Tour

London to Athens Plus and Greek Island Hopping Plus | Start London | Summer | Season 2024
from USD 5650

Contiki Holidays

Tour Code: LGIHA19
Vacation Type:
Brochure:
Duration: 27 Days
Countries: United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Monaco

Wanna indulge in some of Europe’s most luxe destinations? Starting in London, you’ll cruise through Paris, Barcelona, Rome and more, topped off with 2 nights on each of Greece's most popular islands – Mykonos, Paros, Santorini and Ios. With blistering beaches, epic food stops and upgraded accommodation to help you sleep like a baby throughout.



London to Athens Plus and Greek Island Hopping Plus Trip Map

Dining Summary

  • 5 Dinner (D)
  • 26 Breakfast (B)
  • 1 Lunch (L)

Faqs

  • London: For this trip, you’ll need just two currencies - the British Pound and the Euro.
  • London: Most accommodations on the trip offer self-service laundry or a laundry service. Wanna know the best time and place to do your laundry? Ask your Trip Manager! They have all the info you need.
  • Athens: 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.

Included Experience

  • Dover: See the iconic chalk-white coastline. So special that it’s had songs dedicated to it.
  • Paris: Take a dreamy stroll across the charming streets and famous spots in Paris. Bet this is what your insta-profile was craving!
  • Paris: Climb to the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower for an unbeatable vista of the ‘City of Light’. 
  • Barcelona: Combat boots at the ready, folks! Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas are so cool, you won’t know what to photograph first!
  • Barcelona: We’ll check out the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s world-renowned masterpiece. Work began on the church in the 1880s and while it was technically never finished, it’s still a wonder to behold.
  • Arles: Visit the historic city of Arles, famous for inspiring the paintings of Van Gogh.
  • Monaco City: Walk in the footsteps of Grace Kelly at the Royal Palace and see the Monte Carlo Casino (where the car park looks like a Fast & Furious set).
  • French Riviera: Glide through the winding coastal roads of the French Riviera with your Contiki crew.
  • Nice: Your chance to learn the art of fragrance at a French perfume house. You know it makes scents! (soz).
  • Venice: Speed across the lagoon to the aqueous island of Venice.
  • Pisa: Your ultimate chance to ‘hold the tower up’ as you pose for that classic Insta snap. 
  • Florence: See the Duomo, Basilica Santa Croce, Giotto’s Bell Tower, the Baptistery & Piazza della Signoria on a locally guided walking tour of Florence.
  • Amalfi Coast: Definitely one for the bucket list. Your chance to view one of Europe’s active volcanoes from a distance. 
  • Corinth Canal: The world’s deepest canal is an epic sight. It was carved through the rock, as a link between the Aegean and Ionian Seas.
  • Athens: Even if you’re not a sports nut, this is probably the most iconic Olympic stadium in the world and you won’t want to miss it.
  • Athens: Walk in the footsteps of Gods and Goddesses, as you take a guided tour around the Ancient Greek monuments and explore the Parthenon temple. 
  • 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 port to the hotel.
  • Athens: All aboard! Time to sail from Athens to Mykonos, checking out that glittering sea view as we go. Includes reserved seating.
  • Mykonos: We'll set sail from marvellous Mykonos to perfect Paros, with reserved seating included.
  • Paros: We'll board the ferry in Paros and set sail for the sultry island of Santorini. With reserved seating included.
  • Santorini: Enjoy a day trip to Fira and bask in the golden sun as you walk through Santorini's iconic white houses and blue domes. This is the perfect photo op so make sure your phones and cameras are at the ready!
  • Santorini: We'll board the ferry in Santorini and set sail for inspiring Ios. Includes reserved seating (think of us as your Ferry Godmother.)
  • Ios: We'll board the ferry in Ios and head back to where we started: the lovely Athens. 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 port to the hotel.

