Hello island lovers! Welcome to Greece, and welcome to the best holiday of your life. It's a big call to make on day 1, but we're making it! Take a minute to unpack in settle in to our hotel before we meet up this evening. First your Trip Manager will give you the rundown of what to expect over the next 10 days, then you will head out for a get-to-know-you dinner with your Contiki fam at a local taverna.
With no time to waste, we'll start our Greek 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.
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. 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.
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. Feel like exploring even further? Sign up for an optional trip to a local, family-run winery before heading to a local village and finishing off in the fishing village of Naoussa.
Another day, another Greek Island delight. Hold tight - today you have the chance to sail around Paros and some of the stunning islands around it - for a full day of sunbathing, swimming, relaxing, soaking-up-the-sunshining. Tonight, you'll have free time to explore the local area and find yourself some dinner, before heading out to sample the local nightlife.
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 a home-cooked included dinner and then an included transfer to Fira to explore Santorini's capital and roam the cobbled streets.
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, or sign up to attend a Greek wedding (some plates will be sacrificed...).
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.
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 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 Ios until the break of dawn.
While choking back the tears and waving a sad goodbye to the dreamy islands of Greece, try to think positive thoughts: we have the final ferry 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.
And just like that, it's the final day of our Greek islands trip. 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 and for those of you that have the time, there's an optional city tour and Acropolis visit.
