contiki tour greece

Greek Island Hopping

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• Visit Mykonos town & see the traditional Cycladic-style houses
• See the famous windmills
• Visit Paradise Beach

What's this trip about?

Destinations, attractions, popular trips.

Mainland Greece Discovery

Cycling in Greece

Sailing Greece - Mykonos to Santorini

Mainland Greece and Islands

Athens, Santorini & Milos

Good morning island lovers! Welcome to Greece, and welcome to the best holiday of your life. Yep, big call on day 1 but we're making it! The day is yours to settle in to our hotel & start getting to know the city. Later, we'll join forces as a group & start firing up the fun over dinner.

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. This city is a time capsule of life on earth. We'll give you the chance to do an Athens' Past & Present Tour including the iconic Acropolis and Olympic Stadium, and enjoy a traditional Athens affair in the eve via the famous Plaka area of the city.

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 awe struck and in love.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Contiki .

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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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.

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• Greek food is as nourishing as it is delicious - expect salads crumbled with feta, seafood fresh from the net and hearty meals like moussaka. As well as breakfast every day, you'll be fed to 4 dinners.

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Island Hopping: Athens, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini

Greek Island Hopper

Vic Falls to Kruger

Athens, Crete, Milos and Santorini Travel Package

Greece for Foodies: 12-day Trip to Athens, Peloponnese & Crete

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Spotlight on Greece

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The one that gives you 4 days to explore 4 world heritage sites in idyllic Greece

4 days, 1 country

Accommodation

3 nights in Hotels

3 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

Average 26 people

Expert Trip Manager + Driver Team + Local Guides

Step back in time and marvel at the remnants of Ancient History with 4 days of extensive exploring in Greece. Athens, Olympia and Delphi will be uncovered through the wisdom of a Greek trip guide, giving a depth of knowledge not found traipsing around on your lonesome. Comfortable hotels and 2 dinners top off the Spotlight on Greece just perfectly. 

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General FAQs

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What is Contiki?

Contiki are the world leaders in organized 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 two values ‘Make Every Moment Count’ and ‘We’re About People’. We don’t just talk, we walk the walk and live by our brand philosophy of ‘ Travel.Together. ’ which means to travel with one another, with the destinations we visit, the people and cultures we enjoy and the environment.

You’ve never experienced travel like this.

Why only 18-35?

Focusing on 18-35 year olds allows us to tailor a dramatically more powerful travel experience and an itinerary so fun it feels like all of your best Friday nights combined.

Tailoring to select ages brings together like minded, likeable people, and allows us to use Social Travel planning to build great groups of people so fast you’ll wonder if you’ve been friends forever.

What destinations can I go to with Contiki?

A sunrise, shoreline or bright light for every whim. We are proud to offer more than 350 Global trips, intelligently designed for a seamless and simple social travel experience. Visit our search page to discover your perfect travel destination.

How does it work?

We’re reinventing hassle free travel. Whether you are a solo traveller or group you can be rest assured that there has been tonnes of planning behind every trip.

Booking with Contiki means you are saying yes to a smile inducing trip where the typically stressful elements just seem to magically happen.

No one does trips like Contiki, essential accommodation, transport, reservations and so much more is all taken care of. You can multiply the magic with trip add ons and numerous customisations for your free time.

Every single Contiki social travel trip is managed by one of our expert Trip Managers, who are there to provide hands-on support and ensure your trip runs smoothly whilst you stay in the moment.

From 2022 your good time will be good for the planet as all Contiki trips are carbon natural. Find out more here.

How many other travellers are on each trip?

Group sizes are completely dependent on where and how you choose to travel with Contiki. 

In Europe and in most of North America and New Zealand, group sizes can range between 24 – 53 awesome travellers. 

In regions like Asia, Australia, Africa and Latin America, and on some North America and New Zealand trips, our group sizes are considerably smaller – as low as 12 or up to 30 travellers max.

Detour trips offer a different type of experience and max out at 16 people led by a local host.

Wondering what is so great about travelling together? Check out the Contiki Social travel page.

Each group is administered according to our strict Covid policies which can be viewed here.

What’s included?

All essential trip elements have been catered to ensure a great time, with great people in great places. But you mean more specifically right?

Your accommodation, essential trip transport, and a good handful of meals are included in the cost of your Contiki trip (on most trips we offer breakfast every day, plus a hand-picked selection of authentic and tasty meals). 

To fill your days and Insta feeds we have Included Experiences, which are basically the sights and activities we think you just can’t afford to miss. Of course you also get our expert and highly trained team of Contiki staff to support throughout.

A day by day breakdown of inclusions and Free Time Add-Ons are available on the trip specific pages. 

We always try to accommodate special requests such as birthdays, proposals etc. Please chat to our team and we can explore how we may support the request.

What’s not included?

Contiki social travel trips have a large degree of flexibility built into them to enable you to truly own your experience. This means that some trip elements are not included in the initial cost and may require additional budgeting. 

Flights to and from your starting and ending points are not included in the cost of your trip. These can be added on during the booking process either online or via our contact center or booked independently by you.

Each trip contains the right amount of free time for you to explore or indulge your travel desires. We offer Free Time Add-Ons, which are additional experiences that are not included in the overall price. These add ons are highlighted on the specific trip page. Your Trip Manager will highlight these to you and organise their booking on trip. Exceptions may apply where pre booking is required but this will be made known to you in your pre departure information.

A number of meal times are left open for you to explore a region and its foodie offerings in greater detail, so budgeting for your taste in non-catered meals is important. 

Travel insurance and visas are also not included in the cost of your trip, and should be booked separately.

What are Contiki's sustainability credentials?

