Greek Explorer | Summer | 2025
Greek Explorer | Summer | 2025
Greek Explorer | Summer | 2025
11 Days Starting and ending in Athens
Visiting: Athens, Delphi, Galaxidi, Meteora, Kalabaka, Zagori, Ioannina, Corfu, Olympia, Nafplion
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BGEXP20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 16
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "Greek Explorer | Summer | 2025" tour, a cultural odyssey through the heart of Greece. Starting in Athens, you'll explore the historic Plaka neighborhood and the legendary Acropolis. Travel to Delphi to witness the Oracle and the Temple of Apollo, then marvel at the mystical monasteries of Meteora. Experience the tranquility of Zagori, the beauty of Corfu, and the ancient wonders of Olympia. Conclude your adventure in Nafplion, with a visit to the famous Mycenae site before returning to Athens. This tour promises a rich blend of history, archaeology, and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Dorian Inn (or similar)
We’ll start out in Athens (where else?) Say hey to your Trip Manager and get to know your Contiki crew who’ll be your fav people in the world in 11 days’ time (trust us.) Our first activity is an Athens orientation walk, where we’ll explore the Plaka neighborhood – famed for its cobbled streets, ancient monuments and saucy ceramics.
Day 2: Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Dorian Inn (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to your first full day. To celebrate, we’ll up our sightseeing game, complete with a local guide to answer all your burning questions about ancient Greece. The jewel in today’s crown is the legendary Acropolis of Athens. With a free day to look forward to after our guided tour, you’ll have plenty of time to absorb its magic, and check out the nearby museum (which we highly recommend.) Peckish? Athens is renowned for its grilled meats and veggies, so do make sure you give them a try.
Day 3: Athens To Galaxidi Via Delphi
Location: Athens, Delphi, Galaxidi
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Europa Beach Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and shine, Greek explorers! We’ll start with breakfast and then hit the road.
Bucket lists at the ready, folks. We’re going to be doing some hardcore ticking on our stop-off at Delphi. You’ll see the site of Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi – once the intellectual and spiritual center of the ancient classical world, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Make sure you save some excitement for the Temple of Apollo, which dates back to the 4th century B.C. After marvelling at the ancient stadium, we’ll enjoy a local lunch and then continue on our journey to Galaxidi… light on our feet but with hearts throbbing from newfound historical lore.
After views of Venetian fortresses on our journey, we’ll touch down in the magical Galaxidi. Once you get settled at tonight’s accom, we recommend a stroll down to the harborside and sampling the local fish.
Day 4: Galaxidi To Kalambaka Via Meteora
Location: Galaxidi, Meteora, Kalabaka
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Edelweiss Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we’ll eat breakfast and then set off for one VERY picturesque drive to Meteora.
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.
Tonight will probably be reserved for pics, pics and more pics.
Day 5: Kalambaka To Zagori
Location: Kalabaka, Zagori
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we’re off to the mountains as we continue fattening up our insta feeds. Zagori averages about 4 inhabitants per square kilo – so basically it’s tranquil AF and you’ll experience some serious zen here. This afternoon, you’re free to hike the riverbanks and continue taking in this area’s natural beauty at your own pace.
Day 6: Zagori
Location: Zagori
Accommodation Name: A conveniently located hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Home to stone villages, epic caves and traditional monasteries. There's plenty in Zagori to keep you wide-eyed with wonder... especially Vikos Canyon, which might be one of the best views on planet Earth. Good thing you've got all day to explore however you like, right?
Day 7: Zagori To Corfu
Location: Zagori, Ioannina, Corfu
Accommodation Name: Karda Bungalows (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Zo long, Zagori. It’s been delightful… truly.
En-route to Corfu, we’ll stop off at Ioannina to admire Lake Pamvotis and learn all about the fascinating history surrounding the Agios Panteleimon monastery. (His Dark Materials fans, this is your moment…)
Ferry good. We’ll travel on the water to Corfu, where you'll have a free evening to relax and wander to your heart’s content.
Day 8: Corfu
Location: Corfu
Accommodation Name: Karda Bungalows (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you're free to soak up this sun-kissed island however you like. Whether you're going all out for the historic fortresses and palaces, or you're just kicking back by the beach, it's completely your call.
