Best of Greece (Idyllic, With 7 Days Cruise, 16 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 16-day journey through the ancient land of Greece, a place of gods, goddesses, myths, and legends. This multi-day tour will take you from the vibrant capital of Athens to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula, the ancient city of Corinth, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora. You'll explore the ruins of the Temples of Zeus and Hera, walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo, and visit the ancient city of Ephesus. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to taste local cuisine, participate in traditional dancing, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this fascinating country. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for an unforgettable adventure, this tour has something for everyone.
Included
12 Dinner (D)
15 Breakfast (B)
6 Lunch (L)
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens
Amalia Nafplio
Amalia Olympia
Amalia Delphi
Amalia Kalambaka
MV Celestyal Journey
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Olympia: Say "opa!" to a traditional Greek experience with the Karambellas family on their olive and wine farm. Join the family for dinner and dancing, and learn about their history on the land.
Athens: Visit the Acropolis Museum containing remarkable antiquities giving visitors an insight into the lives of Athenians centuries ago.
Athens: Delve into Athens with a Local Specialist. See the iconic highlights of this ancient city, from the Acropolis to the site of the first modern Olympics.
Corinth: Cross the amazing rock-cut channel dividing the Peloponnese from mainland Greece. Join a Local Specialist and gain insight into Corinth's eventful past.
Archaeological Site of Mycenae: Walk through the Lion Gate past the royal beehive-tombs where Schliemann uncovered golden treasure, while hearing tales of Agamemnon from your Local Specialist.
Archaeological Site of Olympia: Join a Local Specialist to view the stadium of Olympia which hosted the ancient Olympic Games and Heraia, the women's games in honour of Hera. See the Temple of Zeus, athlete's gymnasium and the stone marker where the sprint began.
Delphi: With your Local Specialist, walk to The Sacred Way once lined with offertory temples. See the reconstructed Athenian Treasury and pass the superb Polygonal Wall to reach the Temple of Apollo, where people once sought divine wisdom from the mysterious Oracle.
Thermopylae: See the Leonidas Monument dedicated to the brave warrior and his 300 Spartans.
Meteora: With a Local Specialist, visit one of the remarkable centuries-old monasteries of Meteora, teetering on towers of rock and arguably the most spectacular place to visit in Greece.
Thessaloniki: Stroll along the waterfront and admire the historic monuments of Greece's second-largest city.
Ephesus: Discover one of the world's finest ancient sites. Led by your Local Specialist, walk the Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and Amphitheatre and visit the House of the Virgin Mary.
Mykonos: View the Windmills of Kato Mili and wander the beautiful blue and white streets of Chora.
Delphi: Meet passionate beekeeper Nikiforos at his honey farm for a taste of his special thyme honey, known to be one of the most nutritious in the world. See the bees thriving in their natural habitat and learn about their role in nature regeneration. This experience advances Global Goal 15: Life on Land. Traditionally a beekeeping area, Delphi has lost most of its beekeeping activity. The decline in bee populations has seen a significant loss of biodiversity. Thanks to their effort, Nikiforos and his family and rebuilding a local activity and directly contributing to regenerating the land.
View the Parthenon, Royal Palace and Temple of Zeus in Athens, the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Epidaurus and the battle site at Thermopylae
See the Corinth Canal, the Lion Gate and Agamemnon's Palace at Mycenae
Explore Athens, Meteora, Delphi, Olympia, Epidaurus, Mycenae, Corinth with a Local Specialist
Delphi: Designed by renowned architect Nikos Valsamakis in 1965, the hotel is a notable example of postwar Greek architecture. It integrates seamlessly with the Delphic landscape, with rooms arranged to follow the terrain.
Delphi: Designed by renowned architect Nikos Valsamakis in 1965, the hotel is a notable example of postwar Greek architecture. It integrates seamlessly with the Delphic landscape, with rooms arranged to follow the terrain.
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Optional Experiences and free time
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Athens
- Athens - Arrival day
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Begin your journey in the vibrant capital of Athens. After being transferred to your hotel, spend the evening getting to know your Travel Director and fellow travelers over a light meal.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Athens
- Athens
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- Acropolis Museum
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Join a local specialist for a guided tour of Athens, the 'Cradle of Western Civilisation'. Visit the Acropolis and its treasures, including the Parthenon, the Royal Palace, the Temple of Zeus, and the Agora. Explore the Acropolis Museum and see Hadrian's Arch and the stadium where the first modern Olympics took place. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, perhaps strolling through the Plaka or sampling the city's best souvlaki.
