
The Greek Islands: Inspired by Mamma Mia
11 days, 4 cities |
- Trip type
- Activity level
Why go?
Strap on your overalls (or your platform boots and bell bottoms)—it’s time to live your best ABBA-fueled, sun-drenched, Greek island dream. Think: dancing under the stars on a whitewashed terrace, singing with your new friends on a ferry ride, and feeling like the main character all week long. Inspired by the iconic Mamma Mia! movies, this isn’t just a trip—it’s your chance to write your own story. Cue the music. Roll the credits. And “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” all the good vibes.
What you'll get
- 4 island-to-island ferry rides
- 9 nights in handpicked accommodations
- Meals: 9 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Guides: Expert Tour Director and insider Acropolis tour with local guide
- 24/7 support from our travel gurus
Picture yourself
- Dancing queen-ing your way through the islands
- Cliff-jumping into the Aegan Sea
- Watching the sunset at dinner with ABBA playing softly in the background
- Channeling your inner Donna at a local taverna in Mykonos
- Sipping wine on the golden-sand beaches of Paros
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Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight flight to Athens
Grab your passport and get ready for the type of dream summer Sophie was talking about. You’re headed to the cradle of Western Civilization and the beginning of your sun-soaked, bell-bottomed, main character moment. Just be sure to queue up a playlist full of ABBA before you head out.
Day 2: Arrive in Athens + Welcome Dinner
Welcome to Athens! This city is at least 5,000 years old, a beautiful city filled with art, literature, history, and about a million TikTok-worthy spots. And it’s the first stop on your journey through the Greek Islands.
In the evening, enjoy your Welcome Dinner! Hosted by your Tour Director, this kickoff dinner is all about meeting your fellow travelers, swapping stories, and easing into the rest of the trip ahead.
- Meet an EF representative at the airport
- Transfer to your accommodation and check in
- Receive the latest schedule from your Tour Director
- Meet your fellow travelers as they arrive
- Get acquainted with Athens on a brief walk around the city with your Tour Director.
Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Athens + optional Athens food tour & lunch and night out with a local
History gets the spotlight today. You’ll walk among ancient gods and goddesses at the Acropolis, then spend the rest of your day indulging in local flavors or living your main character moment out on the town—bonus points if you dance on a rooftop bar under the stars.
- Step into ancient history at the Acropolis. With a local guide leading the way, you'll visit the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and other architectural marvels that have stood tall for centuries. The views over Athens are jaw-dropping—so don’t forget your camera.
- Learn the myths, legends, and drama of ancient Athens. Hear the stories of gods, warriors, and philosophers as you walk past the Propylaea, the Theatre of Dionysus, and a bunch of other structures you’ll need your guide’s help to pronounce.
- Take in incredible panoramic views of Athens from the citadel’s hilltop vantage point, and understand why the ancient city’s name translates to “high city.”
Food to try: Sample ouzo, the local anise-flavored aperitif, at an authentic Greek restaurant, locally known as a taverna.
Stroll through the museums: The National Archaeology Museum is considered one of the greatest museums in the world, with pieces ranging from Greek sculptures to Egyptian Antiquities. Mama Mia! That’s quite a collection.
Day 4: Travel to Santorini
You’ve soaked in some history, now it’s time to soak in some sun. Leave the city of Athens behind and immerse yourself in island life, Mediterranean style. From the moment you step off the ferry in Santorini, you’ll feel like you’re walking into a scene from Mamma Mia!—white buildings, blue domes, and sunsets that could inspire a thousand love songs.
- Board your ferry to Santorini and get ready to feel the love in this iconic romantic destination.
- Check in to your accommodation and get to know the picturesque island that you’ll be calling home for the next two nights.
- Sprint to the nearest beach (hint: you’re surrounded by them) and enjoy a Santorini sunset.
Experience Oia: Oia is the traditional village in the northwestern end of Santorini and best known for its blue-domed churches, windmills, and winding streets that pop up in everyone’s Instagram feeds. And for good reason. Head there before sunset for awe-inspiring sunset views and get ready to capture some likes…errr, photos.
Lay out on the beach: Visit one of Santorini’s top beaches for an evening swim, from Perivolos to Kamari to Ammoudi Bay. There are tons to choose from and you literally can’t go wrong.
Day 5: Explore Santorini + Optional Cliffside Wine Tasting & Village Tour
Still loving life on this romantic island? Rhetorical question: The answer is obviously yes. Enjoy another day to check out Santorini’s famous sites and hidden gems. Think you know your adult grape juice? Join an optional Cliffside wine tasting excursion.
