London to Athens plus Greek Island Hopping

France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, Vatican City, Greece

Map & Sightseeing List

Header-concept 35 days Budget

Total Price From* $117 per day: $4125 per person

*Based on mostly twin share, with a max quad share.

Meals: 32 1 16
Transportation: Coach, Ferry, Boat
Accommodation: Contiki Village, Contiki Special Stopover, Hostel, Adriatic Ferry, Hotel

Daily Itinerary London to Athens plus Greek Island Hopping

Depart for Europe Day 1

Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe!
Arrive London Day 2

Check-in to your hotel after 2pm and the remainder of the day is free to relax before meeting your fellow travellers at 6pm. After dinner take a short walk to explore nearby Covent Garden.
London to Paris Day 3
Meet up with your fellow travellers and Contiki Crew, as you start your 46 day adventure. Your Tour Manager knows all the ins and outs of where you’re going and your tour’s own Mobile Cook will make sure you get big portions of tasty meals, made from fresh, local produce.
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We hit the road and take a ferry past the White Cliffs of Dover and travel via World War 1 battle fields in the Valley of the Somme to Paris.
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Tonight, the group kick starts Paris with the “Tour of Illuminations”, which shows off the French capital’s transformation into the “City of Lights”. Lamp-lit bridges and cool little cafés give us a real taste of Paris’ romance. Your Tour Manager will fill you in on the world’s most-recognised monuments, like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.
- Contiki Village
- Dinner
Paris Days 4 and 5
This town is loaded with possibilities. Discover its many bistros, museums, tree-lined avenues and diverse quartiers (neighbourhoods).

Get a feel for French flair by window shopping on the Left Bank, step into the Notre Dame cathedral or explore the endless galleries of the Louvre and get up close to the famous Mona Lisa. Try indulging in some delicious pastries and relax in one of Paris’ many green spaces.

Time in Paris includes a trip out to France’s most well-known chateau: Versailles, once home to the Sun King, Louis 14th and hot spot of the French Revolution. Check out the impressive exterior of this extravagant palace. Then there’s an opportunity to explore the former royal family’s luxurious living quarters.

Treat yourself to a real Parisian night out, starting with an optional dinner in an atmospheric restaruant, where you can get to know your group. Then sign up for an authentic cabaret experience, complete with can-can girls and champagne.
- Contiki Village
- Day 4
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Day 5
- Breakfast
Paris to Beaujolais Wine Region Day 6
Today’s journey leads us to Contiki’s exclusive Château de Cruix nestled in the Beaujolais vineyards near Lyon.
- Contiki Special Stopover
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Beaujolais Wine Region Day 7
This morning explore the French countryside and enjoy your included picnic lunch. In the afternoon relax and soak up the idyllic atmosphere of rural France.
- Contiki Special Stopover
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Picnic Lunch
Beaujolais Wine Region to Barcelona Day 8
Our journey south today takes us to the impressive Roman aqueduct at Pont du Gard. As we skim past the Pyrénées we catch our first glimpse of the world-famous Mediterranean and arrive in vibrant Barcelona.
- Hostel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Barcelona Day 9
First stop: Mont Juic. The hilltop has full-blown vistas of the city and it’s where we stop to check out the 1992 Olympic Games complex. Afterward get a look into the wild imagination of famous Spanish architect, Gaudi, with his art nouveau masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia cathedral. Your Tour Manager walks you through the cobbled lanes of Barcelona’s oldest district, the Gothic Quarter.

Then there’s free time to discover more of Barcelona’s creative core. Pick up some quirky buys in the side streets or hit the big label shops on Plaça de Catalunya. Take in all of Barcelona’s buzzing street life on the tree-lined La Rambla – a boulevard packed with street performers, artists, shops and stalls.

Other ideas for your afternoon off include hanging out in the colourful gardens of Parc Guell or kicking back with the locals on the beach and taking a swim in the Mediterranean sea. There’s plenty of delicious local seafood to try like Spain’s signature dish, paella.

Tonight’s optional dinner and show is a perfect way to finish off your time in this hot city and a chance to get into the local flavours with a Flamenco dance performance and some sangria. Afterward, get the low down on Barcelona’s hottest spots and maybe hit the pumping clubs of Port Olympico, by the water.
- Hostel
- Breakfast
Barcelona to French Riviera Day 10
We return to France today and travel through the beautiful Provence region to Arles. Wander through the streets as the Romans once did in this historic town, before continuing to the glamorous French Riviera.
- Contiki Village
- Breakfast
- Dinner
French Riviera Day 11
Next stop on the Riviera and home to the French perfume industry is Fragonard Perfumery. Learn about how perfume is made and some of its more surprising ingredients. It’s also a chance to pick up a bottle or 2 at great prices.