Travel comes with responsibilities. That’s why we’re determined to travel sustainably and consciously, and that’s why we’re willing to take a stand on issues closest to our hearts. Find out more details here . With the help of our four-point Climate Action Plan, we're now on a journey to Net Zero - committing to carbon reductions and evolving to support the transition to a low-carbon future. Find out more details here .

Do I need to purchase travel insurance for this trip?

Yes! It’s a requirement of traveling with Contiki that you take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, evacuation expenses, personal liability & loss of personal property and Covid related expenses before you travel with us. It’s also super important to check that your insurance covers all of the activities you’ll be trying out, particularly any adventure activities (for all you adrenaline junkies). For more information check out our full travel insurance FAQs.

Can I stay in my destination a few days before/after the trip starts/ends? And can Contiki help me arrange this?

Yes and yes! You can add pre- and post-trip accommodation to your booking in one of three ways:

When booking your trip online

In the 'My Travel Portal' after you've made your booking

By calling us any time on 0808 281 1120

In certain cities, you may even be able to secure a preferential rate for you pre- or post-trip accommodation.

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The Best Contiki Tours to Greece

Looking for an amazing tour with Contiki to Greece ? You've come to the right place, as we've analyzed all of their popular package tour options to find the absolute best based on destinations, price, service, and many other factors. Contiki is a very popular tour company with young adults in their 20's. They are well known and well established with more than 270 tours around the world to choose from. The company is one of the first tour companies that was specifically designed for younger travelers, and they offer tours for those between the ages of 18 and 35 years old, with the average age being 26 years old. Contiki has years of experience offering fun and energetic tours that focus on the aspects of travel that may appeal to the young adult crowd. Travelers who choose Contiki include both solo travelers (about 55%) and travelers with companions (about 45%). Contiki tour managers put a lot of energy into making sure the experience is fun and lively. This is a great tour for anyone who wants to make some new friends while they're experiencing new places. Travelers come from around the world with more than 50 countries represented.

• Greek Island Hopping (Gap, 11 Days) 11 Days, $2569.00
• Greek Island Hopping (Pride, 11 Days) 11 Days, $3016.00
• Greek Island Hopping (Standard, 11 Days) 11 Days, $2519.00

What are Contiki's tours like in Greece?

Here are the important factors:

• 8 trip options analyzed
• $211 average price per day (USD)
• 8 to 11 days in length
• 4.5 of 5 average rating
• 38 people or less on average

Curious about the diverse range of Contiki tours? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 38 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 8 days, while the longest is 11 days. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 8 Contiki tours, you can rest assured that Greece has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 8 Best Contiki Tours in Greece

Greek island hopping (gap, 11 days).

• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

This exceptional trip offering by Contiki has received a 5 out of 5 rating. On this 11-day journey you can unwind while also making new memories. Along the way, this journey encompasses 5 destinations, including Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. You'll start and end this amazing trip in Athens. With a group size of 35 people, it's suitable for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $234 per day.

Greek Island Hopping (Pride, 11 Days)

• On Sale: 25% Off See Prices
• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for Contiki tours.

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 5 out of 5 rating. This itinerary covers 5 captivating destinations, with stops in Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini, among others. Athens will be both the start and end of your journey. Spanning across 11 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 30 participants, and it's great for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. Brought to you by the renowned Contiki , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $206 per day - an unbeatable value. Hurry and secure your spot while this incredible sale lasts!

Greek Island Hopping (Standard, 11 Days)

• On Sale: 20% Off See Prices

This thirteen day tour of the Greek Islands takes visitors to a handful of islands. You'll enjoy visits to Mykonos, Ios, Santorini, and Athens, and you'll be given plenty of time to explore the quaint villages and beautiful landscapes. Spend some time lounging on the beaches or wander through the charming countryside while you soak up the area's culture and atmosphere. You'll dine at delicious restaurants, shop in the local stores, and soak up everything that the Greek Islands have to offer, all in the company of a fun group of young travelers. The tour begins and ends in Athens where you'll have a couple of days to explore. Then you'll travel by boat to Mykonos and enjoy the island's quaint town, picturesque windmills, and delicious cafes. From Mykonos you'll move on to Santorini where you'll visit the famous churches, take a dip in the ocean, or enjoy the famous sunset of Oia. You'll then move on to Ios, which is a bit more rugged than the other islands, but no less charming. From Ios, head back to Athens before saying goodbye to this beautiful country.

• Island Hopping

Greek Island Hopping (Plus, 11 Days)

Priced at just $193 per day, this terrific 11-day trip is ideal for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. Uncover the beauty of 5 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini. Athens will be the beginning and end of your trip. Organized by the reputable Contiki , this is one of the best tours on this list.

Athens to Santorini (Pride, 8 Days)

Check out this incredible voyage that has received a 4 out of 5 rating from previous guests. With a duration of 8 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 30 people, and is good for travelers from 18 to 35 years old. Traverse through 4 enchanting destinations, with Mykonos and Paros among the must-see stops along the route. Athens marks the starting point, while Santorini stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. This fantastic option, organized by Contiki , presents an unbeatable value at just $244 per day. Act quickly to seize the current limited-time sale and reserve your spot now.

Athens to Santorini (Standard, 8 Days)

Spanning over 8 days, this journey has a maximum size of 30 individuals. Welcoming travelers from 18 to 35 years old, it is organized by Contiki , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. This trip visits 4 destinations, including Mykonos and Paros along the way. Beginning in beautiful Athens, you'll have a terrific journey that ends in Santorini. Available at an unbeatable price of only $190 per day, this option also has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from previous guests. Hurry and secure your spot while this incredible sale lasts!