- Swim, sun, and soak in the volcanic beauty. Whether you lounge on the red sands of Red Beach or the black sands of Perissa beach, the Aegan Sea is calling—and you’ll be answering in a swimsuit and some shades.
- Explore the whitewashed streets of Fira. Santorini’s main town is postcard-perfect, full of jewelry shops, handmade art, and little spots to grab a gelato or a gyro.
Atlantis ruins: Visit the Akrotiri Ruins, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement buried in volcanic dust. This site predates Pompeii and is considered by many to be the famed lost city of Atlantis.
Museum hopping: Get your history on at a few of the island’s museums. The Archaeological Museum of Thera and the Museum of Prehistoric Thera are home to well-preserved artifacts and fossils dating back to 17th century BC.
Mamma Mia watch party: When the sun goes down, take a stroll along an ancient cobblestone, cliff path to cafe, restaurant, and rooftop cinema, Volkan. Enjoy a view of the caldera as you sip some wine and jam out to ABBA. It truly doesn’t get more Mamma Mia-esque than this. (Tickets must be purchased online ahead of time).
Day 6: Set sail for Paros
Set sail for Paros in the heart of the Cyclades Islands. With over 75 miles of golden sand beaches, Paros is one of the true delights of the Greek Islands. This is where the locals go to vacation.
- Take a ferry to Paros, the island of hidden gems. Sail past rocky cliffs and fishing boats as you approach this idyllic slice of the Cyclades.
- Arrive in Paros and check in to your accommodation.
- Join your Tour Director for a hand-picked a group activity, or plot your own adventure; you’re free to customize your day any way you’d like!
Sunset views: Enjoy a legendary Paros sunset anywhere on the western coast of the island. In Parikia, the Agioi Anargyroi Monastery provides a high vantage point overlooking the charming village. As well as, Pounda, with its vast views of the waters surrounding Antiparos.
Naoussa Nightlife: When the sun sets, everyone on the island heads from the beaches to the bars; Naoussa is where it begins and ends.
Day 7: Free day on Paros
Embrace your inner Donna today—whether you're lounging on a beach like a goddess or heading inland to a tucked-away taverna. This is your day to do as you please. You get to choose your mood, your pace, your vibe.
- Enjoy a full free day to do Paros your way. Sleep in, swim, snack—this is a no-regrets kind of day. You’ve earned it.
- Wander the historic port town of Parikia. Get lost in alleyways that twist and turn around ancient churches, crumbling castles, and quiet cafés with million-euro views.
Lefkes Village: Explore the inland village of Lefkes. Quiet, authentic, and wildly photogenic, this hilltop gem is perfect for a slow lunch or a scenic walk through history.
Parikia Town: Wander the historic port town of Parikia. Get lost in alleyways that twist and turn around ancient churches, crumbling castles, and quiet cafés with million-euro views.
Day 8: Travel to Mykonos
Head out from Paros to Mykonos by way of ferry. Though also rich in history, this island’s claim to fame is all-out, non-stop, dance-until-the-sun-comes-up nightlife. Mykonos is where the beat picks up and the disco lights turn on. Gorgeous beaches by day, legendary nightlife by night—if there’s a place to dance on a bar and sing “Dancing Queen,” this is it.
- Ferry to Mykonos and arrive ready to party. The last island of the trip takes you to one of the most glamorous, energetic spots in the world.
- Arrive in Mykonos and check in to your accommodation.
- Take a walking tour through Mykonos Town. Follow your Tour Director through the maze of white buildings and hidden courtyards where every doorway is an aesthetic dream and every turn leads to another boutique or beach bar.
- Plan your perfect evening. Whether you want to sip champagne on a terrace, catch a beach sunset, or go full “Donna and the Dynamos” at a seaside club, Mykonos is yours for the taking.
Sunbathe: The late afternoon is a great time to beach it—Ornos is a popular choice among families for its calm waters or chill out at the hotel pool where the loungers are free and the Piña Coladas are just an arms-reach away.
Go to church: Mykonos has about 800 churches on the island. Stop by its most famous church, the rock-like Panagia Paraportiani. It’s usually locked, but the photogenic whitewashed exterior is a spiritual experience in itself you just cannot miss.
Day 9: Free day in Mykonos
Spend your last day in Mykonos doing what you want. Whether that’s a beach day, a food day, a food AND beach day, so be it. In Mykonos there is no wrong choice.
