Tour

Spotlight on Greece & Athens to Santorini Plus | 2024
from USD 2671

Contiki Holidays

Tour Code: SGGIS19
Vacation Type:
Brochure:
Duration: 11 Days
Country: Greece

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!



Spotlight on Greece & Athens to Santorini Plus Trip Map

Dining Summary

  • 10 Breakfast (B)
  • 4 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: Take an orientation in this ancient metropolis of treasures, myths and legends. See the city’s past and present.
  • Corinth Canal: The world’s deepest canal is an epic sight. It was carved through the rock, as a link between the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
  • Nafplio: Climb up the ancient Acronafplia and take in that salty sea air and epic views.
  • Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Stroll around the ancient city of Mycenae with an expert. Hear the myths and legends and see the Palace of Agamemnon. 
  • Archaeological Site of Olympia: This is your chance to see the official birthplace of the Olympic Games IRL. With a local guide on hand to impart all their wisdom, we'll check out the Olympic Stadium, the Temple of Hera and Zeus, plus much more.
  • Delphi: One of Greece’s most important (and simply stunning) historical sites, with a guide on hand to answer all our questions.
  • 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: 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!

  • Arion Hotel (or similar)
  • Amalia Hotel Olympia (or similar)
  • Amalia Hotel Delphi (or similar)
  • A conveniently located hotel
  • Paradise Beach (or similar)
  • Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar)
  • Hotel Nikos (or similar)
Day 1 Start Athens

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Arion Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Athens To Olympia

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Olympia (or similar)

Day 3 Olympia To Delphi

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Amalia Hotel Delphi (or similar)

Day 4 Delphi To Athens

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. You have a night to make Athens yours before ‘hopping’ out to marvellous Mykonos on the morrow.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel

Day 5 Athens To Mykonos

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Paradise Beach (or similar)

Day 6 Mykonos

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Paradise Beach (or similar)

Day 7 Mykonos To Paros

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar)

Day 8 Paros

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar)

Day 9 Paros To Santorini

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Nikos (or similar)

Day 10 Santorini

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Nikos (or similar)

Day 11 End Santorini

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!

Duration: 1 Day

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