Athens to Santorini (Gap, 8 Days)

• On Sale: 5% Off See Prices

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional voyage that has garnered a 4 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 8 days, this jouney will have 30 participants, and it warmly welcomes travelers from 18 to 22 years old. Expertly organized by Contiki , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $229 per day. Act now to take advantage of the special sale price!

Athens to Santorini (Plus, 8 Days)

This memorable journey is offered by Contiki which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $214 per day. Explore 4 incredible locations on this trip, including Mykonos and Paros. Athens marks the starting point, while Santorini stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. The maximum group size is 50 people, welcoming travelers from 18 to 35 years old.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Greece , The Best Historical Tours in Greece , The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece , The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece , The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece , The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Greece , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece , The Best Adventure Tours to Greece , The Best Eco Tours in Greece , The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece , The Best Cultural Tours in Greece , The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Greece , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Greece , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece , The Best Self Drive Tours in Greece , The Best Walking Tours in Greece , The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Greece , The Best Luxury Tours to Greece , The Best Budget Tours to Greece , The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece , or The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

Also, if you're departing from a specific destination, see The Best 3-Day Tours from Athens , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Corfu , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Mykonos , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Chania , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Heraklion , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Alimos , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Thessaloniki , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Milos , The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rhodes , The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens , or The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens for more package tour options.

How much do Contiki tours to Greece cost?

After analyzing 8 Contiki tours in Greece, we found the average price to be a remarkably economical $211 per day. Naturally, this region has many fantastic options for Contiki tours with a variety of prices. The individual costs will vary by the destinations, travel style, available dates, and other factors. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Greece .

And for more information on Greece, see Greece Travel Costs and Greece Hotel Costs .

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Playing Well With Others: Traveling with Contiki

I’m a yes girl. I’ve always prided myself on that. Travel has been a natural extension to that facet of my personality – I love how it continually pushes me out of my comfort zone and forces or invites me to try things I’m not sure how I feel about. In some cases, I’m lucky enough that something I assumed I’d loathe – camping or cruising, for example – turns out to be unexpectedly entertaining.

This is what I told myself as I stared at the ceiling in a dark hotel room in Athens, Greece, wracked with nervous insomnia, tossing and turning the night before checking in for my first ever group travel experience – a Contiki Greek Island Hopper . I’d just wrapped up my first week in Greece in what is more or less my usual style – independently, slowly, and either solo or with a temporary travel buddy. It was sublime. And I was about to switch gears entirely.

Twelve days. Four stops. Eighty people. One group.

My yes girl ways had gotten me this far – when Contiki invited me to join one of their trips anywhere in the world, I certainly wasn’t going to start no girling then! — but in the weeks leading up to the tour I started to doubt my decision. I confided in close friends that I thought I’d made a mistake – how was I, an independent traveler with a control freak streak and a penchant for eye rolling, going to enjoy two weeks under the thumb of a tour group? I started to descend into panic – what was I even going to write about?

Thirteen days later, I was back in that same Athens hotel, staring at the ceiling once again. But this time, I was smiling.

Guys.   I can’t even explain the warm fuzzies I have when I think about this trip.

You’re going to hear all about the mouth-gapingly gorgeous beaches, the world-famous beach parties, the whitewashed cities and the dreamy sunsets. Yet when my mind wanders to this trip, something else comes up first, and it was the aspect that had actually stressed me out the most, pre-departure: the group itself. I was terrified there would be no one there I’d connect to or click with, and I’d spent the bulk of the trip muttering sarcastic jokes to myself while everyone else jovially toasted their new found friends over ouzo.

Turns out, my fellow Contikiers were amazing. The vast majority were Australian, though there were Americans, Canadians, Brits and other passport holders strewn about as well. I was impressed with what a wide range of backgrounds and careers the group came from, from medical field graduate students to tech geniuses to high school teachers. But what I came away with most of all? What an overall smart, funny, and genuinely sweet and lovely group of humans they all were. Months later, I’m still in touch with a fair amount of them – the close group of girls I bonded with has a Facebook thread where we update each other on our lives, while a larger group of the full crew we partied with keeps me regularly giggling. Upon parting, many of us made plans to visit and/or travel with each other again – and I genuinely plan to do so.

When I was describing the trip to a somewhat skeptical long term expat friend of mine, I kept coming back to one description: refreshing enthusiasm. To my knowledge, I was the most well traveled person among the 80ish people on my tour. But rather than feeling frustrated by that, I felt refreshed by it. Many in the group were in the discovery phase of their great love affair with travel, and I loved the keen conversations that took place every day about big dream trips, travel bucket lists, and where we were all headed next. There was no one-upmanship, no jaded pretension, no cheaplympics — just a bunch of people cheering each other on in their plans to see the world in whatever way they got excited about.

Why Contiki?

Why do people choose group travel? I expected that for most, it was because they were uncomfortable with the idea of traveling independently, or at the very least more comfortable with the idea of traveling on a tour. And that was true. But there were answers that surprised me — some were backpacking Europe independently all summer and simply wanted a vacation from their travels. Some typically traveled solo and wanted a built-in party crew for the Greek isles. Some were couples looking for a stress-free getaway — and even one set of honeymooners. And there was at least one pesky travel blogger constantly asking all kinds of “what motivates you to travel?” style questions.

While I don’t have much to compare it to, there were a few things that I gave Contiki kudos for:

• A Niche Audience . Contiki is known for being fairly nightlife oriented and specifically targets the 18-35 crowd (the group I bonded with was mostly 23-30). For the most part everyone knew exactly what they were getting into, and there was an upbeat and youthful vibe. Even those that didn’t party like rockstars were laughing over the recounted antics at group breakfast the mornings after.

