Greek Islands Group Tour
Greece island hopping for 30-45 year-olds
10 DAYS
Trip Highlights
Cruise through crystalline waters
Stunning Santorini
White moonscapes at Sarakiniko
Visit the Acropolis in Athens
Indico Travels' Specials
Greek island hopping with other 30-45 year-olds
Discover Kimolos island, a hidden gem
Wine tasting with a view of Santorini's caldera
Tasty Greek cookery course
Are you dreaming of turquoise waters and whitewashed villages, the wind in your hair and glass of local wine in your hand? If you also would like a dash of culture & history to enrich your vacation, then this 10-day trip could be perfect for you. We're off to Greece to go island hopping!
Our small group tour of Greece starts in the capital of Ancient Greece, when we visit the Acropolis and trendy bars in vibrant Athens. Then it’s time to hop on board the one way boat for a further nine days in paradise: the Cyclades islands await! As always with Indico Travels, this shared Greece tour for solo travelers is designed especially for people in their 30s and 40s, so we've picked the top 5 islands for people your age. Milos will wow you with its stunning white rocks and moon-like landscapes. Set sail for Antiparos, where crystal clear water invites you for a dip. Sample local produce in fertile Paros. Take a step back in time in undiscovered Kimolos - a small island with authentic charm. And escape the crowds on a beautiful coastal hike and refined wine tasting on the crown jewel of the Aegean Sea - Santorini.
As always on Indico Travels trips, we mix fun activities, cultural exploration and some well-earned indulgence. Note that this trip is partially guided.
Why join a Greece tour for solo travelers?
Island hopping in Greece can be an organizational challenge - there are ferry timetables to consider, transportation to and from the ports.. A group tour means you just turn up with your bathing suit, and we’ll arrange the rest!
The Greek islands are not well-connected by public transport, so you need a car to get around many. By going on a group tour of the Greek islands, you benefit from private transport and locals experts who take you to the best spots.
Santorini in particular is known as a romantic destination and accommodation is high end. Enjoy the island in great company, even without a romantic partner, and enjoy a lovely hotel as part of this group tour. Also, Santorini offers absolutely stunning backdrops, so you and your new travel buddies can snap pictures of each other looking cute!
Did we mention how delicious Greek food is, and that by traveling in a solo travel group you can share all the Greek tapas (mezze)?
Click on the itinerary to find out more about our Greek islands group tour!
Select Tour Dates
Day 1 • 10 Sep 2021 • In the city of Gods
Walking tour with local
Drinks with Acropolis views
Welcome to vibrant Athens - a youthful city with a rich history. Let's take this opportunity to check out the absolute highlights of Athens before we head off on our island adventure!
In the afternoon, meet your fellow travelers and head off into town to explore with your guide. Enjoy the street art and cute cafés on your stroll together.
Later, you'll head to a local taverna, to get your first sample of Greece's fantastic cuisine and get to know your fellow travelers. Once your bellies are full, head to a trendy rooftop bar together, to toast to your shared adventure with a stunning view of the illuminated Acropolis. Yamas (cheers)!
Meals included: Dinner
Transport: By Foot (2:30h)
Jason Inn Hotel
Type: Hotel
Category: Standard
Facilities:
Internet in Room
Air conditioning
Day 2 • 11 Sep 2021 • It's the big one - the Acropolis!
UNESCO Heritage Acropolis
Tie up your laces, because it's time to visit the legendary beauty that towers over Athens: the Acropolis. The site sits on a hill and consists of several buildings, with the Parthenon being the best known. The main buildings of the Acropolis were constructed around 500 B.C., and still fascinate us 2600 years on. Explore the place where theatre was born - the Theatre of Dionysus - from where the concept of theatre spread across Greece and then the world. Spend a couple of hours discovering the site and learning about the Ancient Greeks.
After your sightseeing, you have time out to grab some lunch in the charming streets of Plaka, or you may choose to head to the Panathenaic stadium to see where the first modern Olympics were held.
