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Spotlight on Greece & Greek Island Hopping Plus | 2024
Tour Description:
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 the Olympic games to brilliant drinking games as you experience the local island nightlife. Throw in some sunbathing, volcano spotting, canal admiration, feta, olives and you’re onto some pretty Godly indeed.
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Dates & Pricing
| Monday 13 May 24 — Sunday 26 May 24 | Starting at $3,524 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 25 May 24 — Friday 07 Jun 24 | Starting at $3,524 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 24 Jun 24 — Sunday 07 Jul 24 | Starting at $4,044 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 06 Jul 24 — Friday 19 Jul 24 | Starting at $4,044 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 22 Jul 24 — Sunday 04 Aug 24 | Starting at $4,297 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Monday 05 Aug 24 — Sunday 18 Aug 24 | Starting at $4,044 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
| Saturday 17 Aug 24 — Friday 30 Aug 24 | Starting at $4,044 | SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
Destination & SightseeingDining 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: 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!
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.
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: 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!
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.
ITINERARY
ITINERARYStart 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Santorini to Ios
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.
Ios
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.
Ios to Athens
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.
End Athens
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.
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