In your free time live a bit of the lifestyle with a visit to the local markets. Try out the region’s produce like lavender honey, aioli (garlic mayonnaise) and mouth-watering rosé wine.

Window shop the chic boutiques or choose a beach and catch some sun among all the bronzed bodies!

Tonight get a taste of the high life in Monaco, the glamorous principality packed into just 1.92km2 and home to the Formula 1. Get the inside story on the royal family and their place of residence from your Tour Manager. Try your luck at a casino later on.
- Contiki Village
- Breakfast
- Dinner
French Riviera to Venice Day 12
Today we leave France and enter Italy! We skim past the seaside city of Genoa and stop in Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet, before arriving in mainland Venice.
- Contiki Village
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Venice Day 13
Known as the “floating city” Venice is packed with character, crammed with hidden lanes and linked by a network of canals.

The group travels on our private boat through the waters of the lagoon to visit the city’s historical heart. The limestone Bridge of Sighs, the gothic arches of Doges’ Palace and the expanse of St Mark’s Square (pigeons and all!) show off Venice’s unique beauty and way of life.

Learn about local artistry with a traditional glass blowing demonstration – a craft the city has been famous for since the 13th century.

Take some time to explore the floating city and lose yourself in the backstreets. There’s an optional walking tour where you can discover the labyrinth of interweaving lanes, waterways, palaces, piazzi and markets with our Local Guide. You’ll see historic monuments, hidden treasures and the Rialto market – a local favourite for food shopping.

Maybe grab a table on St Mark’s Square and eat some delicious Italian food al fresco.

Cap off the day with an optional gondola ride with your friends. Take a bottle of prosecco (Italian champagne) and toast this unforgettable experience as you are punted through the waterways.
- Contiki Village
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Venice to Florence Day 14
We travel to Pisa, home of the famous Leaning Tower. From here it’s a short journey to the most spectacular of Renaissance cities, Florence.
- Contiki Village
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Florence Day 15
Jump start the day uncovering this open-air museum and its city centre.

Our Local Guide gives you the inside track as the group learns about Florence’s cultural beginnings and explores streets crammed with artworks from masters like Michelangelo. Then take a look into a skillful demonstration of Florentine leather making and understand this region’s traditional art.

With bargains and bustle, the city’s markets are a great place to hang out. Grab a gelato and enjoy this gorgeous city.

Tonight, there’s a choice of a group dinner – an authentic Tuscan feast. Try regional dishes in the heart of Florence. Then keep it moving with a night out and get your groove on at Florence’s biggest club.
- Contiki Village
- Breakfast
Florence to Rome Day 16
All roads lead to Rome where our included sightseeing tour is the perfect introduction to the Eternal City. This afternoon why not discover this city of Gladiators with a local guide? Then, do as the Romans do and stroll past the Trevi Fountain, the amazing Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
- Contiki Village
- Breakfast
Rome Day 17
This morning, make the most of our Local Guide’s inside knowledge and uncover the remains of an ancient empire with a fantastic optional tour of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Then check-out the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, the Vatican City. You’ve got plenty of time to take a closer look at St Peter’s Basilica or Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel.

Take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafes and bars. Before you hit the shops, let your Tour Manager point you in the right direction with some tips on the best buys.

In your free time, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, like the Romans do.
- Contiki Village
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Rome to Corfu Day 18
Pass gritty Naples, see Mt Vesuvius and plunge into Pompeii’s well-preserved past in an interesting optional excursion and retrace ancient history with our expert Local Guide.