In the afternoon, we hop on the ferry to our first island destination, Paros, where you have the evening at leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport: Private Bus (1:00h), By Foot (2:00h), Boat (3:00h)
Aeolis Hotel Milos
Facilities:
Internet in Room
Air conditioning
Day 3 • 12 Sep 2021 • Welcome to the Greek isles
Boat trip around islands
Coasts of Paros & Antiparos
Swim in turquoise waters
Pack your sunscreen - we're going on a boat trip you won't forget! Hop on a beautiful traditional ship and off we sail, to discover the crystal clear waters of Paros and it's smaller sister island, Antiparos.
Relax on board while the captain steers us to the most beautiful swimming spots. Pop on a snorkel to see the fish, marvel at the rocky coastline and dry off on board, while enjoying tasty snacks and drinks. This is what island holidays are about!
The evening is free to enjoy the bars and restaurants of Paros' capital, Naoussa.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Transport: Boat (4:00h)
Aeolis Hotel Milos
Facilities:
Internet in Room
Air conditioning
Day 4 • 13 Sep 2021 • A taste of Paros
Greek cooking course
Taste local produce
Being an island, Paros was reliant on growing its own produce where possible. Many locals have their own vegetable gardens and many local restaurants serve fresh produce they've grown themselves. Today we'll explore Paros from a culinary and agricultural angle, meeting some locals and trying delicious produce from the island.
Sun-kissed Paros tomatoes & cucumbers for that Greek salad, anyone?
In the evening, we jump on the ferry to another dream destination: the island of Milos.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Transport: Boat (1:30h)
Aeolis Hotel Milos
Facilities:
Internet in Room
Air conditioning
Day 5 • 14 Sep 2021 • The best of Milos - and it really is the BEST!
Moon beach at Sarakiniko
Klima's colorful fishing huts
Sunset from castle in Plaka
Milos is a stunning all-rounder. The island is only 21km (15 miles) long, but offers the perfect combination of authenticity, charm and jaw-dropping beauty.
Today we'll explore the dramatic moonscapes of Sarakiniko beach, with its white cliffs and blue water. Dare to jump into the sea? We'll see the cute and colourful fishing huts of Klima, as well as visit an ancient theatre that used to sit 8000 people. We find out more about Milos' rich history and the many peoples who influenced the island.
After that, you can choose whether you want to take time out by the port, or take an optional excursion (a fee applies) to Firopotamos beach for a few hours.
Later, we regroup to meet some local artisans in pretty Plaka, Milos' capital. We catch the sunset and a 360 degree view of Milos together from Plaka's castle ruins, before enjoying a tasty dinner together at a local taverna.
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport: Private Bus (3:00h), By Foot (2:00h)
Aeolis Hotel Milos
Facilities:
Internet in Room
Air conditioning
Day 6 • 15 Sep 2021 • An authentic island where time stands still
Day trip to Kimolos
Today you'll get the chance to step back in time and explore an as yet quite unknown gem of an island: Kimolos. Sitting right next to Milos, Kimolos is a small island with only 600 inhabitants. The island may not be full of people, but it's full of charm and hidden treasures.
Spend the day exploring the island together. We'll see charismatic fishing huts by the seaside, get lost in the traditional alleyways of the capital, Chorio, and enjoy the beautiful white sand beach of Prassa. Time ticks slower on Kimolos, so take a moment to enjoy the peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.
Head back to Milos feeling you've found somewhere real, and special.
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport: Boat (1:00h), Private Bus (1:00h)
Aeolis Hotel Milos
Facilities:
Internet in Room
Air conditioning
Day 7 • 16 Sep 2021 • Wow wow wow! A boat trip extraordinaire
Most stunning boat trip!
Swim in Poliegos
White cliffs of Kleftiko
It's time for an absolute highlight of the trip: a sailing adventure deluxe around the area's most beautiful swimming spots.
In front of the isle of Poliegos (Greek for "many goats") the water is 10 metres (70 feet) deep - but so clear that you can still see the bottom! Splash and dive to spot the little blue fish.
The beach of Gerakos impresses with its dramatic cliffs, which shine bright because they contain perlite. Care to swim to land for a little bask before lunch?
Back on board, the crew serve up a delicious home-cooked meal, making sure your glass of crisp white wine is topped up as you live the yachting dream.
The final stop are the rock formations of Kleftiko. Kleftiko used to be a hideout for pirates, and is the base of the term "kleptomaniac" (person addicted to stealing). Jump into the stunning waters and swim to the caves where the pirates used to hide.
