Accommodations
You will stay in a combination of hostels, hotels, and campsite bungalows. All sleeping arrangements are based on single sex multi-share.
Greece is as ancient as it gets. Home to the earliest temples and greatest philosophers who ever lived, Greece’s history alone could fill your entire trip! The country is also home to some of the most gorgeous beaches – not a cloud in the sky, ever, beautiful sand, secluded hidden inlets – and some of the best food Europe has to offer! You can’t leave until you’ve try the grilled meat gyros!
That being said, the legacy of western style democracy and modern civilization is probably more noteworthy than the humble souvlaki. Travelling in Greece is all about experiencing the ancient with the new.
Marvel at the Acropolis in Athens, retrace the steps of long-gone athletes in Olympia, and discover the secrets of the Oracle in Delphi. And of course visit the whitewashed islands of the Cyclades and experience real home-grown Greek charm (and cuisine!).
You will stay in a combination of hostels, hotels, and campsite bungalows. All sleeping arrangements are based on single sex multi-share.
Meet your S-trip! staff and your fellow passengers at the pre-meeting held before departure and then head to the airport as a group as you get ready to depart on your direct flight to Athens.
We arrive in Athens and transfer to our hotel by private coach to our hotel. The rest of the day is free time to get to know your group and get used to Greek life.
Saying goodbye to Athens we travel by private coach out into the countryside. Heading North West we arrive at Delphi. Built on the side of the impressive Mount Parnassus, the Delphi Oracle was considered the most important one in Greece. We take a guided tour of the site, including the sanctuary of Apollo and also Athena. We can also test the acoustics at the theatre. We stay the night in Delphi.
After breakfast we continue and pass over the newly built bridge of Rio-Antirrio to arrive to ancient Olympia. We spend the afternoon visiting this historical site which was first thought to have been a site of religious activity as far back as the 10th Century BC, although the first Olympic festival dates to the 8th Century. And here, every four years, the Olympic flame is lit and then transported to the Olympia games of that year. We spend the night in Olympia, with its street lined street and numerous cafes.
On our way to Athens we visit Mycenae which was an important centre of ancient Greek civilisation. It gave its name to a long period of Greek History. We also stop in Nayplion, the old capital city of Greece, before we pass over the Corinth canal which was a great achievement during ancient times. Overnight in Athens.
Immerse yourself in the history of this region, where ancient wonders such as the Acropolis sit side by side with a modern, bustling metropolis. See this incredible ancient treasure on our walking tour with our Trip Leader this morning, as well as the ‘Plaka’ Markets, the National Museum, and maybe even a chance to watch the changing of the guards at the National Palace in Syntagma Square. We then have free time to take in the sights and sounds of this two-time Olympic city, before enjoying an evening of traditional Greek dancing and authentic cuisine!
An early start today as we take a private transfer down to the port of Piraeus to catch the ferry to the first of the beautiful islands we visit. On the way to Paros we see many of the small islands in the Aegean that help to make Greece such a popular holiday destination. Paros is the third largest of the Cycladic islands and after checking in to our accommodation, our Trip Leader will take us for a walk around the harbour and through the narrow streets of the town. This afternoon there is plenty of free time to explore at our own pace.
Today is free day to revel in the laid-back charm of Paros. We can relax on the beach and top up the tan, visit the church of Ekatontapiliani or check out the beautiful town of Naousa on the coast. Not enough?? How about an optional journey to Kolimbithres Beach, or a bus ride to the stunning village of Lefkes, characterised by the traditional white-washed houses with blue doors and shutters? The choice is yours!
After breakfast a short ferry ride takes us to cosmopolitan Mykonos. The afternoon is free to go exploring or visit one of the numerous great beaches for a swim and sunbathe. There is plenty to do here; shop, eat, and relax - whatever takes your mood. Stunning scenery, wonderful beaches, endless authentic Greek tavernas and a buzzing nightlife – it’s no wonder that everyone loves coming here so much! In the evening we watch the famous sunset of the windmills in the part of Mykonos town known as “little Venice”.
Today is a completely free day. Visit Kastro, a complex of churches, the Archaeological Museum, the Folklore Museum, and the Nautical Museum, or simply walk along the white-washed streets and soak up the atmosphere. There is an optional half day excursion to the nearby island of Delos, the traditional birthplace of the sun god Apollo or, depending on your style, one of the varied beaches! The allure of this paradise island will be hard to leave behind.
Our next island destination is Santorini, with Thira, it's main town, set into the steep cliffs of its remarkable volcanic caldera. Our hotel, perched on top of the cliffs (as are most of the buildings on the island), has amazing views over the plain to the sea. In the afternoon we have a tour visiting some of the most interesting and important sites on the island. The sunset at Oia should not be missed – the sun reflecting on the white houses almost looks like snow against the dark volcanic stone cliffs – a truly memorable photo opportunity!
Today is a free day on the island. Wander through the narrow shopping streets of Thira, which is the principal town on the island, or take an optional boat trip to the volcanic crater with the opportunity to swim in the warm sea nearby. On return to the main island, a donkey ride is the easiest way up the hill from the port. Alternatively, simply relax by the pool and await the next sunset… bliss!
In the afternoon we will depart from Santorini and head back to Athens. Our ferry winds past many small islands dotted through the Aegean before arriving in the late evening, when we transfer to our hotel in downtown Athens.
Our time in Greece finishes this morning after breakfast, when we will say our fond farewells to our new friends and transfer to the airport.