Greeka.com or Contiki
 

My college junior daughter and several of her friends are interested in an island hopping tour of the Greek Islands. One of them sent me a link to Greeka.com, which bills itself as "The Greek Islands Specialist." So I looked at their website, which has loads of general information, but provides no specifics. It doesn't even let you know where they are located. When I tried to get further information about this "operator" from other websites, I found nothing. I recall, however, that Contiki has a good reputation and is probably a more reliable promoter for tours in this area. I'd appreciate any and all comments from people who are familiar with either or both of these. Thanks.

I took a Contiki tour about 5 years ago. They are very well-known and reputable. I would definitely trust that they know what they are doing. They were well organized and easy to deal with.

The tours were mostly young people, and there was a lot of drinking. Not sure if your daughter is into that, but it does happen.

I would definitly go with the Contiki tour. Contiki is the number one tour company for ages 18-35 year olds and is very reputable. I went on one this summer and had a great time. Though some people partied, I found that there was a variety of people and everyone did different things. With Contiki, everything will already be set up for your daughter, so she won't have to plan as much. All she has to do is buy her plane ticket! Contiki has tours going through Greece all the time. So, I would go with Contiki over greeka.com!

Definitely go with Contiki.

It's several months after the fact since the girls took the Contiki tour back in June. They were generally pleased, but the groups was much smaller (15 people) than they were led to believe. Too, the ship was O.K., but essentially a floating hotel, not much more. On balance, they were pleased and would recommend Contiki, though anyone planning same should ask questions in advance and not assume that everything will be as billed.

I think the one thing that Contiki does provide is the experience and a solid reputation throughout Europe. I went on mine this past summer and we had such a knowledgeable tour manager who not only hooked us up with some sweet freebies, but he gave us some helpful hints on how to avoid lines and get the most out of our time in the cities.

If you're planning on going to Greece, you should definitely check out their Mykonos resort which is run and operated by Contiki staff members. We stayed in a smaller version of it in Austria and the staff treated us so well, cooked us some good local meals and led us around the Alps. Definitely go with Contiki!

I inform you that Greeka.com is not a tour operator. It offers a large range of services in cooperation with some of the best operators in Greece.
Concerning their location, just click on the link "Information".
Greeka has really good information for more than 50 islands in Greece with hundreds of pictures for each location. They have also pictures for every sightseeing and also every village and beach. Just use your mouse. I think that there are doing a great job.

Contiki the company is reputable - Contiki the tour isn't as they can resemble Spring Break (Schoolies for Ozzies, Club 18-30 for Brits) in a coach

Nrwayne, it's been a couple of years since your daughter went on her trip to Greece. My daughter is also a college junior and wants to extend her study abroad next semester to go to Greece. Right now, she's alone so we were looking at group travel. Would your daughter have felt comfortable on the Contiki tour if she was alone? We're looking at the shorter tour that is only 4 nights on the boat.

Hi Samejia,

I was 24 when I went on my tour in 2001 and I went alone (it was my first time to Europe). I felt 100% comfortable and there were lots of others that were alone as well. It was fun to meet up with others, and there was always someone to hang out with. Its a very group oriented atmosphere.

Hope this helps!

Samejia, Contiki attracts lots and lots and lots of singles because of the age group it serves and not having a single supplement. Your daughter will fit right in if she travels by herself.

Jamikins and artsnletters, thanks for your thoughts. I think I've been convinced that my daughter should try it alone. I'll share your thoughts with her.

Omoutop gives you good information. Greeka.com has great general information about Greece for the traveller but it definitely isn't a tour operator.

Unless things have changed within the last three months and Greeka.com has been sold, it is owned, operated and maintained by one individual.