Best of Greece (With 4 Days Cruise, 12 Days)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a 12-day journey through the ancient land of Greece, a place of gods, goddesses, myths, and legends. This multi-day tour begins in the vibrant capital of Athens, a city that effortlessly blends ancient treasures with modern energy. From there, you'll traverse the Corinth Canal to the wild Peloponnesian Peninsula, explore the ancient city of Corinth, and visit the mighty kingdom of Mycenae. You'll also experience the ancient theatre of Epidaurus, the Venetian town of Nafplion, and the site of the first Olympic Games in Olympia. The tour continues with a visit to Delphi, the sanctuary of the most important oracle in the classical world, and the UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora. The journey concludes with a cruise through the azure waters of the Aegean, visiting the islands of Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Crete, and the volcanic island of Santorini.
Included
9 Dinner (D)
11 Breakfast (B)
4 Lunch (L)
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Divani Caravel, Radisson Blu Park, Crowne Plaza Athens
Amalia Nafplio
Amalia Olympia
Amalia Delphi
Amalia Kalambaka
Aegean Cruise
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Olympia: Say opa! to an Olympic Be My Guest experience with the Karambellas family on their olive and wine farm, followed by a traditional dinner and dancing.
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.
Mykonos: View the Windmills of Kato Mili and wander the beautiful blue and white streets of Chora.
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.
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, Agora, 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, ancient Ephesus with a Local Specialist
: 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
: Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
: Optional Experiences and free time
: On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
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.
Map
Attractions
Corinth Canal
Acropolis Museum
Treasury of Atreus" or "Tomb of Agamemnon
MoKa honey Stories tour
Temple of Aphaia
Propylaea of Athens
Ancient Stadium of Delphi
Pausílypo
Stadium at Olympia
Sanctuary of Poseidon
Acrocorinth
Hadrian's Arch
Sunken City of Ancient Epidaurus
Temple of Hera
Parthenon
Panathenaic Stadium
Tholos of DelphiDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Athens
- Athens - Arrival day
- More
Begin your journey in the vibrant capital of Athens. After being transferred to your hotel, you'll have the opportunity to explore the city's blend of ancient treasures and modern energy. In the evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a light meal.
Day 2 – Day 2: Athens
- Athens
- More
- Acropolis Museum
- Temple of Aphaia
- Propylaea of Athens
- Hadrian's Arch
- Parthenon
- Panathenaic Stadium
- More
Join a Local Specialist for a guided morning sightseeing tour to the ancient complex of the Acropolis. Admire the Parthenon, the Royal Palace, the Temple of Zeus, and the Agora. Visit 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, exploring the city on your own.
Day 3 – Day 3: Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplion
- Corinth
- Nafplio
- More
- Corinth Canal
- Treasury of Atreus" or "Tomb of Agamemnon
- beach Cheronisi
- Mycenaean Dam
- Sanctuary of Poseidon
- Acrocorinth
- Dasiou lake
- Sunken City of Ancient Epidaurus
- More
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 dine in your hotel.
Day 4 – Day 4: Olympia
- Ancient Olympia
- More
Traverse the Mountains of Arcadia to ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. In the evening, join the Karambellas family for a Be My Guest experience on their olive and wine farm, featuring traditional dancing and Greek philoxenia.
Day 5 – Day 5: Patras, Delphi
- Patras
- More
- Parking Olimpia
- Stadium at Olympia
- Temple of Hera
- Tholos of Delphi
- More
Join a Local Specialist to visit the ancient Olympic site, the museum, and the ruined remains of the Temples of Zeus and Hera. Leave Olympia and skirt the coastline north to Patras, crossing the Gulf of Corinth to mainland Greece. Continue to Delphi, where you can try your hand at preparing local dishes during an interactive cooking lesson.
Day 6 – Day 6: Thermopylae, Kalambaka
Day 6: Thermopylae, Kalambaka
- Athanasios Diakos monument
- MoKa honey Stories tour
- Ancient Stadium of Delphi
- Pausílypo
- More
Visit the sanctuary of Delphi, the most important oracle in the classical world. Walk the Sacred Way to the 4th-century Temple of Apollo and view the statues of the Pythian Games. Visit a family-run honey farm and taste fresh thyme honey. Drive 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 towards Kalambaka.
Day 7 – Day 7: Athens
- Athens
- More
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage monasteries of Meteora with a Local Specialist. These monasteries cling impressively to immense, rounded rock towers overlooking the town. Return to Athens and enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your travel companions, reminiscing over your incredible journey through Greece.
Day 8 – Day 8: Mykonos
- Mykonos
- More
Depart Athens and board your ship to cruise the azure waters of the Aegean, bound for Mykonos. Spend the evening exploring the island's labyrinthine lanes lined with white-washed cottages and tumbling cerise bougainvillea.
Day 9 – Day 9: Kusadasi, Patmos
- Patmos
- More
Touch the Turkish coastline and visit the port of Kusadasi for a complimentary Shore Experience to the ancient city of Ephesus. Continue to Patmos later, where the Book of Revelations was written by St. John. You could choose to visit the Cave of the Apocalypse and St. John's Monastery on an Optional Experience.
Day 10 – Day 10: Rhodes
- Rhodes
- More
Arrive in Rhodes, where you can join an optional experience for an encounter with one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Walk in the footsteps of the medieval knights who conquered this land. Explore the thick stone walls, gates, and cobblestone lanes of its capital before returning to your cruise.
Day 11 – Day 11: Heraklion, Santorini
Day 11: Heraklion, Santorini
Sail to Heraklion on the island of Crete, where you have the opportunity to delve into the centuries-old culture and heritage of the Minoans at the Palace of Knossos. Your final stop today is the beautiful volcanic island of Santorini with its cliff-top villages, where you might consider an optional Shore Experience to the sun-kissed village of Oia.
Day 12 – Day 12: Departure
- Athens - Departure day
- More
This morning, disembark from your cruise ship for your transfer to the airport. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Greece.
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