Athens to Santorini Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2026
Athens to Santorini Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2026
$2279
Athens to Santorini Island Hopping | Gap Year 18-22 | 2026
8 Days Starting in Athens and ending in Santorini
Visiting: Athens, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini
Tour Overview
Hit up magical Mykonos, perky Paros and saucy Santorini in this sun-soaked 8-day Greek island Gap-stravaganza. Marvel at the natural and human-made architecture, from coves to cobblestones. Feast on feta and perfect your moves as you experience the legendary local nightlife. Villages and volcanoes await, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore Greece’s most famous islands.
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 8 days, then you'll have free time to explore the local area and find yourself some dinner.
Day 2: Athens To Mykonos
Location: Athens, 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: Mykonos, Paros
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 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: Paros, 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: 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
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Meals
7 Breakfasts and 1 Dinner are included.
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Reserved Ferry Seating
Standard reserved seating on ferries between Athens, Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini.
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Private Transfers
Private transfer from the port to the hotel in Athens and from the hotel to Fira in Santorini.
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Accommodation
Accommodation at Hotel Evripides (or similar) in Athens, Paradise Beach (or similar) in Mykonos, Siroco's Rooms & Studios (or similar) in Paros, and Kalipso Villas (or similar) in Santorini.
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Trip Manager
A Trip Manager will provide a rundown of what to expect over the next 8 days.
What's Not Included
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Wi-Fi on Ferries
Wi-Fi and phone signal on ferries between islands tend to be weak.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the exploration of Mykonos by night and a visit to a traditional village in Paros are not included.
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Meals Not Mentioned
Meals other than the 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner are not included.
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End of Trip Transfers
Transfers at the end of the trip from Santorini to other destinations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel between Athens, Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini via ferries with reserved seating, and enjoy private transfers from ports to hotels, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable hotels such as Hotel Evripides in Athens, Paradise Beach in Mykonos, Siroco's Rooms & Studios in Paros, and Kalipso Villas in Santorini, with most accommodations offering pool facilities and Wi-Fi.
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.
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.)
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used between the islands?
Travel between Athens, Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini is via ferries with reserved seating. Private transfers are provided from ports to hotels to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in comfortable hotels such as Hotel Evripides in Athens, Paradise Beach in Mykonos, Siroco's Rooms & Studios in Paros, and Kalipso Villas in Santorini. Most accommodations offer pool facilities and Wi-Fi.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Other meals are not included.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the ferry rides?
Wi-Fi and phone signal on ferries between islands tend to be weak.
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What optional activities are available during the tour?
Optional activities include an exploration of Mykonos by night on a locally guided walking tour and a visit to a traditional village in Paros.
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What is the role of the Trip Manager during the tour?
A Trip Manager will provide a rundown of what to expect over the next 8 days and assist with any questions or needs during the tour.
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What happens on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Athens, unpack, and settle into your hotel. In the evening, the Trip Manager will give you a rundown of what to expect over the next 8 days, and you'll have free time to explore the local area and find dinner.
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What activities are planned for Mykonos?
In Mykonos, you can explore coastal windmills, stroll down storybook streets, and enjoy the local cuisine. There is also an optional night exploration of Mykonos on a locally guided walking tour.
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What can I expect to do in Paros?
In Paros, you can visit Naoussa, a fishing village with colorful boats and white-washed houses. There is also 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 are the highlights of the Santorini visit?
In Santorini, you can swim at Perissa Beach, visit the black sand beach, and taste local specialties like fried tomato balls known as domatokeftedes. You will also have an included transfer to Fira to explore Santorini's capital.
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Are transfers included at the end of the trip?
Transfers at the end of the trip from Santorini to other destinations are not included.
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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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Aug 16, 2026 - Aug 23, 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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Terms and Conditions