If you're anything like us, you'll head back to land speechless and in awe of the beauty you were able to witness today - a truly unforgettable boat aventure.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Transport: Boat (8:00h)
Aeolis Hotel Milos
Facilities:
Internet in Room
Air conditioning
Day 8 • 17 Sep 2021 • Hiking to a Santorini sunset
Hike the caldera coast
Sunset in Santorini
We take the early ferry to arguably the most popular island in the world: Santorini! Here is where we'll spend our last couple of days, enjoying the incredible views over the blue Aegean Sea.
We check into our incredible hotel, whose pool boasts a view over the so-called caldera - the beautiful seascape between Santorini and the volcanic island opposite. Choose whether you'd like to kick back by the pool, or get on your walking shoes.
Take your time to hike the beautiful 4-hour walk from the capital of Fira, alongside the pretty white towns of Imerovigli and Firostefani, at your own pace. The views are second to none!
Later, we all meet in the popular spot of Oia, to witness Santorini's famous sunset together.
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport: Boat (1:30h), By Foot (4:00h)
El Greco Hotel
Facilities:
Internet in Room
Spa
Swimming Pool
Air conditioning
Day 9 • 18 Sep 2021 • Enjoying the view
Day at leisure in Santorini
Wine tasting with a view
Farewell dinner in taverna
Today, you have the day off to enjoy your vacation at leisure. Early birds might head to Oia to take pictures in the pretty morning sun before other tourists arrive (best time to snap the famous blue domes!), others will have a lie in and head to the black beach for a dip in the sea (optional).
In the afternoon, we regroup at the hotel for a special hurrah. We visit a Santorini winery to taste refreshing local wines. Once you've caught your breath after seeing the amazing view, inhale the fragrant aromas of the local tipples and dig into tasty tapas. We toast to our incredible Greek adventure - and the new friends we made along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transport: Private Bus (2:00h)
El Greco Hotel
Facilities:
Internet in Room
Spa
Swimming Pool
Air conditioning
Day 10 • 19 Sep 2021 • Last day of your Greek adventure
The last day to soak up these views - and you have time to check out the local shops and pick up some souvenirs for friends and family, or treat yourself to something cute.
If you're interested in spending more time on Santorini, we'll be happy to provide you with more tips for excursions.
When it's time to head to the airport, you'll do so with a sun kissed glow, a sprinkle of sand in your suitcase and a head full of beautiful new memories. We look forward to seeing you on your next adventure!
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport: Private Bus (0:30h)
Before the trip
I'd like to arrive a day/some days earlier, or add a few days to the end of my trip. Can I?
Absolutely - we encourage that! We can help you extend your stay at the groups' hotels, and give you tips for things to do regionally if you drop us a message. For some trips, there are also pre-planned excursions - check your trip itinerary.
Can you help with booking flights?
We've found our travelers prefer to book their flights themselves as they can choose their local departure airport, and decide themselves whether to prioritise by cost of the flight, duration, airline etc. We're vry happy to give you tips on how to get the best flight deals - just drop us a note!
Travel Booking
What is the early bird discount?
The early bird discount is a thank you for people who book an Indico-Travels trip before the minimum number of participants has been reached. You can't book your flights right away because the trip is not (yet!) confirmed. Once the trip is confirmed, you can proceed to book your flights.
Important
What does a "partially guided trip" mean?
This means that you'll travel as a group without constantly having a guide by your side. You'll get picked up by drivers when you arrive at a new place, and you'll have local experts guiding you for certain key activities. Of course we only offer partially guided tours in easy destinations with good infrastructure, where people speak English, to give you the freedom to explore at will.
When can I book my international flights?
As soon as we have confirmed that the minimum number of participants for your trip has been reached and the trip is therefore guaranteed to take place, you can book your flights. The trip will be confirmed or cancelled at least 45 days before departure. We will be happy to give you tips on booking flights! By the way: it is in our interest to fill the trips as soon as possible, so we do our best to confirm them as soon as possible.
When is a trip guaranteed to take place?