• Great hotels. Our Athens digs had a gorgeous rooftop overlooking the ocean, our Mykonos hotel was Mediterranean chic, the Santorini base was seconds from downtown Fira, and our Ios accommodation was so amazing I plan to return for a minimum of a week someday in the future.

• Flexibility. My Contiki itinerary included all breakfasts, no lunches, and one dinner per island. It was a perfect mix of guaranteed group time with no negotiations or planning necessary, and free time to grab a quick gyro or go out with a smaller set of friends. During the day, you could choose to do your own thing or join one of what Contiki calls Me Time optionals, add on extras such as a traditional Greek dancing dinner in Athens or a sailing trip around Ios. Because I was going all in on this whole Contiki thing, I only skipped two out of the trip’s eight optionals – a tour of the Acropolis and a sunset in Oia – because I’d done them both before.

• Convenience. No lies: My friend Heather and I, who have probably two decades of travel experience between us, were nearly frustrated to tears by the experience of booking one ferry from Santorini to Athens in the week before the tour departed. And the one we booked turned out to be a nightmare. Handing over the reigns to someone else to make all the travel arrangements – and score us the perfect seats on the best boats – felt deliciously good. Even, or perhaps especially, for this typically micromanaging control freak.

• Amazing Tour Guides. Because it was the middle of high season and our group was so large, we had two tour guides at the helm – Ed and Paola. Both blew me away from the first meeting with their knowledge of our destinations, their no-nonsense advice, and their seamless handling of a group the size of a small graduating class. (The cheeky lectures Paola gave on alcohol serving sizes in Australia versus Greece and the expectations of aggressively flirtatious Italians in Mykonos had me begging her to quit her job and travel the world with me. She was like the sassy older cousin everyone wishes they had.)

Why not Contiki?

I adored this tour and thought often of friends back home who I thought it would be the perfect fit for, mostly those who are curious about traveling internationally but aren’t quite ready to jump into a big independent backpacking trip. Yet I can see why it wouldn’t be for everyone.

• Pace. While the Greek Island Hopper is slow paced in Contiki world , we still moved insanely fast for my taste – I was extremely grateful I had spent five days in Santorini beforehand, or I would never had had time to do everything I wanted to on that island.

• Partying. This was an incredibly party-heavy trip. I both expected and wildly enjoyed that – after all, Mykonos and Ios are world renown nightlife destinations. But I could see how it might be off-putting or ostracizing for those that didn’t realize what they were in for. And, sidenote, the Contiki Cough is real — I don’t know a single person that escaped immune system completely intact after putting their body through so little sleep and so much travel and play.

• Price. This trip is a splurge. What you get in return is good value — generally I was blown away by the hotels, we traveled on the best ferries and the included meals were for the most part great — but it’s still undeniably pricier than if you went solo and hosteled it the whole time. You get what you pay for, however, I do wish that some of the add-on excursions had been slightly more reasonably priced.

• Politics. Take seventyish girls and seven guys, add several servings of alcohol and a dash of travel exhaustion, and blend well for two weeks. A bit of drama is inevitable. I would have to say for me personally, as someone who works and travels alone the vast majority of the time, I took some guilty pleasure in this aspect of my Contiki. What can I say? It was kind of like watching a really juicy TV show! (I mean like are you guys watching Scandal or what? Discuss in the comments.)

Am I hanging up my independent traveler title to sign on to an endless string of Contikis? No. I love traveling solo, I love getting lost. I love the hunt and I love the challenge. But damnit, sometimes I love having a stress-free fun, too. I will absolutely consider group travel again in the future, should I need a break from planning (for example, basically anywhere ferry schedules are involved), should I be visiting a region where I like the idea of a built-in crew of travel buddies, or should I head somewhere that is either unpleasant or unwise to travel alone as a single woman.

Waiting for my flight out of Greece, I dedicated a quick Facebook status to my Greek party crew. I think it pretty much says it all.

I consider myself a bit of a one woman wolf pack when it comes to travel, so imagine how surprised I was to be all broken up saying goodbye to these fools. Thanks for reminding me how to play well with others (and how to contract bronchitis). Lots of love.

And now, let’s head to the islands, shall we? First stop, Mykonos…

Have you ever been on a group tour like Contiki? What was your experience like?

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it is ALL about the group, isn’t it? although i was still pretty grumpy on my only ever group tour (to israel), despite the awesome company. probably ‘cuz i was 19, stuck on a bus half the time & consistently cock-blocked from really good raves. in caves. sigh…

The bus thing would be a problem for me. One of the reasons I chose this trip over others was that we traveled by FERRY! From what I heard of other Contiki trips in Europe, they would have involved way too much bus time for me.

And yeah, on a Contiki trip, they organize shuttles to and from the raves 🙂

I’m going on my first group travel adventure in May with MedSailors. I’m sailing through the Greek Isles so I’m excited to read more about your adventures! Like you, I much prefer traveling solo as I tend to drive travel mates crazy with my need to be a control freak and do something from sun up to sun down. But, I’m excited to try something different and meet some new friends (and perhaps new travel buddies). And I absolutely LOVE Scandal! I want to be Olivia Pope when I grow up! 🙂

I’m so glad someone actually responses to my Scandal query. Right now, that and Nashville are the two loves of my life. I cannot get enough! And have an amazing time with MedSailors — that sounds like a great trip!

I’ve never done a large group tour like this before. I think the fast pace of it and rigid schedule has always made me shy away from them. It would be nice to meet fellow travelers, and get to know them well though! P.S. I am watching scandal literally right now, I have 3 episodes to catch up on after being away for a few weeks! Eek!

I have a few episodes saved up right now and I literally cannot wait for my long bus ride tomorrow in order to watch them, ha! As for the rigidity of the schedule, I liked that Contiki was pretty flexible. I loved the free time on each island which I used to do the kind of laid back stuff I typically do when I travel — read a book by the sea, get a manicure, etc. And, in my case of course, work!