Day 3 – Day 3: Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Nafplion
- Corinth
- Nafplio
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- Corinth Canal
- Treasury of Atreus" or "Tomb of Agamemnon
- Sanctuary of Poseidon
- Acrocorinth
- Sunken City of Ancient Epidaurus
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Depart Athens and cross the Corinth Canal to the Peloponnesian Peninsula. Explore the ancient city of Corinth and the mighty kingdom of Mycenae with a local specialist. Visit the Beehive Tombs, the Lion Gate, and the remains of Agamemnon's Royal Palace. Continue to Epidaurus to visit the ancient theatre and view the Sanctuary of Asclepius. Arrive in the Venetian town of Nafplion and enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 4 – Day 4: Nafplion to Olympia
- Ancient Olympia
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- Stadium at Olympia
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Travel through the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. In the evening, connect with locals by joining the Karambellas family for dinner on their olive and wine farm. Enjoy traditional dancing and experience Greek philoxenia.
Day 5 – Day 5: Olympia to Delphi
- Patras
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- Stadium at Olympia
- Temple of Hera
- Tholos of Delphi
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Join a local specialist for a tour of the ancient Olympic site, the museum, and the ruins of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leave Olympia and travel north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece. Continue to Delphi, where you may wish to participate in an interactive cooking lesson.
Day 6 – Day 6: Delphi to Kalambaka
Day 6: Delphi to Kalambaka
- MoKa honey Stories tour
- Ancient Stadium of Delphi
- Pausílypo
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Visit the sanctuary of Delphi, the most important oracle in the classical world, and walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo. View the statues of the athletes who competed in the Pythian Games. Visit a family-run honey farm and taste the rich thyme honey. Travel to Thermopylae, famous for the heroic defence by Leonidas and his Spartans against the Persians. Cross the Thessaly region and travel over the Pourmaraki Pass to Kalambaka.
Day 7 – Day 7: Kalambaka to Athens
- Athens
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Visit the UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora with a local specialist. These six Eastern Orthodox monasteries are perched impressively on immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. Return to Athens and enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions.
Day 8 – Day 8: Free Day in Athens
- Athens
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Spend the day at your leisure, exploring the ancient sites of Athens on your own.
Day 9 – Day 9: Athens to Aegean Sea
- Athens
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Spend the morning exploring Athens before boarding your cruise ship for a seven-night journey through the Aegean Sea.
Day 10 – Day 10: Aegean Sea to Thessaloniki
- Agios Nikolaos
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- Arch of Galerius
- Aristotelous Square
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Arrive in Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city. Explore the waterfront and enjoy the cafes along Aristotelous Square. See ancient monuments such as the Arch of Galerius.
Day 11 – Day 11: Thessaloniki to Kusadasi
Day 11: Thessaloniki to Kusadasi
- Library of Celsus
- The Temple of Artemis
- Cittantica Ephesus Park
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Arrive in Kusadasi, your gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus. Join an included sightseeing tour of this UNESCO-listed site, where you'll stroll along its marble colonnades and admire the facades of the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Artemis.
Day 12 – Day 12: Kusadasi to Crete
- Rhodes
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- Heraklion Lighthouse
- Minoan Palace of Phaistos
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Start your morning on Crete, Greece's largest island and the fifth largest in the Mediterranean. You may choose to embark on a tour to the capital city of Heraklion and visit King Minos' Palace in Knossos, or drive deep into the beautiful countryside and experience the true flavour of Cretan lifestyle.
Day 13 – Day 13: Crete to Santorini
Day 13: Crete to Santorini
- Θηρασία
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Wake up in sunny Santorini, the Cycladic Island with sheer cliffs and dazzling panoramas. Explore the capital of Thira, with its clifftop restaurants and cafes, breath-taking views, and amazing sunsets. You may choose an optional Shore Experience this afternoon, passing villages and vineyards bound for Oia with its white buildings and blue-domed churches. Spend the evening exploring Santorini's buzzing nightlife.
Day 14 – Day 14: Santorini to Mykonos
- Mykonos
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Enjoy a full free day to explore the narrow streets of Chora, strolling past white-washed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea. Find a quiet spot overlooking the Old Port for a refreshing drink. You may choose an optional visit to the Sacred Island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, where an archaeological treasure trove awaits.
Day 15 – Day 15: Mykonos to Milos to Athens
- Mykonos
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Dock in the former home of the famous Venus de Milo. Explore the 'Island of Colours' on an Optional Experience, or trek to the heart and soul of Milos sampling the best of local cuisine. Depart this evening for Athens, celebrating a final evening on board with new friends.
Day 16 – Day 16: Departure from Athens
- Athens - Departure day
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This morning, disembark from your cruise ship and transfer to the airport for your departure.
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