- Do everything or nothing at all. Lounge at Super Paradise Beach with a spritz in hand, or get lost in Mykonos Town’s winding lanes and pop into all the shops you skipped yesterday.
- Capture your ultimate Greece photo. Find the hidden corners (or Little Venice) that scream “movie still” and do a full photo shoot. Yes, solo shoots count.
- Say yes to one last party. Paradise Beach turns into a full-blown bash at night—go out with a bang, or stay in with your group and cheers to the trip of a lifetime.
Party in Paradise: By day, Paradise Beach is a hotspot for sun tanners, sand castle-builders, and partiers alike. By night, the sand is your dance floor and the entire beach erupts into a high-energy party that goes ‘til dawn.
Super Paradise: Visit Super Paradise Beach, Paradise Beach’s smaller, quainter neighbor. Relax under an umbrella, hang out in a beach bar, and soak up your last day in this island paradise.
Day 10: Travel to Athens + Farewell Dinner
Back to the azure waters of the Aegean, this time returning to Athens via ferry. In the evening, it’s time for your Farewell Dinner. Hosted by your Tour Director, this dinner is your chance to relive the best stories, the funniest inside jokes, and all the unforgettable moments you’ve shared. But don’t let this be “Our Last Summer” together, now’s a good time to grab those new travel buddies you made and start planning where you’ll go next.
- Return to Athens for one final night together. Whether it’s your first gyros or your twentieth, this city is the perfect full-circle ending.
- Toast to the trip at a Farewell Dinner. Laugh, cry, reminisce, and maybe even dance—after all, this is your finale.
Day 11: Fly home
Antio, filoi!
Translation: Goodbye, friends. Your next destination awaits—home. Before you head to the airport, enjoy your last few moments together. Take one more group photo. Grab that final drink. (Fine, maybe a couple of drinks.) But this isn’t goodbye. It’s, “See you later.” The only question is, where?
–OR–
EXTEND YOUR TRIP 2 WAYS
1. Double the fun
A lot of our trips line up back to back! Give us a call—we can help you add another and save big while you're at it.
2. Go ahead or stay behind
Extending your trip is easy! During checkout, you'll have the option to fly to (or from) the gateway of your choice for an additional fee. We'll adjust your flights accordingly, but you'll be responsible to take care of your transportation, hotels, and other logistics outside of tour.
Note: Depending on your desired gateways, additional fees may apply.
Which trip type is right for you?
Essential: Room with 3+ other travelers in conveniently located hostels. For budget-conscious extroverts who love a group moment.
Plus: Room with just one other person in 3- or 4-star hotels. Perfect for people who value privacy and recharging in their own space.
Accommodations
We handpick every accommodation and focus on locations and properties where local culture is at your doorstep. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used properties for this tour.
New Paradise Beach Hotel Mykonos
This hotel overlooks Paradise beach in Mykonos. Guests will enjoy an outdoor pool, sunbeds, umbrellas & food and drink service on paradise beach and access to the lively open air beach club on site. Nearby, you’ll find some...

Athenaeum Smart Hotel
This hotel is located in the vibrant Neos Kosmos neighborhood of Athens. Guests will enjoy a rooftop garden restaurant, indoor and outdoor lounge areas & onsite laundry services. Nearby, you’ll find the Acropolis Museum, the...

Orizontes Hotel Pyrgos
This hotel is located on the island of Santorini. Guests will enjoy a beautiful swimming pool, outdoor restaurant and poolside bar. Nearby, you’ll find wineries, restaurants and stunning coastline.
Customize with excursions
Enhance your experience with hand-picked optional excursions—designed to add adventure, culture, and unforgettable moments to your journey.
Weather
Athens, Greece
Weather averages
Mykonos, Greece
Weather averages
Flights
When you include flights with your trip, our dedicated team of experts will handle all the details, so your travel experience is as seamless as possible. Just select your dates and airport to see pricing.
Perks of booking flights with us
- Airport transfers to and from accommodations
- Ability to pay for flights over time, interest free
- Convenience of travel plans all in one booking
- 24/7 guidance through flight changes or delays
- Free delayed and lost bag tracking with Blue Ribbon Bags
- Locked-in price (barring post-booking changes)
- Flexibility for pre- or post-trip travel
- Major international airlines only
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FAQ
Greece is calling, book the trip! We recommend booking as soon as possible, this not only secures your spot on the trip, it also allows you the most time to pay for your trip. The closer we get to departure the more challenging securing your reservation becomes.
