Delve Deep: Greek Islands 2023

Helloooo, Athens! Cue epic adventures, crystal-clear water and more gyros than your fat pants can handle. Think: 4am kebab – but better. Gather ‘round Spartans! Tonight we'll meet the gang and dine Greek style: brace yourself for a legendary included group dinner at a local eatery.

Tick off your ancient must-dos today on a stroll with your local Trip Leader. See the likes of Monastiraki Square, the ruins of the library of Hadrian, Filopappou Hill (for spectacular views over Athens and the Acropolis) and Syntagma Square for the changing of the guards. Then: delve deeper into these archeological sites with an afternoon of free time – the mighty Acropolis is waiting. Ready to dial up your ancient history quota? Jump on an optional afternoon trip to Cape Sounion and Attica. Or spend your free time hunting down the best Greek donut shop in Athens. And this evening? It’s all yours. We rec finding local haunt for some seriously good saganaki – it’s cheese, it’s fried, it’s goddam delicious.

We’re not going to lie, this morning’s an early one – but it’s going to be oh-so-worth it! If Athens invented democracy, Mykonos pioneered the beach party that followed. As a group, we’ll hit up the windmills in Little Venice for THAT photo, check out the white-washed shop fronts of Old Town and make a mental note of all the beachfront cocktail bars to check out later. Then: the rest is up to you! Ever heard of Paradise Beach? It’s where Europe goes to party. ‘Nough said.

Sore head this morning? DW we’ve got the cure – a free day lazing on Mykonos’ soft sandy beaches. If you’re up for it, why not venture to Delos Island to check out the birthplace of the sun god Apollo on an optional archaeological tour. Or lace up those Nikes for an included hike around Paradise Beach. It’s 100% up to you. Looking for some local inspo? Your Trip Leader’s more clued-up than the Cluedo World Champion ‘96. Make the most of it!

Say goodbye to Mykonos – we’re heading to Paros this morning. Expect: more white-and-blue coloured paradise. Get your bearings around Parikia (aka Paros’ capital) before cutting loose to do whatever you want. Get your architecture fix at the Church of 100 Doors. Explore the cobblestone streets in Naoussa. Or grab some chill time at Kolimbithres Beach. And tonight? We’re dining like the locals with an included group meal, so get ready to share your top Greek legends/arty AF shell pics (we know you’ve got them).

Oh, what’s that? Free time to do your own thing? We thought so. Chill at the beach with your trip mates. Settle in at a local restaurant. Or jump on the bus to Lefkes for some sick views. Want to explore a little deeper? There’s a full day trip to Naoussa, Kolymbithres beach and the church of Ekatontapiliani on offer too. Get out there!

Jump back on the ferry: the blue-domed cliffside houses of your Insta feed await in Santorini – #nofilter necessary. Get the tour of Fira with your in-the-know Trip Leader (the side of the island with the best views). Then: it’s time to make your friends back home jealous AF with THAT sunset pic. Lucky for you, we’re no rookies when it comes to picking the best spot. So settle in, this is going to be one to remember.

On today’s agenda? OPTIONS. Get your fill of blue-domed churches, rustic windmills and whitewashed houses with an adventure around the island. Or sign up for a full-day volcano excursion, starting with a sail in a traditional caldera before getting your hike on – volcano style. And just in case your iPhone gallery wasn’t filled last night, you could even join an Oia sunset tour later. Best day ever? We’re not surprised.

Whip out your camera and snap one last pic – it’s your last morning in Santorini. Disclaimer: we’ve got a lengthy ferry ride back to Athens. But sometimes it’s about the journey, right? And with a fully-charged phone, upgraded seats and your trip mates by your side – we’ll be back in Athens before you know it! Then: ready for your final dinner with the gang? Local eats: you bet. Mamma Mia-style dancing and singing: optional, but encouraged. Let’s make it count.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye. Try not to get too emotional – you could be an ugly crier. So, where to next?