Athens to Santorini Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2025

Athens to Santorini Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2025

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8 Days From

$1823

Athens to Santorini Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2025

8 Days Starting in Athens, Greece and ending in Santorini, Greece

Visiting: Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

GPGWSA20

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Sailing

Activities:

Walking

From: $1823

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable island-hopping adventure from Athens to Santorini, designed for young travelers aged 18-22. This tour takes you through the stunning Greek islands, starting with a sail from Athens to the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos. Explore the island's iconic windmills and blue domes before heading to Paros, where you can relax in naturally sculpted swimming coves and visit the charming fishing village of Naoussa. Finally, arrive at the picturesque island of Santorini, where you can swim at Perissa Beach and savor local delicacies like domatokeftedes. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, private transfers, and ferry travel with reserved seating, ensuring a seamless journey through Greece's most beautiful islands. With guided walking tours and plenty of free time to explore, this tour offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Highlights

  • Sail from Athens to Mykonos, enjoying the glittering sea views.

  • Explore Mykonos by night on a guided walking tour of the town's cobbled streets.

  • Visit the coastal windmills and iconic blue domes of Mykonos.

  • Discover Paros with its naturally sculpted swimming coves and traditional villages.

  • Experience the vibrant fishing village of Naoussa in Paros.

  • Arrive at the insta-famous island of Santorini and explore its capital, Fira.

  • Swim at Perissa Beach and taste local specialties like domatokeftedes in Santorini.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Start Athens

Location: Athens

Accommodation: Hotel Evripides (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Hotel Evripides (or similar)

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 8 days, then you'll have free time to explore the local area and find yourself some dinner.

Day 2: Athens To Mykonos

Location: Mykonos

Accommodation: Paradise Beach (or similar)

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 3: Mykonos

Location: Mykonos

Accommodation: Paradise Beach (or similar)

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 4: Mykonos To Paros

Location: Paros

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

Accommodation Name: Asterias (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 5: Paros

Location: Paros

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

Accommodation Name: Asterias (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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, you'll have free time to explore the local area and find yourself some dinner, before heading out to sample the local nightlife.

Day 6: Paros To Santorini

Location: Santorini

Accommodation: Kalipso Villas (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Kalipso Villas (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 an included transfer to Fira to explore Santorini's capital and roam the cobbled streets.

Day 7: Santorini

Location: Santorini

Accommodation: Kalipso Villas (or similar)

Accommodation Name: Kalipso Villas (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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 8: 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

  • Ferry Travel

    Travel between the stunning Greek islands via ferries with reserved seating, ensuring a comfortable journey from Athens to Mykonos, Mykonos to Paros, and Paros to Santorini.

  • Private Transfers

    Private transfers are included for seamless island hopping.

  • Accommodation

    Stay in comfortable accommodations such as Hotel Evripides in Athens, Paradise Beach in Mykonos, Siroco's Rooms & Studios in Paros, and Kalipso Villas in Santorini.

  • Meals

    Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner during the tour.

  • Guided Walking Tour

    Explore Mykonos by night on a guided walking tour of the town's cobbled streets.

  • Transfer to Fira

    Included transfer to Fira to explore Santorini's capital.

What's Not Included

  • Wi-Fi on Ferries

    Wi-Fi and phone signal on ferries tend to be weak, so connectivity is not guaranteed.

  • Meals Not Specified

    Meals other than the specified 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as visiting a traditional village in Paros or exploring Oia in Santorini are not included.

  • Ferry Departure & Arrival Timings

    Exact ferry departure and arrival timings are not provided and may vary.

Dining Summary

  • 7 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Dinner (D)

FAQs

  • Athens: What kind of seat will I have on the ferry? You’ll find a standard seat reserved for you while you’re sailing between the mainland and islands. (Mhm, travelling just like the locals!)
  • Athens: Will the ferries have Wi-Fi? Looking to disconnect from the world (and connect with your new travel pals)? Ferries are the place to be. The Wi-Fi and phone signal when sailing between islands (understandably) tends to be weak. That’s why we always recommend using an e-SIM or getting a local SIM so you can have continued connectivity. But there’s no need to worry if you don’t have one. All accommodations throughout the trip will have Wi-Fi available - so you can keep your Insta followers updated on all the fun!
  • Athens: Do all of the hotels have pools? Almost every time. Most of our accommodations tend to have pool facilities. But hey, you’ve got the sparkling Aegean waters of Greece by your side. So if you wanna take a swim, you’ve got the entire sea to explore.
  • Athens: Can I know what time the ferry will depart & arrive? Ferry departure & arrival timings tend to change for every trip. So if you’d like to know the exact time, you can contact our 24/7 customer service centre.
  • London: Can I share a room with my partner on this trip? Your Trip Manager will advise you on who you’ll share your room with. On this trip, you’ll stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.

Included Experience

  • Athens: All aboard! Time to sail from Athens to Mykonos, checking out that glittering sea view as we go. 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 hotel to the port.
  • 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: Don't worry about getting from the hotel to Fira, we've got you covered. (It's what we do best after all.)

Mode of Transport

Travel between the stunning Greek islands via ferries with reserved seating, ensuring a comfortable journey from Athens to Mykonos, Mykonos to Paros, and Paros to Santorini, complemented by private transfers for seamless island hopping.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable accommodations such as Hotel Evripides in Athens, Paradise Beach in Mykonos, Siroco's Rooms & Studios in Paros, and Kalipso Villas in Santorini, offering a cozy and welcoming environment throughout your island-hopping adventure.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of seating is available on the ferries during the tour?

    You will have a standard seat reserved for you while sailing between the mainland and islands, allowing you to travel comfortably like the locals.

  • Will there be Wi-Fi available on the ferries?

    Wi-Fi and phone signal on the ferries tend to be weak, so connectivity is not guaranteed. However, all accommodations throughout the trip will have Wi-Fi available.

  • Do the hotels on this tour have swimming pools?

    Most of the accommodations tend to have pool facilities, but you also have the sparkling Aegean waters of Greece nearby for swimming.

  • Can I know the exact ferry departure and arrival times?

    Ferry departure and arrival timings tend to change for every trip. For exact times, you can contact the 24/7 customer service centre.

  • Can I share a room with my partner during the trip?

    Room sharing is arranged by the Trip Manager, and you will stay in a multi-share room with other travellers of the same sex.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Monday

Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 04, 2025
$2437

Sunday - Sunday

Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 12, 2026
$1903
Athens to Santorini Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2026

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Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 23, 2026
$1823
Athens to Santorini Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2026

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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