Greek Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2026
Greek Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2026
$2319
Greek Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2026
11 Days Starting and ending in Athens, Greece
Visiting: Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Ios
Tour operator:
Tour code:
GPGWA126
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Greek Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2026" tour, a limited edition journey through Greece's most iconic islands. Starting and ending in Athens, this tour takes you on a mesmerizing 11-day exploration of Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, and Ios. Experience the vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and rich culture of each island, with opportunities to explore charming villages, indulge in local delicacies, and soak up the Mediterranean sun. Enjoy included breakfasts and dinners, and seamless transfers between islands with reserved seating. Whether you're wandering the cobbled streets of Mykonos, marveling at Santorini's famous sunsets, or partying in Ios, this tour promises a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Ideal for young travelers seeking a unique and immersive Greek experience, this tour offers the chance to create lifelong memories in one of the world's most beautiful destinations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Athens
Location: Athens
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 10 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 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 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 Name: Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning we're on to our next Greek island, Paros. Let's spare a thought for all those travellers who only get to visit just one Greek Island, and then remember how lucky we are. Beaches, naturally sculpted swimming coves, a Byzantine church and traditional villages: we must be in Paros. You're free to get into the sun and sea vibes. Those who feel like exploring can sign up for an optional trip to a traditional village where you'll visit a local family-run bakery and shop the local handicrafts.
Day 5: Paros
Location: Paros
Accommodation Name: Siroco's Rooms & Studios (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 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 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: Santorini To Ios
Location: Ios
Accommodation Name: Far Out Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 9: Ios
Location: Ios
Accommodation Name: Far Out Beach Resort (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10: Ios To Athens
Location: Athens
Accommodation Name: Hotel Evripides (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 11: End Athens
Location: Athens
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 and for those of you that have the time, there's an optional city tour and Acropolis visit.
What's Included
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Dining Summary
10 Breakfasts and 2 Dinners are included in the tour.
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Included Experience
Sailing from Santorini to Ios with reserved seating is included.
What's Not Included
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Meals
Lunches and most dinners are not included in the tour.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Mykonos night tour, village visit in Paros, and farewell dinner in Athens are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
Mode of Transport
Travel between the stunning Greek islands with ease, enjoying reserved seating on ferries from Athens to Mykonos, Mykonos to Paros, Paros to Santorini, Santorini to Ios, and back to Athens, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Hotel Evripides in Athens, Paradise Beach in Mykonos, Siroco's Rooms & Studios in Paros, Kalipso Villas in Santorini, and Far Out Beach Resort in Ios, with each offering a unique and welcoming atmosphere for your Greek island adventure.
Dining Summary
10 Breakfast (B)2 Dinner (D)
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.)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.Santorini: We'll board the ferry in Santorini and set sail for inspiring Ios. Includes reserved seating (think of us as your Ferry Godmother.)
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.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect on the first day of the Greek Island Hopping tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Athens and settle into your hotel. In the evening, your Trip Manager will provide an overview of the tour, and you'll have free time to explore the local area and find dinner.
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What activities are available in Mykonos during the tour?
In Mykonos, you can enjoy viewing coastal windmills, tasting local foods like olives, feta, and tzatziki, and exploring the town's cobbled streets. There is also an optional guided walking tour of Mykonos by night.
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What is included in the visit to Paros?
In Paros, you can explore beaches, swimming coves, a Byzantine church, and traditional villages. There is an optional trip to a traditional village where you can visit a local family-run bakery and shop for local handicrafts.
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What can I do in Santorini during the tour?
In Santorini, you can swim at Perissa Beach, try local specialties like domatokeftedes, and explore the island. There is also an optional visit to Oia and the black sand beach.
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What is the experience like on the island of Ios?
Ios offers a more rugged and remote experience compared to Santorini and Mykonos. You can enjoy a speedboat safari, explore the village of Ios Chora, and try local dishes like stuffed zucchini flowers or baked feta. The evening is free to enjoy the local nightlife.
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How does the tour conclude in Athens?
The tour concludes in Athens with a final night in the city. You can enjoy a boat ride back from Ios and have one last chance to explore Athens. There is an optional farewell dinner and an optional city tour and Acropolis visit on the last day.
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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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Monday - Thursday
Jul 28, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Sunday - Wednesday
Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 15, 2026Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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