Yes! I am loving the Greece posts! And I completely agree. I normally prefer to travel independently but sometimes a kick-ass group tour can give you a new group of best friends and a much needed break from the stress of travel planning. It’s nice to switch it up sometimes.

Now… I am planning an upcoming trip to Greece and the ferry schedule drama you speak of is definitely concerning… Did you find any sites that were accurate or helpful in your research?

Unfortunately I did not. We were pretty overwhelmed, and being in person at the ferry terminals only exacerbated that. They were madhouses! I obviously could and would have survived doing it on my own but damn, was it nice to follow someone around for a little while!

Group holidays aren’t something I’ve ever really thought about doing before. I imagine it’d be good for pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and trying things you’d usually overlook. Interesting to think about, thanks!

You are very welcome, Gemma 🙂 I’ve heard other travelers sing the praises of group travel before but I assumed it was for inexperienced travelers who still needed training wheels on. This trip showed me there are many more reasons someone might chose to travel this way occasionally.

I’ve traveled with a group a few times in the past and they turned out to be great experiences with some amazing people. However, the largest group I traveled with was 25 people (which seemed like too much at times), so I can’t begin to fathom a group of eighty?!

Because August is super high season, it was actually two groups merged into one. Hence the two tour guides. In a way, I didn’t mind it. There were plenty of people I still barely recognized by the end, but I had a huge pool from which to find amazingly close friends in!

I’ve never done a group tour… but a ratio of 70ish girls to SEVEN dudes?? Not sure I like those odds 🙂

A lot of people seem to dig the Contiki tours, even those who didn’t think they would like group tours. I think that says a lot about the company!

Haha, there were some seriously devastated girls on the first day 🙂 The group the week before was much more balanced, so I guess it’s just the luck of the draw. And yeah, Contiki is great at what they do. If you’re looking for a carefree good time, you’ll find it!

You’ve really inspired me to think about travel, adventure, and discovery from so many different aspects. I love that you’re a yes girl. Virtually tagging along through all of your various travel styles is always fun! I don’t think anything would have ever really motivated me to look into such a huge group tour other than reading this. Now Contiki will definitely be on my radar for the future. But sheesh. That is a lot of girls. I don’t encourage drama BUT I’m sure I would have gotten a kick out of the reality TV-like shenanigans as well, ha.

That is a huge compliment Kristen, thanks! Part of the reason I was curious to try this trip was to see if it was something I could recommend to the many readers who write me looking for advice about how to start traveling for the first time. I’m glad you guys enjoy coming along with me while I research 🙂

I’ve done 4 group trips. Greece, Italy and Cuba all through programs organized through my University and Costa Rica through a regular tour company. I really enjoyed the university trips while I was in college, because they mixed educational lectures with sightseeing during the day with some free time for relaxing, napping, shopping and evenings were free for long leisurely dinners and partying. The regular tour in Costa Rica was super boring. All they did was bus us around from hotel to hotel and it was up to us to figure out how to fill our days. I’ve come to not appreciate being carted around in a giant bus. I much prefer to travel in small groups and travel by train or vehicle.

You made me realize that I actually have done a group trip before — I did a two week exchange to Costa Rica in high school! I guess it was so long ago I kind of forgot to consider it 🙂 It’s always good to recognize that you do and don’t like in travel — I don’t think a big bus tour would be for me either. I enjoyed traveling as a group on public transit, it was a great balance!

Morning Alex 🙂

Ok, so you’ve just done something I thought no one would – make me reconsider group travel. And with *Contiki* even.

Contiki don’t have a great reputation amongst my friends, based 90% on acquaintances we know who go on Contiki. They tend to be the people who want their travel story to go something like “I got so drunk in Prague, totally wasted in Berlin, I don’t even remember Amsterdam…” – why travel if all you want to do is pass out? I’ve never understood that.

I’ve done group travel myself, and it was a mixed bag. The convenience was awesome, the pace suited me, the guide was fantastic, and we had some amazing experiences I know I couldn’t have had on my own. But the group made me angry a lot of the time. Most of them had very little respect for the local culture and people, loudly saying how strange and even awful they found things, and they couldn’t understand why I’d rather explore temples than nurse a hangover gained in bars so like the ones I could go to at home. There was a lot of drama in the group – one married couple actually split up – and it just made everything uncomfortable. Maybe in that sense have a huge group of 80 would have been better – the company I went with keeps groups at 15 – there would have been more people to talk to when things got awkward. But my overwhelming feeling on my group trips was one of loneliness. I never feel lonely when I travel alone, because it’s a choice I’ve made and it’s so easy to meet people. But when the group decides you’re weird for wanting to try street food or going to odd little museums and decides they don’t want much to do with you, it makes for a very lonely couple of weeks.

But on the other side of things, you’ve reminded me what was great about group travel. The convenience, the local knowledge, and the unique experiences that are really hard to organise for just one person, such as sailing. I think it would help to be in a place with a more western culture such as Greece, because people are less likely to do things mortifyingly rude out of ignorance. And with such a big group, surely there’d be *someone* you’d click with…

Sailing the Greek or Turkish islands is high on my list. Maybe that’s the way to do it. 🙂

We’ll see… Martina 🙂

Well, I won’t deny there’s a lot of partying that takes place on a Contiki 🙂 I think in some locations, this might bother me as I’d feel guilty about being nocturnal and missing prime sightseeing hours during the day. But the Greek islands would have been a nightlife destination for me regardless, so it was fun to have a great group to share it with!

