Athens, Naxos & Crete

Our quest begins in Athens, where you'll meet your Trip Manager and BFFs-to-be for the next nine days. After we've said hello and asked one another's star signs and fav colours, it's off for a walking tour of Greece's historic and sumptuous capital –- exploring the Plaka neighbourhood in all its cobblestoned glory. Don't forget your camera. Stay: Athens Center Square Hotel (or similar)

Welcome to your first full day. We're starting things off ac-roperly with a visit to the legendary Acropolis of Athens. After basking in its ancient wonder, we'll head to the nearby museum for a dose of intellect a la History Buff. In the afternoon, we'll board the ferry and make our way across to Naxos. After a long day of staring open-mouthed in the face of sterling temples and sprawling landscapes, we'll head to our hotel in the evening for an included dinner and a much-deserved rest. (B/D) Stay: Coronis Hotel (or similar)

Today you'll have all day to explore Naxos – the biggest island in the Cyclades, known for its greenery, mountains, valleys, seascapes and traditional Greek villages. We'll begin with an orientation walk, i.e. we worry about directions so you're free to worry about getting the perfect insta shots. This afternoon, you're free to explore alone or with your new Contiki crew. We'll take a trip to the standout villages Apiranthos and Chalki, and don't forget to sample Naxos' world-renowned cheese – washed down with local wine or Kitron, the famous local liqueur. (B)

Rise and shine! We have a long day of absolute re-lax-ation ahead of us today, with the option of visiting the Koufonisia islands – famous for their huge caves and idyllic beaches. The perfect chance to soak up the rays and bathe like royalty in crystal blue seas. Fab fact: ‘Koufonisia' means ‘hollow'. The ‘Hollow islands' got their name from pirates, who saw the multitude of caves from afar and believed that the islands must be hollow. (B)

You'll have some free time for exploring this morning – before we say good night Naxos and hello Heraklion! Myth-heads, go nuts! We'll arrive by ferry to the home of the Palace of Knossos, famous for its connection to many famous Greek myths, including Theseus and the Minotaur. Tonight, you'll marvel at Games of Thrones-esque castle walls on an evening orientation walk, before tucking into an included dinner. (B/D) Stay: Kastro Hotel (or similar)

Now we move Herakli…on to the next destination. Next, we go from the quintessential to the quaint with a drive to the south of Crete. We'll visit the old town of Rethymno, nested in the mountains. (B) Stay: Brascos Hotel (or similar)

Today is all about appreciating the work of the greatest architect of all time: Mother Nature. You have the chance to enjoy an all-day hike at Samaria Gorge – the second longest gorge in Europe, measuring a whopping 18km in length. Fan your natural history flame as you admire thousand-year-old pine trees, plus rare herbs and flowers. Don't panic if you hear a noise, it's just the Samaria Gorge's famous “kri-kri” goats (who you could say are the GOAT.)

You'll work up one beast of an appetite today but don't fret, we've got you covered with an included dinner after we touch down in Chania. (B) Stay: Arkadi Hotel (or similar)

We know, we know. Last days are a total beach. In Chania, you'll get to visit two A-List locations. Firstly, Falassarna – famed for its flora, fauna and of course its gorgeous beaches. Elafonisi is equally stunning, with its blossom-pink sands and NATURA 2000 listing. Love your endangered plant and animal species? You'll find plenty here, including loggerhead sea turtles. (B/D)

And just like that, it's time to bid farewell to your travel crew. At least there's one final breakfast to numb the pain (and boost your blood sugar). Afterwards, you really only have two options: head home or head to the rest of Greece's islands like the archeology junkie you truly are. Either way, you won't be able to resist keeping your new Contiki pals in the loop. (B)