Here’s how to sunbathe on a gorgeous beach in Greece while helping LGBTQ+ refugees

To quote Clueless‘s ever-sagacious Cher Horowitz, “Don’t you want to use your popularity for a good cause?” Contiki’s new Pride-centric trip to Greece aims to do just that.

This 11-day sojourn to the Aegean Sea, and all of Contiki’s other Pride trips, will support pro-LGBTQ+ charities such as Rainbow Railroad, which help LGBTQ+ refugees escape persecution in their countries of origin, more than 70 of which currently criminalize homosexuality. Each year, Contiki, in partnership with TreadRight, assists in bringing more persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals to safety through Rainbow Railroad’s Emergency Travel Support program.

The new trip brings groups of less than 20 travelers of all genders and sexual orientations, as well as allies, to the islands of Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, and Ios (with a dash of Athens too). For those interested in sunbathing in a speedo while also helping the international queer community, here’s a sneak peek of what the voyage entails.

Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure

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Visit Fira

Enjoy a day trip to Fira and bask in the golden sun as you walk through Santorini’s iconic white houses and blue domes. This is the perfect photo op so make sure your phones and cameras are at the ready! Those selfies of you against that Mediterranean sunset are sure to make your Insta followers gag with envy.

Ferry ride from Santorini to Ios

You’ll board a ferry in Santorini and set sail for inspiring Ios. Includes reserved seating, so think of Contiki as your Greek Ferry Godmother.

Explore Mykonos’s queer hotspots.

Mykonos is known for its decor, charm, and buzzing nightlife scene, but it’s also the LGBTQ+ capital of Greece too. With that in mind, it’s only right that you take a day to explore the island’s queerest and dearest beaches, bars, and more… with transfers included too.

Grab a goodbye nosh at Psiri

Wander through the streets of Psiri, which is famous for its restaurants and live music scene. Here, you’ll feast inside a delicious local Greek Taverna and taste authentic Mediterranean cuisine. There’s no better way to end this gorgeous Greek adventure. Don’t worry. Calories don’t count when you’re on vacation.