In 2021, global travel brand Contiki released a travel report which shed light on the travel trends of South Africans for 2022. When it came to destinations that most gen Z and millennial South African travellers had at the top of their travel list for the year, Greece was in first place. With Greek holidays soaring in popularity among young travellers from South Africa, Contiki has announced six new ways for travellers aged 18-35 to explore the country. The new trips are bookable from September 2022 and departing after April 2023.
Standout trips include the ‘Greek Explorer’, an 11-day tour that encompasses Greece’s ancient history, areas of outstanding natural beauty and traditional villages with a stop-off at Corfu. Travellers will have the chance to visit the Meteora monasteries, go rafting on the River Voidomatis and take a traditional boat cruise in Corfu.
‘Athens, Naxos & Crete’ is an alternative island hopping trip, visiting Greece’s lesser known gems and finishing up on the southern coast. The trip includes visits to two traditional villages, an optional hike in Samaria Gorge and the chance to visit the Koufonisia ‘Hollow’ Islands.
Fans of Contiki’s existing island hopping trips can now enjoy ‘Greek Island Hopping Plus’ and ‘Athens to Santorini Plus’ – both offering the same itinerary as their original counterparts but with twin-share accommodation in a 4-star hotel instead of a hostel multi-share.
Meanwhile, those keen to explore mainland Greece’s cultural and historic sites as well as the islands can take advantage of two new trip combinations: ‘Spotlight on Greece & Greek Island Hopping Plus’ or ‘Spotlight on Greece & Athens to Santorini Plus’.
“Greece has got everything, from pretty fishing villages to cool beach clubs,” says Kelly Jackson, Managing Director TTC Tour Brands EMEA. “Greece has always been one of the most popular destinations for Contiki travellers. This year, we’ll even exceed our pre-pandemic passengers into the region, which shows the upward trend is set to continue. We’re happy to be expanding our product line in Greece. There is so much to cover, the culture, the ancient historical aspect, the awesome areas of natural beauty, and of course the Greek islands with their gorgeous beaches and world-famous nightlife.”
Every traveller is unique – some will want to go all in on the history, some will just want to island hop, while others love to do a bit of everything.
“For a country with so many strings to its bow, it’s important for us to add to our collection of Greek trips so that our travellers can find the specific adventure that suits them,” Jackson adds.