The loneliness you describe was exactly what I was afraid of. I guess I was pretty pleased with the size of my group, because it meant there was a higher chance I’d click with some percentage. And it was true! I loved my little crew. They definitely thought I was a nutjob for staying in working some nights and for some of my stories and comments, but somehow I managed to charm them regardless 🙂

Glad you enjoyed your Contiki tour! Watching the drama can be a lot of fun ;P And yes, LOVE Scandal – although I am yet to watch the 4th season ahhh!

I’ve done some group travel before with both Contiki and G Adventures. They were absolute whirlwind trips – a hell of a lot of fun and with some great people (never in a group of ~80, that’s crazy!) I do prefer travelling independently and being able to have control of my itinerary, so I think group travel might not be something I do again.

Scandal is killing me right now. I can’t get enough of the soaps! I love the G Adventures philosophy and after this experience I’d definitely consider trying their trips as well.

That’s awesome that you were able to enjoy it so much! I think my skepticism of the group tour thing would have totally gotten in the way of my enjoying it, haha.

I think it’s good for me sometimes, to be forced to drop my naturally inherent wall of skepticism 🙂 This was a nice reminder to do so.

How brave in a troupe of so many young women!

I’m glad you enjoyed yourself, I’m not sure I could have done as well as you… (it may be my age talking now) 😉

Our group filled all edges of the age range 🙂 I think the group I bonded with was mostly about 23-30. All young at heart, though!

I’m so happy to hear that the group tour experiment was such a great success! I know you weren’t crazy about the idea but I guess it really is all about the people. I think the main reason I’ve never done group travel is because of the cost. I’ve looked into it but it always seems I can travel longer and see more by doing things independently. That being said, I think group travel would have been a great option when I was a newbie backpacker. Even now, it would be kind of nice to relinquish control and have someone else figure out all the logistics for me!

The cost is definitely a major factor. I guess you have to consider that there’s an added cost for someone doing all the planning and logistics for you 🙂 At least on this trip I was incredibly impressed by the quality of the accommodation — it was much nicer than the dorms I would have stayed in had I traveled independently!

I love how honest you are in this. I’m actually really intrigued by Contiki and though I’ve never been on a trip before, I would certainly consider it. I think it’d be nice to have a built-in group of people to party and explore unfamiliar areas with. Plus not having to worry about details sounds perfect. Of course, you pay for convenience, which is what has put me off so far. I think once my Central America trip is over, though, that if I head to Europe I will definitely join a tour just to get a different experience.

Glad you enjoyed your trip!

Nice, Sky! That will be a cool experience. And yes, the built in travel crew is perfect for somewhere like the Greek islands 🙂

Like you I love travelling solo (or with significant other because he’s quite happy for me to build the itinerary and make all the travel arrangements including which hostel to stay in and where to eat), however I have chosen to take group trips to. The reason is quite simply because it’s easier when you have limited time. I still hold down a full-time job most of the time (I’ve been lucky enough to take a couple of long-term trips) so when I only have 2-3 weeks, I can see a lot more on a group holiday where the itinerary is pre-planned and arranged. Things like bus and train travel can often only be orealised when in the country so if solo I’d spend my time organising onward travel instead of sight-seeing, so everything just takes longer. Like you as well, I’ve ended up sharing my trips with an interesting and diverse bunch of people 🙂

I know how you feel. When I was planning my six weeks in Europe, my head almost exploded from all the flights, hostels, and logistics. Being able to take two weeks of planning off my plate was a godsend! It really felt like a vacation.

I typed that on my phone and auto correct took over so apologies for errors! *too* and *organised* should have checked before pressing ‘submit’!

Although I usually prefer solo travel, I have done a few fantastic group tours in Egypt, Turkey and sailing in Croatia. They can definitely be a fun way to travel and meet people and especially in countries that you may not feel comfortable in travelling by yourself (Egypt for me). Not sure if my liver could handle a notorious Contiki tour though!

Ha… it was heavy on the happy hours! I would definitely consider joining a tour group somewhere like The Middle East or Africa, to kind of get my training wheels for the region.

I did a group topdeck 2 years ago and it changed my life, what else could be better. I did it at the start of a big europe trip and it was incredible getting my feet as i had just turned 18, I highly recommend it to anyone, although after a month of it it was nice to go solo but none the less it was amazing. Similarly most of them were australians and i have just in fact got back from visiting those mates on the other side of the country for 21st parties and what not. Some of them are my best friends even though they live on the other side of the country. Do it

So glad you had such a great experience, Sean! And I love hearing that you still keep in touch with your friends from the trip, and even went to visit them. Lovely story.

and since then in every break for the last 2 and half years i have saved money and gone on a trip, including south africa, vietnam , Japan , Thailand ,and the east coast of AUS, im now about to go to canada and the USA for a year, It changed the way i thought about everything so in that logic , i would recommend it

I really liked this review Alex. Your blog is one of the only ones that makes me feel like I’m always getting an honest opinion. I’ve always heard that contiki tours were very party heavy, but sounds like it could be great under the right circumstances.

Also, I haven’t gotten into scandal but I must admit Nashville is a guilty pleasure of mine.

I AM SO OBSESSED WITH NASHVILLE! Thank you for bringing this up, ha! Nashville and Scandal are my two insanely guilty pleasures, and I just can’t stop listening to the Nashville soundtrack. So good! So, er, as for the topic of this post, ha — yes, Contikis are infamous for their partying. The comments section has enlightened me as usual and I realize that part of the reason I enjoyed this tour so much was because (1) it was one in which we were traveling via public transit and (2) these are party hardy destinations in their own right, so it was a pretty perfect fit.

