Topdeck Greek Island Hopping

Last month I finally went on the Greek Island Hopping Holiday I've been dreaming of as well as working two jobs to save for. After 20 extra shifts as a NICU nurse the trip was paid for. I chose to go with Topdeck Travel instead of my beloved Contiki travel company. The Topdeck tour was on land instead of a cruise ship and was half the price, spending more time in the islands. I booked the transfer from Athens airport to the Athens hotel starting point on Citydiscovery.com. Upon arrival a well dressed, good looking Greek man was waiting for me holding a sign with my name. I arrived to the hotel around 10:00am, just in time to have some breakfast from the hotels complementary buffet. My roommate had already checked in a few days before, therefore I was able to go to my room before check in to shower and nap before the 5:00pm group meeting. A huge blessing considering I would have had to wait until 3:00pm to check in. My roommate, a 24 year old girl from New Zealand also traveling alone. This her first such tour, me the season pro. With her calm energy and innocent smile, we hit it off right away. The first "Kiwi" friend I have ever made. Looking back my best memories over the ten day holiday were the late night girl talks in our hotel room. The closest thing to a sleepover a grownup can have. We all met that night at the group meeting, there was about 35 of us from all over the world. 2 Americans, 4 Canadian's 3 Kiwi's and the rest Australians. The one other American was a 29 year old girl from Kentucky, an attorney whom left her practice and sold everything to travel, my southern soul mate. Her passion for children, animals and world travel warmed my soul. I truly believe we were meant to meet. Every person on the tour was fun, care free and drama free. The average age was younger than I had expected, most people were early 20's. I the oldest girl of course with one guy older than me. Most people were backpacking for months at a time. I on the other hand was only there for that trip and still somehow had the most luggage. Most people chose the obviously better option of a backpack. If I could do It over again I would use the backpack option and pack less. When packing it never donned on me the amount of time I would be carrying the luggage myself from port to port between the islands. The first night and every night thereafter for the remainder of the tour we feasted on Greek cuisine, wine and shots. The tour manager, an authentic 36 year old Greek. His fun carefree spirit was contagious, I could not have asked for a better guide. He was also very cute, so that helps too. We did everything the brochure promised and more. The best part was no sales pitches like contiki tries to slip in everywhere at every chance. Every hotel was awesome through the trip. Every accommodation except Santorini was on the water. Because the tour was in October right before season end the weather was perfect, nowhere was crowded and many times we seemed to be the only guests in the hotels. This tour had plenty of free time for personal reflection, and relaxation. Every island was more beautiful than the last. I recomend doing as many extra group activities as possible, they were all awesome. Especially the sailing in santorini, with swimming in the hot spring and donkey ride. The entire holiday was like something from a movie, but it did come to an end. The only con of the entire trip was the 8hr transfer from santorini back to Athens. Staying longer in santorini and taking a plane would have been an option but would require leaving the awesome group of friends I just made even earlier. At the end we all exchanged contact information and will stay friends forever. In hopes of a reunion someday, somewhere, god willing.