Day : 1
Arrive Rome
Number of Days : 1
Check-in to your hotel, drop off your stuff and head out into the streets of Italy to get a sneak peek at vibrant Rome.
Get to know your travel buddies and Trip Manager over dinner. Make your first night in Rome one to remember!
Stylish Rome oozes energy and overflows with relics from another age. Get into the thriving atmosphere of this living timeline as your Trip Manager shows you the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia and Piazza Navona. Honour tradition at the Trevi Fountain and throw a coin in the fountain’s waters (it’s meant to improve your chances of returning to Rome!). Afterwards, maybe hang out with your new friends at the Spanish Steps, sit back and people watch.
Day : 2
Rome
Number of Days : 1
Get ready to check-out the smallest country in the world and home to the Pope, the Vatican City. There’s included entry and our Locally Guided tour to show you St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. With a heap of insider knowledge on the Eternal City, make the last night in Rome extra special by opting in for an optional dinner of Italian specialities.
Full and ready, don’t stop there – afterwards discover Rome after dark, explore cute local hangouts or head to a bar with a view for a cocktail in style.
Day : 3
Rome
Number of Days : 1
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.
With more knowledge under your belt than you can shake a stick at, take off into the city and absorb the atmosphere, as Vespas flash past timeworn monuments that are surrounded by fountains, pizzerias, cafes and bars. In your free time this afternoon, live the local lifestyle by indulging in a long lunch of caprese and pasta on a paved piazza or knock back a shot of espresso at the bar, or an aperol if you're feeling like something stronger like the Romans do. Before you hit the shops, let your Trip Manager point you in the right direction for some tips on the best buys.
Tonight is yours to explore the culinary highlights of Rome; head for pizza or try some Cacio e Pepe & Da Danilo (Roman pasta dishes) or maybe try a Caprese salad and some fresh seafood.
Day : 4
Rome to Amalfi Coast
Number of Days : 1
It's a complete change of scene today as we head south to the world famous Amalfi Coast. Cameras at the ready please, stunning Sorrento will impress. On arrival, get straight into the glamourous Italian Riviera lifestyle and indulge in some local wine and world famous Mozzarella cheese. Later, discover the crystal clear waters & rocky coastline of the Amalfi and get some pics up on Facebook as soon as you can. Pure bliss.
Day : 5
Amalfi Coast
Number of Days : 1
This morning, the Amalfi will serve up even more of it's famous angles. Start the day with a boat ride to the main marina of the Isle of Capri, famous for its stunning caves and surrounding rock formations, as well as it's glamorous visitors that flock to the island every year.
Get out on the water of the Bay of Naples in an optional cruise around Capri in a traditional wooden motorboat. See the world-famous Green and White Grottos and choose to get up closer to the world-famous Blue Grotto, with its intense blue glow, on a separate boat ride into the cave itself for a view of this aquamarine water.
With plenty of swim stops on the cruise around the island, cool off in the Mediterranean and then use your free time to explore even more of the island. Soak up the views and head off with some friends into the cute, white-washed villages where you can try out the region’s sweet lemon liqueur; limoncello.
Day : 6
Amalfi Coast
Number of Days : 1
Today is yours to explore one of Europe's most desirable and romantic destinations at your own pace. Discover the shimmering azure sea, pass olive groves, lemon terraces & tumbling villages. If time permits, maybe head to Amalfi Town for a day trip, park up at the beach with book, or get lost wandering among the colourful houses, plunging mountains & grand villa in search of your next delicious gelato.
Day : 7
Amalfi Coast to Greece
Number of Days : 1
From picture perfect Amalfi to Pompeii, opt in to discover the dramatic history of this ancient city. 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. Check out the amazing 360 degree views from the deck!
Day : 8
To Athens
Number of Days : 1
From Patras, cross the impressive man-made Corinth Canal. Athens is next, a city crammed with myth and ancient wonders, and busy with modern, urban soul.
Day : 9
Athens
Number of Days : 1
Use your first full day in Athens to explore more of this open-air museum. You could honour the birthplace of drama by climbing around the massive Theatre of Dionysus or get the background on Ancient Greece at the National Archaeological Museum. Otherwise, experience Athens’ urban heart. Take off into the streets and find a hole-in-the-wall food joint where you can try the famous souvlaki.
This evening meet up with your Trip Manager & fellow Contiki travellers then wrap up the day on the shady slopes beneath the Acropolis with an optional dinner in the rustic district of Plaka, where traditional tavernas spill out onto the pavements. Tonight’s festive atmosphere is perfect for toasting the end of your trip.
Day : 10
Athens to Mykonos
Number of Days : 1
Today, board a ferry to Mykonos and take advantage of the amazing views across the Aegean, full of rocky islands as you make your way to the beautiful, whitewashed vistas of cosmopolitan Mykonos.
Day : 11
Mykonos
Number of Days : 2
Mykonos is famous for its blissful beaches and party culture. No matter what you’re after, chances are this island has got it! You’ll soon understand why this happening hub draws people from all walks of life, from jet-setters to backpackers.
In your free time, head into Mykonos town and wander through the maze of tiny streets lined by whitewashed, cube-shaped houses. Maybe grab a table in the village and snack on fresh local specialities, like olives, feta and tzatziki dip.
For a laid back afternoon, be sure to check out world-famous Paradise Beach. 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 hip clubs.
Day : 13
Mykonos to Santorini
Number of Days : 1
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.
Day : 14
Santorini
Number of Days : 2
Start your day getting 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 Trip Manager 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. Or head to the northern tip of Santorini with the group to catch one of the island’s famously spectacular sunsets on the Oia at Sunset optional excursion.
Day : 16
Santorini to Ios
Number of Days : 1
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.
Day : 17
Ios
Number of Days : 2
Relax on sandy beaches or lounge about poolside before a big night out, when Ios’ villages come alive. Head to the small streets of Hora, packed with clubs, bars and pubs and let loose to the pumping tunes. Otherwise, join the outdoor party in the squares and lanes. If you’re keen, you can keep it moving until dawn!
Day : 19
Ios to Athens
Number of Days : 1
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.
Day : 20
Depart Athens
Number of Days : 1
The trip ends after breakfast and it’s time to say farewell to your new friends.