Sounds like you had a lot of fun! I’m a bit of a lone wolf like you when it comes to travel (I once hid on a tiny Cambodian island for several days to escape a girl I’d just met who insisted we be ‘travel buddies’) but I did once do a group tour to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. It was a spur of the moment decision – but I ended up making some great friends and having a blast. I even met a guy I ended up dating for over a year!

I’d say that sounds like a serious win, Miranda 🙂 Ugh, the Ha Long Bay tour is one that haunts me — I am desperate to get back to Vietnam to do it! Can’t believe I still haven’t!

The only package group trip I’ve been on was to Europe, right after high school. It was a perfect last hurrah with some of my school friends, as well as a great chance to learn what places I absolutely had to go back to and explore further!

That’s the way I felt when I went on a Mediterranean cruise too… like it was a sampler platter and I was finding out what islands I liked enough to go back to 🙂

I’ve been on many group tours since I was 5 years old and it was a lot of fun when I was younger.

I took a break from group travels when I was 20 (I mainly travelled as a couple or solo afterwards) and decided last year to try a group tour again with G Adventures (7 years later).

I didn’t enjoy it as much as I used to. Maybe because I’m older now :p The usual fears cropped up again: What if no one likes me.

It all depends on the group dynamic. I’ve had some great trips with great people who I still call friends now, but there have been trips where I couldn’t wait for it to be over.

That would be so sad, to be on a tour where you couldn’t wait for it to be over! I’ve been in that situation on a day tour… can’t imagine a long one like this! Glad you’ve had some good experiences in there too!

Hi Alex, I think some trips are definitely not for me! 🙂

And that’s the beauty of life and travel 🙂 Everyone’s looking for something different…

I did my first ever stint travelling in South America with G Adventures and I loved it.We travelled on local transport, had lots of free time and a good mix of partying and chilling. My group were amazing, I was even invited to a couple’s recent wedding, and some of the guides were fantastic. My first guide helped me so much when my luggage was lost by my airline, even taking me shopping and helping me find contact lenses!

I now travel solo and love it. I think group travel very much depends on the destination. When living in Africa I would see the overlanders, spending 2-3 days in Malawi and most of their days on buses and could not imagine it. But the ferry sounds much better.

I like hearing that you were able to travel on public transit even on an overland tour. I think I would really appreciate that! I liked being on the ferries… and liked having someone else book it for me 🙂

Sounds like awesome fun! Can’t wait to read about all the adventures in your upcoming posts!

Glad to hear that Emily! If you don’t already you can subscribe by email so you never miss a post!

I’ve honestly never been on a tour that I haven’t loved in some way or another. I see them as a great way to balance out a long independent trip with the chance to meet some like minded travellers who are there to have a good time too. And as you said they are perfect for those places that are nightmares when it comes to logistics. For the most part the guides I have had have all been some of the most awesome people I have met travelling.

My hat is off to all these tour guides — I can’t imagine how hard it would be! I know I wouldn’t last a week.

You met Paola!!! She’s amazing!

She is indeed! She made my tour fantastic 🙂

I’ve heard a bit about these tours from Australians I knew back in London; they always sounded too boozy and fast-paced for me but after reading this I can see the appeal a bit more. I’m glad you had a great time, this is a good reminder that we should all push ourselves out of our comfort zone 🙂

While I thought this was a fairly fast paced tour, it’s actually one of their more relaxed itineraries 🙂 It’s nice they are expanding their offerings though!

Yup, I have been on group tours before – in fact, I’m on one right now! I would never want to travel exclusively on group tours, but they ARE a nice break sometimes. It’s so nice to have someone worry about all the details – and the people on all the tours I’ve been on have been amazing. I’ve even met up with quite a few of them in other corners of the world. And, in my mind, more travel friends is NEVER a bad thing!

(Though 80 seems like such a huge group! Eek!)

I mean, yeah, it was huge. On the last day there were still people who I swore I had never seen before, ha! But I almost felt like I was on a tour of fifteen, since that’s about how big the little friend group we naturally formed was.

I’ve done two Contiki tours, back when I was 20 and 21. The first one was amazing and I met people I’m still friends with on it. We had the most dynamic group. The second was still really good as well. I don’t know if it would be a perfect fit for me now but I definitely think it’s great for first timers, or even experienced travelers who like to do tours, to ease into traveling.

I definitely think they can be a great training wheels situations for first time travelers. I have some friends at home that I know would love to travel internationally but are hesitant to go out and hop in — I thought so many times during the tour how this would be perfect for them.

Ahhh Greece is my dream trip! Trying to figure out how to make it happen next year, I think it’s time! Your photos are magical!

Question though, as for the group trip: Were most other people in the group traveling alone too? I’d be scared it would be me and a bunch of people who already had a friend or friends with them.

It was a mix. There were plenty of sets of friends and couples, but I was surprised how many of us were there solo. In fact, almost every single person in my close friend group was. I guess we gravitated towards each other!

Interesting take on the group tour experience. We’ve never toured with a group larger than our family and rarely even use guides, but we were talking recently about how almost all the guides we’ve had have really been great. Perhaps it’s time to think about trying something different like a group setting. I think the key, as you said, is having as good an idea as you can of what you’re getting into. Perhaps by reading blogs 😉

Bingo! 🙂 I looked long and hard for detailed accounts or reviews of this and other itineraries and couldn’t find much. I’m hoping this will help other travelers in the future figure out if this trip is right for them!

I would be having those exact same anxieties the night before a trip like that! 80 people?!? Holy. Crap. It has got to be a strange adjustment to go from solo travel to that many people. I’m glad you tried it!

It was a crash course, that’s for sure 🙂 Also, I definitely didn’t know there would be that many people until I showed up at orientation, ha!