These trips are designed to give you those life-shaping adventures you see on your feed—without the stress or the scary price tag. Travel with friends or go solo and find your people along the way. Basically, it's champagne vibes on a seltzer budget, with all the planning done for you. These trips are exclusively for travelers 18-25, not a skinny-jean-wearing millennial in sight!
You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you'll visit on your trip here. Simply type in the name of the tour and you'll see all of the entry requirements including passport validity, visas, and electronic transit authorizations.
Note that this information will default to US passport holders. If you hold a passport from outside the US, please make sure to consult your country's immigration and travel site to determine the best documentation needed for your travels.
Visiting Greece is like stepping into a sun-soaked postcard—where ancient ruins meet crystal-clear waters and epic sunsets are just part of the daily routine. With warm, Mediterranean weather most of the year (expect sunny days from April to October), it’s the perfect playground for beach lovers, history buffs, and foodies alike. Summer is peak season, especially June through August, when the islands are buzzing with energy and nightlife, but spring and early fall bring fewer crowds and just-as-gorgeous vibes.
This trip hits the sweet spots—from the iconic Acropolis in Athens and Instagram-famous Santorini sunsets to the beach clubs of Mykonos and hidden gems you’d never find on your own. Whether you're snapping pics at cliffside villages, cruising between islands, or diving into local eats like gyros and fresh feta, Greece is the kind of trip that blends culture, adventure, and unforgettable memories with new travel friends your age.
Groups average around 30 travelers but can range from 20 up to 44. Generally, the average age is 27. The group size allows for plenty of opportunities to socialize and explore together, making it a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and form lasting connections. Whether you're a solo traveler or coming with friends, you'll find a supportive and energetic group atmosphere. Check out our Rules of the Road and the role all travelers play in creating a fun and inclusive group.
Traveling solo? Have no fear! Over 60% of our travelers join an Ultimate Break tour solo. It doesn't matter if you're an introvert, an extrovert, or anything in between - our tours are designed for you to build connections that will last a lifetime. With experiences like our included Welcome and Farewell dinners, we'll make sure you have time to get to know your fellow travelers. First time traveling with us? Check out our resources for first time travelers here
When you book flights with us you’ll get:
- The ability to roll the cost of your airfare into our interest free monthly payment plan.
- One checked bag per traveler included.
- Expert guidance on how to work with the airline when flight delays and cancellations occur.
- Transfers to and from the airport on your tour's arrival and departure dates.
- Flexible rebooking options if your itinerary changes.
- Flexibility around your arrival and departure airports. You’ll have the option to fly in or out of most airports if you want to add any independent travel before or after your tour.
- Assurance that you will only be booked on airlines that meet our rigorous safety standards.
If you have preferences regarding an airline or are traveling with someone and wish to be on the same flight as them, you can read more about flying with your friend here. We're always happy to look into it however we can't guarantee we will always be able to accommodate.
Flight details are released for preview 60 days before departure and your e-ticket and confirmation number will be available 30 days before you depart.
When you book flights on your own, you’re responsible for:
- Transfers to and from the airport on your tour’s arrival and departure dates.
- Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
- Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your itinerary changes or the tour is cancelled.
- Arriving and departing on time; no compensation will be provided for missed tour inclusions.
We recommend you avoid checking a bag, but if that’s not possible, you should ensure that you bring extra clothes and essentials in a carry-on bag as a precaution. You'll need to refer to your airline’s website for weight limits.
For more information on flying with Ultimate Break, check out the Flights section of our Help Center
When you book flights on your own, you’re responsible for:
- Transfers to and from the airport on your tour’s arrival and departure dates.
- Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
- Rebooking your flight and any associated fees if your itinerary changes or the tour is cancelled.
- Arriving and departing on time; no compensation will be provided for missed tour inclusions.
We recommend you avoid checking a bag, but if that’s not possible, you should ensure that you bring extra clothes and essentials in a carry-on bag as a precaution. You'll need to refer to your airline’s website for weight limits.
For more information on flying with Ultimate Break, check out the Flights section of our Help Center
Generally, expect to depart your home gateway in the afternoon or evening on Day 1. All overnight flights from the US to Europe will arrive mid-morning to early afternoon on Day 2.
Worried about jetlag, delayed flights, or just want more time to explore, we strongly encourage extending your stay to arrive early or stay late. This way you can settle in without the stress of missing anything.
