Olympic Holidays Launch a Handful of NEW Island-Hopping Experiences for Summer 2022

Friday, Mar 25, 2022 0

Two years on from launching their inaugural Island-Hopping Experiences, Olympic Holidays, The Island Specialist, is expanding the portfolio further to include three NEW Greek Island Hops including Zante & Kefalonia, Rhodes & Halki and the Jewel in the Crown along with their first offering for Malta & Gozo.

Michael Vinales, MD Olympic Holidays comments: ‘Variety is very much the spice of life this year and we’re seeing a surge in popularity for Island Hopping experiences. People are booking longer trips and as such are looking to do and see more during their time away. Island Hopping is by far the best way to do this and islands are our speciality – we truly believe there is no better way to experience a country. We have carefully curated a collection of fantastic Island Hops and Island Swaps and there is something for everyone, be that cultural, gourmet, family, off the beaten track or the ultimate in R&R. For our trusted trade partners, we continue to offer price parity, deposits for our Island-Hopping Holidays start from £200pp along with the flexibility of choosing from a variety of airlines, durations and departure airports’.

Jewel in the Crown: Pelion Peninsula, Skiathos & Alonissos:

Tucked away in the Pagasetic Gulf in eastern Greece, the Pelion peninsula (a new destination for Olympic Holidays this year) is characterised by sweeping mountain vistas, enchanting villages and hideaway beaches. Named after Mount Pelion, which majestically overlooks the peninsula, this locality is all about lush local charm and the splendour of the winding coastline. A relatively untouched part of Greece, this is a region in which to embark on magical forest hikes to discover monasteries and wonderful waterfalls, or meander through chocolate-box villages surrounded by olive groves, such as Makrinitsa and Milies. Continue your journey on the island of Skiathos, just 12 miles long but with more than 60 beaches. The narrow streets of the bustling old town are crammed with shops, cafes and bars and you can climb Medieval castles, stroll through forests, discover quiet sandy beaches and even take a rescued dog for a walk. And to finish, there’s amazing Alonissos a true gem for those wanting to get away from it all. The island is also home to Europe’s largest marine park which protects monk seals and dolphins. Littered with beaches, many are surrounded by pine forests that cover much of the island.

Price: 11-night island hopping itinerary to include 4 nights at Charloula’s Studios, Pelion, 3 nights at Alkmene Studios, Skiathos, a further 3 nights staying at Atrium of Alonissos and final night in Pelion or Skiathos from £985pp for departures Summer 2022 from Gatwick. Island hop available from May – October. Accommodation on a mix of self-catering & B&B basis, all ferries and private car transfers between the ferry port and hotel included. https://www.olympicholidays.com/multi-island-hopping/jewel-in-the-crown/

Rhodes & Halki: Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, boasts stunning beaches, more than 30 with Blue Flag quality status. Delightful Old Rhodes Town has a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestoned streets, full of boutiques, bars and restaurants and you step into history as you go through one of the medieval city wall gates. One of the highlights is Street of the Knights, dating back more than 500 years to when the crusading Knights of St John ruled the city. On the other end of the scale you have Halki – a tiny island where time really has stood still and where you can truly experience “authentic Greece” with friendly locals welcoming visitors like long lost friends. Think pastel-coloured houses with red-tiled roofs cluster around a horseshoe-shaped bay. Taverna tables are sprinkled along the quayside where colourful boats bob. Highlights include remote beaches, the deserted, ghost town of Horio, monasteries, churches and chapels, wild herbs and prickly pear trees.

Price: 7-night island hopping itinerary to include 4 nights in Rhodes staying at the Anixis Apartments and 3 nights in Halki at Villa Chrysodimi from £639pp for departures Summer 2022 from Gatwick. Island hop available from May – October. Accommodation on a mix of self-catering & B&B basis, all ferries and private car transfers between the ferry port and hotel included. https://www.olympicholidays.com/two-island-hops/rhodes-halki/

Malta & Gozo: In the middle of the Mediterranean, these warm and welcoming islands enjoy balmy weather year round and are fascinating places to explore. The small, sparkling island of Malta packs a big punch! History lovers can trace 7,000 years of human activity and explore fascinating cultural museums and palaces. The island is also abundant in natural wonders; from the Blue Grotto caverns to the Blue Lagoon on the tiny island of Comino, hilltop villages and chic fishing harbours just waiting to be visited. Malta’s sister island, Gozo offers a haven of tranquillity with the crystal clear waters being a prominent feature. Gozo is an island surrounded by myths and mystery where the shrine of Ta Pinu Church is seen by many as a modern day miracle. Legend has it that the nymph Calypos bewitched a shipwrecked Ulysses for seven years.

Price: 6-night island hopping itinerary to include 3 nights in Malta staying at the Solana Hotel & Spa and 3 nights in Gozo at the Quaint Boutique Hotel Xewkija from £679pp for departures Summer 2022 from Manchester or £719pp from Gatwick (other regional airports available). Island hop available from May – October. Accommodation on a mix of self-catering & B&B basis, all ferries and private car transfers between the ferry port and hotel included. https://www.olympicholidays.com/two-island-hops/malta-gozo/

Kefalonia & Zante: Touch down in Kefalonia, an island brimming with sublime beaches, endless natural beauty and opportunities for infinite adventures on land and sea. Bursting with untouched scenic beauty, it is a delightful mixture of old and new and perfect for couples and families alike. A tranquil place to start your holiday, it’s great for total relaxation or for those looking for a multitude of activities. Island hop over to Zante for golden sands, buzzing nightlife, traditional charm, beautiful countryside and romantic seclusion – Zante is the full package. Explore St Nicholas and Banana Beach, great for watersports and scuba diving, while those aiming to chill out on can enjoy the quieter Gerekas and Porto Zorro, and a boat trip to Navagio Bay, where the hulk of a wrecked ship lies on the sands is a must.

Price: 7-night island hopping itinerary to include 3 nights on Kefalonia staying at Poros on the Beach and 4 nights on Zante at the Dionysis and Tonia Apartments from £555pp for departures Summer 2022 including flights from Gatwick or £659pp from Manchester (other regional airports available). Island hop available from May – October. Accommodation on a mix of self-catering & B&B basis, all ferries and private car transfers between the ferry port and hotel included. https://www.olympicholidays.com/two-island-hops/kefalonia-zante/