aplenty & the option to hit the seas again on a cruise - this is a what your first day in Greece will look like.

Day 16: Corfu

Another day, another chance to get salty & eat a smorgasbord of feta, olives and grapevines stuffed with delectable rice. Our time in Corfu is a great way for everyone to try a bit of Greek dancing - why not give it a go at our Ionian Dinner?

Day 17: Corfu to Athens via Corinth Canal

Before we lose all sense of reality and morph into sea-soaked island dwellers, we're making tracks to Athens for a dose of city meets history.The awe of Greece's mainland will begin shortly after our arrival as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This man-made passag...

Day 18: Athens

Our last day together (before you head off to take on the Greek Islands you lucky devil you) will be served up over a guided tour of Athens & the Acropolis. Europe’s oldest city & the birthplace of democracy, there will be no shortage of interesting facts and ...

Day 19: Athens

Yes, yes, you're hearing the call of cocktails on Mykonos Island. But let's get acquainted with Athens for a day before we set sail - and what better place to start than Plaka area. Prepare to experience shopping and socialising at these narrow and cute Athenian streets.

Day 20: Athens to Mykonos

See, just like we told you. Our time in Athens was amazing and well worth delaying our island time for. But delay it further? We shall not...Let's do this! 3 nights on the island of Mykonos, how did we get so lucky? Even the boat ride across the Aegean will have you a...

Day 21: Mykonos

Here we are on yet another day when it feels completely fabulous to be alive. You're still in Mykonos baby! And the day is yours to soak up sunshine and play in the sea. Overnight: Paradise Mykonos (Superior Bay View Rooms)

Day 22: Mykonos

Windmills; cafes overflowing with olives, feta and tzatziki; storybook streets - and that's before you've even taken a dip in the ocean! Explore with the crew, take up a few optionals, or simply waste the day away as you please. Overnight: Paradise Mykonos (Superior Bay View Rooms)

Day 23: Mykonos to Santorini

This morning, let's spare a thought for all those travellers who only have the time and money to visit just one Greek Island. Those poor unfortunate souls...Saddle up! We're taking to the seas again, this time in search of the island of Santorini. It's finally your tu...

Day 24: Santorini

Rise and shine, Greek Island travellers! The island of Santorini will not explore itself. Take a swim at Perissa Beach, eat the local specialty of fried tomato balls known as domatokeftedes, and roam the streets of Fira. Just remember to plan your day around the excursion to the iconic sunset of Oia - this is not an optional you're going to want to miss.

Day 25: Santorini

The beautiful thing about having two full days on the one island is you have time to both relax and explore. Whatever you didn't do yesterday is still up for grabs today. If you feel like you've crammed it all in already, just head to the black or red sand beaches and spend another glorious day ocean-side. Ain't life grand? Overnight: Okeanis Beach Hotel

Day 26: Santorini to Ios

Say your so longs to Santorini this morning. We have one last Greek Island to hop to, and we promise she's magnificent.A bit more rugged and remote than Santorini and Mykonos, Ios will prove a nice change of scenery. But thankfully, there will be no change in the hours spent ocean side and good times had. Overnight: Far Out Ios

Day 27: Ios

Another day, another chance to soak up the Greek sun and frolic in the sand without a care in the world. Get some adrenalin in with some watersports, or if you haven't done so already, go explore the pretty town and down a hearty meal at a local cafe. You're going to need the fuel if you want to hang out in the party scene of Hora until the break of dawn. Overnight: Far Out Ios

Day 28: Ios

Don’t underestimate the power of this village. When the sun sets, this place really comes to life. As such, we suggest a day out on the water getting salty on a boat trip, or a full day of pool hangs and beach time so you're all sun-kissed and feeling floaty by the time the night rolls in. Overnight: Far Out Ios

Day 29: Ios to Athens

While choking back the tears and waving miserably at 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.One last dose of Athens and one last chance to hang out together as the Greece loving squad that we are. Overnight: Poseidon Hotel

Day 30: Depart Athens

Hugs, tears, and a final batch of reminiscing; it's astounding how close a group can get in just two short weeks. Nothing says bonding quite like the good life. The Croatia Island Hopper is probably the only way to really ease the pain of this goodbye. #NOREGRETS

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Dates & Availability

Price From $6,315
Price per day$211
Last Updated: 0/19/2022

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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Contiki

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We’re firm believers that life’s greatest experiences are made better by the people you share them with. That’s why Contiki invented group travel for young people in 1962 and we’ve spent the past 53 years perfecting it. You’ll explore amazing destinations with a group of 18-35 year olds from around the world who share your passion for adventure, good times and creating memories that define what it is to be young, wild and free.

No two travellers are the same and we know that, which is why we offer eight unique ways to explore the world. We have a number of options to choose from to create a vacation that’s perfect for you, from budget to accommodation style.

We're all about exploring the world with like-minded people, which is why we only run trips for 18-35 year olds, to celebrate being young, spirited and curious. You can expect to join a group of 18-53 awesome people from around the world on our Europe, Australia, North America and New Zealand trips, and in Asia and Latin America it's all about small group adventures with up to 25 travellers. Don't worry if you're not traveling as a couple or with a friend from home – though there are plenty of pairs, 50% of our travellers set off solo, meaning you'll have a ton of opportunities to make new friends.

With over 270 trips around the world and plenty of departure dates to work into your schedule, you'll never be short of options on where to go for your next great adventure.

About the company:
Contiki are the world leaders in social youth travel. We’ve been providing amazing travel experiences for young travellers, from 18-35 years old, since 1962. Imagine how good you would be at something if you had been doing it for more than 60 years?

Everything about Contiki is deeply rooted in our core values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re about people’. We don’t just talk the talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘Travel.Together.’ which means to travel with one another, the destinations we visit, the cultures we enjoy and the environment, too.

Why we love this operator
Their trips create life-long memories for young people setting off to discover the world.
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Logistics

Accommodation

    Travel Insurance
    We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
    Visa requirements
    Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
    Meals Included
    • We'll be munching on the tastiest cuisine each country has to offer, with 28 continental breakfasts and 11 three-course dinners included. Think food fresh from the sea, rich pasta dishes and hearty alpine fare.
    Age Requirements
    No age restrictions
    Additional Information
    Trip ID
    contiki-RTAIHAN14

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