When you arrive at Athens airport, you'll head through baggage claim and customs before being greeted by your Tour Director. They'll set a designated place for you to meet as the trip gets closer. For travelers who booked flights through Ultimate Break, you'll then be transported to your first accommodation to freshen up before the Welcome Dinner.
We recommend budgeting $80-$100 per day to cover tipping, food, and shopping. You know your spending habits best, if you want to do it all budget on the higher end.
The local currency will be the Euro. We strongly advise that you take debit and credit cards (ideally with a chip), which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed. Make sure to check with your bank or credit card company about withdrawal fees and/or foreign exchange fees. While better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, ordering currency from your local bank may be an option.
Your Tour Director is with you during your entire trip. They're part logistics master, making sure you get to see all that we have planned; part rockstar, sharing with your local hotspots; and part guru, sharing and inviting you into the culture. Our Tour Directors are fully trained and ready to support you in making your journey safe, seamless, and unforgettable!
In some locations you will be met by a local guide who will lead you through our traveler-inspired walking tour. You'll get some local history and culture while also making sure you hit the photo stops. You'll walk away with an insider's perspective and some great pictures.
On Plus trips, you will be in a room with one other traveler unless a single room upgrade is purchased. Roommates are assigned randomly based on gender unless a specific roommate is requested in advance. You can do this at the time of booking or in your online account up to 60 days before departure.
Greece is considered safe for travelers, but like any destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow basic safety guidelines. Pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas or tourist hotspots. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious with strangers offering unsolicited help or deals.
Here are a few additional points:
- Health and Safety: Talking with your healthcare provider about any vaccinations or medication you may want to consider. Here are some additional tips for traveling with medication and traveling with allergies.
- International Data Plan: In the event you need to get in touch with your Tour Director or Ultimate Break while abroad, it’s important to invest in an international data plan. Call your cell phone provider to understand their plans or look into purchasing a sim card.
- Transportation Safety: When getting a taxi, make sure to agree on a price before getting in. At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi, Uber of Uber like service, and always have cash on hand.
- Nightlife: The Greek islands have a lively nightlife! As with anywhere in the world, watch your drink, and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
You can learn more about our safety commitment here.
Ultimate Break trips are a welcome environment for all. While we work hard to cultivate an inclusive environment in our groups, we recognize some people may have additional reservations based on their identity that they need to consider while traveling. Check out some resources on our identity and international travel page and reach out if you have any questions.
We categorize this trip as a low activity level. This means you're ready to choose your own adventure. You may spend more time on a bus or vehicle but there will be some walking and activities as well. There’s also some free time for you to enjoy at your own pace. On these tours, be prepared to:
- Walk a minimum of 7,500k steps per day (more if you add excursions)
- Use public transportation
- Climb on and off a motor coach or vehicle unassisted
- Manage your own luggage (including carrying luggage upstairs if no elevator)
- Climb occasional stairs, hills and navigate various terrains (think cobblestones) to different sites
- Stand for periods of time during guided commentary and photo stops
For Essential Trips: Be able to climb a ladder for bunk beds (if applicable)
Excursions are available for purchase at a discounted rate prior to departure. Some excursions may be available for purchase while you are on tour directly through your mobile app but are subject to availability and will be more expensive.
We recommend purchasing excursions at least 3 days prior to your tour departure. Please note some excursions have advance booking deadlines. Check your tour itinerary for more information to ensure you don’t miss the deadline to add them.
When you travel with Ultimate Break, you’ll make a positive impact on the places you visit and the people and animals you meet along the way. That’s because our three core Responsible Travel commitments—protecting the environment, supporting local communities, and promoting animal welfare—are at the heart of every tour we offer.
Learn more about EF's Impact approach here.
If you're itching to travel a tad longer and want to experience another destination (or even country) during your tour, consider adding your tour's extension. Some tours offer a tour extension giving you a few more days to explore with your Tour Director and other tour members.
We suggest adding the tour extension when booking your tour. If you've already made your reservation and would like to add the extension, we'll do our best to make it happen. The sooner you let us know, the better, so we can adjust your flight dates and airport gateways as needed.
Your safety is priority #1
Our parent company EF has been ensuring the safety of travelers abroad since 1965 with:
- 24/7 global on-call support
- Highly trained Tour Directors
- Quality & safety checks on accommodations
- 50,000 EF staff on the ground in 50 countries