Then there’s time to chill out on the coach, crossing through the rugged landscapes of Southern Italy, before boarding the overnight ferry to Greece in Brindisi. Check out the amazing 360 degree views from the deck!
- Adriatic Ferry
- Breakfast
Corfu Days 19 to 21
Three sun-filled days on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu. Windsurf, waterski, parasail, swim or just soak up the sun. Get off the beaten track in an open-top 4-wheel drive jeep or cruise along the coast. At night an opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine and try your hand (or feet) at Greek dancing.
- Contiki Special Stopover
- Day 19
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Day 20
- Breakfast
- Day 21
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Corfu to Athens Day 22
Today we travel through the Peloponnese and across the Corinth Canal to Athens.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Athens Day 23
This morning our city tour includes the first modern Olympic stadium, the Acropolis and the Parthenon, concluding near the Plaka. Bid a final farewell to your fellow travellers as your London to Athens tour ends with a transfer to your hotel to begin the Greek Island Hopping leg of your tour.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Athens Day 24
Your free day in Athens begins with the opportunity to discover the treasures of Athens with an expert local guide. Later, stroll the streets of the famous Plaka area or pick up some quirky souvenirs at the Athens flea markets.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Athens to Mykonos Day 25
This morning we board a ferry to Mykonos where you can look forward to a terrific three day break on one of the most picturesque Greek islands.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Mykonos Days 26 and 27
Mykonos is famous for its blissful beaches and party culture. No matter what you are after, chances are this island has got it! You’ll soon understand why people from all walks of life, from jet-setters to backpackers, come to hang out here.

You’ve got heaps of time to visit Mykonos town and wander through the maze of tiny streets lined by whitewashed cube-shaped houses. Maybe grab a table for lunch in the village and feast on fresh local specialties, like olives, feta and tzatziki dip.

For a laid back afternoon, be sure to check out world-famous Paradise Beach on an optional excursion. Get some friends together, chill out to the tunes pumping at the beachfront resorts, swim and relax

Wrap up the day in Little Venice and watch the sun set over the Aegean. But don’t stop there-get into the vibe and party at one of Mykonos’ many bars and or hip clubs.
- Hotel
- Day 26
- Breakfast
- Day 27
- Breakfast
Mykonos to Santorini Day 28
Today: change islands and it’s a total change of scene. Santorini will make your jaw drop with its stunning natural beauty – the result of a massive volcanic eruption. From the water, look up at the iconic blue–domed, whitewashed churches.

Once we’re back on land, take in the fantastic views of the neighbouring volcanic islands.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Santorini Days 29 and 30
Start your day with an optional tour of the island and get familiar with this gorgeous island. Head to Santorini’s highest point for full blown vistas over the crater then cool of with a swim stop at Perissa Beach.

Your Tour Rep will fill you in on Fira – dramatically perched on the edge of the crater- as the group explores its narrow streets. Get tips on the best places to pick up a piece of Santorini’s famous jewellery and where to try out the delicious local specialty, domatokeftedes (fried tomato balls).

Otherwise head to one of the distinctive black or red sand beaches, and soak up the breathtaking scenery. You could jump on an optional boat ride out to the active volcanic island of Nea Kamini. Cruise past lava formations and get up close to the active crater.
- Hotel
- Day 29
- Breakfast
- Day 30
- Breakfast
Santorini to Ios Day 31
After free time this morning, we cruise on to Ios. Relax on the boat and hang out with the group.

Peaceful by day, pumping by night, Ios is the ultimate party destination.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Ios Days 32 and 33
Ios is known for its beautiful beaches and fantastic party atmosphere. The perfect mixture of party and relaxation, it’s also famous as the place where the great poet Homer died. Lucky you have three nights here!
- Hotel
- Day 32
- Breakfast
- Day 33
- Breakfast
Ios to Athens Day 34
Wave goodbye to Ios and the Cycladic Islands as we set sail back to mainland Greece and spend a final evening together in the mythological city of Athens.

Make the most of your last night on tour and join the group for a Farewell Dinner. Later, head out to Athens’ up-and-coming district of Psiri, buzzing with trendy bars and clubs.
- Hotel
- Breakfast
Depart Athens Day 35
The tour ends after breakfast and it’s time to say farewell to your new friends.
- Breakfast

What's Included

33 nights accommodation: 2 nights in Contiki’s exclusive French Chateau, 3 nights in Contiki’s exclusive Corfu hotel, 11 nights in comfortable cabins in Contiki’s own villages, 14 nights in hotels, 2 nights in a hostel & 1 night onboard a ferry (more on pages 96-99)
32 breakfasts (B), 1 picnic lunch (PL) & 16 dinners (D) included in your food fund
A dedicated crew with an experienced & professional Tour Manager & Driver, resident Contiki special stopover & village staff
Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with power outlets for charging
Ferry crossings
Sightseeing tours of all major cities