Day 9: Corfu To Olympia
Location: Corfu, Olympia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Neda Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We’ll take a ‘marathon’ journey to a destination that’s worthy of at least a silver medal. (Wink wink nudge nudge.) Yup, today we’re off to Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Day 10: Olympia To Nafplion
Location: Olympia, Nafplion
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Nafplia Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Relax. Today, we’re doing ’em all. The temple of Zeus, once home to one of the 7 wonders of the world. The gymnasium where the athletes trained. The Nymphaeum. The Stadium. We’ll also visit the nearby museum, whose standout works include the Hermes statue and the Nike of Victory. (Nope, not deliveries and nope, not the sports brand – but you’ll soon see how both brands got their name.)
Set off to Nafplion, the first capital city of modern Greece. The city itself is a pleasure to walk around with great views to the waterfront and some lovely neoclassical buildings which manage to maintain the grand feel of this city. Nafplion is one of the most beautiful and historical towns of Greece.
Day 11: Nafplion To Athens
Location: Nafplion, Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
Expect great waterfront views and regal neoclassical buildings that will inspire pure awe. The atmosphere here is larger than life and grander-than-grand, but somehow still super relaxed at the same time. Gosh, how do we do it? Between Napfilion and Athens, we'll be stopping off at the famous Mycenae site for a guided tour.
With a mind full of memz and a belly full of breakfast, we’ll bid farewell to Nafplio and head back to Athens – where you’re free to do whatever you like. Next adventure, anyone?
What's Included
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Meals
Daily breakfast is included throughout the tour.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours of the Acropolis of Athens, the Oracle of Delphi, the Temple of Apollo, and the Mycenae site.
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Transportation
Transportation between all destinations mentioned in the itinerary, including a ferry ride to Corfu.
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Sightseeing
Sightseeing activities including an orientation walk in Athens, visits to the monasteries in Meteora, and exploration of the historic sites in Olympia.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Greece are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Mode of Transport
Transportation between all destinations mentioned in the itinerary, including a ferry ride to Corfu.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Dorian Inn (or similar) in Athens, Europa Beach Hotel (or similar) in Galaxidi, Edelweiss Hotel (or similar) in Kalambaka, a conveniently located hotel in Zagori, Karda Bungalows (or similar) in Corfu, Neda Hotel (or similar) in Olympia, and Nafplia Hotel (or similar) in Nafplion.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Dorian Inn (or similar) in Athens, Europa Beach Hotel (or similar) in Galaxidi, Edelweiss Hotel (or similar) in Kalambaka, a conveniently located hotel in Zagori, Karda Bungalows (or similar) in Corfu, Neda Hotel (or similar) in Olympia, and Nafplia Hotel (or similar) in Nafplion.
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Are meals included in the tour?
Daily breakfast is included throughout the tour.
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What guided tours are included in the itinerary?
Guided tours of the Acropolis of Athens, the Oracle of Delphi, the Temple of Apollo, and the Mycenae site are included.
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Is transportation between destinations included?
Yes, transportation between all destinations mentioned in the itinerary, including a ferry ride to Corfu, is included.
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What sightseeing activities are included?
Sightseeing activities include an orientation walk in Athens, visits to the monasteries in Meteora, and exploration of the historic sites in Olympia.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, international and domestic flights to and from Greece are not included.
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Is travel insurance included?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Are personal expenses covered in the tour package?
No, personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Are optional activities included in the tour package?
No, optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Are gratuities included in the tour package?
No, gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will start in Athens with an orientation walk exploring the Plaka neighborhood, known for its cobbled streets and ancient monuments.
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What will we do in Delphi?
In Delphi, you will visit the site of Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi, and the Temple of Apollo, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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What is special about Meteora?
Meteora is known for its mystical monasteries perched on enormous sandstone rocks, offering breathtaking views.
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What activities are available in Zagori?
In Zagori, you can hike the riverbanks and explore the area's natural beauty, including stone villages, epic caves, traditional monasteries, and Vikos Canyon.
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What can I do in Corfu?
In Corfu, you are free to explore historic fortresses and palaces or relax by the beach.
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What historic sites will we visit in Olympia?
In Olympia, you will visit the Temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the Nymphaeum, the ancient stadium, and the nearby museum.
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What is special about Nafplion?
Nafplion is the first capital city of modern Greece, known for its beautiful waterfront views, neoclassical buildings, and historical significance.
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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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Book with Confidence
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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.
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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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