Make Travel Matter®

Baschi: We'll head to the rocky (but so picturesque) village of Baschi to visit Casale Polegri. Stroll around the vineyards and olive orchards on a short tour of the azienda agricola. We'll learn about the farming techniques used by the Polegri Family to harvest their fresh plants and fruit. We'll end the afternoon with a crunchy bruschetta topped with homemade extra virgin olive oil, focaccia bread with homegrown rosemary and vegetables. And of course, some risotto or pasta. All of this with a glass of their homemade wine and dessert. Happy tummy, happy life!

  • B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)
  • B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin (or similar)
  • Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud (or similar)
  • Appart City Nice Acropolis (or similar)
  • Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)
  • A conveniently located hotel
  • Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)
  • Overnight Ferry
  • Athens Center Square Hotel (or similar)
  • Paradise Beach (or similar)
  • Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar)
  • Hotel Nikos (or similar)
  • Far Out Beach Resort (or similar)
  • Dorian Inn (or similar)
Day 1 London To Paris

Welcome to the first day of the best trip of your life - we're calling it early! After a few pleasantries in London we'll get the show on the road with Paris in our sights. These chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are known as the White Cliffs of Dover, the first of many natural beauties we'll see on our trip. After we ferry across the English Channel for France we'll arrive in Calais, where we will take in the history of World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme. Ah, we've finally arrived in the city of love! So, of course, we're starting with a gorgeous French dinner. Afterwards, you're free to do what you please. Enjoy a glass of fine wine, explore trendy fashion, or even soak in iconic sights!*Heads up, our Paris plans might shift during the Summer Olympics due to city restrictions, impacting our Illuminations Tour of the city along with other possible disruptions. We're on it, crafting alternative experiences for your safety and enjoyment. Your understanding means the world to us!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)

Day 2 Paris

Today's the day to stroll the beautiful streets of Paris, but first we'll take a trip up the Montparnasse Tower for the best views of the Eiffel Tower. Then the time is yours to lust over designer haute couture or French vintage stores, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, order coffee and crêpes, or get artsy at the Louvre. Tonight, foodies will have the chance to eat a Parisian feast in Montmartre, surrounded by cobbled lanes, village-esque cafes, street artists and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Otherwise, this is your night to sign up for an iconic Parisian cabaret show. Either option will give you the perfect way to make it one to remember!

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Paris Nord 18ème (or similar)

Day 3 Paris To Lyon

This morning we’ll have breakfast and then be on our merry way to the next stop: time for lovely lovely Lyon. Blue skies and sultry red roofs – oh yeah, we’re in Lyon! Tonight you’re free to wander this historical and architectural haven with your Contiki crew.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin (or similar)

Day 4 Lyon

Today you’ll have a full day to explore France’s second-largest city. Don’t miss the Notre Dame Basilica & St Jean Baptiste Cathedral, the ancient outdoor theatres inspired by the Romans and of course, the museums! If you need a rest, you can’t beat a stroll (or a nap) in the Parc de la Tête d’Or. Need something to eat? Well, we can confirm you’re in the right place…

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: B&B Hotel Lyon Ouest Tassin (or similar)

Day 5 Lyon To Barcelona

We'll head to Barcelona bright and early this morning... but not until after breakfast. Welcome to España! Known for its chilled-out vibes, welcoming atmosphere and culture of acceptance and tolerance, there’s nowhere quite like Barcelona. Tonight we'll grab dinner at one of the city’s many exceptional eateries. And on the way, we'll stop by to marvel at the stunning Sagrada Familia, Gaudi's architectural masterpiece.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud (or similar)

Day 6 Barcelona

Cobbled lanes of the Gothic Quarter, Montjuic hilltop vistas, & wild Spanish architecture will season our day to perfection. There's plenty of free time to roam free or take a dip in the Mediterranean sea, just don't tire yourself out - chances are you'll want to partake in the evening of Flamenco fun.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Campanile Barcelona Cornellà-Sud (or similar)

