Highlights of Greece | 2026
Highlights of Greece | 2026
$3425
Highlights of Greece | 2026
11 Days Starting in Athens, Greece and ending in Santorini, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SGGISA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Greece with the "Highlights of Greece | 2026" tour. Begin your adventure in Athens, exploring its historic old town and iconic landmarks like the Parthenon and Acropolis. Sail across the Aegean Sea to the stunning islands of Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini, each offering unique experiences from vibrant nightlife to serene beaches. Discover the mystical rock formations of Meteora and the ancient spiritual site of Delphi, where you can engage with Greek history and culture. Enjoy seamless travel with private transfers and reserved ferry seating, and relax in comfortable accommodations throughout your trip. With guided tours, historical site visits, and a beekeeping experience in Delphi, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and leisure. Indulge in delicious Greek cuisine with included breakfasts and dinners, and create lasting memories in one of the world's most enchanting destinations.
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: 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: 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
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: 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: 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: 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: End Santorini
Location: Santorini
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
What's Included
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Meals
10 Breakfasts (B) and 4 Dinners (D) are included.
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Athens Private Transfer
Private transfer from the port to the hotel in Athens is included.
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Ferry Transfers
Reserved seating on ferries from Athens to Mykonos, Mykonos to Paros, and Paros to Santorini is included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours in Athens, including visits to the Parthenon and the Acropolis, are included.
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Visits to Historical Sites
Visits to historical sites such as the Hot Gates of Thermopylae, Meteora, and Delphi are included.
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Accommodation
Accommodation in various hotels such as Arion Hotel, Edelweiss Hotel, Amalia Hotel Delphi, Paradise Beach, Asterias, and Hotel Nikos (or similar) is included.
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Orientation in Athens
An orientation tour in Athens is included.
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Day Trip to Fira
A day trip to Fira in Santorini is included.
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Beekeeping Experience
A visit to a family-run beekeeping business in Delphi is included.
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Transport
Travel seamlessly with private transfers, reserved seating on ferries between islands, and comfortable coach rides between destinations.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the exploration of Mykonos by night and a visit to Oia and the black sand beach in Santorini 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.
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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: 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!
- 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: 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.
- Delphi: Here’s your chance to finally talk to the Oracle! And immerse yourself in Ancient Greek spiritualism.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is included during the tour?
The tour includes private transfers, reserved seating on ferries between islands, and comfortable coach rides between destinations to ensure a hassle-free experience while exploring Greece.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 10 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
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Are there any guided tours included in the itinerary?
Yes, guided tours in Athens, including visits to the Parthenon and the Acropolis, are included in the itinerary.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in comfort at various hotels such as the Arion Hotel in Athens, Edelweiss Hotel in Meteora, Amalia Hotel in Delphi, Paradise Beach in Mykonos, Asterias in Paros, and Hotel Nikos in Santorini, or similar accommodations throughout your journey.
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Is there an opportunity to experience local culture during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to a family-run beekeeping business in Delphi, where you can learn about the benefits of bees and how honey is produced, a tradition dating back to Ancient Greece.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as exploring Mykonos by night and visiting Oia and the black sand beach in Santorini are available but not included in the tour package.
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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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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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