A trip is guaranteed to take place when the minimum number of participants has been reached. If you have already booked before the minimum number of participants has been reached, we will let you know, so you can book your flights. We will confirm or cancel the trip no later than 45 days before the scheduled departure date. If a trip has to be cancelled unexpectedly, you will of course receive a 100% refund of your deposit or any other payments made.
What vaccinations are recommended or required for my trip?
As a tour operator, we are not allowed to give specific vaccination recommendations for liability reasons. We strongly recommend that you consult your local doctor or, even better, a qualified doctor specialized in tropical diseases in good time before your trip. Here are some relevant links for citizens of several countries: UK: Gov.uk, USA: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Germany: Auswärtiges Amt.
General Questions
How do I get from the airport to the hotel?
It's super easy! Follow the signs to the metro station, buy a ticket at the self-service machine or counter and hop on the metro. This is a popular route amongst tourists, it's safe and you'll find plenty of people who speak English if you have questions. The hotel is a short walk from the metro station - we'll send you more specific details a few weeks before the trip.
When is the best time to visit the Greek islands?
The islands are best enjoyed between April and October. July and August can get quite hot, while May/June and September/early October tend to be nice and warm. April is cooler, but also quieter, so you can feel like the queen or king of the island.
What is a pilot trip?
The pilot trip is the first implementation of a new group trip and you can be part of it as one of the first travellers! Despite careful planning during the trip, there may be minor discrepancies with the programme, so we are offering the trip at a special price.
What's the situation like in Greece regarding COVID and local measures?
At the moment of writing (1st July 2021), Greece is open to US, UK and EU travelers that are fully vaccinated or have proof of a negative PCR text/ or even just certified negative rapid test (depending on where from) - but check current rules with the Greek consulate in the country you live. Infection rates are very low in Greece.
Medical or textile masks must be worn when entering public transport, shops or other closed places. In order to travel between islands, you must complete a simple health form. You'll be outside almost all the time on this trip as the weather should be sunny and warm.
Restaurants provide disinfectant gel on every table and boat trips are currently taking less passengers than usual to allow more space. Rapid self-tests are available in pharmacies for around €5/USD6 each.
I'm under 30 or over 45 - can I still join the trip?
Our trips are made specifically for people from 30-45, as we know there are many other travel brands out there catering to other age groups. If you're under 30 or over 45, do check out our sister brands Galapatours and Polartours, who offer boat excusions. If you speak German or French, we also have group travel sister brands that offer trips for all ages. Find our about them here: https://www.venturatravel.org/brands
I've never traveled with a tour group before - how do I know this is for me?
Many of our clients have never traveled with a travel group before - we hadn't either! We've specifically developed our trips with solo travelers in mind, meaning we give you some spare time and space in which you can do our own thing, but you can also buddy up with people in the group if you like. Traveling with a tour group has great benefits: you get access to locations and communities you wouldn't get on your own, you travel with a local expert and everything is organised for you on the ground, so you can just relax into enjoying your new experiences. Plus, you get to meet a bunch of new people your age who are up for shared adventures!
What happens if a vaccination against Corona becomes mandatory for my trip?
If you do not want to or aren't able to get fully vaccinated before your trip, please check before booking whether a certificate of vaccination is currently mandatory in your destination. Feel free to ask us - or your destination's local embassy in your country will be able to confirm, too! If you already booked a trip with us and the entry requirements change, we will get in touch with you and explain the new situation. If, for example, a vaccination against Corona becomes mandatory due to new airline regulations or to enter a destination and you are not able to get vaccinated in time, there are different options which we will offer you, such as rescheduling or canceling your trip.
Single Room Upgrade
What is included
All listed activities & entrance fees (except those highlighted as optional)
Partially guided tour - there are local tour guides for the main activities (English) - see FAQs
Daily breakfast, as well as meals marked as "included" in the daily itinerary
Accommodation in a shared twin room
Single room available for an additional fee (depending on availability)
Compensation of CO2 emissions (also for your long haul flight)
Drop off at Santorini airport on day 10
What is not included
Around €20 (US $25) in total in overnight city taxes. In Greece, this must get paid to the hotel by each traveler - it's €1.50-€3 ($2-4) per night.
International flights (please only book after we've confirmed the departure!)
Tips & gratuities