Day 7 Barcelona To French Riviera Via Arles

As smitten as we are by Barcelona, we have more of Europe to conquer. Much, much more... After a dreamy drive across the border into France through landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs, we'll arrive at our lunch break town of Arles. Here we will get a peek at an ancient Roman Arena and at a typical provincial French town. You're not a real celebrity until you've frolicked on the French Riviera, and who are we to keep you off the A-List? Sapphire waters & endless glamour as we roll through this glitzy coastline.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Appart City Nice Acropolis (or similar)

Day 8 French Riviera And Monaco

Missing an opportunity to see this part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn't miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission. Please tell us you didn't throw away all of your pennies today? Because you're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We're visiting Monaco tonight, and you'll have the chance to visit the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace, followed by a delicious optional dinner! After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Appart City Nice Acropolis (or similar)

Day 9 French Riviera To Venice

Today we say our farewells to the French Riviera and take our first jaunt into Italy, taking in the sights of Liguria, Lombardia, & the Veneto regions along the way. Pizza, pasta, & charming locals are just around the corner. But before we cross the border into Italy, we’ll make a fragrant pitstop here in Eze to visit a traditional French perfumery – where you’ll even have the chance to craft a signature scent of your own. The floating city of gondolas, canals and pretty bridges - what a splendid way to commence our Italian love affair. Rest up tonight, you'll want to be alert for tomorrow's magical agenda.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)

Day 10 Venice

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A trip to the colourful Venetian island of Burano and a gondola ride are up for grabs… or you can just get lost on your own and see where the magical maze takes you.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Riviera dei Dogi (or similar)

Day 11 Venice To Florence Via Pisa

Venice we love you, but we need to see a bit more of this boot to satisfy our hungry wanderlust ways. As if we were going to leg it from Venice to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal. For those of you not familiar with the whole Florence deal, we have two words for you: it's heaven. Potter along the River Arno, be totally Tuscan with a drop of Chianti wine, and take in the beauty of the city and its protruding Duomo.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel

Day 12 Florence

Ready for a full day of all things Florence? Today is the perfect balance of guided local wisdom and free time to roam. We'll uncover the beautiful art of traditional leatherwork, explore streets bursting with heritage, and see all the top sights on a walking tour. This afternoon you'll have free time to take to the local markets and taste the local gelato before a special optional evening out tonight, a visit to a 14th century Certosan monastry, followed by dinner and wine at a magical Tuscan restaurant nestled in the countryside nearby.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel

Day 13 Florence To Rome

Farewell Florence - today we have the epicentre of Italy on our horizons. Pizza, piazzas...we're coming in hot. But not before one rather extraordinary stop-off. En-route to Rome, we’ll visit Casale Polegri – an organic Umbrian farm where we’ll feast on local pasta, olives, wine and more fresh local produce. And here… we… are… Back city side in the Italian capital of Rome. After a brief orientation tour from your Trip Manager, you’re free to check out the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon & Piazza Navona with your Contiki crew.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)

Day 14 Rome

When in Rome... This is the day to learn a thing or two about the Colosseum & do a bit of your own exploring. Espressos and people watching should be high priority… Stuck for something to do this evening? There’s plenty of pasta, gelato and caprese salad stops to keep you occupied – and don’t get us started on the wine.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Pineta Palace Hotel Roma (or similar)

Day 15 Rome To Overnight Adriatic Ferry

As completely satisfied as we already are with our Italian odyssey, we have one more stop before we're a walking talking guidebook on this beautiful boot. Goodbye Rome, hello Pompeii. Once a totally vibing hang-out of the Romans, Pompeii is now an archaeological site showing remains of what was destroyed in the year...wait for it...79AD. When you choose the optional guided tour saying "stepping back in time" is about to take on a whole new meaning! We'll hop aboard our Overnight Adriatic Ferry and set sail. Although we don't arrive in Athens tonight, it's in our sight! Drift off to sleep to the sway of our boat knowing tomorrow you'll wake in a brand new country.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Overnight Ferry