Wow, 80 is a lot! Especially if you’re used to travelling alone. I think 30 is probably the most I’ve travelled with and, well, prob not my thing…:-)

Different strokes for different (travel) folks 🙂

I recently returned from a group tour trip in Thailand; some of the things you’ve written in this post relate to that trip so well! I was in a group of 18 and it was very much like a scandalous TV show at times, I loved it. I also signed up for activities I assumed I’d loathe, such as sleeping in the jungle, hiking, white water rafting, snorkelling…but I loved them all, being in a group situation sort of pushed me to do things I might not have done on my own. It was my first travelling experience, I made some incredible friends; I personally would do a group tour again as I don’t think I’m quite ready to go completely alone yet. I’m going to do an Indochina discovery tour, and I was actually looking into a Contiki tour of the West Thailand islands. This comment is getting a bit lengthy now, but I really enjoyed reading this post, and I love your blog!

So glad to hear you had a good time, Natalie, and funny that we had such a similar experience. Congrats on a big leap into a life of travel 🙂

I’ve done 2 Contiki tours and enjoyed them both. Meet some amazing people that I still talk with to this day. Yes they are fast paced but I was a travel novice so Contiki was the best route for me. Ohhhh the Scandal moments are very entertaining.

After 2 group tours I want to try traveling solo. What advice do you have for the beginner solo traveler? Where should I start?

Go to Southeast Asia! There’s amazing tourism infrastructure, it’s super safe, there are tons and tons of other solo travelers milling about, and it’s of course just a to-die-for destination 🙂 I can’t think of a better place to travel solo!

Ahh I’m SO glad I read this post, I’m going on this trip in June, and I had no idea what to expect, but I’m even more excited after reading your blog!

PS – I LOVE SCANDAL! I want to be Olivia Pope, or at least have her wardrobe if all else fails!

Oh my gosh Lauren, I wish I could do it all over again! As summer approaches I’m definitely having flashbacks to this trip 🙂 I miss my group!

I’m so glad I came across your blog post, so inspiring thank you! I have been wanting to start a travel blog for a while now. I’m 22 I feel as though I haven’t found myself yet as a person and I definitely think travelling will open up my eyes to this amazing world we live in. I will be doing the Greek Island Hopping 13 day tour next year and another contiki before that. Thanks heaps for this post! Will be stumbling upon more of your articles. Also do you mind me asking what camera and lens you use? I’m into photography and your photos are incredible! xx

Hey Auriel! That sounds like an amazing trip you have coming up 🙂 Check out my obsessions page for all the details on my camera gear. Happy travels!

I stumbled across your blog from Pinterest…I did a Greece contiki and had Paola as well. She was AMAZING! Loved reading your blog and so glad you enjoyed her as much as we did. She was incredible!!

Oh my gosh, I miss Paola! She IS amazing. Glad you found me 🙂

Oh wow! You had Poala too! She was my tour guide for my Spotlight on Greece + 3 Day Greek Islands Cruise at the end of 2013. She was amazing!

Isn’t she the best?! I miss Paola! I’d go back to Greece just to see her 🙂

Love your post! I’m going on a trip in May and could not be more excited. Although a little nervous because I’m 32, and I know the group is usually much younger. Was there anyone that age on your tour?

Yup! There were plenty in the group around that age — two of the friends I really bonded with were there celebrating their 30th birthdays. I found my group on the whole to be really open and warm. I’m sure you’ll find the same, good luck!

Hi I am doing this tour in August and was wondering if anyone can help me must takes when packing or any advice in general that they wish they knew about beforehand! Xo

Hey Eliza! I would pack lots of cute clothes because you’ll never be photographed so much in your life, ha. Everyone on the trip had a camera and was snapping constantly — I’m used to being the only one on a trip annoying everyone with photos so I loved it. I packed mostly bikinis, sundresses, and going out clothes for night. Enjoy!

Alex — I just came across your post and saw your last photo (the tubing). Do you know what company this was in Ios? I am handicap and I think sitting in this couch like tube would be best for me! I am going to Greece this summer with my sister 🙂

Hey Maria! That was at Far Out Beach Club, their in-house watersports center. I hope it works for you and you have an amazing trip 🙂

Love how the forum is going four years strong! Alex, I am interested in the Greek Week Tour but would like to know more about the hotels. The tour says it is quad share hotels. Does each hotel room have a bathroom/shower or is there a common bathroom like how it is in dorms? Lastly from your knowledge does this tour consist of majority females or balanced. I believe you said there was only 7 guys? In that case are the hotels same-sex quad share or will they try to group males together and females together? My final question is was there lots of exploring on the island during the day or mainly just days at the beach? Would love to get your insights! Thanks 🙂

Hey Philip! We had a private bathroom for each room on my specific tour, but we also had double share rooms so perhaps it is a different tour. Our tour was HEAVILY female but the guides said this changes every week and you never really know what you’re going to get. They did room assignments by gender!

We did island exploring in Santorini and city exploring in Athens, while Mykonos and Ios were more beach days — but those are more beach destinations 🙂 Hope that helps!

Thanks for the info! I guess my final question is if the hotels (in Mykonos and Ios) are centrally located (i.e. near night clubs, markets that have locals, etc)? How would you rate the quality of hotels? Do you recommend any excursions in Mykonos or Ios (i.e. A Night Out in Mykonos me time optional)?

Thanks heaps!

Where we stayed in Mykonos was quite remote. Ios it was kind of the “second hub” after town and Ios is teeny so I didn’t feel isolated at all there. The Santorini one was right in town. I actually loved all the hotels! The one in Ios especially was amazing! I did every single Me Time optional of the trip minus the Oia sunset, as I’d already seen it many times and wanted to get some work done 🙂 Good luck!

Awesome. Thanks Alex!!

You’re so welcome Philip! Enjoy the trip!

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