Day 16 Overnight Adriatic Ferry To Athens

Ahoy there, we'll be sailing the Adriatic this morning headed for land... We'll roll off the boat in Patras and then it's straight back on the road. The awe of Greece's mainland will begin shortly after our arrival as we catch a glimpse of Corinth Canal. This man-made passageway squeezes boats through its path, sandwiched by two steep cliffs and sitting over gloriously blue ocean. A collage of ancient wonders and modern magnificence, the allure of Athens is hard to dismiss. Choose to sample more traditional Greek food with an optional dinner with your new friends in this ancient city.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Athens Center Square Hotel (or similar)

Day 17 Athens

Today marks the transition from city trip to island hopping adventure – but not until we’ve had our ancient history fix in Athens. Starting off with a guided tour, we’ll check out the Parthenon, the Acropolis and the OG Olympic stadium (oh yeah). After checking into our hotel in the evening, we’ll greet some new crew members and the Trip Manager will run through all the awesomeness you can expect on the next leg of the journey. After that, you’re free to explore Athens with your crew, sampling the food and nightlife to your heart’s content.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: A conveniently located hotel

Day 18 Athens To Mykonos

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Paradise Beach (or similar)

Day 19 Mykonos

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Paradise Beach (or similar)

Day 20 Mykonos To Paros

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.

Duration: 1 Day

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

Day 21 Paros

Another day, another Greek Island delight. Hold tight - today we're off for a visit to Naoussa, a fishing village with colourful fishing boats and white-washed houses. Tonight, we'll tuck into an included dinner at a local restaurant, before heading out to sample the local nightlife.

Duration: 1 Day

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

Day 22 Paros To Santorini

Paros, it's been magical – but today we're taking to the seas again, this time in search of Greece's most insta-famous island: Santorini. Santorini, we have arrived! Tonight you'll have the chance to join us on a cruise and take in the iconic Fira.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Nikos (or similar)

Day 23 Santorini

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.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Hotel Nikos (or similar)

Day 24 Santorini To Ios

A bit more rugged and remote than Santorini and Mykonos, Ios will prove a nice change of scenery for our final Island night. And thankfully, there will be no change in the good vibes or the time spent ocean side. We'll join together for an included dinner tonight, with another free evening on the cards afterwards.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Far Out Beach Resort (or similar)

Day 25 Ios

Our final Island day, and your last chance to soak up the Greek sun and frolic in the sand without a care in the world. Now is your chance to get some adrenaline in with a speedboat safari, or take a leisurely stroll around the pretty village of Ios Chora and enjoy some stuffed zucchini flowers or baked feta drizzled with olive oil at a local cafe. It's a free evening tonight, so you're going to need the fuel if you want to hit the party scene of Hora until the break of dawn.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Far Out Beach Resort (or similar)

Day 26 Ios To Athens

While choking back the tears and waving a sad goodbye to 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. Ready for one more dose of Athens and one last chance to hang out together? We'll soak up the last rays of the Mediterranean sun this afternoon before an optional farewell dinner together.

Duration: 1 Day

Accommodation: Dorian Inn (or similar)

Day 27 End Athens

And just like that, it's time for the goodbyes. As sad as they are, at least you have the memories. And another 300 Contiki trips to jump aboard! Make the most of your last free breakfast before you kick on to your next port of call.

Duration: 1 Day

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Tue, 14 May 2024 Sun, 09 Jun 2024 USD 9,590USD 6,940USD 6,593
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Tue, 28 May 2024 Sun, 23 Jun 2024 USD 8,180USD 5,948USD 5,650
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Fri, 21 Jun 2024 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 USD 11,513USD 8,584USD 8,154
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Thu, 25 Jul 2024 Tue, 20 Aug 2024 USD 8,772USD 6,540USD 6,213
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Wed, 31 Jul 2024 Mon, 26 Aug 2024 USD 8,224USD 6,131USD 5,825
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Sun, 18 Aug 2024 Fri, 13 Sep 2024 USD 8,793USD 6,422USD 6,100
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